While a warm cuppa during a cold day can feel luxurious, Black Leaf founder Amber Jackson’s aim is to make the simple joy of sipping tea a part of everyday life. Taking the pretension out of loose-leaf tea, Jackson’s line of products satisfy a range of needs, from Glow, a rejuvenating elixir with anti-inflammation properties, to approachable, flavorful blends. “I want to encourage people to utilize tea as a culinary experience rather than just a remedy, in a way that feels fun and accessible,” she explains.
“Sips that feel like a hug are always popular during this time of year,” says Jackson, who recommends Chai-der – a caffeine-free blend that combines chai and apple cider flavors with rooibos leaves – and Tennessee Whiskey, a black tea with apricot and vanilla. “With a taste similar to whiskey, this blend features a subtle smokiness that feels like a cozy night by the fireplace.” For the tea lover on your list, Black Leaf offers the Tea & Honey Box, with a blend of choice, Bailey Beattie Apiaries local honey, an infuser ball, and a mini honey stick. 52A Valley Street, TheBlackLeafTea.com
In just over a year in business, East Side Cheese & Provisions has become a one-stop shop for tasting the fruits of creameries near and far, from the Comté Symphonie made in the mountains of France to an aged Gouda lovingly crafted on a family farm in the Netherlands. Despite boasting an assortment of “elevated crowd-pleasers,” the neighborhood fromagerie is a fun, approachable space “where you can slow down for a minute, have a fun conversation about specialty food, or just swing by to say hi,” says co-founder Angie DiMeo. “We’ve created the community space we’ve always dreamed of.”
For holiday entertaining, DiMeo recommends the Vacherin Mont d’Or, a silky and luscious choice to create a Swiss fondue experience. For gifting, it doesn’t get better than a Cheese Club membership, which takes the recipient on a deep dive into the world of artisan, specialty cheese with four to six themed selections delivered each month, complete with fun facts and pairings. Throw in an Italian Pistachio Cream Panettone and an illustrated cheese puzzle and make any foodie friend’s dreams come true. 17 S Angell Street, EastSideCheese.com
Trade cream and sugar for botanical infusions crafted by a Rhody household name. Dave’s Coffee recently released a trio of flavored syrups that any latte lover or home mixologist would be tickled to find in their stocking this month. Rosemary Juniper Berry offers aromatic herbal and pine notes, Lapsang Souchong Smoked Tea is a smokey and bold drink addition, and Hibiscus Lavender teases warmer days with bright, floral flavors. Made with all-natural botanical ingredients and handcrafted in small batches at their Narragansett roastery, “These syrups are a testament to our dedication to exploring new flavors and creating products that inspire creativity in both professional and home kitchens,” says founder Dave Lanning.
Also available is the Vanilla Cardamom syrup, perfect for a holiday martini – as concocted by Newport mixologist Teon Cromwell, Jr. Add 1½ ounces of gin, ¾ ounce of Cocchi, 1 ounce of lemon juice, ½ ounce of Dave’s Vanilla Cardamom Syrup, 2 dashes of cardamom bitters, and a muddled sprig of rosemary to a shaker with ice, shake vigorously, serve, and be merry! Providence and Charlestown, DavesCoffee.com
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