Crafting the Perfect Holiday Gift Basket with Founding Spirits

The holiday season is fast approaching, and it’s never too early to start checking names off your gift list. If you’re looking for a memorable and sophisticated present, a beautifully crafted holiday gift basket featuring our premium craft spirits is sure to impress. Whether you’re shopping for family, friends, or colleagues, our curated selection of spirits makes for the perfect addition to any gift basket. Here’s how you can build the ultimate gift baskets with Founding Spirits, just in time for the festive season. 

Founding Spirits Great Gifts For All

Step 1: Start with a Signature Spirit 

The centerpiece of any spirits gift basket is, of course, the spirits themselves. We offer a variety of options, ensuring there’s something for every palate. Here’s a guide to choosing the perfect bottle for your basket: 

  • For the Bourbon Lover: Our rich, smooth Bourbon brings warmth with its tastes & notes of vanilla, caramel, and spice—ideal for cozy winter evenings by the fire. It’s the perfect spirit to include for whiskey enthusiasts. 
  • For the Gin Enthusiast: Our Dry Gin offers a crisp, botanical experience, making it a refreshing option for those who enjoy gin cocktails. Its bright, citrus-forward flavor pairs wonderfully with mixers for a versatile holiday basket. 
  • For the Vodka Aficionado: Clean, crisp, and smooth, our Vodka is a must for cocktail lovers. It’s an excellent base for festive drinks like holiday martinis or spiked punches. 
  • For the Rye Whiskey Fan: Bold and spicy, our Rye adds character to any basket. Its complex undertones and rich finish make it a great gift for the person who enjoys their spirits with a bit of edge. 
  • For the Rum Connoisseur: From sweet and subtly spiced in our White Rum to notes of oak and baking spice in our Dark & Navy Strength Rums, all are crowd-pleasers for rum fans. Versatile enough for tropical cocktails or simple sipping, you can’t go wrong with a bottle of our rum in your basket.  
  • For the Tequila Lover: Our Blanco Tequila delivers smooth, agave-forward flavor with a light, peppery finish. It’s a thoughtful gift for those who love margaritas or simply enjoy sipping neat. 

Step 2: Personalize with Thoughtful Pairings 

Once you’ve chosen your signature spirit, it’s time to get creative with pairings. Think about complementary items that elevate the drinking experience. Here are a few ideas: 

  • Mixers and Cocktail Tools: Include artisanal tonic water, ginger beer, or a selection of craft mixers that pair perfectly with your spirit of choice. You can also add a stylish cocktail shaker or a set of stainless-steel jiggers for a complete cocktail-making kit. 
  • Gourmet Snacks: Pair Founding Spirits Bourbon or Rye with dark chocolate like our Founding Farmers Chocolate, spiced nuts, or charcuterie items. Gin and vodka baskets pair well with savory crackers, cheeses, or citrus-forward snacks like candied orange peels. 
  • Glassware: Consider including elegant glassware like highball glasses, whiskey tumblers, or martini glasses. The right glass can enhance the experience of enjoying a well-crafted spirit. 

Step 3: Add a Festive Touch 

Presentation is everything when it comes to gift-giving. Choose a beautiful basket or box to display your selection of spirits and treats. Decorate with festive touches like: 

  • Holiday Ribbons and Bows: Wrap the bottles in festive-colored ribbon and add a bow for an elegant finish. 
  • Personalized Tags: Write a heartfelt note or create custom tags that explain why you chose each item for the recipient. 
  • Seasonal Decor: Fill the basket with holiday greenery, pinecones, or ornaments for a festive, seasonal look.  
  • Include a Recipe Card: Take your gift basket to the next level by including recipe cards for holiday cocktails using Founding Spirits products. Consider recipes for Bourbon Hot Toddy, a Gin & Cranberry Fizz, or even a festive holiday punch.  

Step 4: Tailor the Basket to the Recipient 

The beauty of creating a custom gift basket is that you can tailor it to suit the recipient’s preferences. If they love entertaining, include items like a cocktail recipe book or stylish barware. For someone who enjoys sipping spirits straight, opt for high-quality garnishes or whiskey stones. 

Make Holiday Shopping Easy with Founding Spirits 

We have everything you need to create an unforgettable holiday gift basket. Whether you’re gifting a single bottle or creating a full, luxurious basket, our craft spirits bring a touch of sophistication and quality to every gift. Shop early and give the spirit of the season with Founding Spirits. 

Happy holiday shopping! 

