The 7 Trending Vodkas You Need To Try

Beginning in Russia and Eastern Europe, you can now find vodka from almost everywhere. The quality has never been higher, but is there anything more disappointing than trying a bottle on the back of big hype, pouring it over ice, and discovering unpleasant burn or zero character? We’ve gone through the most talked about vodkas out there right now to see what all the fuss is about…

Rachmainoff Vodka

There’s no doubting the reason this vodka is on everyone’s lips… literally. Named after a famous Russian composer, this German vodka hits all the right notes. The standout factor here is the mind-boggling value for money. You’ll find it on the shelves at Lidl for just over £10! For that price tag, it has a really clean feel, good smoothness and softness, and a warm dryness to the finish, earning it impressive awards at competitions. Don’t get us wrong, it isn’t an incredible premium vodka, but when it comes to value, it’s unstoppable.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 37.5%
Find here: £11.99

J.J Whitley Blue Raspberry Vodka

J.J Whitley have a number of intriguing flavoured vodkas, such as Toffee Popcorn, Strawberry Cheesecake and this, Blue Raspberry… which is getting people talking. The sweet raspberry is instantly noticeable with the fruity tang following in tow. Sure, it hasn’t got the delicate, nuanced elegance of some high end vodkas, but it’s a fantastic versatile and smooth vodka with fun, fruity flavour and no artificial sweetener.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 35%
Find here: £15 (usually more!)

SKYY Vodka

This cobalt blue bottle stands out a mile off. SKYY have been undergoing something of a rebrand over the past few years, refreshing their vodka offering. Pacific minerals from San Francisco, where the brand is founded, enrich the liquid with freshness and unique character. The mouthfeel is very light and airy with gentle pepper and sweetness. It’s solid, neutral vodka that punches above its price point.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £18 (usually more!)

Wyborowa Vodka

Ever popular, this Polish gem was first produced in 1927, and still to this day, every single drop is made there. International awards have been plentiful for almost all of that time, rising to the top of the value categories. There’s a subtle pecan flavour and sweetness thanks to Polish rye, with a velvety mouthfeel. It’s cemented its place in vodka heritage, and is great value for money around that £20 mark.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 37.5%
Find here: £18.06

Au Vodka

If one vodka bottle has caught your eye on the shelves, then it’s probably this. Beyond the glimmering gold bottle, this might just be the most talked about vodka in the world. With the help of TikTok fame, ‘Gold Gang’ celebrity endorsements and trendy innovations like colour changing, this vodka is very popular, particularly with younger drinkers. But what about the liquid itself? Well, that contributes towards its staying power too, as it’s 5 times distilled, charcoal filtered and finishes in a high-pressure golf filter chamber. The branding might be love or hate, but the vodka has a pleasing neutrality.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £29.95

Grey Goose Vodka

Grey Goose is one of the most well-known and popular premium vodkas available everywhere, and for good reason. French inside and out, they use winter wheat local to the distillery, before distilling in Picardy and filtering in Cognac. Even Champagne region limestone-filtered water is used. Endless purification happens before the bottle and cork are macerated in the vodka. All of this effort pays off, with gentle floral aromas, creamy flavour, and no burn whatsoever.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £35.88 (usually more!)

Elit Vodka

Stepping up in price, this ultra-premium Latvian vodka has been making a splash, not least of all since dominating The Beverage Testing Institute’s awards every year. Their freeze filtration is patented, which is rare amongst vodka producers. The vodka is filtered at -18 degrees Celsius, delivering what might be the smoothest vodka in the world. Aniseed and spice bring some supple flavour amongst the creamy mouthfeel. If you want to try vodka that’s guaranteed to be super smooth and a world away from cheap throatburner, this is it.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £46.39

Did you know that white tea and vodka can be a really delicious mix? Perhaps try one of the above with it, or for other tea and alcohol pairings that will surprise you, go here!

10 Irresistible Chocolate Liqueurs For All Spirits Lovers

If no one’s buying you an egg this Easter, then what about a chocolate liqueur? They are the epitome of luxurious indulgence and unquestionably delicious – well, these ten are anyway. Perfect for cocktails, desserts or just with ice, they’re surprisingly versatile too.

Of course, we’ve got sweet treats here, but with whisky, rum, gin, tequila, vodka, absinthe, wine and more involved, this list shows there’s way more to chocolate liqueurs than just their sweetness. Find your favourite spirit and see how the drinks geniuses have blended it with the deliciousness of chocolate below.

