The Three Drinkers Return for a Third Series on Amazon Prime!

Award-winning drinks duo Aidy Smith and Helena Nicklin return to our screens this May for the third series of their award-winning Amazon Prime travel show, The Three Drinkers, joined by special guest ‘Third Drinkers’ Eddy Temple-Morris and Eulanda Shead-Osagiede.

The Three Drinkers in Cognac follows Aidy and Helena as they embark on a cultural and gastronomic journey in and around the picturesque French region of Cognac.

With a lifestyle-focused approach, the duo takes an unpretentious look at the fabulous spirit of Cognac and other local delights, taking in the people, places and local attractions of the region along the way. In classic Three Drinkers style, they bust the misconceptions about cognac through their lighthearted, on-screen approach, helping the audience discover brand new ways of enjoying this world-class spirit from grape to glass. Ditching outdated balloon glasses and mundane tasting notes, this is a series for those who seek to be inspired and learn through humour, quirky facts and takeaway tidbits of drinks knowledge.

The 2-hour series is made up of 4 x 30 minute episodes in which the Drinkers discover the art of cognac with help from famed houses as Courvoisier and Remy Martin, alongside the world famous orange liqueur of the region, Grand Marnier. They also check out local, pioneering gin makers, Audemus Distillery while discovering the fascinating world of mixers, sodas and tonics with Franklin & Sons.

Throughout the series, the team takes a deep dive into highballs and cocktails based on occasion, discover the unique dishes of the region, try their hand at water sports, chocolate crafting, shoemaking, beekeeping, become hotel waiters/waitresses and even collect botanicals from deep within the Charentais wilderness for their own locally inspired gin.

“We like to look at drinks through a lifestyle lens, showcasing these stunning sips in a relaxed, unintimidating setting,” says Helena.

“One of the most important aspects of this series is to highlight that cognac doesn’t belong at the back of your grandparent’s cupboard and we’ll be exploring a number of simple serves and cocktails that the audience can create from the comfort of their homes or be inspired to order the next time they’re at a cocktail bar,” Aidy adds.

The Third Drinkers

This series welcomes Virgin Radio presenter and Persian foodie fanatic Eddy Temple-Morris alongside a returning appearance for travel presenter, journalist and influencer Eulanda Shead-Osagiede. While Aidy and Helena are tasked with inspiring spirit sceptic Eddy into falling in love with the liquid gold of cognac, Eulanda seeks out some of the hidden, lifestyle gems of the region, setting the duo amusing tasks along the way.

A more diverse representation in drinks

Aidy and Helena have been clear on their goals to enable more diversity and equity into the world of drinks. Aidy is a trailblazer for LGBTQIA+ and disability diversity representation as the only TV Presenter in the United Kingdom (and one of a small handful globally) with Tourette Syndrome, battling the stigmas of one of the most misrepresented disabilities in the world. Helena has been well known for her stance on female empowerment within the industry, removing the perception that women only enjoy certain spirits.

“It’s been an ongoing mission to showcase that diversity in drinks is possible and we’re delighted to stand with our partners who have helped us make that a reality in this latest series,” Aidy says.

“The importance of on-screen diverse talent amplifies the narrative that all of our voices matter. The Three Drinkers is a beautiful example of this, looking at the talent within the show and I’m so proud to be a part of that movement., says Eulanda, who is a leading voice within the travel entertainment sphere for BAME talent.

“Three series ago we set out with an aim to create a new travel show with a drinks hook,” Helena says, “Nearly six years on, we’re so happy to see how each project has evolved and we can’t wait to share this latest one with the world.”

This armchair series is packed with fun, memorable moments, helping viewers to create exactly what they see on screen at home while inspiring them to visit the region to see it first hand.

The Three Drinkers in Cognac will launch in mid-May on Amazon Prime in 120 countries and territories, in 9 languages. You can follow The Three Drinkers in the run-up to the show at @TheThreeDrinkers alongside Aidy (@Sypped) and Helena (@HelenaSips).

What is Amaretto and How Do You Drink It?

What is Amaretto?

Amaretto is a sweet almond-flavoured Italian liqueur… though it doesn’t always contain almonds. Let us explain…

The history of Amaretto

Amaretto comes from the word, ‘amaro’ which means bitter, and adding ‘etto’ makes it little, so amaretto is ‘little bitter’… but that doesn’t represent the flavour at all (confusing, we know.) Almonds can be sweet or bitter in Italy, so in all likelihood, the drink wasn’t as sweet then as it is today.

The history is unknown and entangled in mythology, romance and two disagreeing families so strap in. From the 1500s onwards, Italians distilling their own drinks was not uncommon. However, Disaronno’s story goes like this. In 1525, a church in Saronno (the home of the liqueur) commissioned a student of Leonardo da Vinci to paint for them. The woman he used as a model was a widowed innkeeper and as a gift of gratitude, she steeped apricot kernels with brandy and presented them to artist Bernardino Luini…thus, amaretto was born.

Perhaps related to the artist or to the innkeeper, years later Giovanni Reina took on the recipe and the liqueur became entrenched into Italian culture. By the 20th century, the Reina’s were selling their ‘secret’ recipe in the Saronno market as ‘Amaretto di Saronno Originale’, a creation we will revisit later on.

For the purpose of balance, the makers of Amaretti di Saronno cookies claim that their family (the Lazzaroni’s) invented the liqueur in 1851, so we don’t know who to believe!

