The Best Gins to Gift this Christmas

best gins for christmas three drinkers

The world’s obsession with gin is far from over, and as a result, there are a tonne of bottles competing to be the ultimate gin gift. Luckily, we’ve narrowed it down. We’ve travelled far and wide to pull together the very best options for each category and boy do we have some variety here! Some of the most beautifully designed bottles we’ve ever seen, expert crafting, and true innovation – there’s something for everyone and you will find your perfect gin gift here. That’s a promise.

The Best London Dry Gin to Gift

Tulchan Gin

Tulchan Gin

As the eye-catching bag piper suggests, this is a Scottish gin and in particular, the prestigious Tulchan Estate in Speyside. On top of the fundamental and familiar London Dry botanicals of citrus, piney juniper and cardamon is a flavour profile inspired by the Speyside flora that’s local to the estate. Picked on site, heather, sloe berries, blackberry leaves and elderflower combine for a deliciously bright, light and floral gin. You might normally think Speyside in a glass would be whisky, but this gin definitely has something to say about that!

Size: UK 700ml / US 750ml
ABV: 45%
Find here: UK £37.57 / US $42.99

58 & Co

58 & Co

This is a multi-award-winning gin in a gorgeous minimalist bottle with maximum quality inside. Crisp citrus and leafy notes feature on the nose, with a juniper forward palate supported by more gorgeous citrus and a pleasant peppery finish. It’s just a really well-crafted gin. Serve with Mediterranean tonic, loads of ice and any citrus you like.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £32.94

The Botanist

The Botanist the three drinkers thethreedrinkers.com

This stylish bottle has become a gin list staple, and we’d be surprised if you’ve never come across it! Created at the Bruichladdich distillery, it’s exclusively made on the island of Islay off the Scottish west coast. A staggering 31 botanicals are involved, 22 of which are native to the island! From familiar faces like coriander seed and lemon peel to water mint, red clovers, creeping thistle and the Harry Potter-esque mugwort leaves! Everything combines to create a silky smooth, earthy yet sweet expression with subtle herbals never far away. Islay isn’t just whisky you know! Get the most out of all those botanicals in a classic G&T!

Size: UK 700ml / US 750ml
ABV: 46%
Find here: UK £32.99 // US $41.99

The Best Pink Gin to Gift

Mirabeau

Mirabeau

We’ve loved the Mirabeau Rosé for a long time with its top-notch quality and value and inspired by the botanical bounty around their Saint Tropez estate, they turned to juniper too! The glorious base notes of juniper, citrus, orris and angelica root and coriander support this herbaceous twist, with bay, thyme and rosemary providing real character. The Rosé in the base as well as being made with grapes itself makes this gin stand out even more, creating a deliciously light expression, perfectly balanced between fruits and herbs. If you like Rosé or know someone that does, then this is the perfect gateway gin.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £40.24

Great Glen - Pink Gin

Great Glen - Pink Gin

This beautifully complex pink gin is made from the pure waters of Loch Ness itself. Now you can’t ask for much more than that. Citrus aromas make way for a stunningly crisp fruitiness - think pink lady apples and wild Scottish raspberries. A floral finish to round off the profile takes over with hibiscus and rose petal botanicals and Great Glen is it satisfying! Ice, premium tonic and a fresh raspberry garnish and that is one delightful sipper indeed.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £39.95

Pinkster Pink Gin

Pinkster Pink Gin

The pinkest of pink gins it’s Pinkster (try saying that after a couple of glasses of these). That striking hue is obtained through the use of real fresh raspberries, no chemicals or colouring. They’re grown local to the Cambridgeshire HQ and provide a lot more naturality, subtlety and smoothness to the gin. Super clean taste and gongs to prove it! Why not go the whole hog and garnish with fresh raspberries in a G&T?

Size: 700ml
ABV: 37.5%
Find here: £35

The Best Spiced Gin to Gift

Rutland Square Chai Spiced Gin

Rutland Square Chai Spiced Gin

If you like chai tea and spiced gin then you’ve hit the motherload. Made with white tea from Assam, this lovely gin is inspired by the founder’s great-grandfather who teamed up with a Scottish Army Officer to begin distilling while working on a tea estate. There is precision balance with warming cardamon, cinnamon and star anise lightened up by floral sweetness from the tea and a hint of creamy vanilla. There’s plenty to explore served neat over ice, but this would also add really interesting layers to many cocktails, like a spiced negroni. Beautiful bottle for gifting too we think.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 41%
Find here: £32.94

Atlas Shichimi Gin

Atlas Shichimi Gin

If you’re not familiar with Atlas, they come up with exotic variations of gin from around the globe (Chai, Lovecake etc.) and this... Shichimi. If you’re into Japanese cooking, you might have this in your cupboard already for ramen, but it’s a very popular spice blend dating back to the 17th century. There are really unique botanicals here, with nori seaweed, ginger, gyokuro green tea and Sichuan peppercorn creating an unusual but instantly moreish umami profile. Of course, juniper and citrus freshen everything up but this is a really warming spicy gin and one to slowly sip! It would be a fantastic gift for a seasoned gin experimenter to try something new.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £48

The Best Navy Strength Gin to Gift

Shoogle Junniperous Gin - Navy Strength

Shoogle Junniperous Gin - Navy Strength

This lip smacker begins with the same eleven botanicals used in Shoogle’s renowned Scottish Dry Gin and adds a few eyebrow raisers to the mix, like kumquat, baobab, tonka bean and pink peppercorn adding sweetness and textured mouthfeel. Juniper is amplified and pushed to the front of the stage, alongside the citrus notes, and all together there is a staggering amount of flavour for a Navy Strength it has to be said. Get plenty of ice in that glass, a premium light tonic and savour every sip!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 57%
Find here: £45

Pickering’s Gin Navy Strength

Pickering’s Gin Navy Strength

Allow us to introduce you to this extremely distinguished gin, the official tipple of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo (check out what’s over the cap!). Pickering’s uses a family recipe passed down through generations, showing really bold juniper on the nose, and fragrant mandarin, cardamon and anise on the palate. After a few sips you’ll really notice the waves of exotic spice, and these carry through the finish with cumin in particular. One of the best things about this gin is the possibility to take it to the distillery in Edinburgh, and get it refilled! That’s right, if you keep the bottle someone there will fill it up! The everlasting gin, your wish is their command!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 57.1%
Find here: £39.66

The Best Old Tom Gin to Gift

Rock Rose Pink Grapefruit Old Tom

Rock Rose Pink Grapefruit Old Tom

Old Tom Gin peaked in popularity in 18th century England, but has enjoyed a resurgence lately, particularly in cocktails. Muscovado sugar adds that trademark sweetness to this Old Tom, which uses organic pink grapefruit peel on top of a fresh and familiar botanical base. It’s a benchmark zesty Old Tom, but there’s something else we have to touch on. This gin is available in fully recyclable pouches! You can refill the stunning bottle, and just pop the pouch into a post-box (no stamp or envelope required) and Dunnet Bay Distillers take care of the rest. So, you still get to pour from the bottle, and it’s environmentally friendly too! Win win!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 41.5%
Find here: £32 Recyclable Pouch / £35 Bottle

Bullards Old Tom Gin

Bullards Old Tom Gin

Another gin watching their carbon footprint is historic Norwich producer Bullards, which also offers the eco-refill pouch and picked up the 2020 Gin Guide Sustainability Award. The gin itself is also award winning, so this is really the complete package. Wonderfully warming with pink peppercorns, sweet with Norfolk honey and rich with mango, a touch of grapefruit citrus cuts through perfectly for a stunning expression. Simply add tonic and ice with a slice of grapefruit for a garnish and you’re smiling!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 42.5%
Find here: £32

The Best Flavoured Gin to Gift

Pink Pepper – Audemus

Pink Pepper – Audemus

Based in Cognac, French producer Audemus is aiming to move away from juniper-forward straight gins and create bold new flavours. They have a curious Umami Gin, but their flagship is this lovely Pink Pepper creation. Instantly on sipping, there’s in your face fresh and spicy pink peppercorns, cardamon and still prominent juniper. As the gin takes time to warm a little, baking notes of vanilla and tonka release, and when it comes to serving with tonic and ice, a floral side is shown. Lots of layers taking turns to come to the fore for a really interesting and well-rounded experience – a top gift for any gin lover for sure.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 44%
Find here: £37.45

Malfy Con Arancia (Blood Orange), Italian Gin

Malfy Con Arancia (Blood Orange), Italian Gin

This beautiful bottle has spruced up many a supermarket shelf in recent years, and we love it. This is a flavoured gin for drinkers that really want bold flavour. The blood orange is very concentrated, and usually this would mean a lack of freshness but no. It’s dense with fresh blood orange instead, creating that seductive ruby red and an extra long bittersweet citrussy finish. Truly a drink that transports you to the Italian coast in summer, but it's too delicious not to have all year round. An ideal gift from setting eyes on the bottle to the final drop.