The Best Chocolate Cream Liqueurs

Amaz-In Chocolate Créme Liqueur

This is a rich and velvety dream bringing together Grenadian chocolate and Grenadian rum for big hits of chocolate flavour and incredible smoothness. It’s thick and packed with flavour, most noticeably the creamy chocolate of course, but also more delicate hints of tropical fruits rolled in brown sugar from the rum. This could be drunk neat, with a few ice cubes, drizzled into desserts or of course, chocolatey cocktails – think Espresso Martini.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 20%
Find here: £37.01

Dooley's White Chocolate Liqueur

If chocolate is top of the tree when it comes to indulgence, then surely white chocolate is the angel on the top. Decadent, delicious, and superb value for money, Dooley’s uses Dutch cream and wild berries to bring a touch of zing to the sweet white chocolate. Premium vodka brings some boozy steel, but its neutrality really allows the chocolatey and fruity goodness to star. Desserts, baking, cocktails – this would be difficult to resist.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 15%
Find here: £14.54

The Best Dark Chocolate Liqueur

Mozart Dark Chocolate Liqueur

Smooth and sophisticated, you’ll see the striking shape of Mozart on many a bartender’s shelf. Carefully produced with Austrian chocolate, it combines luxurious vanilla and cocoa, a portion of which has even been aged for added depth. It’s very rich but even with just ice, it’s deliciously balanced. It’s won the prestigious top awards in chocolate categories before and is generally considered one of the top choices.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 17%
Find here: £14.50

The Best Chocolate Liqueur for Whisky Lovers

Riverside Dark Chocolate Whisky Liqueur

The ornate bottle of Riverside sets up some lofty expectations for the liquid inside, and it doesn’t disappoint. Dark chocolate flavours intertwine with rich malty character and this famous combination tastes as delicious as you’d expect. If you’ve always found chocolate liqueurs too sweet before, then the dark chocolate brings some great bitterness here that’s mellowed harmoniously by oaky vanilla and caramel notes.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 20%
Find here: £23.52

The Best Chocolate Liqueur for Rum Lovers

Rumbullion! Chilli & Chocolate

It looks like we have another stunner of a bottle on our hands – what a gift this would make. Strictly speaking, this leans more on the flavoured rum side of things than liqueur (hence the 42.6% ABV), but rum lovers will adore it all the same. Criollo cocoa nibs, chipotle chilli and jalapeño join the original Rumbullion! notes of vanilla, orange, cassia, clove, and cardamom. The end result is an absolute cockle warmer, with indulgent, rich spices. It’s a really interesting, limited release from Ableforth’s that rum lovers should definitely try.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 42.6%
Find here: £27.95

The Best Chocolate Liqueur for Gin Lovers

Chocao Cacao Gin Liqueur

This is a distilled cacao gin that’s infused with ethically sourced single origin Peruvian Gran Yapatera cacao nibs and husks, before coming to life when bottled in Staffordshire. It’s less creamy and indulgent and more elegant with super smooth mouthfeel and a fruity and floral profile. The familiar earthy juniper notes are there but they battle it out with bitter dark chocolate and smidges of caramel.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 26%
Find here: £29.99

The Best Chocolate Liqueur for Tequila Lovers

Mis Amigos Chocolate Cream Tequila Liqueur

Spotting the potential of earthy agave with rich chocolate, Mis Amigos have produced yummy results. They’re slightly boozier chocolate and tequila liqueur is fantastic too, but now they’ve added extra decadence with chocolate cream. The agave is peppery and grassy which works a treat with the sweet chocolate for a grown-up milkshake vibe.  

Size: 700ml
ABV: 15%
Find here: £18.67

The Best Chocolate Liqueur for Vodka Lovers

Bouvery CV Chocolate Liqueur

This liqueur was decades in the making, combining four times distilled corn vodka with organic cocoa from three South American countries. It’s noticeably viscous in the mouth as those rich dark chocolate notes coat the mouth deliciously. The vodka provides a warming boozy kick, but it’s the chocolate that feels like it’s melting in the mouth that steals the show.

Size: 350ml
ABV: 16%
Find here: £26.49 (usually more!)

The Best Chocolate Liqueur for Absinthe Lovers

La Maison Fontaine Chocolat

The much-misunderstood absinthe is a no brainer to merge with chocolate, and La Maison have made a cracking job of it with this one. It’s inspired by a 1920s recipe for créme de cacao found at the distillery, so the chocolate isn’t as intense as most chocolate liqueurs. It’s quite dry for a liqueur, with the cleansing wormwood and herbal flavours coming through strongly, just coated delicately in milk and dark chocolate. By the time the finish comes around, it’s all absinthe flavour so the journey is completely unique and definitely worth picking up for the inquisitive drinker.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 25%
Find here: £22.25

The Best Chocolate Liqueur for Wine Lovers

Rubis Chocolate Wine

What a sumptuous infusion this is – Spanish Tempranillo with cacao essence for a super decadent fortified wine. We sort of understand why you might be put off, but trust us, the combination completely works because the balance is spot on. On the wine side, cherries and red fruits are delivered, and all coated with the perfect amount of chocolate flavour.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 15%
Find here: £13.94 (usually more!)

For all the chocoholics over Easter, try matching them up with some heavenly drinks pairings – you might surprise yourself!

The Rhubarb Crush

How about this for a Valentine’s Crush? Keeping it simple, it’s a Franklin & Sons recipe that’s essentially a twist on a classic vodka lemonade. Of course, you could include extra touches like elderflower liqueur or vanilla syrup, but if you get yourself quality ingredients, simple can be best. Franklin & Sons have been leading the way with mixers since the Victorian times, and their spring rhubarb lemonade is zesty, fragrant, and refreshing with lemon juice and sparkling water. Get yourself a stunning vodka to go with, make it look beautiful with some flowers and voila, a crisp Rhubarb Crush for Valentine’s or Galentine’s Day.