What is Amaretto made from?

Oddly, though very tightly associated with the liqueur because of the flavour, almonds are sometimes not used at all in Amaretto production. The specific inclusions in each amaretto differ, but generally, you will find apricot pits used and other botanicals like vanilla and dark sugar. Disaronno, for example, uses the essence of 17 herbs and fruits!  

What does Amaretto taste like?

Amaretto is a deliciously sweet liqueur, with a subtle nutty flavour, usually almond-like, at the fore. Lower quality amaretto will often be lower in alcohol and sweeter, sometimes in a cloying way. Premium blends on the other hand will be less sugary and you should be able to detect some herbs and spices, slight bitterness, vanilla and cherry. A lot of people even find it reminds them of marzipan and Battenberg cake!

How do you drink Amaretto?

Amaretto over ice is gorgeous if you’ve got a sweet tooth, as it goes down smoothly as a dessert drink. It is also common to drink it with the usual mixers that spirits are paired with, like cola. It’s very versatile and goes with almost anything.

Amaretto is easy to drink because it matches most things pretty well, from fruits to coffee to cinnamon to ginger. This, along with the sophisticated sweetness is why any bar will have a bottle, and why mixologists love it. It packs a flavoursome punch, even when very little is used, so it’s included in many cocktails.

So, if you think it sounds a little too sweet on its own, then try it as one of these delicious cocktails.

Which cocktails can you make with Amaretto?

Amaretto Sour

A classic sweet ‘n’ sour combo wrapped up in a gorgeous frothy texture, the Amaretto Sour is a fantastic place to start with the liqueur. Almond nuttiness and bright citrus combine in this succulent concoction.

Ingredients

60ml amaretto
30ml fresh lemon juice
1 dash aromatic bitters (Angostura)
15ml egg white
Optional garnish: Maraschino cherry

Method
Shake everything without ice to break down the egg white, then repeat with ice and fine strain over ice! You can add more bitters at the end if you prefer that too! Make it how you like!

Amaretto Sidecar

Classically, cognac would be used in the sidecar, but amaretto takes its place here for a sweeter and nuttier twist. It’s also slightly less strong!

Ingredients
60ml amaretto
20ml orange liqueur (Triple Sec)
20ml fresh lemon juice
Optional garnish: orange slice

Method
Super simple. Shake with ice and strain! Voila!

Amaretto Coffee

Because of the dessert-style nuttiness, amaretto also goes really well with coffee. Essentially, this is an Irish Coffee with amaretto instead and we love it.

Ingredients
Nearly a cup of freshly brewed coffee
30ml amaretto
Optional: Whipped cream and cinnamon dusting

Method
Stir amaretto into your coffee – that’s it. You can end it there, or add cream and cinnamon dusting on top to turn it into an even bigger treat.  

Which Amaretto should I try?

Disaronno

If you’re going to try Amaretto, then why not go with arguably the world’s most popular brand? The marzipan reference is strong with this one, despite it not containing any almonds whatsoever. Still produced in Saronno, it’s super smooth with notes of vanilla and cherry and overall, it really is the benchmark.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 28%
Find here: UK £20.94 // US $29.99

Gozio

Gozio is one of the few amaretto bottles to include real almonds, and specifically high-quality bitter ones to bring a sophisticated toasted nuttiness to the blend that also includes peach and apricot fruit essences.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 24%
Find here: UK £22.94 // US $29.99

Adriatico Amaretto

A newer generation amaretto, Adriatico is giving the heritage brands a run for their money. The award-winning bottle uses 100% natural roasted almonds infused with distinct Adriatic sea salt, cocoa, cinnamon and coffee. The finished product isn’t sickly sweet like some and has a morish quality that’s to die for.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 28%
Find here: £31.24

That’s everything you need to get started with the delicious liqueur that is amaretto, but we’ve got guides on other drinks for when you’re finished too! Check out the fascinating drinks of Pisco, Vermouth and Absinthe.

How To Create the Perfect Home Bar

For any accomplished drinker or host, a well-stocked home bar is the perfect next step. Once you’ve added your touch of personality to the design, it might just become your favourite piece of décor in your home! Not only that, but it makes every drinks gathering feel special as you blow guests away manning the bar and offering whatever their heart desires, from classy short serves to extravagant cocktails.

The best thing is that you’ll probably have a lot of the stuff needed already! It’s just a case of setting it up in one spot and filling any gaps in your inventory with those home bar classics… and luckily, we’re here to guide you on exactly what those are and how to get started.

From the off, we should say that when it comes to your home bar inventory, it’s really a case of how far you want to go. If you’ve got the enthusiasm, time, and money to stock every item listed on this page then of course that would be a next level bar, but if you’re limiting yourself then just go for your favourites and the most widely used… which we’ll point out along the way!

What spirits do you need in a home bar?

Where else to start but the foundation spirits? These will be the heart of almost everything you pull together after all. There’s no need to splash the cash on top-shelf bottles across the board though! If you know that you and your friends like gin but no one drinks vodka for example, then stock your favourite bottle and even some other types of gin and just include a budget vodka option, or skip over it altogether. Remember, mixologists start small and master a few favourite cocktails before expanding further afield!