How To Pair Our Spirits with Your Favorite Fall Foods

How To Pair Our Spirits with Your Favorite Fall Foods

As the crisp air of autumn settles in, it’s time to embrace the rich, comforting flavors of the season. At Founding Spirits, we believe that the right spirit can elevate any meal, especially when paired with the hearty, seasonal dishes found on the Founding Farmers fall lunch & dinner menu.  

Whether you’re preparing a feast at home or dining with us at our restaurants, let us guide you through the best ways to pair our handcrafted spirits with some of our favorite fall dishes.  

Founding Spirits award-winning spirits

Your Perfect Fall Bar Essentials  

You can purchase our selection of bottled spirits online or in DC-area stores. For autumn cocktail pairings, our top picks to enhance your home bar include: 

Additionally, we also offer vodka, dry gin, white rum, navy strength rum, and blanco tequila to keep your cocktail game strong all year round.  

Perfect Pairings: Spirits and Fall Dishes 

Fall is synonymous with hearty, warming dishes full of earthy, sweet, and savory flavors. Pairing these flavors with the right spirit can truly elevate your dining experience. Here’s our guide to matching some of our favorite Founding Farmers fall dishes with our spirits. 

Cauliflower, Butternut Squash & Farro Salad 

Cauliflower, Butternut Squash & Farro Salad
  • Ingredients include: celery root, kale, cranberry, blueberry, pumpkin & sunflower seeds, farmers herbs, maple Dijon 
  • Pair it with: Our Founding Spirits Rye 
  • The spiciness and depth of rye complement the earthiness of the cauliflower and farro while balancing the sweetness of the butternut squash and cranberries. Try it in our You Caught My Rye cocktail, combining rye, Campari, lime, almond, and bitters for a refreshing contrast to the salad’s rich flavors. 

Roasted Maple Brussels Sprouts & White Cabbage 

Roasted Maple Brussels Sprouts & White Cabbage
  • Ingredients include: red onion & maple butter 
  • Pair it with: Our Founding Spirits Bourbon 
  • The bourbon’s smoky notes meld with the roasted, caramelized flavors of the brussels sprouts and maple butter. You can also pair it with our Maple Bourbon Smash cocktail. The citrus and maple flavors in the drink will add a lively twist to the dish. 

Roasted Autumn Vegetables 

Roasted Autumn Vegetables
  • Ingredients include: carrots, parsnips, turnips, butternut squash, brussels sprouts, mulled local apple cider glaze 
  • Pair it with: Founding Spirits Dark Rum 
  • The warm, molasses-rich flavors of our dark rum harmonize with the earthy vegetables and sweet mulled apple cider glaze. Serve it neat or in a spiced cocktail for a cozy pairing. 

Coriander Pan-Seared Fish of the Day 

Coriander Pan-Seared Fish of the Day 
  • Ingredients include: parmesan risotto, roasted leeks, poached autumn vegetables, mulled local apple cider glaze, lemon butter sauce, chives 
  • Pair it with: Founding Spirits Bourbon 
  • The creamy and savory parmesan risotto, along with the earthy vegetables and zesty lemon butter sauce, would pair beautifully with the warming, caramel notes of our bourbon. A Barrel-Aged Old Fashioned would add a rich, smoky sweetness to complement the cider glaze and enhance the fish’s coriander crust. The aged oak tones in the cocktail balance the dish’s hearty, autumn flavors, creating a well-rounded dining experience. 

Hazelnut Butter Fish of the Day 

Hazelnut Butter Fish of the Day
  • Ingredients include: pumpkin ravioli, hazelnut oil, pecorino romano, chives 
  • Pair it with: Founding Spirits Rye  
  • The nutty, savory elements in this dish call for a spirit with depth and spice. Founding Spirits Rye offers a slightly peppery, robust flavor that aligns with the hazelnut butter and pecorino. Alternatively, a Maple Bourbon Smash would introduce hints of sweetness and citrus, which would harmonize with the pumpkin ravioli and provide a fresh contrast to the dish’s richness. 

Enhance Your Fall Dining with Founding Spirits 

Finding the right spirit pairing can transform a meal into an unforgettable culinary experience. From the spicy depth of our rye to the warming sweetness of our dark rum, Founding Spirits has the perfect bottle to complement your favorite fall dishes. Whether you’re cozying up at home or dining at one of our restaurants, these pairings are sure to delight your palate and capture the essence of autumn. 

Shop our spirits online or pick them up in our DC area stores during your next reservation to start crafting your own fall food and drink pairings. Cheers to a season full of flavor! 

