What is Liqueur?

You’ve definitely seen them around, and you might even have some at home! Liqueurs are everywhere in our modern world, and we can see them being used in multitudes of cocktails, or sometimes even sipped on their own. The number of liqueurs continues to grow, and grow it should, as with every new liqueur comes a new, exciting cocktail.

What Is A Liqueur?

A liqueur is essentially a distilled spirit that has been sweetened with sugar or syrup. It can also be flavoured with ingredients such as herbs, spices, fruit, cream, flowers, nuts and sometimes even vegetables! The higher sugar content means they’re often much sweeter than a typical distilled spirit, however, some liqueurs can be bitter, sharp, tart, herbaceous… the list goes on.

Which Liqueurs Are Best?

Of course, with so much choice comes the inevitable anxiety of which ones to choose and which ones to chuck. To help you out with those difficult decisions, we’ve put together a list of liqueurs we think are definitely worth a place in your bar cart. Whilst they are bold enough to be drunk on their own, they also make a great addition to a cocktail, so, if you like the sound of them, why not try out the cocktails we’ve included below?

Cointreau

Cointreau is a zesty, fresh and fruity orange liqueur, and it’s used in a TON of cocktails. This is a liqueur you definitely need to have on hand, even as an amateur mixologist. One infamously delicious cocktail made with Cointreau is the Margarita, which is actually quite simple to make. Our only condition is that you DO NOT salt the rim of the Margarita glass, why waste the great flavour of tequila and Cointreau?

Ingredients
50ml blanco tequila
25ml freshly squeezed lime juice
25ml Cointreau
lime wedge for garnish 

Method
Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice and shake vigorously. Fine strain into a rocks glass with ice with no salt(!) and garnish with a wedge of lime.

ABV: 40%
Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
Find here: UK £25.95 // US $60.99

Kahlúa

Kahlúa is by far the most popular coffee liqueur out there, and you’re pretty much guaranteed to be able to find this at a supermarket. There are other coffee liqueurs out there (very good ones too), but we love a classic, especially when it’s good value for money! It shines brightest in our favourite coffee cocktail, the darling Espresso Martini but tastes equally as good simply mixed with milk!

Ingredients
40ml vodka
25ml Kahlúa coffee liqueur
25ml espresso
½ tbsp simple syrup
three coffee beans, for garnish 

Method
Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice and shake vigorously. Fine strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with three coffee beans. Enjoy!

ABV: 16%
Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
Find here: UK £18.75 // US $30.99

Chambord

Chambord is a brilliant french liqueur made with black raspberries, Madagascan vanilla and Moroccan citrus peels steeped in cognac and sweetened with honey. It’ll bring a pre-French Revolution decadence to any cocktail you grace it with, and what better ingredient to serve it with than champagne! This cocktail is fabulous and indulgent, just what the stunning bottle deserves.

Ingredients
30ml Chambord
glass of champagne or sparkling wine
raspberry, for garnish 

Method
This is a SUPER simple cocktail. Add a shot of Chambord to a champagne flute and top up with champagne or sparkling wine (we’re loving English sparkling at the moment)! Garnish with a raspberry for a fruity but classy cocktail.

ABV: 16.5%
Size: UK 700ml // US 375ml
Find here: UK £27.60 // US $27.99

St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur

The taste of elderflower has long been a dear friend of the English palate, with elderflower cordials and syrups popping up all over the place. If you’re looking for something with that same delicate, floral sweetness with a boozy edge - St. Germain is for you. If you’re not convinced by the delicious taste, perhaps the elegant bottle will entice you! The cocktail we’ve chosen is the ‘English Martini’, full of botanicals and florals.

Ingredients
60ml dry gin
25ml St. Germain liqueur
½ fresh rosemary sprig
rosemary sprig for garnish

Method

Take the leaves off the rosemary sprig and muddle them in the bottle of a cocktail shaker. Add the other ingredients and shake with ice. Strain into a coupe chilled coupe and garnish with a sprig of rosemary.

ABV: 20%
Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
Find here: UK £29 // US $50.99

Bailey’s Irish Cream Liqueur

Irish cream liqueur over ice, what could be more satisfying? Irish cream liqueur is made from a mixture of Irish whiskey, Irish dairy cream, chocolate and vanilla and is used in a variety of creamy cocktails. Bailey’s is the original Irish cream liqueur so deserves to be honoured in this list. They’re now creating many variations of the original liqueur which are worth experimenting with! As the colder months are closing in, spiced cocktails are the perfect evening treat, so we’ve chosen a spiced Irish cream cocktail for you to enjoy!