Size: UK 700ml / US 750ml
ABV: 41%
Find here: UK £24.99 / US $27.99

Tanqueray Flor De Sevilla Distilled Gin

Tanqueray Flor De Sevilla Distilled Gin

This is one of our absolute favourite gins. Not only are the floral flavours dancing, but the orange blossom has an unbelievably fresh feel as if it was squeezed straight into your glass. It’s inspired by an original Charles Tanqueray recipe from Spanish travels in the 1860s, and concoctions like this are part of the reason Tanqueray is loved so much by bar tenders and drinkers all the same! So much flavour here so serve neat over ice with some orange wedges if you have them.

Size: UK 700ml / US 750ml
ABV: 41.3%
Find here: UK £19.99 / US $29.99

Mermaid Zest

Mermaid Zest

Gaze your eyes upon this seaside wonder from Isle of Wight distillery Mermaid Gin, with its alluring potion-esque colouring. A true taste of the island, it includes coastal samphire, Boadicea hops and locally foraged floral bergamot and rosemary. The combination of refreshment and brightness with the herbal bouquet is a winning one and it’s just crying out for a G&T that forces a long ‘ahhhh’ out of you after the first sip.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £38.24

Reverend Hubert's Winter Gin Liqueur

Reverend Hubert's Winter Gin Liqueur

This recipe was created by Reverend Hubert Bell Lester at the beginning of the 20th century, as the renowned partier tried to create a liqueur to blow his army colleagues’ socks off. And he obviously hit upon something because here we are recommending it today! His great grandson Thomas revived it, and what a job. Crafted in the Cotswolds, it uses Amalfi Lemons, Sri Lankan spice and English rhubarb, variety that is reflected in that incredible bottle. Distinct in taste, it’s super smooth with aromatic dried fruit, winter spice and fresh citrusy bursts of orange and lemon. This is a must-have for any cocktail experimenters, elevating negronis and hot punches to the next level. It even comes in a striking gift box too. The complete package, literally.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 27%
Find here: £35.99

BEST OF THE REST

An Dúlamán Irish Maritime Gin

An Dúlamán Irish Maritime Gin

If you want something guaranteed to be a little different to your usual gins this, is it. How many seaweed varieties do you need in a gin you might ask? An Dúlamán from Donegal in Ireland contains not one, not two, not three but five different varieties of locally harvested seaweed! Combined with other fundamental botanicals, you’re left with a delicious savoury gin that packs gentle heat with very subtle lemon sweetness in tow. A fantastic gift for a gin newbie or someone that’s been around the block, both will love this. Try it with elderflower or lemon tonic for a stonking G&T.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 43.2%
Find here: £29.45

Glendalough Wild Botanical Gin

Happily staying in Ireland for a moment, this is a super simple sipper. Don’t mistake simple for dull for one minute, because a gin that’s this clean, crisp and light takes expert craftmanship and that’s exactly what Glendalough provide. The concept behind their Wild Botanical Gin is to represent an entire year in the glacial valley of Wicklow (The Garden of Ireland). From spring notes of juniper, citrus and pine, to summer flowers and autumn fruits on the palate, before a long winter spice finish, it’s a year in a glass! Love it. Everything’s sustainability foraged and used when fresh, so this ‘simple’ gin isn’t actually so simple after all! Plug alert - you can find out more about Glendalough during The Three Drinkers in Ireland on Amazon Prime!

Size: UK 700ml / US 750ml
ABV: 41%
Find here: UK £33.74 / US $29.99

Cantium Gin

Cantium Gin

So, there you are, perusing the shelves for gins and oh look, someone’s left their flask here. But wait, maybe this is in fact the gift you’re looking for! Cantium gin isn’t just masquerading as a flask... it is one. The gin itself is bold and citrussy, underpinned by tasty juniper and very soft spices, and once you’ve merrily polished it off, it becomes a flask! What an idea, right? And two presents in one. The only issue is making sure people at work know that you’ve got coffee in it now, because that, ‘gin in a reusable flask’ label could cause a few issues! ;)

Size: 500ml
ABV: 42%
Find here: £39

Well, if you want to treat yourself to an incredible gin over Christmas, or you know a gin lover then you should be sorted. But the present buying work may not be done! If you’re on the hunt for amazing Christmas wines, then check out our guides on White, Red, and Bubbles!

Words by Calum Ecroyd

calum ecroyd writer bio


From Budget To Blowout: The Best Vodka To Gift This Christmas

best vodka to gift this christmas

Vodka is a spirit that spans generations and nations, and whilst it was born in Russia and the East of Europe, there are now quality producers absolutely everywhere. It’s still a drink that comes with misconceptions though, so if you’re looking to convert a doubter, or just get a vodka lover something they’re guaranteed to adore, allow us to be your tour guides through the best vodkas to gift this Christmas... starting with incredible value options!

The Best Vodka to Gift Under £20

Wyborowa Vodka

Wyborowa Vodka

Translated to, ‘Selected’ in their language, this vodka is hugely popular in Poland where every part of it is made. It’s been winning international awards since 1930 and remains an ever-present bottle in the value categories. The Polish rye gives the Wyborowa vodka its distinct gentle pecan taste mixed with subtle sweetness, and it’s smooth and pure beyond its price. Any vodka enthusiast will appreciate this and its place in vodka heritage.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £18.59 

Luksusowa Vodka

Luksusowa Vodka

Luksusowa is another 1920s Polish vodka overdelivering. Produced from potatoes along the Baltic Sea’s coastline, the soil is ‘loamy’ producing pure flavour. The result is a super clean aroma that’s subtly chalky, minerally, with grassy qualities, so this really has that, ‘vodka of the earth’ feel. There’s a loveable creamy taste, and a mildly peppery aftertaste too. A classic that’s more than earnt its place in the vodka hall of fame.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £19.74 // US $16.79

Zubrówka Bison Grass Vodka

Zubrówka Bison Grass Vodka

 Completing the trio of excellent Polish value is Zubrówka which is infused with Hierochloe Odorata grass (there’s even a blade of it in the bottle)! It’s a unique variety grown in the Bialowieza Forest near the Ukrainian border – home to the eye-catching beast on the bottle, Polish Bison. Distilled from rye, the spirit is strained through this grass, creating the green hue you can see. As a result, there are plenty of herbal and aromatic notes at play, like cut grass, lavender, slight citrus and cracked pepper. This is a really unique sipping vodka and an incredible gift for a vodka lover. Have some fun working out the notes over ice, and then try it with apple juice or ginger ale!

Size: UK 700ml // US 1L
ABV: 37.5%
Find here: UK £19.94 // US $26.99

The Best Vodka to Gift Under £30

Black Cow Pure Milk Vodka

Black Cow Pure Milk Vodka

Vodka from cow’s milk? Yep. This is a rather unusual vodka that has been on everyone’s lips in more ways than one. It’s created on a West Dorset dairy farm using the whey left over from the farm’s cheddar (also great if you want to combine them as a gift!). You won’t be surprised to hear that this creates a decadent and creamy mouthfeel and as a result, it is amazing at the heart of an Espresso Martini or White Russian, but not before giving it a go neat!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £24.99

Debowa Polish Oak Vodka

Debowa Polish Oak Vodka

We love this bottle with its retro 3D design style, and the sliver of oak wood included in every bottle. As you might imagine from looking at it, this Polish oak vodka is still produced in accordance with a traditional polish recipe and creates unparalleled buttery smoothness at this price point. There are delicate nuts and vanilla, but it’s the velvet feel that grabs the headlines.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £25.43

Brecon Five Black Vodka

Brecon Five Black Vodka

Named because of the pure rock-filtered Brecon Beacons glacier water that goes into this 5 times distilled vodka, this is a masterpiece from the late Dr Jim Swan. A lovely Welsh vodka born from the same team behind Penderyn whisky, it has won gong after gong for ultra-smoothness in the mouth and a fruity barley spirit twist. Pure, natural, and crystal clear, not what you might guess from the sleek bottle!

