What’s the Secret to the Perfect Daiquiri?

Here is the comprehensive, unparalleled, and indisputably correct guide to the perfect Daiquiri. Or, rather, five perfect Daiquiris - if we do say so ourselves. See, Daiquiris are like people - striving for balance, different in wonderful ways, and uniquely perfect once they’re surrounded by the right support. 

Using five vastly different but incredible rums, these recipes are all perfect riffs on one of the most popular cocktails to ever exist. They are simple enough to make with minimal equipment at home, but delicious enough to bring complexity and fun to your cocktail hour for anyone you’d like to impress - even if you’re trying to impress yourself. Although innumerable variations exist, we believe that there’s a Daiquiri out there for everyone. After all, every palate is unique and everyone enjoys different flavours and balance. So, here are five great starting points on your journey to find a Daiquiri recipe as individually perfect as you.

The Perfect Classic Daiquiri 

Eminente Ambar Claro

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £30.95

Tradition dictates that the classic Daiquiri is an exercise in the art of balance and quality ingredients. In all recipes on this list, it is essential to use fresh lime juice for the best balance, quality, and flavour. Avoid store-bought bottles of pasteurised lime juice, as it will lack the bright, tart taste of freshly squeezed limes. But you wouldn’t be reading this if you wanted boring bottled cocktails, would you? 

In classic Daiquiris, the go-to for most bartenders is a light rum - often called white rum or unaged rum, though these are both misnomers but that’s a whole different topic which can be discussed among the most nerdy of spirits enthusiasts another time. For the perfect classic Daiquiri, the best choice for rum is Eminente Ambar Claro. This rum is light enough to delight the traditionalists and packs bold flavours like bottled Cuban sunshine. The rich nuttiness and vanilla notes of this will balance beautifully for the perfect classic 2:1:1 Daiquiri. 

Ingredients
50ml Eminente Ambar Claro
25ml freshly squeezed lime juice
25ml simple syrup (1:1 sugar to water)

Method
Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice and shake. Fine strain into a coupe or Nick & Nora glass.

The Perfect Historical Daiquiri

La Progresiva

Size: 700ml
ABV: 41%
Find here: £39.99

Tourists visiting Cuba during the early 20th century helped to popularise the drink around the world. The exact origins are somewhat disputed but any cocktail this popular will inevitably be the subject of endless hours of research from bartenders, historians, and anthropologists. Through this research we know there is a long history and tradition of craftsmanship around blending of rums to create the perfect expression of the Cuban island. For the perfect historical Daiquiri, the best rum to use is La Progresiva. Despite being one of the newest expressions to come out of the Cuban market, it’s a beautiful blend of rums with a balance that is entirely and perfectly Cuban. This caramel-forward and buttery rum is arguably a representation of how rum would have tasted back when the Daiquiri was a burgeoning boom.

Ingredients
50 ml La Progresiva
30 ml freshly squeezed lime juice
20 ml simple syrup (1:1 sugar to water)

Method
Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice and shake. Fine strain into a coupe or Nick & Nora glass.

The Perfect Dangerous Daiquiri

Wray & Nephew Overproof Rum

Size: 700ml
ABV: 63%
Find here: £29

Originating back in 2005 in a London party bar, this non-stop train to trouble town has become a beloved modern classic among bartenders. Also known as the Nuclear Daiquiri, it combines two of bartenders’ favourite ingredients: high-proof alcohol and a disregard for consequences. Plus, it is absolutely delicious - a magnificent balance of strong, bitter, sweet, and sour. The best rum choice for the perfect dangerous Daiquiri is Wray & Nephew. This Jamaican rum, famous for powerful flavour and intense strength, works in harmony with the other ingredients leaving you to dance dangerously with the devil.

Ingredients
30ml Wray & Nephew Overproof Jamaican Rum
30ml freshly squeezed lime juice
25ml Green Chartreuse
15ml falernum

Method
Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice and shake. Fine strain into a coupe or Nick & Nora glass.

The Perfect Funky Daiquiri

Clement Canne Bleue Agricole Blanc

Size: 700ml
ABV: 50%
Find here: £39.75

Funk isn’t for everyone and certainly not for the faint of flavour. Funky rhum comes with nutty, earthy, and/or fermented smell and tastes so unique that it has its own hard-to-define word that’s even harder to spell: haut-gout. The haut-gout flavour is commonly present in rhum from Martinique - called Agricole rhum. Agricole rhum is a spectacular and criminally underappreciated category. While many rums make Daiquiris smooth, sweet or easy-going, Agricole rhum brings a grassy, regional-driven sugarcane power pop. For the perfect funky Daiquiri, the best choice is Clement Canne Bleue Agricole. It tastes like pears and apples have somehow sprung from the ground in the middle of the island’s sugarcane fields.

