Every year I write up my annual Christmas spirit guide. The list of all the essentials you need in for a festive good time. This year is no different and to be honest what with everything going on, lockdown, covid, mass panic buying etc I think a good drink is what we all need!
First up is Cranes. Ben & Dan Ritsema collaborated with one of the UK’s top mixologists to develop Cranes versatile, double award winning, Liqueur. Handcrafted from the highest quality cranberries sourced from Wisconsin USA and infused with natural blood orange juices & orange rind. Great for pimping a glass of prosecco! RRP: £7.00 from Ocado
Makers Mark is a premium whisky that goes against the grain. Each bottle of Maker’s Mark bourbon whisky is hand-dipped in our signature red wax making each one unique. Our recipe uses soft red winter wheat resulting in a lighter tasting, premium bourbon whisky with caramel and vanilla notes that’s perfect for mixing, in cocktails such as the Mint Julep and Star Hill Spritz or over ice. £20 clubcard price at Tesco.
Hattiers Rum Hattiers rum is a blend of four rums from across the Caribbean, including column-still rum from Barbados and premium pot-still rums from Guatemala, Panama and the Dominican Republic. Once the rums have been blended, Hattiers add soft, Devonshire spring water to bring it to bottling strength. The result is a gently sweet and spicy rum, with notes of caramel and ginger throughout. RRP: £39.00 from The Whiskey Exchange
Opihr Oriental Spiced Gin. A London Dry Gin made with botanicals from along the traditional spice route that led back to the UK. Indonesian Cubeb berries, Indian black pepper and Moroccan coriander are all used in this gin, launched by Quintessential Brands in 2013. RRP: £23.50 from Masters of Malt
BLOOM Raspberry & Rose is a ‘berry’ delicious gin, delightfully balancing the sweet richness of the raspberry with distilled rose petals to create the perfect fruit and floral combination. Made with zero sugar, this marriage of rose and raspberry provides bold but balanced flavours that is versatile in use while remaining true to the essence of BLOOM London Dry Gin. RRP: £24.50 from Tesco
Mermaid Pink Gin at 38% ABV infuses the flavour and aromatics of Island strawberries with the smooth yet complex taste of our award-winning Mermaid Gin, a blend of lemon zest, grains of paradise and fragrant rock samphire. Our rock samphire, foraged from the Island’s shores, is locally known as ‘Mermaid’s Kiss’, as it grows just above the sea’s high-tide line. RRP: £37.99 from Drink Supermarket
Mermaid Salt Vodka. A vodka from the Isle of Wight made with a small amount rock sea salt to evoke the fresh sea air and the saltiness on your lips after a day at the coast, or indeed sailing on the surrounding waters! RRP: £36.00 from Masters of Malt
Next up is the one that will kick start your day or be the perfect end to a hectic Christmas day! Black Fire Tequila! This liqueur is made using Blanco Tequila, Coffee and a Hint of Chilli. This creates a Spicy Liqueur with hints of Chocolate and a Good Kick of Chilli! RRP: £19.50 from Distillers Direct
Caorunn is an expert infusion of five locally foraged botanicals and six traditional botanicals. Caorunn is traditionally served with cool fizzing tonic and slices of red apple to highlight its aromatic flavour profile, however our gin is beautifully versatile which means its also perfect for any classic or contemporary cocktail. RRP: £28 from The Whisky Exchange
Beluga Vodka have launched a special edition bottle to commemorate the 115 years of the only distillery brand. At the same as the traditional version, this vodka is produced in Siberia, in the Mariinsk Distillery. Its development is based on special malt alcohol and pure water from wells more than 300 meters deep. In addition, combined with sugar syrup, natural honey, oatmeal infusion, holy thistle and a touch of vanilla; then let rest for a single period of 30 days. This whole process gives as result an exquisite and luxurious velvety taste. RRP: £43.99 from Drinks & Co
If you’re looking for delicious winter cocktails, look no further. Warming Whisky and Lime Sours and Aquafabulous OGGnogs will hit the spot and they’re suitable for vegans. If an Aquafabulous OGGnog tempts you, follow these delightful instructions. Simply simmer the almond milk first with a little sugar to reduce it, and add a measure of your favourite nutty liqueur such as Amaretto. Whisk OGGS® Aquafaba until frothy then fold into the sweet milk reduction for a guaranteed perfect serve. RRP: £1.99 from Asda
Wooden gifts are always welcome Christmas gifts and Scottish Made has a range of stunning Scottish grown, sustainable wooden boards and gifts, each in a huge range of country themed or Scottish designs. The bottle openers are particularly popular – made from sustainable oak with an etched unique illustration on it, it is a popular Christmas gift and something no drinks party should be without! RRP: £16 from Just Slate