Ingredients
1½ oz Bailey’s Original
¼ oz spiced rum
grated nutmeg for garnish 

Method
Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice and shake vigorously. Strain into a chilled rocks glass and carefully grate or shake nutmeg over the top.

ABV: 17%
Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
Find here: UK £15.43 // US $24.99

Créme de Menthe (De Kuyper)

Créme de Menthe is a sweet mint liqueur that tastes fairly close to if the strawberry cream out of Quality Street was a mint cream instead. Or perhaps an After Eight. Either will do, we’re just hungry for Christmas chocolate… With Créme de Menthe, you can either go for a white (colourless) version or a green version. We love a green version, purely for the theatre of it all! To showcase this green lean liqueur machine, we’ve gone for a Grasshopper cocktail (which looks STUNNING).

Ingredients
25ml De Kuyper Creme de Menthe
25ml creme de cacao
25ml single cream
mint sprig for garnish 

Method
Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice and shake vigorously. Strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with a sprig of mint. Your friends will be green with envy!

ABV: 24%
Size: UK 500ml // US 750ml
Find here: UK £14.62 // US $23.99  

Drambuie

If Scotland were a liqueur, it would be Drambuie. Drambuie is a whisky liqueur made with Scotch whisky, heather, herbs and spices. One sip will transport you to the blustery Highlands where you may or may not find yourself unexpectedly wearing a kilt. For Drambuie, we’ve chosen ‘The Lion’s Mouth’ cocktail. It’s bitter but has light, floral notes.

Ingredients
1 oz Drambuie
1 oz bourbon
2 dashes of grapefruit bitters
lemon twist for garnish

 Method
Add all ingredients to a mixing glass filled with ice and stir until ice cold. Strain over ice into a rocks glass and garnish with a twist of lemon!

ABV: 40%
Size: 700ml
Find here: UK £28.60 // US $59.99

The above is by no means exhaustive - there are plenty more liqueurs out there just waiting to be tried so if you find any you think should definitely be on this list, let us know via our social @thethreedrinkers! For now though, why not check out What is Vermouth? or The Best Gin for a G&T.

The Best Gin for a G&T

The G&T: a timeless drink that isn’t going out of style anytime soon (if ever)! Though its endless combinations of tonic and garnishes make it brilliant for innovation, a good G&T always comes down to a good gin. Here are some of our favourites:

Sing Gin

As its name suggests, this is a gin guaranteed to make you burst into song when you first get a taste of those distinct florals and tantalising freshness. Distilled in small batches, Sing Gin is crafted to perfection in the Dales village of Kettlesing (which is also where it gets its name from). Spin up a ‘Sing and Tonic’ today with Fever-Tree Mediterranean and a mint or orange garnish!

ABV: 40%
Size: 700ml
Find it here: £38.50

Atlas Chai Gin

Created a mere 6 months ago, Atlas already has an award-winning gin under its belt… and we’ve got to say, we’re not surprised at all! Inspired by Masala Chai, this gin has a mix of the ingredients you would expect to find in a traditional recipe including cinnamon, sweet green cardamom and Assam black tea to name a few. The result is a perfectly balanced, warming and spicy gin with a subtle background sweetness. If you are looking to make a standout G&T then this gin is a great one to experiment with - try mixing it with premium Indian tonic and garnishing with an orange slice and slither of ginger to compliment that spicy warmth of the gin. Nom nom!

ABV: 43%
Size: 700ml
Find here: £48

Elephant London Dry Gin

Inspired by South Africa and made in Germany, Elephant London Dry features African botanicals alongside traditional botanicals, giving this gin a fresh and unique flavour. Not only does this gin taste A-MA-ZING, it’s also doing something good for the environment! With each bottle sold, 15% of the profits will go towards elephant conservation charities such as Big Life Foundation. So far, Elephant Gin has raised over €500,000 for these charities. Try this gin with tonic and an apple garnish to elevate the apple flavours throughout!