Having said that, ideally, you want to be able to provide guests with everything so stock up on as many of these base spirits as possible:

Vodka: It’s used in more cocktails than any other spirit. Say no more.
Tequila: The Margarita was the most popular cocktail in the world last year and tequila is getting more and more popular every year.
Gin: It’s probably the most popular spirit in the UK over the past couple of years and it’s always handy to be able to pull together a G&T! Ideally, you’ll have at least a couple of different types but begin with one.
Whisky: There’s a lot of variety here so aim to include a Bourbon, a Scotch, and ideally another bottle of your choice.
Rum: Rum is generally more affordable than the others so it’s good to have a light (Daiquiri, Mojito and many more) and dark rum (tropical cocktail essential) available.

What modifiers and liqueurs do you need in a home bar?

These are drinks that are cropping up so often in cocktail recipes that you won’t regret having most if not all of them there when you need them.

Amaretto: Sweet almond liqueur that’s used in a variety of simple and fancy cocktails.
Dry and Sweet Vermouth: Essential. Manhattans, Negronis, Martinis… you’ve gotta have it.
Orange liqueur (e.g. Grand Marnier): Always popping up and elevates many cocktails so it’s a must.
Coffee liqueur: Advised because of the popularity of Espresso Martini alone.
Bitters: A dash or two of these really elevates your cocktails to dazzle guests, and they last for years so it’s worth buying at the beginning. We’d get Angostura orange bitters as a priority, but Peychaud’s and vanilla bitters like Bob’s are great little options too.
Absinthe: Not an essential, but it does appear in cocktails with oomph a fair bit, and it’s a lively option to bring out if the night calls for it!
Garnishes: Lemon and lime may be the most used ingredients in the world of cocktails so make sure you’re well in stocked in the citrus department. Behind those would be oranges, cherries, edible flowers, and herbs that make for magical final touches if you’d like!

What wine do you need in a home bar?

To be honest, this depends massively on whether you’re a wine person or not. If you are, then you’ll know what you like and you may rarely touch any other drinks from your bar. If not, then you might just want something to offer guests, so find out what they like, and store it in a cool and dark place.

If you’re thinking about what to get here are some ideas:

Red: Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are very popular all over the world, but full-bodied Malbec and Shiraz are the most popular in the UK.
White: Crisp whites like Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc are the UK’s favourite white wine type.
Rosé: It’s growing in popularity and has been for years so there’s a good chance it will be someone’s preferred choice, especially in summer.
Sparkling: Brits absolutely love fizz and drank 1/3 of the world’s Prosecco in 2017! Also, it’s traditional to have some Champagne ready to go if a celebration is in order, but Cava and Crémant are fantastic more affordable alternatives.

What beer and cider do you need in a home bar?

People often skip over beer and cider when it comes to home bars because they don’t have the elegance of a glass of wine or complexity of a fun cocktail, but if a home bar is all about providing the best drinking experience at home then you need to be able to offer guests what they want, right?

People absolutely love a crisp, cold beer or cider. There are so many brands and types that you can’t be expected to have something for everyone, but you can’t go wrong stocking up on some bottles of chilled apple cider, light easy-drinking beer, and IPAs.

What mixers do you need in a home bar?

You’ll probably have all the mixers in that you already enjoy, but because they’re often quite affordable these are some that it’s best to stock up on. You might have once associated mixers with simply overwhelming a cheap and nasty spirit, but now they can take a leading role.

Ice: It’s the most used ingredient in cocktails and short serves and there are lots of different ways you can buy or make it but make sure clean and fresh water is used because it’d be a crime to spoil a delicious cocktail with nasty ice.
Essential juices: As mentioned above, lime and lemon juice are vital, but also orange, pineapple, apple and grapefruit juice (in that order). Fresh is always best but that isn’t practical across the board, so we’ll leave that down to personal preference!
Syrups: Plain syrup is an ever-present sweetener that you’ll see in recipes across our site, and it’s so simple to make. It’s just heating water and sugar in an equal ratio! Once you’ve mastered that you can easily infuse it with your favourite flavours. Craft distilleries also sell some amazing versions!
Pop: It may also be worth having some super familiar fizzy pop like Lemonade or Cola behind the bar too - they’re the most popular mixers in bars across the country after all!

Is glassware actually important?

Having proper glassware is one of the main things that take your home bar to the next level. It will do more to make it feel like an authentic bar than anything else and help create an exciting tasting experience.

Don’t get us wrong though, you absolutely don’t need to go around spending the earth on hundreds of cocktail glass variations made from hand-etched crystal. Plenty of stores stock affordable ranges that cover the fundamentals:

Rocks glasses/glass tumblers: Perfect for spirits and spirit-forward serves
Martini glass: Iconic.
Wine glasses: White wine glasses tend to be smaller than reds so if you’re into wine or are expecting people who are then you could get two sets but it’s not essential.
Champagne flutes: They’re handy for all of the fizzy serves and let’s be honest… bubbly looks strange in anything else!
Tall glasses/Collins glasses: The go-to for more cocktails with multiple mixers.
Lowball glasses: Perfect for whisky mainly, but also muddled ingredients and neat serves. If your bar is going to be full of whisky though, you might want to look at the unique Glencairn glass that we used during The Three Drinkers do Scotch Whisky TV show!

What basic tools and equipment do you need in your home bar?

There are some super basic pieces of equipment that you’ll find yourself reaching for every other cocktail that complete the home bar look wonderfully. Kitchen items can be used for a few of them, especially as you find your feet, but after a while, you’ll want to upgrade to the real thing. It’s also worth noting that most decent ‘Beginner Cocktail Kits’ will include most if not all of what you’ll need, rather than buying individually.