Introducing Our Newest Addition: Founding Spirits Blanco Tequila!  

Our brand new 100% agave Blanco Tequila is expertly crafted for the ultimate enjoyment. Bursting with vibrant aromas of green guava, peach, grapefruit, and lime, each sip is delicious and bright. But that’s not all – our Founding Spirits Blanco Tequila brings a little something extra to the table with subtle hints of cinnamon and mint, adding layers of complexity to its light citrus flavors. 

best blanco tequila in dc

Whether you prefer sipping it neat or mixing up a classic margarita, our Blanco Tequila is the perfect choice. It’s well-balanced and smooth, with a slightly sweet and peppery finish that will leave you craving more. Ready to get your hands on a bottle for yourself? You can find our Blanco Tequila at any of our DC locations or order online for delivery straight to your door in most states*. 

You can also enjoy our Blanco Tequila in some of our mouthwatering, handcrafted cocktails at any of our Founding Farmers locations.  

  • Rosella Margarita: Founding Spirits Blanco Tequila, domaine de canton, lime, rosella tea 
  • THE MARGARITA 2019: Founding Spirits Blanco Tequila, cointreau, citrus, egg white 
  • Strawberry Ginger Margarita: Founding Spirits Blanco Tequila, patrón citrónge, lime, strawberry, ginger, mint 
  • Paloma: Founding Spirits Blanco Tequila, grapefruit, lime, agave, mezcal 
  • Spicy Paloma: Founding Spirits Blanco Tequila, yellow chartreuse, grapefruit, lime, chipotle 

Whether you’re looking for a classic cocktail or something with a twist, we’ve got a drink for every palate. Reserve a table today or order a bottle of Founding Spirits Blanco Tequila online and let the good times roll! 

Discover Our New Rum Varieties 

Founding Spirits is thrilled to introduce our latest rum varieties, crafted with care and high quality ingredients. Distilled from American Gulf Coast molasses and American sugar cane, our rums are delicious on their own and in cocktails.  

Our White Rum is both smooth and versatile with soft notes of fruit, light pepper, ocean air, vanilla, and butterscotch. Enjoy this light & refreshing one-of-a-kind spirit. 

craft rum spirits

For those who prefer a deeper, richer flavor, our Dark Rum is aged for at least two years in virgin American white oak barrels, resulting in nothing short of pure perfection. With hints of vanilla, spice, and caramel, it’s supremely mixable and sippable.  

If you’re looking for a little more kick, our Navy Strength Rum provides a warm, buttery finish with notes of oak, honey, roasted cherries, and toffee. Like our Dark Rum but with higher proof, it’s versatile, enjoyable, and perfect for crafting dynamic cocktails that pack a punch. 

Our Founding Spirits Rums can be purchased in store at any of our DC area locations or purchased online for shipment to most states*.  

Want to taste these tantalizing rums in action? Make a reservation and join us at any Founding Farmers location to indulge in our handcrafted cocktails. Picture yourself sipping on a refreshing El Presidente made with our White Rum or savoring the rich flavors of a Buck’s Best Mai Tai with our Dark Rum. Whether you’re craving the classic mojito freshness or the boldness of a Dark ‘n Stormy, we’ve got rum cocktail options to transport you to sunny shores. Check out our restaurant cocktail menus for full details and join us for a taste of paradise! 

Sip the Magic: Founding Spirits Bourbon Finished in Maple Syrup Barrels 

Our limited-edition Founding Spirits Bourbon Finished in Maple Syrup Barrels is here for a limited time, and we don’t want anyone to miss the excitement. This exclusive, almost magic spirit began with an idea to repurpose our bourbon barrels.  

Our story starts with a partnership with Cornell University’s Maple Program in upstate NY that’s nothing short of magical. With their expertise and our commitment to excellence, we embarked on a mission to create delicious maple syrup infused with our Founding Spirits Bourbon.  

To begin, we aged our Founding Spirits Bourbon as we usually do in fresh oak barrels for a full two years. Patience is the key, and these barrels became the canvas for our masterpiece.  

Once our bourbon had matured to perfection, those oak barrels got a second lease on life. We filled them to the brim with Cornell’s Grade A maple syrup, and the alchemy began. Over six months, the syrup absorbed the bourbon’s essence and became our Bourbon Barrel-Aged Maple Syrup. This wasn’t just your ordinary pancake topper; it was a flavor explosion, and we quickly sold out of our bottles. The hints of our Founding Spirits Bourbon really elevated the breakfast game.