ABV: 45%
Size: UK 500ml // US 750ml
Find it here: UK £31.80 // US $46.79

Penrhos Limited Edition Hibiscus Gin

Penrhos is already a very well established distillery with beautifully crafted gin, but their Limited Edition Hibiscus for Aldi is a real treat. Penrhos Gin is made by two Herefordshire-based fruit farmers who use unwanted fruit to create the gin, meaning each sip you drink is reducing food waste (we’ll cheers to that)! This Hibiscus Gin has wonderful notes of blueberry, so we recommend garnishing this G&T with a nice helping of blueberries!

ABV: 37.5%
Size: 70cl
Find it here: £17.99

Cantium Gin

From first glance, you might not have realised that Cantium was even a gin! If it looks like it’s masquerading as a flask - that’s because it is! Once finished, the bottle can be used as a reusable flask to keep hot or cold liquids in. A plan is underway for customers who return their flasks to be given a discount on their next purchase, and for these empty flasks to be given to local homelessness charities. Cantium is a bold, citrusy gin underpinned by soft spice, juniper and the feeling that you’ve done a little good in the world… We love this gin with an elderflower tonic and garnish of juniper berries!

ABV: 42%
Size: 500ml
Find it here: £39.95

Ealing Gin

If there’s a theme with many of the gins on this list, it’s a gin that not only tastes great but does some good at the same time. It’s not just the beautiful bottle that Ealing Gin gives to the world, but 20% of Ealing Distillery’s profits go to organisations that help to reduce social isolation (something that is more important now than ever). Ealing Gin has a sophisticated flavour, with a zesty edge mixing with warm spices. We love this gin with a light tonic and a grapefruit and rosemary garnish - YUM!

ABV: 42%
Size: 70cl
Find it here: £44.50

Malfy Gin Rosa

If you’ve missed out on a holiday this year (shakes fist angrily at the sky), just one sip of Malfy Gin Rosa is going to take you on a relaxing European journey that’ll leave you wondering why you’re sitting at home and not on the Amalfi Coast. Malfy Gin Rosa has a beautiful aroma of rhubarb and fresh citrus, with the palate giving rich grapefruit and a long juniper finish. This is served best with Fever Tree Mediterranean Tonic, grapefruit, rosemary and massive sunglasses… 

ABV: 41%
Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
Find it here: UK £28.85 // US $27.99

Tanqueray No. Ten Gin

You’ll already know this name, but perhaps not this particular bottle. Tanqueray No. 10 is the brand’s small batch gin, and the only gin to be added to the San Francisco World Spirits Competition Hall of Fame. Keeping the same signature green but perhaps offering a more elegant bottle design, Tanqueray No. 10 is distilled with whole citrus fruits and chamomile flavours to give an extra citrusy but smooth feel to this premium gin. Because of the citrus kicks this gin gives you, we can’t help but add a little wedge of grapefruit to our No. 10 G&T - but feel free to experiment with other citrus fruits!

ABV: 47.3%
Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
Find it here: UK £30.60 // US $48.99

Lind and Lime Gin

This is not the first time we’ve told you of our passion for Lind and Lime, and it certainly won’t be the last. If anything, the history of this gin is something to be admired. Lind and Lime is named after James Lind, a Scotsman accredited to performing the world’s first clinical trial when he worked towards the eradication of scurvy in the British Navy. The ‘Lime’ in the name refers to a lime cordial that was created based on his findings which helped nurse the sickly sailors back to health. History aside, this gin both looks and tastes great - with a crisp citrus edge surrounding deep juniper notes. To honour the name and the legacy of Lind, garnish your Lind and Lime G&T with a thick wedge of lime.

ABV: 44%
Size: 70cl
Find it here: £34.95

For more gin-spiration, check out our Best Gins to Try This Year or if you’re in more of a cocktail mood how about having a look at these Negroni Cocktail Recipes?

The Glenturret 2021 Whisky Range

Words by Colin Hampden-White

Most brands in the whisky world have their regular expressions. They may start with a non-age statement whisky or two, then a 10 or 12-year-old, and then rise through the age statements to around a 21 year old. All these expressions are based on consistency, the idea that if you bought a 12-year-old one year, then it would be no different if you bought it again in three or four years time. This builds up a customer base who know your product and know exactly what they are buying.

The Glenturret is a little different though. They too, like other brands have a core range. They start with a non-age statement called Triple Wood, they then have a 10, 12 and 15 year old with the age statements culminating in a 25 and 30-year-old, which like most other brands are more limited and will change in profile with each release.