Ingredients (for 1)

50ml vodka
Top up with Rhubarb Lemonade (Franklin & Sons)
 Edible flowers

Method
1.      Pour out chilled vodka over ice.
2.      Top up with rhubarb lemonade.
3.      Stir gently to keep the bubbles going.
4.      Sprinkle some edible flowers.
5.      Enjoy!

If you’re still going strong with Dry January, then how about these Delicious Winter Mocktails? Or if you’re interested in more Frankin & Sons mixers to spruce up your serves then check out these.

8 Unusual Alcoholic Drinks That Actually Taste Good

These drinks may have eyebrow raising ingredients or concoctions, but when you take that first sip, you can expect enough eyebrow raise because they are delicious. Great drinks aren’t afraid to experiment and innovate, and these do just that. Sometimes it doesn’t work, but here it most definitely does. So, if you’re after a curious bottle to gift for someone’s birthday, or perhaps a Valentine’s Present, then explore these tasty creations below.

Ukiyo Blossom Gin

Produced in the shadow of the Sakurajima volcano, the outcome is a delicate, fantastically floral gin. Shōchū spirit is distilled again with juniper, local mandarin orange, and a host of Japanese botanicals, the most stand out of which is aromatic cherry blossom. It’s light and bright but has earth juniper and angelica root too. The Sakura flower inclusion is strong no doubt, and won’t please everyone, but if you love it, you’ll really love it. We can’t not mention this bottle too, which is absolutely stunning and 100% a must keep once you’ve drained it.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Price: £36.99 (usually more!)

Jaffa Cake Gin

This is one of those gins that will pique your curiosity, and if you’re anything like us, you’ll be desperate to try. This timeless treat has been repurposed to flavour gin, but don’t go thinking it’s overly sweet and unnatural. Fresh orange peel is used, cocoa powder and get this, actual Jaffa cakes for that authentic, unmistakable taste. Far from being just a gimmick, this won the most prestigious award for flavoured gin in 2021, as well as other top awards, praised for its delicacy, balance and crowd-pleasing flavour. It’s become iconic for a Negroni so give it a go!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 42%
Price: £29.95

The Kraken Black Spiced Rum - Roast Coffee

This is a really interesting sipper. It brings the sweetness of a cold brew Arabica coffee and therefore more of a liqueur vibe than a rum (though at 40%, be careful). If you’re into pure rums then this probably isn’t for you, but if you love coffee and sweeter rums, you have to try this. It’s unique in this space, with a dessert style to it. It’s smooth, the spice holds strong, particularly on the finish. The Kraken awakes!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Price: £26.90

Captain Morgan Tiki Mango & Pineapple Spirit

This is a full, unashamed celebration of tropical rum. Inside the devilish tiki bottle is a much lighter but still punchy rum spirit compared with the original, but don’t be expecting a dark rum like that. The pineapple and mango are sweet and vibrant, but there’s enough bitterness for balance too with a little pepper for warmth. If someone is into cocktails, then this would be a great addition for a splash of sunshine.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 25%
Price: £19.95

Tequila Rose Strawberry Liqueur

Tequila Rose has icon status by now, providing many a tequila shot alternative that actually tastes nice. Tequila spirit is joined by strawberry cream liqueur, a mix that won’t please too many agave purists, but the results are splendid. It’s deliciously sweet and creamy like a grown-up strawberry milkshake. Yes it’s not the most complex and challenging drink in the world, far from it, but if you want a tasty boozy treat that is guaranteed to hit the spot, tequila rose is tailor made for it

Size: 700ml
ABV: 15%
Price: £13.75

1800 Coconut Spirit

This is lighter, coconut spin on a silver Blanco Tequila, a flavour that you don’t usually associate with the Mexican spirit. Nonetheless, it works. The grassy agave still comes through, matching up with the natural coconut flavouring nicely. The smoothness is incredible, and there are all kinds of cocktails it would elevate. Imagine a less creamy Piña Colada and you’re getting there – curious and divine.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 35%
Price: £39.49

Sheep Dog Peanut Butter Liqueur

How about this for an American delight? Whiskey with peanut butter. It’s nutty paradise and would be so good in cocktails. Imagine a peanut butter Old Fashioned? Creamy oak and vanilla come through as the nuttiness fades away on the finish, and it’s just so easy drinking. Don’t think of it as a flavoured whiskey, it’s very much its own thing, and if you like peanut butter and whiskey, it would be so difficult not to love this.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 35%
Price: £21.95 (usually more!)

Puschkin Nuts & Nougat Liqueur

Forget chocolate bars, we’re talking about nuts and nougat in booze. More specifically, vodka. Puschkin make award-winning vodka, so the base spirit here is fantastically smooth, and now it’s got this ‘Kinder Bueno’ esque twist, it is to die for. The balance is spot on with this one, and it really is dangerously easy to drink.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 17.5%
Price: £12.94 (usually more!)

If you want to take a look as some weird but wonderful bottles, have a gander at these.