Size: UK 700ml // US 1.75L
ABV: 43%
Find here: UK £23.94 (usually more!) // US $26.99

Reyka Vodka

Reyka Vodka

This Icelandic wheat and barley vodka is distilled in the most Icelandic way you can imagine. It uses icy glacial spring water and geothermal heat from underground volcanoes, establishing its reputation as one of the world’s greenest vodkas when it launched in 2005. Full and rounded, with a clean but creamy vanilla note that plays against peppery spice and fresh citrus, Reyka would sit pretty in a martini or simply with tonic and ice.

Size: UK 700ml // US 1.75L
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £26.94 // US $35.99

Sapling Vodka

Sapling Vodka

... or to give it it’s full title, ‘Sapling Climate Positive Vodka’. For every bottle sold, a tree is planted. The unique code on the bottle tells you where and more about their planting project with the High Atlas Foundation. So it’s not just a pretty picture on the bottle, that’s what we like to hear! The vodka itself is distilled exclusively from British wheat, distilled four times over for a pure and naturally sweet taste. Detectable through this purity are gorgeous herbaceous and citrusy notes, so this would be amazing as a classic Vodka Lime soda. Climate positive and a tick from us on taste – cheers to that!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £26.94

Tito's Vodka

Tito's Vodka

Tito’s Vodka is as handmade as it first sounds. Tito who lives in in Austin Texas, uses old-fashioned pot stills and each small batch is meticulously taste tested and distilled six times to give a clean and pure vodka perfect for a luxury cocktail. Corn distillation imparts a touch of sweetness to the batches, so something like an Espresso Martini that would be top notch. The corn also means it’s gluten free by the way!

Size: UK 700ml // US 1L
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £27.85 // US $27.99

Cîroc Pineapple

 Cîroc Pineapple

Distilled five times from a base of frozen French grapes, Cîroc is pretty much as smooth as it gets. Whereas with some vodkas, smoothness is achieved at the sacrifice of character, that isn’t the case here, and that’s before the pineapple flavour is even introduced! This vibrant tropical twist tastes natural and of crushed pineapple, rather than flavouring. It would liven up a vodka lemonade and make a stellar gift for anyone who is a fan of the original Cîroc.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 37.5%
Find here: £29.95

FAIR. Quinoa Vodka

FAIR. Quinoa Vodka

This first vodka made from quinoa is organic and Fair Trade certified and created by French distillers and Bolivian farmers. FAIR has been around for over 13 years now, committed to true fairness because no drink is worth it if exploitation is involved anywhere in the long process from soil to bottle. On top of these values, this full but delicate vodka is minerally on the nose with a nice sweetness on the palate. The very subtle but pleasant oiliness creates an incredibly smooth mouthfeel, and we’ve heard this is going down brilliantly with vodka lovers so give it a try!

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £29.99 // US $34.79

The Best Vodka to Gift Under £40

Edwards 1902 Vodka

Edwards 1902 Vodka

The finest King Edward potatoes going into this premium English vodka lend themselves to a gorgeous minerally vodka with earthy depth. On the nose, on the other hand, there’s a fruity, chocolate aroma. For a spirit that only launched in 2020, it’s been heavily praised at all of the major international competitions and is 100% smooth and crisp enough to sip the night away. It would also luxuriate any cocktail though, so it’s up to you! So good!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £34.94

Broken Clock Vodka

Broken Clock

Hidgate’s Broken Clock is produced at one of England’s oldest distilleries in Cheshire, and the flavour suits this down to the ground as it’s infused with russet apples and garden botanicals from old Georgian recipes. This perfumed nose is met by a richly rounded palate in a vodka that oozes character and heritage. Try it in a martini with an olive for a very memorable drink.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £34.99

88 Vodka

88 Vodka

If you like 88 Gin then this award-winning vodka by the same folks is definitely worth a try. For those of you who are drawn to fruitier vodka, this is also for you. It showcases the citrus notes that can sometimes go missing in other expressions with a refreshing tartness, all whilst retaining a gentle creamy feel. Serve with your favourite citrus fruit of course!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40 %
Find here: £35.95 

The Muff Liquor Company Irish Potato Vodka

The Muff Liquor Company Irish Potato Vodka

A follow up to the success of Irish Potato Craft Gin, it’s The Muff Liquor Company’s Potato Vodka! Made with famous Irish potatoes, it’s distilled six times to create a delicately tuned vodka with a creamy taste and vanilla on the nose. There’s real character with it being based on the old recipes of Granda McClenaghan, but with pure and crisp modern distillation. Gorgeous vintage label too – sláinte!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 38%
Find here: £35.96

Tom of Finland Organic Vodka

Tom of Finland Organic Vodka

Let us introduce you to Tom of Finland, aka Touko Laaksonen, a gay icon who’s pioneering visual art had a momentous impact on gay culture in the latter half of the last century. His creations focusing on masculinity and homoeroticism influenced the world, with his work represented by the leather-clad moustached man on the standout bottle. The vodka itself is organically produced in small batches by Master Distiller Mika Mönkkönen at the second oldest family run company in all of Finland; Lignell & Piispanen. Distilled five times through traditional sheet filters, there is no burn whatsoever, just subtle rye spice from aroma to finish and silky smoothness all the way! This really is an absolutely delicious industry-acclaimed vodka with an amazing story, and the final cherry on top is that proceeds from every purchase go to the Tom of Finland Foundation!

Size: UK 500ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £35.99 // US $34.79

Chase Aged Marmalade Vodka

Chase Aged Marmalade Vodka

Here’s a really interesting vodka from England produced from 100 per cent estate-grown potatoes. It’s a beautifully bittersweet orange-flavoured vodka made with zesty thick-cut Seville marmalade that carries over into a long tangy finish. Definitely one to try for anyone who loves experimenting with fruity vodkas!

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £36.99 // US $29.99

G.H.Q. Vodka

G.H.Q. Vodka

Handcrafted at a secret location somewhere in the Scottish Highlands by unknown distillers using confidential recipes and Cairngorm water, G.H.Q present this glorious creamy vodka. Whoever’s handy work it is they’re clearly smashing it because this has been picked out for praise after praise. There’s a lovely balance of minerality and herbal elements, and noticeable hazelnut and honey in the mouth. Super relaxing to sip on, and it’d go well with Mediterranean tonic or ginger ale! This one won’t stay secret for long!

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

The Best Luxury Vodka to Gift

X Muse

X Muse

This is a vodka with really amazing flavour, named after a sculpture at the Bonnington Estate which the co-creator Robert Wilson owns. We should clarify, this isn’t a flavoured vodka, it’s a vodka with flavour! X Muse is a barley vodka blending two different heritage varieties together with notes of both fresh and cooked fruits giving great complexity. There’s a standout silky texture with intoxicating viscosity, and delicate touches of ginger and nutmeg surface on the palate too for a sublime experience. An absolute treat for any vodka lover.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 41%
Find here: £55.74

Crystal Head Aurora Vodka

Crystal Head Aurora Vodka

Crystal Head has built itself a reputation as the world’s purest vodka, sourcing water from a natural aquifer that’s hidden on the extremely remote St John’s Newfoundland (the most Easter point in North America). The iconic skull design is created in celebration of the Aurora Borealis aka the Northern Lights and uses high-quality English wheat instead of the usual corn for a slightly spicier expression, with floral aromas and subtle anise. Filtered seven times before a final triple-filter through a cone of Herkimer diamonds, this is absolutely stunning as always and feels as special from the moment you lay your eyes on it to the moment you take your last sip.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £59.94 // US $57.99

If you want to kit out your home for the ultimate boozy Christmas, then check out our favourite luxury crackers this year, each filled with a variety of different delicious drinks!