Where The Glenturret is different though, is that all their expressions are batched, and therefore change with each annual release. This is a deliberate decision. Each expression holds true to the previous in style. Their entry level is still a triple wood, the 10 year old a peated expression and the 15 year old a high strength expression, but the 2021 releases are different in flavour profile to their predecessors. Not hugely, but enough to keep them interesting. The concentration at The Glenturret is not consistency of flavour profile, but consistency of flavour quality. For The Glenturret creating whisky expressions is all about quality.

Recently the distillery was sold to a group that included a strong link to Lalique glass. Another company that thrives on quality. Being a hand-crafted product, Lalique and The Glenturret have a lot in common. Individuality, quality, and all aimed at a luxury market. It is special to own a piece of Lalique glass, and so it is special to drink Glenturret. The two brands have great symbiosis.

Let’s have a closer look at this year’s release:

The Glenturret Triple Wood 2021

This opening gambit from The Glenturret showcases their spirit well. By delicate use of American and European sherry casks and ex American bourbon casks, they let the fruity side of the spirit shine whilst allowing gentle wood and spice characters to come through the spirit for a very well-balanced whisky.

ABV: 44%
Size: 700ml
Find here: £47

The Glenturret 10 Year Old Peat Smoked 2021

A peaty expression at a higher-than-normal abv. This year’s expression follows on from last year with the smoke being sweet rather than saline and dry. Where the difference comes through is that there is less citrus fruit than the maiden expression and a little more orchard fruit with more richness. The two expressions are clearly linked by a good base spirit, but there are subtle differences.

 ABV: 50%
Size: 700ml
Find here: £54

The Glenturret 12 Year Old 2021

With lots of rich dried fruits and spice, this expression is close in style to its predecessor. It is the heart of the range and therefore makes sense to stick to a similar flavour profile. Being a small batch of casks, this will still differ a little from the previous release, but the blending is superlative, and the differences are only clearer once the two expressions are tasted side by side.

ABV: 60%
Size: 700ml
Find here: £46

The Glenturret 15 Year Old 2021

Keeping the strength quite high at 53% is consistent with the 1st release. The use of refill casks allows the spirit to shine through, but there are also rich and spicy characteristics created by European oak and a small number of first fill casks. This is a whisky which expresses power and flavour equally without losing any of the finesse associated with The Glenturret today.

ABV: 53%
Size: 700ml
Find here: £110

The Glenturret 25 year old 2021

This expression has been created using only four casks all stored in traditional dunnage warehouses. A mixture of American and European ex Sherry casks, it is opulent and rich with baked apple and toffee flavours alongside soft spices and rich toasted oak.

ABV: 44.3%
Size: 700ml
Find here: £1,050

The Glenturret 30 year old 2021

The pinnacle of the range. This expression draws on American and French influence by using refill American ex-bourbon casks and first-fill European oak giving an opulent mix of sweet oak and fruit with vanilla and rich deep spice and smooth toasted oak. A whisky to certainly savour.

ABV: 41.6%
Size: 700ml
Find here: £1,700

If you’re quick enough there are still a few bottles of the maiden release left too and it’s a great tasting to try the maiden releases next to the 2021 releases.

The Glenturret 10 Year Old Peat Smoked Maiden Release 2020

ABV: 50%
Size: 700ml
Find here: £49.95

The Glenturret Triple Wood Maiden Release 2020

ABV: 43%
Size: 700ml
Find here: £51.49

You can find out more about The Glenturret’s 2020 range here and if you’re looking for some cocktail inspiration, make sure to have a look at One Drink, Three Ways: The Glenturret Triple Wood or One Drink, Three Ways: The Glenturret 10YO Peat Smoked.

What is Mezcal?

You may currently only know mezcal as ‘that smoky tequila with the worm in’, but today we are here to bust misconceptions on this intriguing drink and educate the world on what mezcal really is.

Where is mezcal made?

Mezcal is produced in nine different states in Mexico. The vast majority comes from Oaxaca, with the rest coming from the Durango, Guanajuato, Guerrero, San Luis Potosí, Tamaulipas, Zacatecas, Michoacán and Puebla states. It is still mostly made by small-scale producers in tiny distilleries and its production is steeped in tradition, often being a family affair, with methods being passed down from generation to generation.

What is mezcal made from?