Muddler: It just makes it a lot easier and quicker to muddle – it’s that simple.
Strainer: This is an essential that will add smoothness and elegance to all of your creations, particularly if you’re using fresh juice.
Bar spoon: This makes it easier to mix and is also needed to layer spirits with different viscosities to create those beautiful blends.
Jigger: We all know the perils of ‘home measures’ so this just helps to measure and pour alcohol without going over the top. It also makes it easier to balance out cocktails.
Cocktail shaker: Of course! If you invite people around for cocktails then they’re going to want to see this come out at some point!

How should you set up a home bar?

Once your stock is all sorted, you need to decide what format your home bar is going to take. This completely depends on the space available in your home, the money you wish to spend on setting it up, and how much you plan to use your home bar!

You may not have something far off the minimal setup already. This could be a countertop that’s nicely set up with trays, glass racks, corner racks, etc., a bar cart to wheel out on summer days, or a table adapted for bar use. As long as there’s somewhere to store ingredients, glasses, and a space to work, you can easily make it look like a bar by stamping your own personality on the design. Paint, mirrors, plants, lights, you name it – sprinkles of magic soon bring the home bar to life.

However, we’ll all be familiar with the range of in-built home bars. If you have the space and you’re committed, this is the way to go. If you have a spare corner of the room or even outside space, then it can be surprisingly simple to install a basic wooden bar. Alternatively, you can splash out on the more extravagant setups we’ve seen everywhere from Instagram to Come Dine With Me.

If you’re looking for specific drinks from each category to stock up your home bar then you’ll find guides to the best options across our website.

If you happen to love rum, then you’re in luck because we have more specific rum products that will be perfect for you here. You’ll use a lot of them whatever you drink so it’s worth checking it out.

Which Wines Go Best with Easter Dishes?

Easter is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than with some delicious food? Whether you're planning on cooking up a storm with roast lamb, gammon, or fish, or indulging in a slice of traditional simnel cake for afters, we’ve got wines to complement every dish. Let’s waste no more time in levelling up that feast.

The Best Wine For BEEF

Red Bordeaux - Château Terre Blanque Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux 2020

If you're looking for the perfect wine to pair with a juicy steak or hearty beef dish, look towards Bordeaux Reds, such as this Terre Blanque Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux. This 2020 vintage is a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Malbec, creating a wine with rich flavours and a bold structure that can stand up to the intensity of beef. The wine's backbone of black cherry, blackcurrant, and spice complement the savoury depth of the beef, while the tannins cut through the richness of the meat, leaving your palate refreshed and ready to dive back into your slap-up Easter feast. Nom!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £12.75 (usually more!)

Malbec - Bodega Luigi Bosca Malbec 2020

If you're a fan of bold and full-bodied wines alongside your dish, then a Malbec like Bodega Luigi Bosca Malbec 2020 is a must-try! With its deep ruby colour and aromas of blackberries, plum, and subtle vanilla, it’s the perfect ambassador for Argentinian Malbec. The tannins in the wine are firm but not overpowering, enough to soften any fat whilst providing a smooth and velvety mouthfeel that complements the rich beef flavours. We’d pair this with leaner meats though because the richness runs the risk of overwhelming a much fattier cut.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.7%
Find here: £14.30

The Best Wine For ROAST LAMB

Rioja - Campo Viejo Rioja Gran Reserva

A gorgeous dinner-party Rioja like this will work so well in tandem with Roast Lamb. This wine is aged for at least two years in oak barrels, giving it enough rich complexity to complement the robust flavours of roast lamb. Behind that intense red are notes of black cherries, vanilla, and spice, so this wine provides a perfect balance to the bold and almost sweet profile of the meat. The tannins are silky and smooth, and the wine has a long, lingering finish that really elevates every mouthful. Oh, and it also happens to go well with dark chocolate puddings if you’re bringing that out at the end!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £12 (usually more!)

The Best Wine For GAMMON

Tavel - 2021 Rosé La Dame Rousse Domaine de la Mordorée

Tavel wines are dry Rosé, giving darker profiles than regular Rosé without going as far as reds. This Southern Rhône expression is 60% Grenache, giving a hint of spice to harmoniously handle any in the glaze. The full-bodied juicy raspberry and red currant notes go great with any chutney or fruit sauce but retain enough acidity to cut through the saltiness of gammon.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14.5%
Find here: £23.50

Provencal Rosé - Diamarine Coteaux Varois en Provence Rosé 2020

If you're looking for something lighter paired with gammon or steak, then a Provence Rose like this is an excellent choice. Not only is the beautiful pale pink colour an aesthetically pleasing match for such a dish, but its tangy acidity also refreshes your palate after the salty gammon. The dry and elegant finish complements the richness of the gammon, leaving you with a clean aftertaste that makes for very easy drinking. A dream combination!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £10.25

The Best Wine For Roast Chicken

Chardonnay - Vondeling Wines Barrel Selection Chardonnay 2019

If you're looking for the perfect wine to pair with your Easter roast chicken, look no further than a delicious Chardonnay such as this from Vondeling. Oak barrel-aged, the rich and buttery flavour emphasises those same flavours in the chicken to mouth-watering effect. There are plenty of citrus and tropical fruit notes too, cutting through the richness. Also, if you’re serving any kind of creamy sauce, the liquid’s smooth and creamy finish melds with the chicken delightfully. If you’re into Chardonnay, then this punches well above its price point so you’ve got to try it.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.7%
Find here: £14.79

The Best Wine For Fish Dishes

Cava – Codorníu Ars Collecta Grand Rosé

For fish, the fizz and crisp acidity of Cava is pure harmony. With its aromatic berried bouquet and freshness, this blend reinforces the flavour and intensity of fish dishes whilst the acidity slices through the oil. It’s versatile too and will sit comfortably beside a simple grilled salmon or a heartier seafood feast.  