Words by Calum Ecroyd

12 Cream Liqueurs Perfect for Sipping this Winter

Cream Liqueurs Perfect for Sipping this Winter

It’s that time of year when we start to think of mistletoe, holly and Christmas trees, but what could be more quintessentially thought of as a Christmas drink than cream liqueurs? The shop shelves are awash with Baileys Irish Cream, however, good Baileys is, and it is very good, there are some other alternatives which are just as good if not better.

Cream liqueurs don’t have to be just Irish Cream. They can be made with other spirits than Irish whiskey too. Any whisky, be it Scotch or even English can be used. Rum can also be used. In fact, pretty much any good spirit used delicately can make a cream liqueur and even some that don’t even use dairy! To kick off the Christmas spirit I’ve found a few cream liqueurs which any drinks cupboard would be happy to house, the issue being that most cream liqueurs don’t hang around that long, which begs the question of why we don’t drink them all year round!

 

Cotswolds Cream Liqueur

Cotswold Cream Liqueur

Kicking off we have an English Cream Liqueur from one of the best distilleries in the country. This is made from new make from the Cotswolds distillery, which is the same spirit they are using to make their now famous whisky. All made with barley grown in the local area, it has a little fruity edge from the new make and is excellent over ice cream, but like most cream liqueurs is brilliant just by itself.

ABV: 17%
Size: 700ml
Find here: £25.95

 

Bumbu Cream Liqueur

Cream Liqueurs Perfect for Sipping this Winter Bumbu Cream Liqueur

Bumbu make a fabulous, spiced rum, and they also make this wonderful cream liqueur using rum from the Caribbean, a selection of spices and real dairy cream. It’s great to drink neat or over ice, but it mixes very well in cocktails. I’ve added a touch to an espresso martini to give it a creamy texture and smoothness and it works very well.

ABV: 15%
Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
Find here: UK £29 // US $36.99

 

Coole Swan

Cream Liqueurs Perfect for Sipping this Winter Coole Swan

An Irish cream liqueur made from Irish single malt whiskey, fresh Irish cream, and decadent Belgian white chocolate. This is one of the most velvety cream liqueurs I have experienced. It is also one of the sweetest, so if you have a sweet tooth, then this one is for you. It’s not cloying however and has a lovely balance leaving you wanting more. It’s good by itself, but is much better chilled, leaving the flavours to develop as the liquid warms on your palate.

ABV: 15%
Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
Find here: UK £24.94 // US $29.99

 

Aldi Specially Selected Luxury Edition Irish Cream Liqueur

Cream Liqueurs Perfect for Sipping this Winter Aldi Specially Selected Luxury Edition Irish Cream Liqueur

I recently did a taste test with a few of the biggest brands of Irish Cream, and it was very difficult to separate this one from the very best and well known in terms of quality. It is a little darker than most, but also a touch richer on the chocolate. It makes a nice change if you’re looking to have more than one cream liqueur. One thing which really does separate it from the rest of the pack is the price. It’s an absolute bargain!

ABV: 17%
Size: 700ml
Find here: £7.99

 

Amarula Cream

Cream Liqueurs Perfect for Sipping this Winter Amarula Cream

This is a very fruity cream liqueur with lots of caramel. It is made from the distilled fruit of the Marula tree in South Africa and it wins awards, with good reason. Beyond the cream liqueur there is the Amarula Trust which raises funds for conservation which protects the wildlife, especially the protection of elephants, and also funds educational projects.

ABV: 17%
Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
Find here: UK £14.36 // US $23.99

 

Edradour Whisky Cream Liqueur

Cream Liqueurs Perfect for Sipping this Winter Edradour Whisky Cream Liqueur

This is a Scotch whisky cream liqueur made with single malt whisky from the Edradour distillery. One of Scotland's smallest traditional distilleries. It is a cut above the rest of the regular cream liqueurs, yet remains great value for money at well under £20. A great bang for your buck.

ABV: 17%
Size: 700ml
Find here: £17.94

 

Kyrö Dairy Cream Liqueur

Cream Liqueurs Perfect for Sipping this Winter Kyrö Dairy Cream Liqueur

Hailing from Finland, this is made with local milk and cream and uses rye whiskey from the Kyrö distillery. Yet even though it is using local milk and cream it is lactose free! It is vanilla forward in flavour with a little nuttiness in the background and goes extremely well with coffee.

ABV: 16%
Size: 500ml
Find here: £21.95

 

Five Farms Irish Cream Liqueur

Cream Liqueurs Perfect for Sipping this Winter Five Farms Irish Cream Liqueur

This is an Irish cream liqueur from County Cork made with single batches of fresh cream and blended with triple distilled Irish whiskey all within 48 hours of the ingredients being collected. The name comes from the source of the ingredients which come from five family-owned farms in the area. A brilliant one to sip on its own and if you want to see more about how it is made, why not check out episode 3 of The Three Drinkers in Ireland?

ABV: 17%
Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
Find here: UK £27.09 // US $34.99

 

Tequila Black 38 Chocolate Cream

Cream Liqueurs Perfect for Sipping this Winter Tequila Black 38 Chocolate Cream

This is an exciting cream liqueur made from liqueur from Destilerías Espronceda. There is a freshness which is produced by tequila which balances perfectly with decadent chocolate flavours. If you’d like something a little unusual and you love Tequila, then is a winner for you.

ABV: 17%
Size: 700ml
Find here: £21.95

 

Original Magnum Cream Liqueur

Cream Liqueurs Perfect for Sipping this Winter Original Magnum Cream Liqueur

Created by blending single malt whisky from the BenRiach distillery and Dutch cream, this is a very decadent cream liqueur. It is rich and chocolatey and is very good in coffee, poured over ice or ice-cream! And we’re digging the milk churn bottle shape here at The Three Drinks HQ.

ABV: 17%
Size: 700ml
Find here: £24.95

 

Baileys in Magnum

Cream Liqueurs Perfect for Sipping this Winter Baileys

One can’t have an article on the best Cream Liqueurs without having Baileys on the list. It’s best-selling for a reason. The original cream liqueur was created by Tom Jago after many trials. The only thing better than a bottle of Bailey’s is a Magnum of Bailey’s!

ABV: 17%
Size: UK 1.5l // US750ml
Find here: UK £32.49 // US $26.99

 

Adriatico Amaretto Bianco

Cream Liqueurs Perfect for Sipping this Winter Adriatico Amaretto Bianco

Lastly, we have an unusual alternative to a cream liqueur. It behaves like a cream liqueur but being made from crushed white almonds, it has a certain creaminess without having any dairy in it at all. With vanilla, cherries and sugared almond flavours, this is great for cocktails. If you have a dairy intolerance, or even if you don’t, this is delicious, and you won’t feel left out of the cream liqueur experience.

ABV: 16%
Size: 700ml
Find here: £28.74

Any of the above are rich and creamy and deserving of any festive celebration. If you’re looking for other Christmas suggestions and excitements why not have a look at The Best Tequila to Gift This Christmas or The Best Boxed Wine for Christmas?

Words by Colin Hampden-White

The Best Tequila To Gift This Christmas

best tequila to gift this christmas

There’s no drink more harmed by its own reputation than tequila. Far too many people have mixed memories of shots, salt, and lime and have simply written it off as a throat burner. Wrong!

Whilst it’s always possible it’s just not to someone’s taste, it’s more likely that a little bit more exploring would go a long way. Tequila is a versatile spirit for all times of the year, and these beauties below shouldn’t be anywhere near shot glasses or salt. No burn, just pure agave nectar!

Whereas tequila may have once brought you and your friends together in the club, let it now become a coming together drink at Christmas time instead... and you can actually cherish it this time. So, whether you want to treat yourself, win over a doubting Thomas, or just impress a sombrero-wearing tequila lover this Christmas, we’ve listed our favourite tequilas of each type below!