Unlike tequila which can only be made from the blue agave plant, mezcal can be produced from many different varieties, as well as blends of more than one agave. The most commonly used agave are Espadín, Tobalá, Arroqueño, Tepeztate and Tobaziche.

How is mezcal made?

When an agave plant is fully mature, which can take anything from 8-15 years if not longer, it is harvested, and the piña located in the centre of the agave is cut away from the roots and leaves of the plants and brought back to be roasted.

Traditionally the agave is slowly roasted in an earthen pit oven which is usually lined with rocks that are heated by wood. The piñas are piled into these pits and sometimes reach up to 5 or 6 feet above ground level. This mound is then covered with leaves and earth to keep in the heat and the piña are left to roast. Some, but not many, mezcal producers cook their piñas in ovens above ground heated using gas, wood or steam and a few mezcal producers even cook the piñas in stainless steel ovens with steam, but this is a much more industrial way to produce mezcal.

Once cooked, the piñas are removed from the oven and crushed to release the juice and sugars. The crushing method varies from producer to producer, some use a tahona, a stone wheel drawn by a horse, donkey or tractor, whereas other producers crush the piñas by hand with mallets or put them through a wood-chipper.

How is mezcal fermented?

Once crushed, it is time for fermentation. The container for fermentation varies, but the tanks are usually made from either stone, steel, wood or animal hide. Often, at this point, water is added to the crushed piña and this mix is then left to ferment, however, temperature variations mean different methods need to be used in different areas, for example, in San Luis Potosi and Durango, agave juice is used to kick start fermentation.

How is mezcal distilled?

The liquid from the fermentation process is then moved to the stills. Stills are usually made from either copper, clay or stainless steel and are traditionally wood-fired. Mezcal must be distilled twice to meet regulations although some producers distill it a third time for extra smoothness. When bottled, you may find some mezcals (usually industrially produced) come with a worm, however, this is not traditional. There has been much debate over why the worm has been added to mezcal bottles, though many put it down to a marketing ploy.

Aging mezcal

Some mezcals are aged before being bottled, giving them a different colour and flavour due to the barrels they are aged in. The aging classifications are:

Joven: Unaged or aged for less than 2 months.
Reposado: Aged for between 2-12 months.
Añejo: Aged for 1-3 years.
Extra Añejo: Aged for 3 years or more.

A further and much more common form of aging is Madurado en Vidrio which refers to mezcal that has been stored in glass containers for over 12 months. This method traditionally took place underground but these days is also allowed to occur in warehouses that have good temperature control. The glass aging allows the spirit to mellow slowly without evaporation and also without taking on any extra flavours from oak.

How is mezcal drunk?

In Mexico, mezcal is mostly drunk neat or over ice and is often accompanied by citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons and limes. In the US and Europe, however, mezcal is swiftly making its way into many cocktails. Try a Mezcal Old Fashioned - it’s a smoky delight!

Which Mezcal Should I try?

Pensador Mezcal

Pensador Mezcal is produced by Don Atenogenes and his family in Oaxaca, using a combination of the espadín and madrecuishe agave. It has notes of roasted apricot, black pepper, citrus and an oak-y smoke.

ABV: 48%
Size: 500ml
Find here: £39.20

Dangerous Don Joven Mezcal

Produced exclusively from the espadín agave, this mezcal is a smoky, fresh spirit with the sweetness from the agave coming through and subtle notes of citrus. Try this in a Mezcal Old Fashioned - you won’t regret it!

ABV: 45%
Size: 700ml
Find here: £43.90

Ilegal Reposado

Made in Mexico's Oaxaca region, this mezcal is twice distilled in copper stills before being aged in American oak. On the nose, it has slightly woody, caramel-like aromas and on the palate, you’ll find notes of butterscotch, caramel and soft smoke. Yum!

ABV: 40%
Size: 700ml
Find here: £58.90

Ilegal Añejo

Another delicious treat from the Ilegal company, this añejo mezcal is also twice distilled in copper stills. It has hints of honey and soft smoke on the nose and to taste has lots of herbal notes with a floral and slightly salty hint. Drink this one neat or over ice to get the most out of it.

ABV: 40%
Size: 700ml
Find here: £75.10

Has all this mezcal talk got you thinking about tequila too? If so, take a look at The World’s Best Sipping Tequilas or The Top Celebrity Owned Tequilas.