But we weren’t finished yet. Those maple syrup-infused barrels still held untapped potential. We poured our Founding Spirits Bourbon back into the barrels for another round of aging. Another eight months of maturation, and we created a limited-edition Bourbon like no other. 

Are you ready to sip the magic? Our Founding Spirits Bourbon Finished in Maple Syrup Barrels is more than just a unique and delicious spirit; it’s a captivating story in every glass. Confident notes of vanilla, molasses, toffee and spice with a gentle aroma of maple make it tasty on its own and in cocktails. Cheers to innovation, craftsmanship, and the pursuit of perfection in every sip! 

Enjoy our spirits in our restaurants, pick up from one of our DC restaurants, or order online for shipping to most states.

Gift Dad Our Spirits & Chocolate This Father’s Day

Father’s Day is just around the corner, and it’s time to show our dads how much they mean to us. We’ve got the perfect gifts to make this Father’s Day extra special: a bottle of our small-batch spirits, a box of our indulgent Founding Spirits Bourbon Caramels, and one (or two) of our bottled craft cocktails. These gifts are sure to make Dad’s day and leave him feeling extra loved and appreciated. 

Our Spirits

Whether it’s a bottle of Dry Gin, Vodka, Bourbon, Rye, Rum, or Tequila, our spirits are sure to lift Dad’s spirits this Father’s Day. Made in our downtown DC distillery, located inside Founding Farmers & Distillers DC, you can pick up our spirits in-store at our DC locations only, including Founding Farmers DC, Founding Farmers & Distillers DC, and Founding Farmers Fishers & Bakers DC.

Our spirits are also available to order ahead online for pick up in our DC stores and ship nationwide to most states.

Founding Spirits Bourbon Caramels

A guaranteed way to make Dad smile: our Founding Spirits Bourbon Caramels covered in 60% classic dark chocolate. These caramels offer a perfect blend of smoothness and sophistication with a delightful hint of Founding Spirits Bourbon. All our Founding Farmers Chocolate is handcrafted with no fillers or preservatives.  

Pick up a box in-store or order online for pick up & delivery.

Bottled Cocktails & more

Take the magic of our craft cocktails home with you this Father’s Day. Get all of Dad’s favorite drinks to go from our DC & VA stores, including Founding Farmers DC, Founding Farmers & Distillers DC, Founding Farmers Fishers & Bakers DC, Founding Farmers Tysons, and Founding Farmers Reston Station.

Also want to celebrate Dad with a meal? Join us around our restaurant tables. Take Dad out for a steak dinner, a delicious, juicy burger — Yelp named us one of best burgers in the US — or treat Dad to a decadent brunch at any of our locations.  

Make a reservation or order online for pick up & delivery today. Happy Father’s Day! 

Introducing Our ALL NEW Founding Spirits Rye 

Spring is springing here in DC and with it, we are releasing our latest spirit: Founding Spirits Rye will be available on Wednesday, March 16.

With forward notes of caramel & vanilla that fade into a complex spicy, slightly smoky body, the aroma of our Founding Spirits Rye reveals bold rye spice with floral notes and background hints of nutmeg, cinnamon, and mint. It is delicious in light, summery cocktails as well as cozy classics. Since spring has a mix of both, we thought it was the perfect time to share our new spirit. 

Beginning on Wednesday, March 16, you can enjoy our Founding Spirits Rye many ways: 

>> Stop by for a taste… at the bar or reserve a table at  Founding Farmers & Distillers … or at any of our bars or restaurants: Founding Farmers in DC, MD, VA, and PA and Farmers Fishers Bakers in Georgetown.

>> Purchase bottles to go online for pick up in our DC & MD restaurants. You can also simply stop by one of our DC & MD restaurants and purchase a bottle to go in person.

>> Ship Founding Spirits Rye (and all of our Founding Spirits) to most states nationwide.

Announcing Our Bourbon

Founding Spirits is now distilling Bourbon!

Aged in oak barrels for at least two years, our Founding Spirits Bourbon is distilled from corn, rye, and barley from the heartland of our Nation. We think our bourbon is great on it’s own and especially good in our restaurant cocktails. We have developed an all new cocktail menu featuring some delightful and unexpected Bourbon cocktails you definitely don’t want to miss.

Stop by any of or our restaurants for a taste. Bottles of our all new Founding Spirits Bourbon can be purchased online and picked up in our DC & MD restaurants. We also ship to most states nationwide.