The Best Blanco Tequila to Gift

El Espolòn Blanco

El Espolòn Blanco

Renowned master distiller Cirilo Oropeza is behind this beautiful Blanco, crafting it in the highlands of Jalisco. This 100% blue agave beauty is bottled without aging, so just one smell gives you fresh agave front and centre, with floral notes and sweet flavours after sipping. What a bottle too! Espolòn comes from the spur of the rooster's foot, a bird of great significance in Mexican culture, so of course, there’s a Day of the Dead skeleton riding one on the label, what else?

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £26.49

Próspero Blanco

Próspero Blanco

Celebrities love to dip their toes into the world of tequila and mezcal, and in this case, Rita Ora has joined forces with distilling maestro Stella Anguiano to create Próspero. They have three styles: Blanco, Reposado and Añejo, but the Blanco stands apart from standard, un-aged tequila with a distinctly vibrant bouquet floral aroma followed by true 100% agave character and a slight spice to finish. If you’re looking for a cocktail Tequila, then this will definitely hold its corner, but it’s more than well-rounded enough to enjoy solo. We have to shout out the gorgeously designed bottle again. The Mexicans certainly know how to entice us in that’s for sure! Perfect for Christmas gifting.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £30.49

Tapatio 110 Blanco Tequila

Tapatio 110 Blanco Tequila

Tapatio Blanco is a tequila that you’ll spot in many bars, but not this special edition. 110 proof, it’s a lip-smacking 55% ABV, so if you know someone that’s a seasoned tequila drinker, they might love this punchy concentrated flavour. There’s a loveable fruitiness from nose to finish, and a pleasant hit of peppery spice on the palate. Maybe not one for a newbie, but if you’re already a convert, this is a must try.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 55%
Find here: £31

Calle 23 Blanco

Calle 23 Blanco

Another stylish bottle with that all important 100% agave trait you should seek out, this is an extremely pure expression of quality Blanco Tequila. It’s smooth and seductive with cooked agave at the fore. There are hints of citrus and herbaceous notes, but if you’re an agave purist then trust us, you’ll adore this!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £37.99

Casa Noble Blanco

Casa Noble Blanco

This triple-distilled super smooth Blanco uses 100% Blue Weber agave grown in the rich, volcanic soil of the mountains in western Jalisco. There’s nothing rough around the edges at all, it’s simply pure, well balanced crisp nectar, with flavours of honey, fresh citrus and the agave itself which has an appetising buttery-sweetness to it. No lime or salt anywhere near this please.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £53.44

Maestro Dobel Diamante Tequila

Maestro Dobel Diamante Tequila

What we’ve got here is possibly the world’s first crystal clear multi-aged tequila. It’s an innovative blend of reposado (partially aged), añejo (aged for over a year) and extra añejo (aged for over three years). Usually, you would expect some colouring but with Dobel it’s filtered out, whilst retaining the beautiful creamy flavour and complexity the aging brings. With stunning layering of maple, nuts, and honey, this is ideal for anyone looking to try something a little different. It’s seriously good.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £47.90 (usually £54.90!)

Fortaleza Blanco

Fortaleza Blanco

The family run Fortaleza was launched in 2005, after being dismissed decades earlier as inefficient and old fashioned. They’ve since become respected for their influential history and are now bottling some of the finest tequila there is. This is often the place tequila drinkers are trying to ‘get to’, because it represents everything a pristine Blanco should be. 100% stone crushed agave with delightful bursts of olive and butter, it’s earthy, peppery with gentle citrus. Class in a glass, and a bottle worth keeping too!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £56.40

The Best Reposado Tequila to Gift

Cazcabel Reposado

Cazcabel Reposado

Allow us to introduce you to the Gold Medal winner for Premium Reposado at the 2019 Tequila Masters. American oak aged for 9 months, you’ll find earthy flavours at first, then gorgeous cinnamon, caramel, and dried fruit surfacing. At the heart of this supporting cast though is a particularly vegetal agave, still bold and sweet even after aging. Quality beyond its price point so it’s likely one you’ll want to return to.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 38%
Find here: £25.99

El Rayo Reposado

El Rayo Reposado

This is a strikingly contemporary tequila bottle that will really impress as a gift from the moment it’s revealed under the wrapping. El Rayo means, ‘the lightning’, referencing the legend of how lightning struck and cooked a Blue Weber agave plant, creating the first tequila! Cracking it open reveals a full-bodied and layered tequila with golden caramel colouring that’s matured for seven months in ex-whiskey casks, creating a Reposado that’s well worth trying, especially if someone’s never taken to it tequila before.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £36.70

Patrón Reposado

Patrón Reposado

When thinking of a tequila house that consistently delivers excellence across its range, we never stray too far from Patrón. Their Reposado picked up a Masters gong at the Tequila Masters in both 2020 and 2021, and with each bottle hand-filled, signed and uniquely numbered, it’s as close as you can get to a guaranteed hit as a gift. Lightly amber in colour, it’s bright with freshly squeezed citrus and smooth vanilla, all wrapped together by honey and agave. You’ll struggle to find a more suitable star for your margarita than this Reposado.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £47.45

Pancho Datos Reposado

Pancho Datos Reposado

The name Pancho Datos is homage to the great historian and poet of the Mexican Revolution, Ricardo Grijalva de León. Before reaching those ominously gorgeous bottles, Panchos Datos Reposado is at rest for six months in white oak barrels that were once used to mature bourbon whiskey. These barrels more than leave their mark with tasty vanilla and caramel notes that make it utterly delicious. The extremely rounded flavours would make for a characterful and smooth margarita, but you have to try it over just over ice first.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £41.50 (usually £49.50!)

Mijenta Tequila Reposado

Mijenta Tequila Reposado

Mijenta is sustainability as well as flavour royalty. They’re an artisanal, small batch producer in the Jalisco highlands that work closely with local communities to create a product that delivers not only for the drinker, but for the planet too. Even their label is made from discarded agave waste! The Reposado is aged for half a year in a blend of barrels – American white oak, French oak, and French acacia casks. As a result, it boasts of rich vanilla, nutty wood, and bold vegetal agave, with a velvety feel throughout. Great backstory, fantastic tequila, what more can you ask for?

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £63.95

Clase Azul Reposado

Clase Azul Reposado

If we’re offering you some of the best options for gifting (or having yourself, let’s be honest) then we just can’t leave this out. We think it’s one of the most beautiful bottles we’ve seen, and we peruse a lot. Beyond the quirky bell that comes with it, each bottle is unique and 100% handcrafted by over 100 artists committed to working on 1 bottle at a time. Produced at one of the highest points in Los Altos, it’s rumoured that the extreme altitude has a unique effect on the flavour. Whether that’s true or not, it may as well be because it’s magnificent. The company’s secret yeast blend ferments the liquid before triple filtration distillation and fine oak aging completes the process. It’s picked up gold medals galore and if you’re fortunate enough to be able to really treat someone this Christmas, this is certainly the way to go! Just make sure no one throws away the bottle!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £209.95

The Best Añejo Tequila to Gift

Rooster Rojo Añejo

Rooster Rojo Añejo

It’s our old friend the Mexican rooster again, this time on the front of a rich Añejo made by initially steaming the piña (the centre of the agave after harvesting) for 10 hours. Special yeast is added, before Rooster Rojo undergoes double pot distillation and maturing in ex-bourbon casks. As a result, you get mouth watering aromas of chocolate and coffee, with smoky tobacco and oak. Late come delicious, sweeter notes of caramel, vanilla and roast agave and a final wave of brown sugar on the finish. At this price, it’s absolutely irresistible.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 38%
Find here: £27.44

 1800 Añejo Tequila

 1800 Añejo Tequila

There’s lots to catch your eye with this. First, the oversized cap and interesting bottle shape that is paying homage to the Mayan pyramids. Secondly, check out that striking caramel nectar colouring! Thirdly, and most importantly, the taste. There’s a pleasant and very noticeable woody spice, derived from French oak aging for over a year. The agave is less front and centre than most, so try it and see what you make of it!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 38%
Find here: £43.69

Casamigos Añejo Tequila

Casamigos Añejo Tequila

If George Clooney’s involved, then it’s got to be worth a look. He’s the gorgeous face of Casamigos, so much so that the master distiller behind it has never actually been named! The 100% blue agave piñas are slow cooked for 72 hours in their traditional brick ovens, after which begins the 80-hour fermentation process with a signature yeast blend that gives this tequila its extra refined flavour. It’s then time for American white oak casks for 14 months to smooth out further and the result... there’s a sublime taste of pure roasted agave and it’s brimming with toffee penny, dark chocolate, and sweetly spiced oak notes. Every single sip tastes like Christmas so waste no time in getting it open on the day itself. No George included but you can’t have everything!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £60.99

 

If you want to mix up belting Margaritas with the above beauties or find other tequila cocktails to try with them, check out our Best Selection here!