The Best Bourbon for Beginners

The world of whisk(e)y can be intimidating for beginners, spanning multiple continents and going by a variety of different names. Sometimes that intimidation can be enough to put one off venturing into the world of whiskey at all - but don’t turn back so soon! Bourbon is a great whiskey to get stuck into as a beginner, and lucky for you, we’ve picked out 8 bourbons we think are perfect for falling in love with this spirit.

Bulleit Bourbon

Bulleit Bourbon is made from a unique blend of rye, corn, and barley malt, along with special strains of yeast and pure Kentucky limestone-filtered water. Flavour is king in this bourbon with its notes of vanilla, orange and subtle winter spices, and even better, you won’t be paying the earth for it either. Take Bulleit Bourbon neat or over ice for an American treat or simply mix with cloves, lemon juice, brown sugar and hot water for a comforting Hot Toddy.

ABV: 45%
Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
Find it here: UK £28.99 // US $39.99

Woodford Reserve Kentucky Bourbon

If you’re looking for a bourbon to sip while looking pensive, Woodford Reserve is for you. It has a higher rye percentage than other bourbons, meaning it’s got a spicy, peppery kick to it! Woodford Reserve is warming, but won’t leave a burn in the back of your throat either, making it great for beginners looking for something smooth. The high rye content also makes this perfect for an Old Fashioned!

ABV: 43.2%
Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
Find it here: UK £32.01 // US $36.99

Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon

FYI: No turkeys were harmed in the production of this bourbon. Wild Turkey 101 is a fantastic first foray into higher proof whiskey and bourbon, with its rich but peppery caramel flavours tasty but not overpowering. If you’re new to bourbon, the high alcohol content of Wild Turkey might be a bit intense on the tongue, but this can be softened with a drop of water (which is totally okay to do, so don’t be scared). This is one for sipping!

ABV: 50.5%
Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
Find it here: £29.95 // US $31.99

Eagle Rare 10 Year Old 

What could be more American than an eagle? Eagle Rare comes from the legendary Buffalo Trace distillery in Kentucky, where bourbon has been made for over 200 years! Without that aggressive bite that other bourbons can bring, Eagle Rare 10 Year Old is silky smooth and very drinkable. You’ll get honey, burnt caramel and vanilla on the tongue, with a classic bourbon oakiness on the finish - perfect for someone looking for a solid bourbon at a great price.

ABV: 45%
Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
Find it here: £36.99 // US $119.89

Knob Creek

Knob Creek boasts a bold, full bodied, flavourful punch of bourbon - as is evident by the higher than usual alcohol content. This is brilliant for beginners, as the price tag is very reasonable for such a rich, smooth bourbon. The notes of vanilla, oak and fruit are best appreciated when taken neat, and once you reach that spicy finish: you’ll be hooked!

ABV: 50%
Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
Find it here: UK £33.44 // US $36.99

Four Roses Bourbon

Don’t underestimate Four Roses because of its price, this bourbon is a delicious introduction to the spirit at a price that won’t leave you reeling! Beautifully balanced with notes of marmalade, honey, cinnamon and oak, Four Roses is great for mixing in a bourbon cocktail (such as an Old Fashioned) or simply taken neat! When you’re looking to step up your bourbon game, Four Roses also has a great 100 Proof!

ABV: 40%
Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
Find it here: UK £23.90 // US $19.99

Maker’s Mark Bourbon

The beautiful, dripping red wax on Maker’s Mark’s bottle almost makes you not want to break the seal. However, we definitely recommend you do - as you don’t want to miss out on the rich flavour Maker’s Mark brings to the table with this bourbon. You’ll get delicious notes of vanilla and burnt oak on the palate, and a bit of spice on the finish. We love Maker’s Mark in a Manhattan (not just because of the alliteration), but do try it neat too!

ABV: 45%
Size: UK 700ml // US 1.75l
Find it here: UK £32 // US $52.99

Evan Williams Bourbon

Evan Williams has been producing this bourbon since (wait for it) 1783! Now that, my dear friend, is a damn long time to have been making bourbon. You can certainly see why, as this whiskey is so moreish that you’ll have to get another bottle! We love the smoothness of Evan Williams, especially with those delicious caramel and vanilla notes coming through. At such a great price, this bottle is a big winner when it comes to beginner bourbons - so why not give it a try?