To get a taste of how we are enjoying our new bourbon, join us in our Founding Farmers and Farmers & Distillers restaurants to enjoy a cocktail. If possible, we recommend making a reservation.

If you prefer to stay home, you can also pick up our bottled cocktails to go from our DMV locations.

Introducing Founding Spirits Gift Box

Gift boxes are not currently available.

We have created a Founding Spirits gift box to help you with your holiday shopping.

ORDER ONLINE NOW

Our Founding Spirits gift box – Find Your Spirit – is a special Founding Spirits Tasting Kit designed to inspire delicious cocktails. It is the perfect holiday gift for your bestie, your boss, your neighbor, your cousin, for any spirit lover on your holiday shopping list.

We have developed a selection of DC-made award-winning spirits using grains and botanicals from farmers we know and trust, including fourth-generation wheat farmers, the Watne family from Minot, ND and Bay’s Best Feed in Heathsville, VA. Located in the heart of our nation’s capital, we distill small-batch spirits recognized by distillers and spirit connoisseurs worldwide. Our Founding Spirits tasting kit includes:

  • Founding Spirits Vodka (200 mL)
  • Founding Spirits Dry Gin (200 mL)
  • Founding Spirits American Amaro (200 mL)
  • A Founding Spirits tasting glass
  • George Washington University Honey (8 oz) sourced from our partnership with their Undergraduate Honey Bee Research Laboratory & Apiary that conducts vital research to understand the role of honey bees in the diversity of the world’s food supply and our ecosystem 

You can purchase our Founding Spirits gift box online for curbside pick up at most of our restaurants, local delivery, or it can be shipped across the US. If you order more than one, we can arrange for local delivery. We can also accommodate larger orders for bulk delivery or pick up.  

If you are looking for other holiday gifts, of course all of our Founding Spirits can be purchased online.

In addition, we have created a variety of Founding Farmers gift boxes as well, providing the perfect present for almost everyone on your list. In addition to our Founding Spirits Tasting Kit, our Founding Farmers holiday gift boxes include:

  • Morning Coffee & Pancakes — Everything needed to make a delicious Founding Farmers pancake breakfast at home, including our Founding Farmers house-roasted coffee.
  • Eat Dessert First!  All of the fixin’s to easily whip up a batch of our Shortbread Sugar Cookies at home and serve them with our Founding Farmers Chocolate and an assortment of scratch-made dipping and drizzling sauces.
  • Honey & Spice & Everything Nice – Make our fan favorites at home with The Founding Farmers Cookbook and some of our go-to pantry essentials.

To see full details of what is included in our gift boxes, check out our gift box ordering page.

Of course, we also have other great holiday gifts, including restaurant gifts cardsThe Founding Farmers Cookbook, and our kids book – Our Family Farm ­– made by our farmer-owners. Our entire holiday gift catalogue can be found in our holiday gift guide. In addition, we have delicious treats like our new Founding Farmers Chocolate and essentials like our house-roasted Founding Farmers coffee, which can be purchased through our Founding Farmers Market & Grocery.  All of our holiday gifts can be purchased online.

Give Founding Spirits and Founding Farmers this holiday season.

Four More Awards for our Founding Spirits

Founding Spirits brought home some big wins – four SILVER awards –  from the spirit industry’s prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition and American Craft Spirits Association

The newest member of our spirited family, Founding Spirits Dry Gin, won SILVER, as did our Founding Spirits American Amaro, at the 2020 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Two SILVER awards were also given to our Founding Spirits Vodka and Founding Spirits American Amaro at the 2020 American Craft Spirits Association’s seventh annual American Craft Spirits Awards: Judging of Craft Spirits.

With these four new SILVER awards, Founding Spirits has now garnered a grand total of nine awards in just over two years: 

To get a taste of our award-winning spirits for yourself, Founding Spirits is available for purchase at liquor stores throughout the DC and Maryland areas, and in Delaware, as well as online at Founding Spirits.com.

The San Francisco World Spirits Competition is one of the industry’s most highly competitive, influential spirit competitions. Their exceptional reputation among trade and consumers is built upon their commitment to three founding principles: Legacy. Integrity. Experience. This year, they had a record-breaking number of entries – a whopping 3,000 – from all corners of the world.

The American Craft Spirits Association is the only registered national non-profit trade group representing the U.S. craft spirits industry. For this year’s awards, a carefully selected group of more than 30 expert judges evaluated more than 500 craft spirit entries.