The Top 10 Winter Vodka Cocktails

Brown spirits tend to dominate winter cocktails, but as a neutral spirit, vodka is so adaptable and integrates into the winter flavours wonderfully. It’s punchy and serves as great mixology foundations to build delicious flavours on.

Homemade syrups show up in a few of the recipes below, so for a guide on how to make your own click here! It’s way easier than you might expect and can do amazing things for your cocktails.

Espresso Martini

All the polls show that this is the most popular winter cocktail in the UK, so we just had to include it. The seductive white foam of the meniscus, the rich flavour, the lusciously smooth mouthfeel – you’ve got no chance hibernating after a few of these.  

Ingredients
40ml Vodka
25ml Kahlúa coffee liqueur
25ml cooled espresso
½ tbsp simple syrup
Three coffee beans (garnish)

Method
Shake everything with ice and strain into a pre-chilled martini glass, before garnishing with a beautiful trio of coffee beans for that distinct look.

Hot ‘n’ Minty White Russian

Taking inspiration from the Espresso Martini, this is a sweeter version to warm your cockles. Velvety, deliciously sweet white-hot chocolate is cooled by peppermint syrup, all built on a foundation of robust vodka and rich espresso. It’s viscous, lively, and surprisingly light with the peppermint. A uniquely indulgent concoction indeed.

Ingredients
30ml vodka
25ml espresso shot
80ml white hot chocolate
15ml peppermint syrup
Whipped cream (optional garnish)

Method
As long as your espresso and white-hot chocolate are hot, there’s no need to heat everything else up because some room temp vodka and peppermint syrup will bring the temperature together nicely. It’s just a case of combining everything gently and finishing with some whipped cream for that extra special touch.

Dirty Martini

This is another winter favourite. Getting down and dirty with your Martini brings a fantastic savoury flavour, with a salty, olive-y profile. It’s about as far from the sweet, tropical cocktails of summer as it’s possible to get, but just as satisfying with it’s crisp, saltiness.

Ingredients
70ml vodka
25ml dry Vermouth
15ml pickle juice

Pickles (garnish)

Method
Stir all your ingredients in a mixing glass with ice, and strain into a chilled Martini glass before finishing off with the signature pickle garnish. It might feel strange if this is your first, but chances are it won’t be your last. 

Elderflower Cosmopolitan

We were going to include the standard Cosmo, because that is a stalwart of winter cocktails, but this elderflower version feels a touch more wintery and aromatic. Cocktails are about experimentation after all! The delicious elderflower liqueur brings a mellower, more fragrant, and floral flavour than the usual cranberry. It feels bright and the first sip is a real life to

Ingredients
45ml vodka
20ml elderflower liqueur
20ml pineapple juice
Dash of lemon
Dash of rose water (optional)
Basil (garnish)

Method
All about the shaking here – get those arms pumping until your shaker feels cold to the touch, and strain over large ice cubes. Voila!

White Russian

How could we not? Made iconic in The Big Lebowski, it’s a dreamy combination of vodka, coffee liqueur and cream, resulting in sweet, velvety and undeniably delicious flavours. It’s heavy, indulgent, and loved by everyone, and perfect for wintertime.

Ingredients
60ml vodka
30ml coffee liqueur (Kahlúa)
15ml heavy cream

Method
Mix everything together before pouring over ice in a small tumbler glass. You could sprinkle chocolate powder or add coffee beans, but keeping it bare like a snowcapped rooftop works great too.

Moscow Mule

The refreshment of a Moscow Mule makes it a summer classic, but the dominant ginger notes absolutely resonate with winter too. It’s one of the original cocktails that made use of vodka when it wasn’t mainstream, which is strange considering it’s now the most popular cocktail spirit. It’s punchy, spicy, and gorgeously light with that fizz.

Ingredients
50ml vodka
80ml ginger beer
Juice of half a lime
Lime wedge (garnish)

Method
You don’t have to have the copper mug, but it really completes the Mule, and keeps it super cool. Just pour vodka and lime juice into the mug over ice, top up with ginger beer and finish with a lime wedge.

Cranberry and Pomegranate Punch

This is one for those winter gatherings saving you the hassle of individual cocktails. It straddles tartness and sweetness perfectly, tasting super refreshing with fruity fizz. As with any punch, you can sort of throw anything in, but we think the balance below is harmonious.

Ingredients (jug)
300ml cranberry juice
350ml pomegranate juice
350ml sparkling wine
100ml vodka
70ml cranberry syrup
2tbsp grenadine
10 mint leaves
4 lime wedges
fresh cranberries and lime (garnish)

Method
Muddle the mint first and fill the bottom of the jug with ice. After that, slowly stir everything except the sparkling wine which you should add last to keep the bubbles going. Scattered in cranberries and lime for brightness, and you’re away.

Pear and Elderflower Collins

A classic Tom Collins is an all-round cocktail, but this fruity makeover really takes it to the next level. Pear puree brings the freshness and pear liqueur brings the sweetness. It’s the lightest, fruitiest cocktail out there and vodka is perfect just to add some steel.