Ingredients
40ml Clement Canne Bleue Agricole
30ml freshly squeezed lime juice
30ml pure cane sugar syrup

Method
Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice and shake. Fine strain into a coupe or Nick & Nora glass.

The Perfect Modern Daiquiri

Kromanti Rum

Size: 500ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £34.39

A modern variation on the Daiquiri needs to celebrate the timeless appeal of this iconic cocktail while embracing the innovation and quality of modern rum. It also needs to be really yummy or it’ll never get inducted into the perfect Daiquiri hall of fame. Which is why the best choice for the perfect modern Daiquiri is Kromanti Rum. This family-owned rum is botanically infused with tamarind for a spice and fruit profile unlike anything else on the market. Their commitment to quality is unparalleled and that means the rum come through with incredible taste in cocktails. They are also deeply connected to their communities both in the UK and the island nation of Dominica, which would make it worth supporting the brand even if the rum wasn’t so wildly easy to drink.

Ingredients
50ml Kromanti Tamarind Rum
30ml fresh squeezed lime juice
20ml simple syrup

Method
Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice and shake. Fine strain into a coupe or Nick & Nora glass.

Feel free to try the perfect Daiquiri - or five of them - and alter the recipes to make the perfect Daiquiri for you - cocktails are all about experimentation and personalisation. If you’re still thirsty for more spirits fun, you can find some Stunning Margaritas or dive into some Rogue Whiskies.

By Zach Sapato

7 Bottles of Irish Whiskey You Need in Your Glass

The journey Irish Whiskey has been on is quite incredible. From the 19th century golden age where it was deemed the finest and most popular spirit on the planet, to producing just 1% of the world’s supply only a hundred years or so later.

Fortunately, it’s sprung out of the doldrums in style, and decades of investment and innovation has seen distilleries bloom all over. Irish Whiskey is back where it belongs, delivering the quintessential fruity lightness it’s known for, as well as delightful wine-finishes and wafts of smoke.

So, if you’re celebrating St. Patrick's Day on March 17th or just want to expand your emerald isle collections with some gems, these are seven bottles you need in your glass.

Jatt Life Blended Irish Whiskey

From the same folks at Jatt Life Vodka comes this blended Irish whiskey. Aged in virgin oak and sherry casks, this is very characterful with luscious, rich dried fruits intertwining with woody spice. It’s a classic Irish whiskey expression with soft fruitiness, but wonderfully smooth and with impressive longevity too.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £27.27

Jameson Caskmates Stout Edition Whiskey

From the best-selling Irish whiskey producer in the world, Jameson’s stout edition has a seductive bourbon nose with a little creamy chocolate dressing the fresher notes. These continue in the mouth with a touch of coffee, as the succulent viscosity becomes noticeable. Warm spices feature too, most prominently cinnamon. The old whiskey barrels had previously been used to age stout from Cork’s Franciscan Well brewery, and the results are quite spectacular – especially for the price.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £28.95

Proclamation Blended Irish Whiskey

A glass of this is a true celebration of Ireland’s independence, from the label to the 40.7% ABV, a nod to the 7 signatures signing the famous 1916 document. But what about the liquid itself? Full-bodied and silky smooth, it’s matured in ex-Bourbon casks before a subtle sherry finish. The results combine majestically with fruity caramel, full-bodied brioche notes and bitter toasted coffee for balance. Delicious.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40.7%
Find here: £28.88

Tyrconnell Irish Whiskey

Top notch single malt now with the legendary Tyrconnell. The labels had a stylish rebrand, and the alcohol has been bumped up from 40% too. It’s softly integrated however with no harshness whatsoever. It’s fruity and light, but unlike most Irish whiskeys brings citrus over sweetness. The rich vanilla fudge lingers forever it seems, beyond even the oaky spice.  A benchmark.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £33.99 (usually more!)