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £17.99

The Best Wine For Chocolate Easter Eggs

Passimento Rosso - Pasqua 'PassioneSentimento' Passimento Rosso 2020

It wouldn’t be Easter without Easter Eggs now, would it? The chocolate and booze pairing is one of the most popular in the world, so we’ve got a whole article on it here! You’ll find plenty of tasty options there, but this is one of the best. This wine uses Merlot grapes picked at peak ripeness which are left to dry in specially-made crates to concentrate sugar and flavour. This ‘appassimento’ style creates a velvet wine with plush and intense dark fruits that’s a sumptuous marriage with chocolate. Indulgent, just as Easter feasting should be!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £11.99 (£9.99 Mix Six)

The Best Wine For Simnel cake

Sauternes -  Corney & Barrow Sauternes 2018

Simnel cake is a traditional Easter fruitcake, made with almond or marzipan paste and dried fruits. A sweet Sauternes like this with its luxurious golden colour and a rich aroma of apricot, honey, and exotic spices is dreamy served alongside. Bright acidity balances out intense sweetness and cuts through the richness of the cake, creating a combination that is indulgent for sure, but well-balanced. Notes of quince, lemon, apricot and honey only add depth to the fruitcake flavour and elevate the dessert.

Size: 375ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £14.95

The Best Wine For Hot Cross Buns

Tokaji - Royal Tokaji Late Harvest 2017/18

Hot cross buns! Hot cross buns! This Hungarian wine goes brilliantly with them. The sweetness is derived from giving the grapes loads of time to ripen and fill with sugar. Royal Tokaji’s sweetness is honeyed and delicate – think stone fruits, exotic fruits and blossom... perfect for sweet tarts and buns like this. A match made in heaven.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £12.99 (£10.99 Mix Six)

For more harmonious chocolate pairings with other drinks, go here!

The Best Wine Subscription Services

Calling all wine lovers! Are you tired of aimlessly wandering the wine aisles at your local supermarket, wondering which bottle to pick while fending off an overwhelming sense of decision fatigue? Well, here’s the perfect solution for you – getting them picked by masters of wine and delivered right to your door.

Wine subscriptions are a great way to take the hassle out of researching, exploring and buying new wines and even better than that, there’s always a fresh delivery around the corner so you’ll never be too far away from a delicious bottle.

We all want different things from our wine, so below are the best services and what they specialise in!

Plonk - Best for small independent winery wines

If you're looking for someone to provide some hidden gems from great independent wineries, then Plonk is the wine subscription for you. Whether you opt for 3 wines delivered to your door per month or 12, they will be a curated selection of first releases, new vintages, back vintages, and limited allocation wines from small batch family-run producers. The experts at Plonk have done all of the research and tasting for you so that when they arrive at your lips, all you have to do is sit back, relax and enjoy. You can be sure of that enjoyment because you can personalise your box to your taste, whether that be fresh whites, larger reds, lighter reds and fuller whites. Not sure exactly which group you fall into? They have a quiz on their website that will help you find out! For £55 each month, you’ll receive food paring suggestions, free consultation for special occasions, and free delivery. And they also use no carbon emission deliveries as well as 100% recyclable packaging. They’ve literally thought of everything at Plonk. Cheers to that!

Find here: £55 3 Wines/ £110 6 Wines

Laithwaites – Great for reliability

If you want a tried-and-tested wine subscription, then look no further than Laithwaites. They've been in the business for over 50 years, and their wine plans are some of the most popular in the UK with over 100,000 signed up. Laithwaites taste a staggering 40,000 wines each year (lucky!) but only 800 make the cut. The default timing is to receive a case of 12 wines every 12 weeks, but you can increase or decrease as you go if one per week just isn’t enough. The introductory offer means that the first case is only £65, with not only 12 bottles but 4 Dartington crystal glasses, free delivery and free Prosecco – with a choice of Favourites, Reds or Whites!

Find here: £122.99 12 Wines

Majestic wine club - Best for all around experience

Majestic is a household name for good reason. Enjoy hand-picked and carefully selected bottles by some of the best experts in the industry, and access to free tastings, wine workshops and fun events because the Majestic Wine Club is exactly that, a club. As a member, you’ll also receive 25% off every single bottle you buy, but with 12 exclusive bottles arriving every four months, you’ll already have plenty to sip through. They have so many different cases, each with in-depth wine guides, recipes and producer videos through QR codes! The complete wine subscription experience.

Find here: Starting from £99 – be aware that Wales & Scotland may differ slightly!

Brixton Wine Club - Best for canned wine (and cocktail!) subscriptions

With the help of their expert team, you'll receive a curated selection of delicious and sometimes surprising wines that will take your taste buds on a journey through grape varieties and regions you may never have explored before.. and plenty of up-and-coming British wines too which we like to see! BWC’s whole ethos is approachability with no wine jargon or snobbishness, so it’s accessible to everyone! Picnics, festivals, at the beach, wherever you want, these are perfect for relaxed and easy wine drinking. And not just wine, but cocktails too! Simply choose how long you’d like your subscription to be, how many cans and what type you’d like, and wait to receive them!