Ingredients (jug)
50ml vodka
15ml elderflower liqueur
2 tsp pear liqueur
25ml pear puree
20ml lemon juice
15m honey
Sparkling water to top up
Pear slice and cinnamon (garnish)

Method
Shake everything but the soda in a shaker with ice until it feels cold, and strain into a Collins glass over fresh ice. Once you’ve added the sparkling water, be gentle with the stirring to combine. Add a thin slice of pear and a dust of cinnamon for the finishing touches.

Rosemary Fizz

Rosemary is one of the key wintery scents, but it’s difficult to integrate into a cocktail. Here, it just adds an aromatic, herbal undertone to a mellow but vibrant mix of lemon juice, sparkling water and vodka. It is unbelievably refreshing, and so simple to pull together

Ingredients (jug)
50ml vodka
20ml lemon juice
20ml rosemary syrup
Top up with sparkling water
Rosemary and lemon twist (garnish)

Method
Fill a highball glass with ice, strain vodka, rosemary syrup and freshly squeezed lemon juice over and top up with those bubbles. Rosemary sprig and lemon twist are a must.

For all the syrups featured, they can be bought, but they’re all simply sugar, water, and whichever flavour you want – so it saves so much money doing it yourself. Give it a go here! If you’re still adhering to Dry Jan or just don’t drink, then check out our Wintery Mocktails here.

The Best Last Minute Boozy Gifts for All Drinks Lovers

It is the last week before Christmas, and if you’re anything like me, there are still presents to buy and bottles to bring to parties. There are plenty of new releases of spirits before Christmas and I’ve had a chance to try a few which are becoming new favourites. I have a few old favourites too. Below is a list of great spirits to suit all pockets should you need to buy something late before Christmas or are thinking of taking something different to a New Year party. Always make sure of the delivery times when it is this close to Christmas and look out for these if you’re in your favourite specialist retailer. I’m giving ideas from brandy to tequila, so I hope you find something you think you or a loved one might like.

Whisky

Dalmore 2005 and 2008 2023 Editions

The vintage releases from Dalmore are always very sought after. With Dalmore’s expert use of multiple types of sherry casks, their whiskies are known for complexity and depth of flavour and these two expressions are no different. They have slightly different profiles with the 2005 having a little more punch and the 2008 being more luxuriant, they are both worth seeking out and any whisky love would be more than pleased have either of them.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 49.3% & 45.8%
Find them here: £375 & £155

Busker Single Pot Still

Busker is new to the UK market and it’s about time this delicious whiskey has come to our shores. Beyond their Triple Cask range, the Royal Oak distillery as their Single Collection and my favourite is this Single Pot Still whiskey. Quintessentially Irish, this is made with both malted and unmalted barley which is unlike single malt whisky and gives the whisky a unique flavour profile of fruits and spices. It’s a great all-rounder with a difference.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 44.3%
Find them here: £29.95

Meikle Tòir The Sherry One

The Meikle Tòir whiskies have been created by Billy Walker at Glenallachie distillery. He set out to make the perfect peated whisky from Speyside, and in doing so has created four of them, The Original, The Sherry one, The Chinquapin One and The Turbo. No guessing what The Turbo is all about! The others have a ppm count of 35, and the Turbo is 71 ppm. My favourite was The Sherry One, with all its fruitcake and spice with an oily peaty smoke running though the core of the dram.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 48%
Find them here: £52

Table Whisky 

I love this idea of crossing the wine world with the whisky world. Table whisky is a single grain whisky, traditionally a poorer cousin to single malt, but in this case that’s certainly not true. Distilled in Edinburgh, matured in virgin oak and sherry casks it tastes of popcorn, toffee and raspberry jam and I loved it! And at £35 it is certainly an affordable whisky.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find them here: £35

The Long & Short of it WS:02

This great new blend hails from the new Boarders distillery. They mix fermentation times which are both long and short to give a complex flavour profile whilst remaining well balanced and fruity. It’s matured in first fill ex bourbon barrels giving plenty of sweetness and is so well integrated with the grain whisky. I’m a fan of blends and this one is yummy. And right now they are giving away glasses with every bottle.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find them here: £40

Turntable Paradise Funk

Turntable are a new blending house in Scotland that have now produced a core range. There are six whiskies which are both peated and un-peated. My favourite was Paradise Funk which has flavours of caramelised pineapple, toffee and lots of vanilla. What I also really like about these whiskies is that they give the precise breakdown of the blend. This one is: - 30% unnamed Speyside whisky aged in a virgin oak barrel. - 20% Benrinnes matured in a Chinkapin oak barrel.- 18% Invergordon single grain aged in a Cognac cask.- 13% Knockdhu matured in a virgin oak barrel.- 11% North British single grain matured in a virgin oak barrel.- 8% Blair Athol aged in a first-fill bourbon cask. This openness gives a new way to discover flavour.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 46%
Find them here: £52.95

Glendronach 12 Year Old

This is an absolute classic sherry styled 12 year old whisky. Full of fruitcake flavours and spice with sweetness and a plentiful mix of dried and fresh orchard fruits. There are a few contenders for a classic sherry style whisky, and most of them are 15 years old and more expensive. This is great value for what you get. 