Sliabh Liag The Legendary Dark Silkie Irish Whiskey

As captivating as the legendary silkies of Ireland themselves, we love this Donegal distillery. Their lighter expression is beautiful, but this smoky number deserves some serious love too. Peat was somewhat lost from Irish whiskey for a long time, but this harks back to the golden age with triple-distilled peated malt aged in sherry casks, before joining bourbon-matured and virgin oak-matured whiskies. The result is so harmonious, with those rich fruits still coming through, as well as salted chocolate and mellow wafts of smoke balancing out perfectly.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 46%
Find here: £35.37 (usually more!)

Kinahan’s The Kasc Project Whiskey

Something different here. The bottle may say Irish Whiskey, but The Kasc Project is actually something of a globe trotter. Delving into the world of hybrid casks, Portuguese, American, French, Hungarian oak, and chestnut, yes that’s five different woods, are used for ageing. All combined in one barrel, it’s no surprise that the alluring honey colouring reveals so much flavour. Expect oaky treacle on the nose, stewed apples and sultanas, nutty vanilla and peppery warmth on the palate, and a dry finish with liquorice. It's really interesting and throws up Bourbon and Cognac comparisons.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £38.75

Bushmills 16 Year Old Whiskey

More expensive than our other whiskies, Bushmills’ 16 year old expression more than lives up to its price tag. It begins life in Bourbon casks, continues along to sherry before a final stint in Port, expanding its breadth of delicious flavour with each step. Think honey and stone fruits on the nose, spilling over into a summery palate of lofty tropical flavours, silky honey, and rich dried fruits. The oily viscosity coats your mouth wonderfully as the rising mocha notes and nutty spice lingers on and on. So much to explore.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £89.81

If you want to learn more about the fascinating world of Irish whiskey, then let us remind you of The Three Drinkers in Ireland, when we explored the beauty of the Emerald Isle.

Meet Our DRINKLUSIVE Mentees!

We are absolutely delighted to introduce you to our first ever DRINKLUSIVE mentees. Over the next six months, they will embark on the first Inclusivity Mentorship of its kind in the drinks space, with the aim of giving people from all walks of life the chance to make the drinks industry their home.

Our fabulous mentees below will be learning from our industry leading DRINKLUSIVE mentors, working towards their WSET qualifications, building their personal brand and network, getting access to work experience, and creating written and social content not only here at The Three Drinkers, but also for The Independent and JancisRobinson.com.

We can’t wait for you to see more from DRINKLUSIVE and the mentees soon, but for now, here they are!

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Fowwaz Ansari

DRINKLUSIVE MENTEE

Fowwaz was born in the UK but grew up in Pakistan before returning to attend university when he was 18. It was during his studies that he grew an affinity for bartending whilst working in various pubs and bars part-time. Upon graduation, rather than going down the graduate jobs route, he opted for a career behind the stick. Since doing so, his passion for food and drinks has only increased in breadth and depth. Having sharpened his senses for the past 8 years in the industry, he is currently taking on the challenge of being head bartender at one of Edinburgh's most exciting up-and-coming independent bars; Bittersweet Leith. When coming up with signature drinks for the bar, Fowwaz very often turns his head to his heritage and the culinary culture that surrounds it for inspiration and you can often find him nose-deep in a book looking to expand his knowledge.

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Latoya Austin

DRINKLUSIVE MENTEE

Latoya grew up as a cocktail lover due to her upbringing where Caribbean cocktails such as rum punch, sorrel and rum were produced for special occasions. She was introduced to the world of wine through her studies of French at school and university and her interest grew further through her travels leading her to become a travel writer alongside her regular day job. When journeying around the world, she can often be found sampling local traditional drinks such as soju in South Korea. Latoya is particularly interested in aspects of wine tourism and during the lockdowns she took the opportunity to discover more of the local English vineyards within the burgeoning English wine scene. She’d love to learn more about the lesser-known wine regions, such as Uruguay, Bulgaria and more.

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Miley Kendrick

DRINKLUSIVE MENTEE

Miley fell head over heels for bartending the second she stepped behind a bar at the young age of eighteen, where she underwent about the most intense training possible from old school cocktail bar, Be at One. Slinging drinks is a natural fit for a musician and frontwoman, providing a stage to be herself, create, and be playful. Since making the move to independent bars in 2021, Miley has won two UK cocktail competitions and competed on a global scale in Sweden and Mexico. Everything Miley does is a means to creating the most whimsical life possible for herself; her drive to fill her world with art fuels her passion for writing, crafting cocktails, or playing guitar.