Words by Calum Ecroyd

Bring a Bottle Podcast: Episode 100

three drinkers bring a bottle podcast episode 100

A century of Bring a Bottle podcasts! Congratulations to us if we do say so and thank you, loyal listeners! We have both Aidy and Helena in the studio for the 100th special, and there was only one person to complete the trio – the legendary Colin Hampden White. This episode is packed to the rafters with our best bits, so you really won’t want to miss this one. There’s vagina beer, behind-the-scenes television moments, the biggest drinks trends, cask buying advice and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Let the reminiscing commence!

Our Guest Drinker

the three drinkers colin

For Episode 100, it had to be our original third drinker, the one and only man of many talents... Colin Hampden White! It’s been too long! Journalist, editor, photographer, presenter, judge... a true Three Drinkers legend. He may no longer be with us every day, but we love him on the podcast, and you can keep up to date with all his drinks news on our website and all things Colin on his Instagram at @champdenwhite.

What’s In Our Glass?

westland whiskey

We’re toasting to our century with the gorgeous Westland whiskey. Made in Seattle, Westland American Oak is their flagship release, using 5 different barley varieties in a 5-malt mash bill. This creates a distinct malt whiskey that’s super smooth and soft with a gentle peppery note you’d expect from rye whisky alongside notes of chocolate custard. It’s unusual but boy is it good!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 46%
Find here: £48.96

Westland also produces a special Sherry oak cask whiskey called Garryana, an oak that only grows in the Northwest of America. Many peated whiskies use 100% peated malt, but this actually makes use of more non-peated malts locally grown in Washington State. As a result, there’s less out-and-out smoke (although still present), and more orange peel, roast banana, almonds, as well as green herbs and pistachio.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 50%
Find here: £164.99

Peach Whiskey Sours

Here’s one Aidy prepared earlier! Using Westland American oak he’s got the balance of peach just right, providing the small kick of sweetness needed without becoming overbearing. It’s a sublimely fresh cocktail with the Westland whiskey kick at the heart of it and gorgeous chocolatey flavours from the bitters coming through. A really well-rounded and complete sipper.

Ingredients
50ml Westland
15ml lemon juice
5-7ml peach syrup
Chocolate bitters

Method:
Simply shake all ingredients with ice. Strain into an ice-filled rocks glass and enjoy!

 

The Best of Drinks News

vagina beer

We’ve uncovered all manner of drinks news over the last 99 episodes, so we’re taking a moment to recap on our favourites. Who could forget Vagina Beer? The first beer to use vaginal lactic acid in the world! Or the dreamlike situation an Italian town found themselves in when red wine started to run from their taps! And the elephant in the room (and most likely snoozing in the corner), the time a group of thirsty elephants guzzled down pots of Mahua liquor in India. That’s right, we only cover the most important news here at The Three Drinkers.

Drinks Trends Through The Years

cbd drinks

Drinking and everything that comes with it is constantly changing as the world does the same, so what are the biggest trends we’ve noticed?

Colin looks at the gin craze that began in the late 90s and shows no sign of slowing down, despite the prediction every year that it will! He also recommends the fabulous Audemus Pink Pepper Gin by the way – sweet and spicy and a big hit of pepper on the nose!

Helena takes us through the rise of CBD drinks and how brands like Goodrays, OTO, Tripp and INTUNE have overcome misconceptions to produce super-popular drinks with big benefits. Check out our Best CBD Drinks if this is something you want to explore, especially over the gloomy winter period!

Down with the kids as ever, Aidy talks about the super sweet drinks captivating younger drinkers. Think Smirnoff Ice, WKD, VK etc. (‘etc’ isn’t one by the way, even if it sounds like one!) Tasting almost indistinguishable from fizzy drinks, they’re many drinkers’ first experience of booze and something that Aidy was partial to in his youth ;)

Favourite Part of our Scotch TV Show

The Three Drinkers do Scotch Whisky

The Three Drinkers have got up to all sorts filming the show, and discuss their favourite moments, from missing Land Rovers to Aidy falling on his face in a barley field. Good times indeed... not so much for Aidy.

Best Drinkers Discoveries

spiced ginger biscuit irish cream

Helena praises Cream Liqueur, like the fantastic value-for-money Spice Ginger Biscuit Irish Cream Liqueur by Sainsbury’s. Aldi’s Ballycastle also gets a nod, and the Vegan Cream Liqueur by M&S more than meets everyone’s approval.

Colin’s discovery is Axia, an expertly crafted aromatic Mastiha from Greece that behaves like a gin or flavoursome vodka. It’s dry and versatile, so would be amazing in a Bloody Mary, Margarita, or even G&T equivalent!

Aidy draws attention to Bitters, and how just a drop or two can completely elevate a cocktail. Especially around Christmas, festive bitters like Cacao or Orange work amazingly to spark up a Martini, Sidecar or G&T!

How to Buy a Cask and What to Look Out For

how to buy a cask

Buying a cask is a cautious game so this is a must-hear segment for anyone thinking of getting involved in the new year! It’s packed full of advice on due diligence, red flags, green flags, and lots more! There’s even a top investment tip thrown in!

Mailbag

christmas cocktail morning

The all-important Mailbag – What should we be drinking Christmas morning?

Colin’s beloved whisky gets a mention even here!

The Best Boxed Wines For Christmas

best boxed wines for christmas

Long gone is the reputation of boxed wines as vinegary hangover juice, so if you’re not already a convert then keep reading! Advancements in technology mean that the wine stays fresher for longer, and the knock-on effect is that decent wine producers are actually happy to trust the packaging. Boxed wine is also way greener to manufacture, transport and recycle, and last but not least, let’s not forget old trusty economies of scale, it's cheaper!

With Christmas around the corner, a boxed wine or two on the counter just makes things so much simpler. There’s no pressure to finish or open another bottle that might not get finished, you and your family can just help themselves, and if (big if), there’s any left at the end of the night, it can be popped in the fridge to stay fresh for weeks more. These days, the quality is top notch, and the boxes are so gorgeously designed they’re fit to be table centrepieces. Honestly, what’s not to like? So without further ado, here are some of our favourites that will definitely not disappoint.

Best Boxed Red Wine

Laylo Tinto de Estremoz

laylo tinto de estremoz

Laura and Laura (not a typo!) set up Laylo after being won over by all the benefits of boxed wine, but finding themselves disappointed in the lack of beauty in the box themselves. If bottles of wine can be stylish, why can’t the box? The Tinto de Estremoz design references the treasured stone that’s mined in the ‘marble city’ of Estremoz, including the prestigious Rosa Aurora marble. Inside, winemaking legend Donzilia Copeto has been trying to capture the perfect Portuguese Alentejo blend, and this bold and inky red is the result. Consisting of 5 local varietals and a dash of Merlot, this is full of juicy cherries and dark fruits, and velvet smooth tannins. Stunning inside and out!

Size: 2.25L
ABV: 14%
Find here: £36.99 Laylo

Terre di Faiano Organic Rosso

terre di faiano rosso

We’ve been banging on about this one for a while now, and for very good reason. Packaged like a chic Easter Egg, it’s a full-bodied blend of Negroamaro, Primitivo and Cabernet Sauvignon from Puglia. It’s juicy, figgy, plummy and organic as well as vegan! Silky smooth and towards the sweeter end, if you’re a fan of big, bold, chocolatey wine, this is for you. Pair it with hearty meats, stews and grilled veg and you’re on for a winning combination, so it’s ideal for those winter suppers going into the New Year!