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find them here: £45.50

Glenglassaugh 12 Year Old

This year saw the long-awaited new core range from Glenglassaugh, and I was blown away by the 12 year old. Of the three whiskies released, two were non age statement whiskies and were very good, this one was the least expensive and I though the most accomplished. The packaging is well thought out with lighter glass for sustainability and is stunning. The whisky has great depth of flavour, beyond its 12 years and there are also vibrant fruity notes too. For value versus flavour this is my whisky of the year. 

Size: 700ml
ABV: 45%
Find them here: £49.95

Kavalan Vinho Barrique

This is a whisky which covers the exotic side of things. Hailing from Taiwan, it has a maturation which firstly doesn’t have to be as long as in Scotland as the climate in Taiwan is sub-tropical, but that climate also turbo charges the whisky with flavour. This Vinho Barrique matured expression has so much red fruit and spice it has become unctuous and decadent. With flavours of dark chocolate, plumbs, kiwi, orange, raspberries and red apples this is, like so many whiskies from Kavalan an expressive, exciting whisky. All this complexity and development, and the fact it’s a single cask at cask strength, completely justifies spending more on that special person for Christmas.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 56.3%
Find them here: £198

Yellow Rose Outlaw

Moving over to the other side of the world, I was excited to try some American whiskies from Texas. Made from Texan yellow corn, this is rich and sweet and having been matured in smaller than normal barrels in Houston, the flavours are intense and rich. If you wanted to take a huge step up from drinking bourbons which are readily available in our supermarkets, then this would be a great place to start.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 46%
Find them here: £63.70

Gin

Melifera Gin

This is an organically produced Gin from France with many different hand-picked botanicals and preserves the biodiversity of the area and supporting the Black Bee Conservatory in Oléron. It is a very herbal gin with floral aromas and flavours mixing in well too. If you like a dry gin without much sweetness, this is certainly going to be up your street.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find them here: £39.75

Nordés Gin

Occationally I come across a gin which manages to hit all the bases. A great cocktail base, a good gin for a martini, and fabulous in a gin and tonic. Nordes does exactly that. It comes from Galicia in northwest Spain and is made from Albariño-grape-based spirit. It has great balance of floral, herbal, juniper and also has just the right amount of sweetness in its fruit profile to make this one of best contemporary gins I have tasted in a long while. And you can find it in 3 Litre bottles! Bravo Nordes.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find them here: £31.99

Micil Irish Poitín

This is something a little different from Ireland. Made in Galway from grain, it is flavoured with bogbean which gives a spicy kick, and some softer floral notes. It’s super over ice and makes great cocktails. If you’d like to try something a little different, or don’t need yet another bottle of gin on your drinks table, then this is definitely worth trying.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 44%
Find them here: £33.94

Vodka

Nine Tines

Nine Tines is an English vodka made in Yorkshire. The potatoes it’s made from come from their own farm and from within nine miles of where it is made and bottled. 20 varieties of potato give a rich viscous vodka which has nice sweetness and balance. A great addition to the world of vodka.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find them here: £39

Dima’s Vodka

Here at The Three Drinkers, we are a huge fan of Dima’s Vodka. If you buy vodka, then this is the one we would advocate every time. Apart from being delicious, viscous, and versatile, it is made in the Ukraine and owned by Ukrainian Dima. From every bottle bought, Dima donates £5 to the plight of Ukraine. What more reason do you need to buy a bottle!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find them here: £35

Brandy

Bardinet Inspirations

A new brandy from Bardinet! This is made with mixing in mind, and it is a great brandy for mixing. There is plenty of flavour to stand up to all sorts of mixers and other spirits. Drink it long with ginger ale or lemonade, in a Sidecar or Brandy Alexander. This brandy handles them all, it’s amazing value and can easily be found in most supermarkets. Perfect for Christmas, and adding a little to mulled wine.

 Size: 700ml
ABV: 36%
Find them here: £17

Frapin Chateau de Fontpinot XO

For something more upmarket, I would always trust in Frapin. The Cognac they produce is refined and delicate in flavour. There are signature floral and orange aromas and flavours which will please anyone who is a Cognac lover. The Chateau de Fontpinot XO is my favourite, but their VSOP at under half the price is also excellent. This is a Cognac for beginners and connoisseurs alike.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 41%
Find them here: £135

Tequila

For my last suggestions, I wanted to come to the world of aged Tequila. In our youth, I am sure we all remember salt on our hands and lemon segments in our teeth, but as we move on we sought out Tequila which was smooth, flavoursome and deserving of our cocktails. From there, is the world of sipping Tequila which has been aged in barrels and has extra flavour and sweetness. These Tequilas may not be the cheapest in the world, but they are definitely worth seeking out if you haven’t tried one before.