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Roberta Jerram

DRINKLUSIVE MENTEE

Robbie’s love for botanicals and mixology was inherited from the female drink-makers in her family, her Mum and Nans. She began her journey in drinks working behind the bar in local Hampshire pubs, before moving on to moonlighting as a bartender at a London hotel during her student years. Her passion for gin truly blossomed in her 20s, when she landed her dream job as a flight attendant serving G&Ts to British holidaymakers at 30,000 feet. Now in her 50s, her love for gin and botanicals has remained constant and she enjoys nothing more than sharing her knowledge and gin cocktails with her gin pals, family and friends. You can find Robbie on social media @thefairyginmother and very soon on her Gin App which will be launching in March 2024 @ginpodapp.

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Will Wong

DRINKLUSIVE MENTEE

Previously a management consultant and theatre director, Will is now a professional photographer who began shooting wine and glassware seriously during the Covid lockdowns. If wine is liquid geography or poetry, the ultimate litmus tests for him are whether the beverage takes you down memory lane, or better still, transports you to a time and place you have never been. His goal is to tell compelling stories about the people and places behind the labels. Being a certified Climate Aware Photographer, he enjoys researching how vines and winemaking are adapting to and evolving with our changing climate. When he’s not enjoying press tastings, print magazines or Formula One, you will find Will sharing his experiences of food & wine/spirits pairings on his Instagram account @fino_vino_malts.

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Zach Sapato

DRINKLUSIVE MENTEE

Zach Sapato is a bartender and intentional experience designer from the US, who now calls Scotland home. He is a US & UK National Swizzle Cocktail Champion - as well as holding four other US & UK national cocktail titles. In recognition of his efforts founding HospoHang - a hospitality community collective based in Glasgow - Zach was given the Hospitality Hero award from the Scottish Licensed Trade. He has done educational seminars at international conferences on Intentional Experience Design and Hospitality Community Building. He really likes cool pals, genuine hospitality, charity shops, tater tots, and blue drinks. You'll probably like him.

If you are interested in becoming a DRINKLUSIVE mentor then click here to find out more.

Penfolds Launches New Champagne

When it comes to high-quality Australian wine, Penfolds is the name that springs to mind for us and for many others no doubt.

In 1844, Dr. Chrstopher Penfold and wife, Mary Penfold made the daunting move from England all the way over to Australia. Crucially, they stopped at France for vine cuttings and when these were planted at the Magill Estate near Adelaide, Penfolds was born. To celebrate their 180th birthday this year, they’ve given quite the present to themselves and us.

We’re big fans of Penfolds because they are just so reliable, no matter your budget. Indeed, they’ve provided many a wine for our Bring a Bottle podcast. If you see a Penfolds bottle on a shelf, you know that what’s inside won’t disappoint… and there really aren’t that many producers you can say that about.

We’ve luxuriated in their fantastic Shiraz range for a long time, but this isn’t about classic Aussie reds, this is about bubbles. More specifically, the Penfolds New Cuvée Brut Champagne. Working with Champagne Thiénot and expanding their links with France that started everything 180 years ago, Penfolds’ Chief Winemaker Peter Gago and Champagne Thiénot’s Chef de Cave Nicolas Uriel have conceived the project.

Not only did Penfolds originate with French vines, but legendary winemaker Max Schubert also learnt from Bordeaux ideas and techniques for Penfold’s iconic 1951 Grange, their most famous wine. All these years later, and the focus remains on intertwining French methods with Penfold’s classic house style.

This new Champagne follows Penfolds’ inaugural release of three 2012 vintage Champagnes at The Ritz Paris in 2019. Since then, they’ve been working at getting increasingly involved with on-the-ground winemaking in France, setting up at La Place de Bordeaux, Château Cambon la Pelouse and others. So, whilst this release looks back and celebrates 180 years of winemaking, it also seems like the beginning of something very exciting (and delicious).

The product of this luxury collaboration will be released across the globe later in the year in September 2024, expected to price at around $79 Australian Dollars, around £41.

Elevate Your Dry January Experience with These 8 Alcohol Free Wines

More and more drinkers are doing Dry January, and the alternatives out there are better than they have ever been. Having said that, there are still plenty of No-Low drinks that will fool you into thinking they’re all just as dreary and nothing-y as that one was – particularly when it comes to wine.

Nonetheless, just as there are many underwhelming wines, there are some absolute gems at the other end of the spectrum. These wines are not in the business of compromise. And for well under £10, they’re also incredible value. In fact, they’re appealing enough to make Dry January a breeze.