Find here: From £16 per month

The Cheese Bar - Best for Cheese & Wine subscriptions

What's better than a glass of wine? A glass of wine paired with some delicious cheese to match, of course. And The Cheese Bar actually go one step further, because they even provide the music for your cheese & wine night too! It could be Funk in East London, The Cheese Barge in Paddington or The Cheese Bar in Camden, but subscribers will be invited to tastings and events and get in-store vouchers and discounts. But what about the box itself? Well, get ready to tuck into 3 mouth-watering types of British cheese selected by an all-knowing cheesemonger and a bottle of small-batch low-intervention wine to wash them down with. You can get a one-off delivery, or pre-pay for a whole year, it’s up to you. Cheese and wine lovers in London will very likely know and love The Cheese Bar or their sister bars already because they know exactly what they’re doing. Never worry about running out of cheese again!

Find here: From £38 per box plus delivery

Corkk - Best for English Wine

If you're a fan of English wines and want to explore more of this flourishing scene, then Corkk is the subscription for you. Master of Wine Clive Barlow is selecting the best from over 800 vineyards across the country, selecting liquids that express the variety now being produced here. You have total control over still, sparkling or mixed, over regularity and over volume, as well as insight into English winemakers, subscriber discounts and you’ll be supporting local vineyards, many of whose wines are rarely known outside of their area.

Find here: From £18.50 per month

Cépage - Best for learning about Wine

If you're new to the world of wine, then Cépage is the perfect subscription for you. No more awkward moments at wine tastings where you nod your head and pretend to know what you're talking about because ‘Learn Your Grapes’ is all about guiding you through different grape varieties, wine regions, as well as identifying flavours and aromas so you'll be an expert in no time. With two bottles of the same grape in contrasting styles included as well as a bounty of insight, this is as fun as learning gets.

Find here: £40 per month

Port.Club - Best for Port Lovers

Port.Club’s mission is to share their passion for port with new generations, and provide award-winning hand-crafted ports to those who are already converted. Every 4 months you’ll open up three different ports boasting different profiles and complexities, from everyday drinking to unique club ports that command special moments. Special discount pricing and even port experiences in Northern Portugal are on offer for members!

Find here: £70 a quarter / £240 a year

Oranj - Best for Natural Wine Lovers

Fans of natural wines might want to explore the wide-ranging Club Oranj. For £50, you receive 2 bottles of natural wine curated by either an oranj sommelier or an expert guest sommelier, tasting notes and an exclusive artist-commissioned poster. For double the money, you’ll get 5 bottles. All wines are natural, low intervention, biodynamic and organic so the entire winemaking process is environmentally friendly from vine to wine. But Oranj is much more than that, creating art shows, tastings and pop-up food and music events that you will receive the first invite to. You can see what you can expect from cases because every case they’ve delivered to members is published on the website, with their March 2023 edition using the team’s favourites from recent tastings.  

Find here: £50 or £100 per month

Well, there you have it, wine lovers! Whether you want to explore new grape varieties, discover hidden gems from independent wineries, or simply enjoy a reliable tried-and-tested selection of wines, there's a subscription service out there to suit your needs. Cheers to trying new wines, supporting local vineyards, and enjoying the simple pleasure of a perfectly curated glass of vino.

The opposite of having wine delivered to your door is surely going to the vineyard itself, so if you want to get closer to where the vineyard action happens, check out these stunning English vineyards taking visitors in 2023!

The Best Wine Under £10 for Spring 2023

We love nothing better than finding quality wines at low prices and it’s no secret that there are plenty of absolute gems coming in below £10. However, it’s a dangerous game and if you pick any old bottle off the shelf, chances are you’ll be disappointed.

Luckily, we’re here to help! We’re always tasting a steady flow of great-value wines (for research purposes only), and after our recent tasting at Lidl, we’ve narrowed it down to these top bargain wines to sip on now the sun is coming out!

White

Deluxe Chardonnay, Limestone Coast 2021

From Lidl's Deluxe collection is this beautifully versatile Australian Chardonnay. This wine boasts such a satisfyingly rich, round and creamy profile for the price, with melon coming through as well as a touch of vanilla pudding bringing some sweetness alongside the refreshing acidity. Food friendly, it would sit nicely alongside many dishes from a light summer salad to a roast chicken.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £6.79

Deluxe Pinot Gris, New Zealand 2022

This is a super inviting off-dry New Zealand Pinot Gris that represents the grape fabulously. Expect pear and white flowers alongside a very delicate sprinkling of spice for a surprisingly bold liquid that would do well with lightly spiced dishes.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £6.99

New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc Awatere Valley 2022

The Awatere is a stunning part of Marlborough known for less tropical Sauvignon Blanc, and that’s certainly the case here. This is green, leafy and chalky with a top-notch crispness from the unmistakable Marlborough tang and elderflower running underneath. You won’t be able to tell this apart from many more expensive brands.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £7.99

Encostas de Caiz Avesso Vinho Verde 2022

From Vinho Verde in Portugal, Lidl is lucky to offer this light-on-its-feet dry white made using one of the region’s top grapes, Avesso. It feels so vibrant and spritzy with the lemon scent detectable right away. If you’re into refreshing and invigorating sparklers then this is the one for you.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5% 
Find here: £7.99