Volcan De Mi Tierra XA 

If a whole bottle is a little too much to stomach on your budget at the moment, then this will be found in nightclubs and bars. The elegant bottle has a little party trick. The base which is shaped like a volcano lights up and will certainly be noticed. I’d try it neat before mixing it to experience the full flavour. After that, mix away or put it over ice and enjoy.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find them here: £196

Enemigo 00 Zero Zero

Aged for three years in oak, this looks like a rum or whisky in the glass. It is fruity with lots of agave flavour, but also sweet and incredibly well balanced. Superb over ice, it is a great entry into the super-premium world of oak aged Tequila. Flavours of Vanilla, charred oak, green apple and nuttiness mix with plentiful vanilla and honey.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find them here: £137.70

Mijenta Anejo

This tequila is aged for eighteen months in oak and is created in small batches., The wood used for aging is French oak, French acacia and cherry wood which gives a great deal of complexity to the tequila with fruits, spices and sweet notes of butterscotch and butter mixing with tobacco and nuts. A great all-round aged tequila which if you’ve not tried, but have tried aged Tequila before, I would seek out.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find them here: £152

And there we have it. My suggestions for a very merry Christmas and new year. It’s great time of year to experiment and try something you’ve not had before. I always find the best times to do that, are times I’m with others, and this is a time of year where we get together and share. I always feel drinks are to be shared.

For more last minute gift guides, check out these distillery and winery tours!

The Best Vodka to Gift for Christmas 2023

Born in Russia and Eastern Europe, Vodka is now produced almost everywhere, and the quality has never been higher. Despite that, there are still a lot of misconceptions about this pure spirit, so if you want to win someone over who disregards it as throat burner, or if you just want to buy a vodka lover something special, we’ve got the best bottles for you here…

The Best Vodka to Gift Under £30

Zubrówka Bison Grass Vodka

Zubrówka is a stunningly smooth vodka at this price, which is infused with Hierochloe Odorata grass, and in case you forget there’s even a blade of it in the bottle. If you want to inform your vodka lover of the backstory, then it’s a grown in the Bialowieza Forest– home to the beast on the bottle, Polish Bison. It’s not just a gimmick though, because the rye spirit is strained through it, hence the green hue. As you might guess, there’s plenty of herby, aromatic notes coming and going, like cut grass, lavender, subtle citrus, and peppercorns. It’s completely unique and the colouring/grass is eye catching for a gift, but more importantly the actual liquid is as smooth and delicious as vodkas twice the price.

Size: UK 700ml / US 1L
ABV: 37.5%
Find here: UK £22.24 / US £26.99

Reyka Vodka

We can’t get enough of Reyka, because they’ve managed to be one of the world’s most environmentally friendly vodkas, with glacial spring water and geothermal heat), but they’ve also excelled in the vodka itself, and all for under £30 too. It feels full, clean and creamy with gentle vanilla notes and peppery spice, and the icy purity is exceptional.

Size: UK 700ml / US 750ml
ABV: 37.5%
Find here: UK £26.99 / US $19.99

Baller Vodka

From the producers of Renegade Gin comes Doghouse distillery’s Baller, a 100% wheat vodka distilled in London. It’s unfiltered, so carries a lot more flavour than most vodkas, hitting hard with creamy vanilla, whilst retaining smoothness and purity. Follow in the footsteps of the dog on the bottle and take a gamble on it – you (or your giftee) won’t be disappointed.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £28.45

The Best Vodka to Gift Under £40

Cîroc Pineapple Vodka

Anyone into Vodka knows Cîroc, and their pineapple expression adds some sunshine to the original. It’s distilled five times over from frozen French grapes, before the bright pineapple flavour is introduced through crushed fruits, not flavouring. It’s delicious on its own, but can also completely switch up cocktails or simple serves like vodka and lemonade.

Size: UK 700ml / US 750ml
ABV: 37.5%
Find here: UK £31.95 / US $32.99

Tom of Finland Organic Vodka

The leather-clad moustached man front and centre of this distinct bottle is a nod to Touko Laakosen, a gay icon who made huge artistic contributions to gay culture in the 20th century, focusing on masculinity and homoeroticism and breaking down barriers. The liquid inside is a small batch production of old Finish family-run producer Lignell & Piispanen, distilled fiver times for zero throat burn. A little rye spice tops up of a vodka built around it’s silkiness, and proceeds from each purchase go to the Tom of Finland Foundation too.

Size: UK 500ml / US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £35 / US $35.99

G.H.Q. Vodka

There is only so much we can tell you about G.H.Q Vodka because it’s handcrafted at an unknown location in the Scottish Highlands. The distiller is unknown, as are the recipes, but we know Cairngorm water is used, and we also know that the result is splendid. Creaminess, subtle minerality and herbal hints, and even hazelnut and honey come through. Refreshing and so beautifully rounded off.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 41%
Find here: £37.95

Broken Clock English Vodka

They say a Broken Clock is right once twice a day, but this tastes right every time. Produced by one of England’s oldest distilleries, Hidgate’s Broken Clock takes inspiration from this heritage. Russet apples and garden botanicals are used, in accordance with old Georgian recipes, delivering a vodka oozing in character and bittersweet, herbaceous flickers.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £36.95