The Best Non-Alcohol Rosé Wine

Not Guilty Alcohol Free Rosé Wine

This fun bottle doesn’t make the cardinal sin of being too sweet, which is something that seems to ruin some alcohol-free Rosés. There are subtle red berry flavours, tartness, and an alluring lightness that makes for relaxed easy drinking. It really is wonderful value for the runner up at the 2023 World Alcohol-Free Awards.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 0%
Find here: £4.50 (usually more!)

The Best Non-Alcohol Sparkling Rosé Wine

Oddbird Sparkling Rosé

If you’ve been into No-Lo wines for a while, then chances are you’ve heard of Oddbird. Their reputation for quality really does precede them, and they’re also making great strides towards sustainability. Their fizzing Rosé displays superb balance, blended from Chardonnay and aged Languedoc-Roussillon Pinot Noir. Gorgeous strawberries come through with lots of freshness, and the dry tang makes sure all that fruity sweetness doesn’t go overboard. If you’re missing Rosé over Dry Jan, then this is a must try.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 0%
Find here: £9.99

Kylie Minogue Sparkling Rosé Alcohol Free

This pink beauty is another hit for Kylie, delivering a harmonious balance of florality and juicy red fruits that linger longer than you’d expect. The fizz is gentle but lively and overall, it feels like really well made, light and refreshing Rosé. Great value too.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 0%
Find here: £6 (£4.50 Clubcard Price)

Thomson & Scott Skinny Noughty Organic Alcohol Free Sparkling Rosé

The entire Noughty range focuses on skipping over not only those unnatural inclusions, but also unnecessary sugars, meaning each glass has so few calories and feels clean. The grapes from southern Spain and give a seriously seductive shade of pink. The bubbles are there, the balance of acidity and sweetness is there, and the red berries share the lead role with the juicy grape flavour itself.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 0%
Find here: £9.50

The Best Non-Alcohol Sparkling Wine

McGuigan Zero Sparkling

As one of the biggest names in Australian wine, McGuigan have a robust choice in their Zero range these days. Thanks to their state-of-the-art tech, they’re able to remove all the alcohol from these bottles at lower temperatures than usual, retaining even more of the winey goodness. This fizz has an appealing dry bite, with sweetness comparable to Prosecco. Orchard fruits come through with a hit of a refreshment too. For pennies, it is tremendous.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 0%
Find here: £3£3.5050 (usually more!)

Freixenet 0.0 Alcohol Free Sparkling

Freixenet’s fizzy offering retains the character of the wine, avoiding the cloying sweetness that so many rivals fall prey to. The fruity nose is very welcoming, yet the first sip is surprisingly dry. It’s not going to blow you away with a myriad of different flavours and depth, but there is a reason so many return to this as their No-Lo sparkler – it’s reliable, quaffable and fools a lot of people into thinking it has booze in it.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 0%                    
Find here: £4.75

La Gioiosa Alcohol Free Vegan Sparkling

This lovely looking Italian No-Lo fizz knocks it out the park for around a fiver. Think fine bubbles, and signature Giera accents of pear, peach and apple, alongside lovely floral notes. Fruity, easy-drinking wine that we’d recommend serving chilled for added refreshment. Solid.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 0%
Find here: £4.99

Vintense Fine White Bubbles

Vintense take things in an elegant direction here, capturing the special feel and sophistication of the sparkling wine experience. A fruity bouquet is accompanied by subtle lemon and sun-kissed peach on the palate. This would be delicious with fish, shellfish, oysters and salads too – very food-friendly.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 0%
Find here: £8.78

Something you might not have considered as an alternative to wine is sparkling teas. They’re flourishing right now, so give something new a go!

The Best Sparkling Wines for New Years, Whatever Your Budget

New Years is the biggest celebration of them all, and sparkling wine is the drink most synonymous with celebrating, so getting the right bottle in is of the utmost importance.

There are hefty price tags floating around in the world of bubbles, so you want to be sure that you’re getting great value and not buying an overpriced bottle. We’ve been investigating Champagne, English Fizz, Prosecco, and Cava to find three different options for each, whatever your budget is. These bottles all give one hell of a bang for their buck and deliver a better drinking experience of bottles twice the price. So, without further ado... let’s pop the cork on the best sparkling wines for New Years!