Size: 2.25L
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £20.79 Waitrose (on offer till 29th Nov, usually £25.99)

BIB Wine Domaine Jean-Marc Astruc Fitou

Domaine Jean-Marc Astruc Fitou

We’ve been keeping an eye on the BIB Wine Company for a while because they’ve trailblazed the newfound popularity of luxury boxed wine. Their sleek and classy matt grey packaging with a changing artistic design has nailed it, and you’d be delighted to sit it on your countertop around Christmas. This high-end French blend from Languedoc is Southern France in a glass – it’s brambly, full of flavour and richly concentrated. Try it with a lamb roast if you’re part of the anti-turkey set!

Size: 2.25L
ABV: 14%
Find here: £36.20 The BIB Wine Co

Best Boxed White Wine

Tesco Australian Chardonnay

Australian Chardonnay

Value hunters stop here. Whilst this Chardonnay from the sunny vineyards of Southeast Australia might not blow you away, it is still wonderfully fruity, with ripe nectarines and juicy melons coming through. It’s an easy-drinking, soft white that provides unbeatable value for a laid-back Christmas. Get the tap flowing alongside the turkey or chicken Christmas roast because it’ll match nicely there!

Size: 2.25L
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £13 Tesco

BIB Wine TR Dry Furmint

TR Dry Furmint

Furmint, sometimes called Mainak, is a grape most widely known for making the famous Hungarian sweet wine of Tokaji. Furmints are becoming quite the regular on supermarket shelves, so the festive season could be a great time to see what the fuss is about? This is a dry but refreshing wine, with subtle notes of honeysuckle and pear. It’s likely to be a little bit different to many whites you’ve tried before and it’s very easy to love indeed. We recommend cracking it open when the Christmas cheese board comes wafting through!

Size: 2.25L
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £39 The BIB Wine Co

When In Rome Grillo Organic DOC Sicilia

When In Rome Grillo Organic Sicillia

When in Rome are another company pushing the envelope when it comes to boxed wine. Their box is probably the easiest to recycle too! No prizes for guessing which country they specialise in, and it’s the lesser-known Italian grapes that they particularly focus on. Grillo is a summery Sicilian grape, giving great orange freshness and a rustic core. Bonus points for being organic too of course. A little (or large) glass of sunshine over the holidays.

Size: 2.25L
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £25.99 When In Rome Wine (10% off if you subscribe to them!)

Best Boxed Rosé Wine

Nice Drinks Pale Rosé

Nice Drinks Pale Rose

This is a great option for the Rosé lovers over Christmas... and beyond, because the box stays fresh for 6 weeks after opening! How far technology has come. As the box says, this is a ‘proudly pale Rosé’, from Grenache grapes in the South of France. It’s dry, lively, crisp, and fresh, with a dried strawberry flavour. Yum!

Size: 2.25L
ABV: 12%
Find here: £21.50 Nice

These boxed wines would add to any Christmas table, and you know what else would? These special Boozy Christmas Crackers are just as stunning, and filled with not just wine, but beer, rum, gin and everything else!

Words by Calum Ecroyd

Bring a Bottle Podcast: Episode 99

Bring a Bottle Podcast Episode 99

Episode 99 welcomes back a familiar face from a couple of episodes ago, and that’s Jason Myers! It’s a very special rum that we sip on too, the Madeira Cask from Mount Gay’s Master Blender Collection. Listen for our verdict on this, as well as a sweet Frizzante wine called, ‘the wink’, the brand new virtual reality wine-sniffing experience, and the best wine Jason has ever tried!

Our Guest Drinker

Bring a Bottle Podcast Episode 99 Jason Myers

If you didn’t catch Episode 97, then Jason is a hospitality CEO currently involved with Grosvenor pubs, opening new and exciting projects regularly, like The Hare & Hounds in Newbury, and Wild Thyme and Honey in the Cotswolds. He loves his wine and whisky and has worked and travelled around the world seeking out amazing food and drink experiences. Welcome back, Jason!

What’s In Our Glass?

Mount Gay Madeira Cask Rum

Filling our glasses in the podcast studio this week is a beautiful rum from Mount Gay’s Master Blender Collection, the Mount Gay Madeira Cask Selection. Mount Gay is the world’s oldest rum distillery, and their Mount Gay Madeira Cask Selection is special stuff. A bit of a step away from the other bottles in the collection, you’ll find notes of orchard fruit, pear, grapefruit, vanilla, butterscotch and a really nutty note coming from the Madeira cask. It’s super balanced with a deep complexity to it and with only 2706 bottles made it’s a delicious treat that we are sure will be snapped up fast!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 55%
Find here: £160

Drinks News

olfactory virtual reality wine

Have you ever heard of an olfactometer? Well, it’s a machine designed to deliver odours of some kind, and a Swedish University collaboration has created a wine-sniffing virtual reality experience with it. The user enters a virtual wine cellar, and scores points depending on correct guesses of the aromas in each bottle. We think that after all that you’d be desperate for a taste that isn’t virtual, but the experience still sounds fascinating!

Drinkers Discovery

L’Occhiolino

L’Occhiolino is a sparkling red wine, which translates as, ‘wink’ from Italian. It’s a very unique style of Frizzante from Emilia-Romagna, and although you might not take to it unless you like sweeter wine, it’s a lot of fun. At 7.5% ABV, it’s weaker than your usual Prosecco, and that’s a good job because it is very moreish! If you like a new wine flavour with a yeasty quality, then it’s definitely worth giving a go. We love the bottle too - it would make for a lovely present.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 7.5%
Find here: £12

Mount Gay Distillery Fun Fact

the history of mount gay rum

Ironically, way back in 1703 it was a man called John Sober who originally started the small distillery at the top of Mount Gilboa, Barbados. After a while, Sir John Gay Alleyne, a fourth generation Barbadian was introduced, and his innovations grew the distillery so much that the entire distillery took his name!

Instant Sommelier

best wine for a romantic meal

Listen to find out what Jason’s favourite wine of all time is (this is a guy that’s tried many remember!), as well as his other go-to’s for different occasions.

The Best Boozy Christmas Crackers You Need To Try This Christmas

The Best Boozy Christmas Crackers You Need To Try This Christmas

The fortune telling fish, miniature nail files and Dad jokes tumbling out of crackers on Christmas Day are enshrined in festive law and we wouldn’t have it any other way, but that’s not to say we can’t try for something a little more exciting, is it? 

These alcohol-filled crackers are perfect to spice things up a little on the big day, filled with whatever tipple takes your fancy! Whether it’s rum miniatures that pack a punch, create-your-own crackers, or cream liqueurs to get the Baileys open even earlier than usual, we’ve got it all covered and more!  

The Best Gin Christmas Crackers:

Fever-Tree Ultimate Gin & Tonic

Fever Tree Gin and Tonic Christmas Crackers

If you’re a gin lover and you haven’t heard of Fever-Tree then we don’t know where you’ve been. They are about as reliable as it gets when it comes to premium tonic varieties, and this cracker set matches four of them wonderfully. The Audemus Pink Pepper Gin with Elderflower Tonic in particular is delightful, but there isn’t a bad option in the box!

Find here: £34 Box of 4

Franklin & Sons Gin & Mixers

The Best Boozy Christmas Crackers You Need To Try This Christmas Franklin & Sons Gin & Mixers

Founded in Victorian London, Franklin & Sons are pioneers in the soft drinks space, using the best natural ingredients to churn out unique flavours and top-notch classics. Inside this beautiful box are six crackers with the same Christmas tree design, each containing an award-winning combo of gin and mixer. From classics like Rock Rose and Sipsmith Dry to newer innovations from Manchester Gin and Masons, this is a cracker pull you’d definitely want to win. 

Find here: £35 Box of 6

York Gin

The Best Boozy Christmas Crackers You Need To Try This Christmas York Gin

York Gin orchestrates its range of stunning gins around the history of the equally beautiful city of York. Their box of six contains one of each flavour, telling the story from the Roman foundations (Roman Fruit) to the Chocolate Orange flavour honouring the iconic Terry’s, whose factory was just a couple of miles from the York Gin distillery. A 100% renewably powered distillery, with a great concept and award-winning gin to back it up – not a bad thing to pull out of a cracker at all!