The Best Vodka to Gift Under £50

Chase Aged Marmalade Vodka

What we have here is a 100% potato vodka, made in England, infused with zesty Seville marmalade, so its origins are a bit all over the place, but the end produced is a flavoured vodka that really comes together. It’s sweet, refreshing, with a bitter tang and all the while, retaining ultimate refreshment.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £41.45

X Muse Vodka

This Scottish vodka blends two heritage barley varieties, taking fruity notes in both cooked and fresh directions. The silky texture is always there, and the mouthfeel feels instantly impressive with its intoxicating viscosity. This is one of those vodkas that wins doubters of the spirit around.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £57.24

Crystal Head Aurora Vodka

Aurora launched in 2016, after the success off Crystal Head’s original release. It uses super high quality English wheat, which blends with Newfoundland water for an additive-free vodka. The tasteful purity is achieved through five distillations and seven filtrations, three of which involve Herkimer diamonds. It has a touch more spice than the original, and the bottle has more colour, to celebrate the Aurora Borealis (aka the Northern Lights). The perfect luxury vodka gift inside and out.

Size: UK 700ml / US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £66.99 / US $55.99

If you’re after more gifts, then we’ve got tonnes of guides up on the site now, for example Rum and Gin.

8 Unique Bottles Perfect for Gifting

These uniquely striking bottles are beautiful inside and out and make the perfect Christmas gifts for lovers of rum, gin, vodka, and tequila. Sometimes, brands put everything into their gimmicky packaging and forget about the liquid inside, but these bottles raise eyebrows in the best way possible, delivering on the grand expectations they set once unwrapped.

Mauritius Dodo Gold Rum Dodo Bottle

The dodo has returned, and instead of it’s blue and grey plumage, it’s now full of golden rum from its home, Mauritius. This striking glass decanter is instantly memorable as a gift, filled with a sweet golden rum distilled from Mauritian molasses. Expect aromatic vanilla and notes of banana, berries, and pepper. Every dodo is handcrafted and unique, arriving in a charming fit box, and can be refilled with whatever spirit you choose, making this the gift that keeps on giving.

Size: 1L
ABV: 40%
Find here: £104.95

Stone Gaze Sour Berry Rum

This is a bottle that demands your gaze, so it’s a good thing it’s just a Medusa bottle and not the real thing, otherwise you would end up looking like the bottle itself. So many reviewers talk about buying this just for the bottle, and they all say how surprised they were at the delicious rum inside. It’s a symphony of berries like gooseberry and blackberry, and Caribbean white rum, giving great tang and tropical undertones. It has an almost gin style to the profile – interesting and extremely easy to drink.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 38%
Find here: £52.24

Engine Gin

Take your presents up a gear this year, with Engine Gin, house in a quirky fuel can that would look more at home in the garage than the drinks cabinet. It’s a distinctly Italian expression within, distilled at Torino Distillati, who also make Malfy by the way. It’s herbal, with crisp space and oily rosemary leaves, but lemon, liquorice and damask rose come through with a late overtake too. Floral, herby, bright and delicate – it’s a delicious surprise that you wouldn’t expect from the ‘bottle’ at all.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 42%
Find here: £27.50 (usually £33.50)

Sharish Blue Magic Gin

This vibrant Portuguese delight arrives in a lovely, curved bottle displaying a dazzling blue hue, courtesy of blue pea flower. Add tonic however and witness the alchemy as it becomes pink. And it really does. Beyond the spectacle, the gin itself is refreshing and smooth with classic botanicals and tasty raspberries and spice.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £35.99

Outerspace Vodka

Outerspace go beyond gimmicky packaging, they go to infinity and beyond in fact. Their vodka is distilled five times over from American corn and then filtered through actual ancient meteorites for a true taste of space. When pouring, you’ll discover that it is in fact clear, which might be a shock, bringing that clear, crisp, clean taste. There’s a slight minerality that keeps you on your toes too.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £29.99 (usually £32.99)

Crystal Head Aurora Vodka

Sourced from a natural aquifer hidden on the super remote St John’s Newfoundland, which is the most eastern point of the US, Crystal Head has a reputation for absolute purity. It’s filtered seven times before last of all, it goes through a triple-filter diamond cone. Premium English wheat creates an ever so slightly spicier expression than usual, with gentle anise coming through and floral aromas. The beautiful skull was designed with the Northern Lights in mind so it’s beautiful inside out.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £51.99 (usually £66.99)

SPHYNX Tequila - Extra Aged Añejo Black Oak Signature Decanter

Sphynx’s tequila range is pretty new, and every bottle looks spectacular. This is their oldest expression, the Extra Aged Añejo which has been aged in wine barrels, infusing the 100% agave tequila with luxurious depths of oaky vanilla and warming spice, creating a very special 100% caramelized roasted agave liquid.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £248

Kah Reposado Tequila

Kah’s Day of the Dead branding is an instant winner, and ever sip continues to celebrate that artistry. This is really one of those tequilas to give someone who thinks its just a spirit for shotting, delivering smooth, caramel laced spiced fruits, nutty vanilla, and peppery warmth on the finish. Beautiful inside and out.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £49.99

If you’re after more ideas for boozy presents, then check out our 12 secret santa recommendations here for some cheaper ideas that will still impress.