The Best Champagne to Drink At New Year

Veuve Monsigny Champagne Brut

This is a fantastic value Champagne in the dry style that’s available at Aldi, hence the exceptional price. Of course, there isn’t the complexity of the top-end bubbly, but this is really well-made wine all the same, with loveable apple crumble character – think Granny Smiths, slightly spiced biscuits, nuts, and brioche. It’s one of the UK’s best sellers for a reason, and would raise many an eyebrow in blind tastings with far more expensive bottles.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £14.99

Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut Non Vintage Champagne

Backed up so many awards, this is everything great Champagne should be. It screams (or gently whispers) elegance and carries a fragrant, inviting bouquet. In the mouth, the bubbles are persistent and lively, delivering soft, creamy fruits and a finish that stretches off into 2025, let alone 2024.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £42.99 (usually more!)

Champagne de Saint-Gall Orpale

This is fine Grand Cru Champagne aged on its lees for 12 years, and that beautiful deep golden hue hides so much depth. Delicate citrus hits the nose, rich, toasted brioche and minerality play off in the mouth, and all that racy power lingers too, with grapefruit appearing towards the end. Magical.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £94.95

The Best English Sparkling Wine to Drink At New Year

Morrisons The Best English Sparkling Brut Vintage 2010

The price of this used to be higher, and it was well worth trying then, so you just have to now. English fizz has come so far in the last two decades, now going toe-to-toe and even surpassing some fine French Champagnes. This is great way to experience all that improvement, without breaking the bank. 8 years of ageing brings beautifully deep biscuity notes, but the crispness of those British orchards holds strong.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11.5%
Find here: £18

Hattingley Valley Blanc de Blancs 2015

The 2015 harvest started cool but finished with heaps of sun, resulting in the intense flavours and crisp flavours you find here. The creamy feel coats the mouth and the citrus glimmers, throwing up images of lemon mousse, buttery shortbread, and crisp green apples. Vibrance and elegance is what this English bubbly is all about, and it’s no surprise to see it feature in so many top restaurants.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £44

Nyetimber 1086 Prestige Cuvee 2010

Another restaurateur’s favourite, Nyetimber are one of the leading lights in English sparkling wine. Creamy, nougat deliciousness fills out the palate, blanketing vibrant fruits. Those beautiful mineral tones begin to intertwine as it goes on, joined by crushed, toasted nuts. The structure is so strong, with everything in its place, and the only reaction is to be impressed.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £129.95

The Best Prosecco & Cava to Drink At New Year

Pasqua 'Romeo & Juliet' Brut Prosecco DOC

The nose on this romantic Prosecco is seductively intense, with a touch of citrus and a lot of fruit which, after the first sip, reveals itself to carry a tonne of freshness. It feels aromatic throughout, with a gentle tang and tartness that brings harmony. Light, aromatic, full of fruit and softly moussed – tremendous value Prosecco at this price.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11%
Find here: £12.99

La Gioiosa Prosecco Brut

£7.50 for this is just superb. It’s a dry Prosecco brimming with sunshine lemons, almond undertones and lightness that is to die for. It’s less sweet than most Prosecco, focusing instead on crisp refreshment and would be a lovely wine to sip on when welcoming in the New Year.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11%
Find here: £7.50

Pere Ventura Cavas Cava Vintage Brut Gran Reserva 2015

This is a benchmark in premium Cava, something some people disregard at these prices for some reason. The nose is full of orchard fruits, and tasteful acidity slices through the creamy palate. The mouse is stand out, delicate freshness is never far away, and it shows excellent finesse from start to finish. A masterful expression of the style.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £36

Last Minute Gift Ideas for Drinks Lovers: Distillery Tours in the UK & Ireland

Distillery and winery tours make for amazing gifts for anyone who’s into their drinks, and they’re usually not as expensive as you might think. Getting up close and personal with whisky, gin or wine production really brings the drink to life, and these tours from across England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland do exactly that, each with rave reviews and in spectacular locations.

Whisky Distillery Tours

Jameson Distillery Bow Street, Dublin

This place is an absolute monument to Irish Whiskey. If you didn’t know, then Jameson is the best-selling Irish whiskey in the world, so it’s no surprise that they have a top notch set up to explore it. Conveniently, it’s also in Dublin so easy to get to. John Jameson founded this former factory in 1780, and you can tailor your experience there by budget and activities. Options include all kinds of tasting sessions at the Jameson centrepiece bar, how to blend your own whiskey, a big focus on whiskey cocktails, and all the rich history too.

