Want a last-minute holiday gift that will warm the cockles of your loved ones’ hearts? Consider a hot beverage.
David Barenholtz’s American Tea Room has well-curated blends that come in gift sets called “bentos” as a nod to Japanese culture. The Beverly Hills shop’s red bento ($75) is a lovely sampling of caffeine-free teas that includes a mellow red chai blend and an unexpected chocolate rooibos blend aptly named Choco-latte.
The beloved and highly polished Demitasse offers its special hot chocolate, featuring E. Guittard cocoa rouge with notes of vanilla bean, as a pre-made mix ($17). This has stocking stuffer written all over it. Check out Demitasse’s location in Little Tokyo or on Santa Monica’s promenade for a coffee break and gifts.
The Fairfax outpost of Sausalito houseware company Heath Ceramics has an assortment of simple and elegant hand-thrown cups meant to fit the natural curve of a palm. They come in an array of earth-tone hues. We especially like the teacup and saucer ($38) and the holiday-friendly red espresso cup set ($70), which can pull double duty for serving mulled wine.
American Tea Room, 401 N. Canon Dr., Beverly Hills, 310-271-7922
Demitasse, 135 S. San Pedro St., Los Angeles, 213-613-9300 and 1149 Third St., Santa Monica, 310-260-6308
Heath Ceramics, 7525 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, 323-965-0800
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