Blume Verdejo Seleccion, Rueda, Spain 2022

If you’re not familiar with Verdejo grapes, think of Sauvignon Blanc but with more aromatic citrus and subtle herbaceous notes. With Blume, you’ll find notes of juicy ripe melon, guava and other tropical fruits leading to a stand-out blend that’s quite different from much of Lidl’s portfolio. Very tasty!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £5.99

Red

Malbec Valle de Uco 2022

Malbec is such an easy wine to love and especially Argentinian bottles like this, where it tends to be fruitier and softer than the rest of the world. These grapes come from the higher altitude part of Mendoza up in the Uco Valley, which gives this wine extra freshness and beguiling poise. Fabulous value for a great little glugger and it would really sing beside some grilled darker meats.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £6.29

Balla Geza Kardarka 2020, Romania

Romania produces the 5th largest amount of wine in Europe and produces some truly delicious blends. With its light and pale profile, crunchy red fruit and a saline crispness, this quirky drop uses the Kadarka grape for a super moreish and refreshing sip. We would say to serve it slightly chilled with savoury canapes and cold cuts to make the most of it.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £8.99

Cotes du Rhone Villages, Les Aumôniers, Plan de Dieu 2021

An excellent Châteauneuf-du-pape dupe that you can expect delicious rich and figgy notes from. Rhône reds like this may not have the caché of CDP on the label but in the glass, it’s not just as good - it’s actually better than some! Think fat, spirit-soaked raisins and spiced orange peel in a freshly baked fruit cake and you can imagine it slightly, but go one better and try it! Beautiful.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14.5%
Find here: £7.99

Cepa Lebrel Rioja Gran Reserva 2014

A good Rioja is a thing of beauty – tonnes of flavour without being bulky or cloying. This ravishing red is just that, with silk and elegance carrying those delicious, tangy flavours of wild strawberry, tobacco leaf, liquorice, leather and spice... everything you want from this world-famous region. For a Gran Reserva with this much age on it, it’s a steal!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £8.49

Duca di Sasetta Nerello Mascalese

For something a little bit different, we go to the hugely popular Nerello Mascalese grape growing near Mount Etna in Sicily. This is a light yet textured and fragrant red with distinct and curious notes of red fruit, minerals as well as liquorice spice. A great foodie wine, this would wash down something like an aubergine parmigiano very nicely.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £6.99

Fleurie Collin Bourisset Beaujolais 2019

Ok, so you’ve heard of Beaujolais, but what about Fleurie? Well, it’s one of the 10 ‘cru’ villages, where wines are prestigiously high quality and each village has its own personality that expresses itself in the liquid. Fleurie is probably the lightest and brightest, with a wonderful aromatic perfumed nose. Think wild strawberry and thyme with super-soft tannins. One of the best easy-drinking reds to come in under £10.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £7.99

If the thought of sipping these in spring has got you wanting to see some vineyards up close, then check out these 7 Stunning English Vineyards to Visit in 2023.

7 Chocolate Liqueurs Perfect for Easter

We’re well and truly on the side of ‘you’re never too old for an easter egg’, but if one thing is better on Easter, it’s got to be a silky chocolate liqueur.

So, whether you’re into rich dark pours, vanilla whites or just adding some sweet chocolate magic to your favourite spirit, celebrate Easter with one of these delicious bottles.

For the rum lovers

Amaz-In Chocolate Créme Liqueur

Grenadian chocolate and Grenadian rum come together like an absolute dream in this velvety liqueur. It’s thick, rich and although the chocolate at the forefront is dangerously moreish, the subtle fruits underneath complete the profile really nicely. It’s perfect for sipping over ice, drizzled over a pudding for a touch of decadence, and of course, it’s crying out for a Caribbean cocktail.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 20%
Find here: £36.65

For the fruit lovers

Amarula Raspberry, Chocolate & African Baobab

If you're a fan of distinct and original chocolate liqueurs, then you simply have to try this South African gem. The creamy but surprisingly light Amarula, a liqueur created from the fruit of the Marula tree, is joined by the standout addition of tart raspberries, sweet chocolate as well as nutritious African baobab fruit (one of the best-tasting superfoods on the planet). This combination of delicate citrus, raspberry tang and sweet caramelly chocolate cream is mouth-watering and it’s what won Amarula a Gold at The Liqueur Masters in 2021.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 15.5%
Find here: £17

For the tequila lovers

Mis Amigos Chocolate Tequila Liqueur

Mis Amigos have leaned into the potential of earthy, vegetal agave by blending it with rich dark chocolate and cocoa, and the results are delicious. It’s another Gold medal award winner, praised for its super smoothness and versatility in cocktails. Try it in a Chocolate Margarita which might sound a bit odd, but just trust us it’s sublime.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 25%
Find here: £22.99

For the grappa lovers

Bottega Nero - Cioccolato Nero e Grappa (Dark Chocolate)

For those not familiar, grappa is an Italian pomace brandy, so it’s usually made using leftover grape skins from winemaking. This blend is literally like drinking the smoothest milk chocolate there is in terms of texture, but with the rich depth of flavour dark chocolate gives. The distinct personality of the drink is completed by the Veneto grappa adding an oomph to the indulgence. Be warned - once people try this, they are desperate for more!