Find more info here

Glenfiddich, Dufftown

William Grant laid the first stones to this distillery in 1886, making it one of the oldest family-owned Scotch whisky distilleries going. It’s world-renowned, and the 35-hectare site in the Valley of the Deer (between Aberdeen and Inverness) is one of the most impressive distilleries to explore. Explore picturesque pagodas, a traditional aging warehouse, giant stillhouses and bottling lines, with rich details every step of the way, that only come with so much heritage and experience. The guides have a great reputation, opening up the world of Glenfiddich for you, and all before a generous taste of the good stuff – golden Speyside Scotch. There are so many wonderful distilleries, but if we have to pick one, this is probably the one to visit.

Find more info here

Penderyn, Brecon Beacons

Though they have two other distilleries in Swansea and Llandudno, Brecon Beacons is the original 2004 site for Penderyn, the distillery that brought whisky back to Wales. This award-winning 1-hour tour welcomes more than 40,000 visitors a year to the easy-on-the-eye Brecon Beacons. Visitors see everything – the mill, the mash turn, the state-of-the-art stills, and it’s all finished with a sample of the acclaimed whisky itself. It’s not got centuries behind it like some distilleries in the UK, but it’s making history all the same.

Find more info here

The English Distillery, Norfolk

Just like Wales, whisky distilleries have been popping up in England over the last two decades, and the more relaxed manufacturing rules and warmer climate allow for different, experimental whiskies. When King (then Prince) Charles opened The English Distillery in rural Norfolk in 2005, it was the first of its kind in a century. A prolific and acclaimed malt whisky producer, the tour operates 7 days a week, showcasing the magnificent distilling floor, barrel warehouse and more. The tour is known for devilish detail whilst also being easy to follow, and those that don’t wish to take part can take a stroll by the stunning nearby river.

Find more info here

Gin Distillery Tours

Bombay Sapphire Distillery, Hampshire

World-famous, the Bombay Sapphire Distillery in Hampshire is a must for any gin lover. The site once housed a Victorian paper mill, and the derelict redbrick has been intertwined with modern architectural beauty, like the glasshouse centrepiece, which contains all the Bombay botanicals. The reviews are impressive, the pictures are stunning, and a recent 2021 upgrade brought in a cinema room and refreshed cocktail menu to match the interactive cocktail bar. It’s a botanical paradise, exploring the masterful details of how the ingredients become the liquid, as well as fascinating ecology and sustainability tricks. There are plenty of tour options too for flexibility.

Find more info here

Edinburgh Gin, Edinburgh

This is the place to go for insight into the Scottish capital’s rich history with juniper, and you also get to visit one of the most stunning cities in Europe. The working distillery has such an atmosphere that its one of the top ranked attractions a city full of them. The bar and visitor centre is subterranean enhancing the vibe, where you can taste their award-winning gins (the Rhubarb is a favourite of ours), and exactly what you try (or your giftee if you’re still feeling selfless) is up to you – there’s chocolate pairings, mixology adventures, or the classic distillery tasting experience.

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Gower Gin, Swansea

We love Gower’s GWYR gin for its pure feel, and it turns out that their tour experience is just as good. A far cry form giant distillery tours, this is intimate. The husband-and-wife team behind this Welsh gin started in a ‘bike shed’ at the end of their garden, and still do things on a small scale at their charming micro-distillery. Foraged botanicals like gorse flower, sea buckthorn and linen meet quirky additions such as teas and cubeb pepper, and everything is inspired by the seaside or Welsh influences. They now have their peaceful tasting garden available… and you get all of that for free! Yep, free. So if you’re gifting it, maybe you can give them money to buy a bottle at the end… because they’ll definitely want to.

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Dingle Distillery, County Kerry

The great thing about Dingle Distillery in Ireland is that it’s not just award-winning gin produced there, but whiskey and vodka too, so you get a unique insight into what it takes to master different spirits up close. The generous guided tour covers the entire production process, from working with local farms to finessing the final product… which you will get to sample of course. It’s a really well put together enthusiastic and informative experience, and the local port town of Dingle is well worth a visit too.

Find more info here

Winery and Vineyard Tours

Simpsons Estate, Kent

If anywhere is the home of English wine, it has to be Kent. Nestled covertly amongst the North Downs slopes, not far from Canterbury, lies the Simpsons Estate, headed up by Charles and Ruth, veterans of the English wine revival. The area itself is already an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and that’s before the vineyard, where you’ll walk the iconic Roman Road and learn everything from in the vine to wine process. To finish, the Glass House Tasting Room looks out over the winery, where visitors can try the traditional method fizz or innovative 100% Pinot Meunier. The sunset session is very memorable indeed, if it’s available.

