‘Tis the season to eat, drink, and be merry! As soon as you find yourself needing a break from cooking, baking, barista-ing, or bartending, we’ve got you covered with all the key festive flavor profiles. Whatever you’re in the mood for—and whatever the occasion calls for—there’s a local idea for you on our list below. We even found a few delectable gift ideas that will surely land you on the nice list (or treat yourself; we won’t tell Santa).

Gingerbread flavors don’t have to be limited to cookies. When you’re looking for an adult version of something festive, head to either Mas Taco Bar or Iron Horse Tavern for a Gingerbread Old Fashioned. Sippers can expect sweet, spicy, and warm notes. A brown butter-washed bourbon is made in-house for a smooth touch; the drink is finished off with an orange peel and a gingerbread man. If gingerbread happens to not be your preferred holiday flavor, both locations are offering the “12 Cocktails of Christmas” with 11 other lively choices. 450 Palladio Parkway, Folsom, 916-597-2929, mastacobar.com; 460 Palladio Parkway, Folsom, 916-618-4322, ironhorsetavern.net; additional locations in Sacramento

With its rich and buttery flavor profile, toffee is a perfectly sweet holiday bite. Crack’d Toffee Company takes things up a notch this time of year with their Winter Reserve Toffee. Notes of peppermint dot the creamy white chocolate topping of this micro-batch, artisanal treat. The good news? This variety will be available until February, so you can gift a few boxes, then buy more for yourself in the new year. El Dorado Hills, 844-527-2253, crackdtoffee.com

Step away from the typical mulled wine and indulge in a Mead Flight from Enchanted Forest Dining Experience. You’ll savor five generous, five-ounce pours of their honeyed wine, often regarded as the world’s first alcoholic beverage. The flavors rotate, but in December, patrons can look forward to likely offerings of apple pie, chai, and wild berry. 372 Main Street, Placerville, 916-715-9755, enchantedforestdining.com

The leftover Thanksgiving turkey has run out, but you’re still craving a festive sandwich. The solution? Head to Timmy Ginger’s Sandwich Shop and order a Number 12. Your choice of bread gets loaded with provolone cheese, cranberry sauce, cream cheese, their kickin’ sauce and, of course, turkey. It’s served hot—perfect for a chilly day. 7451 Foothills Boulevard, Suite 190, Roseville, 916-865-4891, gingersrock.com

When holiday stressors have you feeling like retreating to a mountaintop with your dog, The Grinch from Fig Tree Coffee, Art, & Music Lounge is the perfect anecdote. This peppermint matcha latte is made with organic ceremonial-grade matcha and prepared traditionally using a bamboo whisk. It’s combined with the milk of your choosing and 1883 Maison Routin Peppermint Syrup (cane sugar, natural extracts, and pure water found in the French Alps). You won’t be a “mean one” after a few sips! 217 Vernon Street, Roseville, 916-771-7010, figtreecoffee.com

Kick things up a notch by swapping brie, long treasured as a holiday favorite, for camembert; it’s similar with its creamy, earthy elements, but packs a stronger, more robust punch. DNA Wine Lounge takes it even further: their Baked Camembert with Fig Jam brings in another fruity, seasonal flavor—but you won’t need to touch figgy pudding as the song suggests. It’s served with delicious bread, and they have a plethora of wines to go with. 9719 Village Center Drive, Suite 100, Granite Bay, 916-872-1180, dnawinelounge.com

Icing on the Cupcake brings a cherished drink to edible form. The rich Eggnog Cupcake is topped with a delectable buttercream frosting infused with notes of nutmeg and rum, then finished with festive red and green sprinkles. If you can make it all the way home without eating it, this could be fun to pair with a boozy gulp of eggnog à la Clark Griswold in Christmas Vacation. Pro tip: these are so special that they’re only offered one day a week—we suggest calling your preferred location beforehand to find out when exactly you can enjoy this treat. 330 Palladio Parkway, Suite 2027, Folsom; 6839 Lonetree Boulevard, Rocklin, 916-303-4333, icingonthecupcake.com; additional location in Sacramento 

Gift a delicious treat to everyone on your list—or simply enjoy something fun while you stay cozy by the fireplace at home—with a warm mug of Holiday Hot Chocolate on a Stick. This festive five-pack offering from Ticket Chocolate promises flavors of orange, peppermint, spiced apple cider, salted caramel, and hazelnut. Pick which one speaks to you, dunk in warm milk or water, and start sipping on holiday cheer. Loomis, 916-626-1871, ticketchocolate.com

by Caitlin Emmett
Iron Horse Tavern photo by Clearly Creative Co. Crack’d Toffee Company photo courtesy of Crack’d Toffee Company. Photos by Jyo Bhamidipati ©stylereadersmedia. DNA Wine Lounge photo by Alex December. The Fig Tree Coffee, Art, & Music Lounge photo by Patrick Sheehan. Other photos courtesy of their respective companies or organizations.