Size: 500ml
ABV: 15%
Find here: £18.99

For the white chocolate lovers

Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur

For nearly a century Godiva has been mastering the art of chocolatier-ing in Belgium, and as one of the most trusted premium chocolatiers, they have moved into liqueurs. Godiva White Chocolate is everything you want it to be and more, with delicate white chocolate and soft Madagascar vanilla combining for total unapologetic lushness. A White Chocolatini is probably the single most indulgent cocktail you can concoct, and we’d recommend it over most puddings.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 15%
Find here: UK £34.99 // US $49.21

For the bourbon lovers

Charlie Parry's Chocolate Bourbon Liqueur

Bourbon and chocolate are a classic marriage, with the sweetness of the chocolate pulling the caramel from the bourbon, and the bourbon’s smooth, smoky depth wrapping the chocolate tastefully. Elegant dark chocolate is used here to avoid over-sweetness, and instead, there’s a curious rich bittersweetness created alongside toasted oak and sweet vanilla. If you love your Old Fashioned then you simply have to try this in one. If you’re in a very different mood then it also works great in milkshakes or over a quality vanilla ice cream!

Size: 500ml
ABV: 20%
Find here: £19.95

For the vodka lovers

Riverside Chocolate Vodka Liqueur

Some bottles just deserve attention, and this is one of them. Isn’t she a beauty? Riverside Spirits up in Cheshire is responsible, and they’ve filled it with something more than worthy; a velvety sweet chocolate vodka. The warmth of the vodka kicks in beautifully through the rich dark cocoa for an incredibly satisfying sip. Serve it with a little ice and it’s amazing.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 20%
Find here: £24.95

We’re chocolate mad at the moment with Easter around the corner so check out these top choc and drinks pairings if you want to keep the two separate!

Heavenly Chocolate and Drinks Pairings

We love drinks, and we love chocolate (who doesn’t), but just lumping together two delicious things in their own right doesn’t guarantee a hit. There are lots of strong flavours involved here, but if you get it right then it’s magical.

Don’t get us wrong, ‘getting it right’ is whatever tastes good for you, but these matchups below are ones we love. White, fruit and nut, dark, truffles, mint, orange... all of these chocolates will be made even better when washed down with these delicious drinks.

WHITE CHOCOLATE

Martini - Asti Spumante

A sweet and bubbly Italian Asti like this is the perfect complement to the creamy richness of white chocolate, which can become sickly disappointingly quickly. The wine's light, fruity notes and refreshing effervescence help cut through the sweetness of the chocolate, creating a perfectly balanced pairing. Plus, the wine's crisp acidity helps cleanse the palate between bites, making for an indulgence experience that can go on that bit longer!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 7.5%
Find here: UK £7.49 (usually more!) // US $15.99

Fruit & Nut Milk Chocolate

Kopke Tawny Port

A glass of Tawny Port to wash down fruit and nut milk chocolate is sublime. From the oldest port house around, this is quite light as ports go, with those gorgeous, dried fruits notes brought to the fore by the chocolate flavouring. It’s also richer and less sweet relative to similar styles, which is ideal because that milk chocolate will still bring plenty of sweetness on its own. The chocolatey, vanilla character subtly running through Kopke’s velvety smooth texture really enriches the creaminess of the chocolate too. An elegant combination if ever there was one.

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

Fruit & Nut Dark Chocolate

Croft 'Quinta Da Roeda' Vintage Port 2004

For a darker fruit and nut choc, we go from one Portuguese port master to another in Croft. Elegantly structured, this decade-old ruby red has opulent notes of raisin, black cherry, vanilla, and crucially, dark chocolate. Not only do the fruits play into the chocolate perfectly, but they’re also just sweet enough to offset any dark choc bitterness. Ports also get nuttier with age, so after 10 years of aging those nutty notes will only be elevated even further here. Delicious.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 20.5%
Find here: £24.99 (£21.99 Mix Six Price)

Dark Chocolate & Truffles

Fonseca Reserve Ruby Port

Dark Chocolate, Truffles and Ruby Port – the nights that dreams are made of, right? Again, there’s a sophisticated sweetness here that suits the bittersweet chocolate perfectly and the same goes for the truffles. The full-bodied complexity and luxurious depth of purple fruits suit dark chocolate and truffles so indulgently well. This is a world away from easter eggs now (not that there’s anything wrong with them either).

Size: 750ml
ABV: 20%
Find here: UK £13.99 // US $19.99

Orange Chocolate

Courvoisier VSOP Cognac

With its incredibly rich history, Courvoisier has had years to perfect its style and as a result, they have a gorgeous VSOP that is a benchmark in the region. Around a decade of aging gives amazing depth with fragrant oakiness, soft warmth from coffee, brown sugar, and cinnamon, and most relevant of all, delicate vanilla and citrus. A glass of chilled Courvoisier in one hand, and a chocolate orange ball in the other, oh, yes.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £36.95 // US $45.99

Mint Chocolate

Ardbeg An Oa Scotch Whisky

Mint chocolate is a more challenging pairing. As anyone who’s made the mistake of mixing mint choc with other flavours knows, it’s a dominant force. Therefore, we need a whisky that isn’t for the faint of heart. Islay Scotch is known for its power, and Ardbeg is no exception. Smooth sweetness sits under bold smoke and peat which creates an extremely memorable menthol profile with the mint, and the dark chocolate notes obviously pair well too. A glass of An Oa Scotch and some mint chocolate? Now that’s how you end a meal.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 46.6%
Find here: UK £43.90 // US $68.99

There’s more to Easter feasting than just chocolate though, so if you want more amazing flavour marriages for the rest of your Easter grub go here!