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Camel Valley, Cornwall

This stunning Cornish vineyard was the first in the UK to be awarded a PDO (Protected Designation Origin) from the EU for its Darnibole vineyard, so it really is special and unique. It’s been refined since the 80s, when English wine was dismissed by many… but they are one of the wineries that have blazed a trail for it. Their Cornwall Brut is famous, they produce a range of red, white, and sparkling wines. Different tastings and tours can be booked, from Daily Guides which cover the fascinating fundamentals of winemaking, to the special Grand Tour.

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Glyndwr Vineyard, Wales

In the utterly beautiful Vale of Glenmorgan is Wales’ oldest vineyard, Glyndwr Vineyard, family run since 1979. Their production portfolio is expansive, and features wines that have been picked for the Parliament, the Ryder Cup and NATO. The quaint setting would make for a delightful walk even without the vineyard, but the tour is such good value. The owner does the tour, so knows the place inside out, from the history to the vines to the lamas also on site! The reviews speak for themselves – the tour is so informative, personal and generous, and the setting couldn’t be prettier.

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Wicklow Wines, Ireland

You might not think of Ireland when you think of wineries, but Wicklow Wines are the exception. They’ve been lauded over by TripAdvisor, Vogue, Lonely Planet and Michelin star restaurants, offering a behind-the-scenes tour of their small, working winery. They make incredible berried wines, which will be tasted alongside Irish cheeses and chocolates. It was even voted the 2nd best food and drink experience in Ireland!

Find more info here

Of course, this is just a taste of some of the best wineries, vineyards and distilleries in the UK and Ireland, but there are more offering fabulous experiences, many of which we visited in previous series of The Three Drinkers! You can find more Scotch Whisky tours here, more Irish Whiskey tours here, and more English wineries here!

What Should I Drink With Christmas Cake, Pudding and Mince Pies?

If you’re not gorging on at least one of these this December, then are you even doing Christmas? Of course, mince pies, Christmas cake, and Christmas pudding have their differences, but they’re all based around rich fruits, usually dried, or candied, as well as nuts and spices. Because of this, the same kind of drinks tend to work with them, and work they certainly do – these pairings are mouth-watering, and exactly what Christmas indulgence is about.

Sherry

Sweet, luxurious sherry is such a perfect match. Stick to Pedro Ximenez or Oloroso styles, and the dried fruits, nuts, and silky, rich chocolatey notes will pair up like a match made in taste heaven. It’s a traditional pairing too, so fully embraces the season. We’ve just uploaded our sherry guide for Christmas too, which details recommendations and information about all the styles.

Size: 375ml (half bottle)
ABV: 17%
Find here: £13.65

Port

Tawny Port in particular is a great way to go, brimming with red and black fruits, and if it’s got decent aging, nutty undertones too. The tawny is slightly less sweet than ruby ports, so the richer, nuttier, treacley flavours work well, especially if you’re using brandy butter. This Kopke Tawny is lovely and rich, with a velvety mouthfeel complimenting any cream.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 19.5%
Find here: £14.99

Madeira

Part of Madeira wine’s fundamental manufacturing is heat, giving tonnes of stewed fruits and burnt sugar notes, as well as delicious nutty flavours. I mean, the nose often smells of Christmas cake even! They also keep their acidity nicely, which helps to avoid everything becoming a bit weighed down and cloying. It isn’t as traditional as a glass of sherry but works just as well.  This Blandy’s number is full-on and fruity, but most decent sweet Maderia wines will do the job.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 19%
Find here: £12.99 (usually more!)

Muscat

Dessert wines with carrying hints of apricot or orange work nicely, playing into the festive fruits nicely. Spanish Moscatel de Valencia is a good option – it’s a honeyed wine that’s also fresh and fruity, with lofty florality. It also provides a bit of refreshment and tang if the richness is getting a bit much,

Size: 750ml
ABV: 15%
Find here: £7.99

These Christmas sweet treats are all similar in profile, but the same cannot be said for other desserts, where they may be sharp citrus, custard or other difficult to match flavours and textures. Luckily, we have a whole guide on what to drink with Classic British Puddings here!