Find here: £60 Box of 6 (or £10 for 1)

The Best Mixed Spirit Christmas Crackers:

The Lakes Distillery

The Best Boozy Christmas Crackers You Need To Try This Christmas The Lakes Distillery mixed spirit

Each swanky cracker contains one premium 50ml miniature to experience the range of products the Lake District distillery has on offer. There’s a classic Lakes gin that doesn’t shy away from vibrant juniper, and a zesty pink grapefruit version too. As promised, this is a mixed set, but that mix is completely up to you. You can select whichever four from those two gins, or a fruity, gently smoky whisky, as well as a very alluring salted caramel vodka liqueur! Or you can have all four the same, but a surprise element when you’re opening is nice wouldn’t you agree?

Find here: £20 Box of 4

Lakeland Spirits Mix

The Best Boozy Christmas Crackers You Need To Try This Christmas Lakeland mixed spirit

You get the best of both worlds with these crackers. Not only are there miniatures of the UK’s most popular spirits in Bacardi, Baileys, Smirnoff, and Beefeater, but you also still get the terrible jokes and hats that come with your standard cracker...there’s no escaping them!

Find here: £39.99 Box of 6

The Best Beer Christmas Crackers:

Bier Company

The Best Boozy Christmas Crackers You Need To Try This Christmas Bier Company beer

These beefy crackers will need a real tug of war to break them open, and that’s because they contain not one but two premium craft beers each! Also included in these stylishly designed colourful crackers are the usual party hats, riddles and jokes we all know and love.

Find here: £39.95 Box of 5 (£12.95 for 2)

Black Sheep Brewery

The Best Boozy Christmas Crackers You Need To Try This Christmas Black Sheep Brewery beer

This Yorkshire brewery’s crackers are ideal for experimenting with a range of intriguing beers. You simply select how many of each you want from their list of nine. So, you could throw in two reliable Riggwelters, and then add on one Pineapple Milkshake IPA and a Monty Python’s Holy Grail Ale? You’ve got a really inviting selection with plenty of classic and unusual IPAs, Ales and Stouts, so it’s up to you – that’s the beauty of it!

Find here: £5.50 per cracker


The Best Whisky Christmas Crackers:

Drinks by the Dram

The Best Boozy Christmas Crackers You Need To Try This Christmas Drinks by the Dram whisky

This selection of six bowtied crackers arrives in a lovely box, each containing a 30ml wax-sealed mini dram from a curated selection of fine whisky producers. For example, there’s the award winning softly sweet Glengoyne 10-Year-Old, the rich and peaty palate of Smokehead, or the experimental World Whisky Blend, which has combined single malts, single grains, and bourbons of all kinds into one. It’s a nice selection that will please beginners and seasoned dram drinkers all the same!

Find here: £39.95 Box of 6

The Best Cream Liqueur Christmas Crackers:

Hotel Chocolat

The Best Boozy Christmas Crackers You Need To Try This Christmas Hotel Chocolat cream liqueur

Hotel Chocolat has put together 50ml bottles of, ‘Velvetised Creams’, with real chocolate, crisp vodka, and silky cream. These would be perfect to save for a Boxing Day boozy hot choc, or if you can’t wait (we don’t blame you), enjoy them as an after-dinner digestif. You can expect two original chocolates, two salted caramels, one mint, and an Espresso Martini version, all super decadent and definitely worth fighting over... or diplomatically swapping, whatever works. 

Find here: £24.95 Box of 6

Baileys

The Best Boozy Christmas Crackers You Need To Try This Christmas Baileys cream liqueur

Well, it’s a Christmas list so it was only a matter of time before Baileys showed up! These four colourful crackers complete the table, with two 50ml Irish Creams, a Coffee Liqueur, and an Orange Truffle flavour too. It’s the only cream liqueur to be awarded a World Spirits Medal every year since 2003 and when it’s so synonymous with Christmas, how can you not want it around? 

Find here: £14.99 Box of 4

Aldi Ballycastle 

The Best Boozy Christmas Crackers You Need To Try This Christmas ALDI Ballycastle cream liqueur

The quality that comes with some of Aldi’s own versions of much-loved products is no longer a secret, and in terms of value, these 50ml Ballycastle creams are hard to beat. Inside there’s the classic, Chocolate & Clementine, Espresso, and White Chocolate, which sounds like a gloriously indulgent selection to us, just what every Christmas feast demands. 

Find here: £7.99 Box of 4


The Best Rum Christmas Crackers:

Sly Dog Spiced

The Best Boozy Christmas Crackers You Need To Try This Christmas Sly Dog Spiced rum

Don’t worry rum lovers, because behind those ominous eyes is a Sly Dog miniature, filled with a Jamaican and Dominican rum blend and their secret recipe of spices. This is a sublime spiced rum with perfect balance, picking up Gold at the World Rum Awards in 2022. If you want something to crack open after the cracker itself that really hits the spot, then this is it. 

Find here: £30 Box of 4


The Best Cocktail Christmas Crackers:

Candy Cane Fizz & Berry and Bright Gin

The Best Boozy Christmas Crackers You Need To Try This Christmas Candy Cane Fizz & Berry and Bright Gin cocktail

Now this a box that screams luxury. The Cocktail Man in London has pulled together Chase GB Gin with his secret signature Sliqueur giving you everything you need to get started on that Christmas cocktail. You also get garnish, hats, jokes and don’t worry, there are very clear cocktail instructions because the last thing you need is another thing to get sorted on the big day. 

Find here: £59.95 Box of 4


The Best Vodka Christmas Crackers:

J.J Whitley 

The Best Boozy Christmas Crackers You Need To Try This Christmas J.J Whitley vodka

J.J Whitley has been making spirits for 260 Christmases now (since 1762 that is by the way, just in case our maths is off), so it’s no wonder that they’re still winning awards on a yearly basis. It’s lovely and fresh on the nose and unravels into a creamy and full-bodied delight... and that’s just their Artisanal original! You’ll also get to try Vanilla, Raspberry, Watermelon & Lime, Blood Orange, and finally Passion Fruit. Serve them as chilled as a Christmas Day and you’ll be sure to have a jolly one!

Find here: £15.99 Box of 6


The Best Wine Christmas Crackers:

Virgin Wines 

The Best Boozy Christmas Crackers You Need To Try This Christmas Virgin wines

You get more booze for your buck with these classy crackers, as each one reveals a 187ml bottle of fabulous wine. There’s Aussie Pinot Grigio, South African Chardonnay Viognier (which would be great with the Christmas dinner itself), Chilean Merlot, French Malbec, Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc and South African Cinsaut. Something for everyone

Find here: £35.99 Box of 6

Virgin Wines Prosecco

The Best Boozy Christmas Crackers You Need To Try This Christmas Virgin Prosecco

If Prosecco is more your thing, then Virgin still have you covered. Each cracker contains a 200ml Extra Dry Senti, an exquisitely crisp and fruity Prosecco with the perfect amount of fizz. Prosec-ho-ho! (Had to be done.)

Find here: £36.99 Box of 6


Create Your Own Christmas Crackers

Lakeland Fill-Your-Own

The Best Boozy Christmas Crackers You Need To Try This Christmas Lakeland Fill-Your-Own Christmas Cracker

Often the most memorable moments around Christmas time involve personalised gifts and decorations, that show you’ve gone the extra mile and thought about the people you’re with. That’s why Lakeland have created these fill-your-own crackers. They arrive with some festive embossing and minor decoration, but it’s down to you to personalise them and fill them with whatever you like! If you know someone loves a particular drink but it can’t be bought in a cracker, then what a pleasant surprise for them to find it!

Find here: £14.99 Box of 6

If you’re now ramping up Christmas preparations, then why not booze-up the advent calendar as well as the crackers? Who says they’re just for kids? We’ve compiled our Favourite Advent Calendars For 2022, each one with a tasty treat behind every door!

Words by Calum Ecroyd

Calum Ecroyd