ABV: 43%
Size: UK 700ml // US 1.75l
Find it here: UK £26.99 // US $22.99

For more bourbon content have a look at The Best Bang for Buck Sipping Bourbon and to find out our top whiskey recommendations for an Old Fashioned click here!

*Prices updated September 2022.

The Best Drinks Advent Calendars to Buy this Year

It’s that time of the year again folks! Yes, the time of year where Christmas themed items begin to appear on the shelves and you continue to be astounded by the blind eagerness of modern brands. It’s the beginning of October for crying out loud! We hate to break it to ya, but Christmas is actually only 2 months away…  Break out the tinsel, crack open that box of Quality Streets - Christmas is hurtling towards us at an astonishing pace.

While the humble advent calendar may be reminiscent of childhood Decembers, it’s not just for children. Recently, alcohol brands have been bursting onto the scene with advent calendars just for adults. From Prosecco clocks to sommelier worthy wines, drinks advent calendars are getting more and more creative with each year. So, whether you’re buying one as an early Christmas gift, or just getting it for yourself, you’ll want to check out our guide to the best drinks advent calendars in 2021.

For Wine Lovers:

Laithwaites Advent Calendar

If you love wine, you’ll love Laithwaite’s Wine Advent Calendar! Presented in a beautiful box reminiscent of a chateau adorned with Christmas decorations, this calendar features 24 different wines all hidden away within its numerous doors and windows. There’s also an extra special treat for Christmas Eve, with (spoiler alert) a half bottle of champagne inside the roof! Not only is it decked out with a delicious selection of wines, but there’s also a chance to win 6 free bottles for Christmas if you find a ‘Winning Window’... We have a hunch these are going to be SUPER popular, so grab your reservation now!
Find here: £69.99

67 Pall Mall Sommelier Advent Calendar 2021

In the advent of drinks advent calendars, it was usually tiny bottles of spirits that one would find behind each paper door. However, these days advent calendars span the alcohol world, and with 67 Pall Mall’s Sommelier Advent Calendar the game has been well and truly upped. The private members club for wine lovers has created an advent calendar with a 75ml sample of a fine wine behind each door, expertly chosen by their resident sommelier. Every wine has a QR code which when scanned reveals a video guiding you through the intricacies of each wine. Now THAT sounds sophisticated!

Find here: £555

Brixton Wine Club Canned Wine Advent Calendar

What we love about this calendar is that it not only has a great range of wine within it but many of the brands included in the calendar are also UK based start-ups that have made award-winning wines so it’s a great place to try some delicious up and coming wine from the UK. Featuring 24 carefully selected wines ranging from reds, whites, bubbles and even cocktails there’s a brilliant mix of drinks to enjoy each night that’ll keep you excited about coming back for more the next day!

Find here: £115

For Scotch Lovers

Scotch Whisky Advent Calendar

We’ll never say no to a good Scotch over here at The Three Drinkers, and Drinks By the Dram’s Scotch Advent Calendar means for the entire month of December we won’t have to! Behind each door is a 30ml wax sealed dram of Scotch whisky from a variety of different Scottish distillers. This advent calendar spans a whole range of brands, from mega-famous distillers you know and love to new discoveries bursting onto the Scotch scene. With so much Scotch ready to be tasted, you’ll definitely find something to satisfy your palette. You might even find a new favourite!

Find here: £149.95

For Chocolate Lovers

Hotel Chocolat Grand Advent Calendar

Booze and chocolate have long been a match made in indulgence heaven. Nothing is more satisfying than finding a brilliant chocolate and drink pairing to feast upon on those chilly December nights. Hotel Chocolat’s Grand Advent Calendar is filled with their signature chocolates, and a few miniatures of their drinks! You’ll be treated to (spoiler alert) their Salted Caramel Cacao Vodka, their Cacao Gin and their Chocolat Cream Liqueur. There might even be a sachet of hot chocolate for cosying up on the sofa (which, yes, you may add the cream liqueur to, we won’t judge). Chocoholics: this is for you.

Find here: £68

For Rum Lovers/Pirates

Rum’s Revenge 12 Day Advent Calendar

ARRRR! Shiver me timbers, it looks like we’ll be feasting with pirates this December! Rum’s Revenge clearly has an eye for detail, with their scrumptious advent calendar arriving in a real, reusable treasure chest. It’s not just chocolate coins you’ll find, however, but 12 single cask rare rums hand selected from around the world. Not only will you uncover 12 brilliant rums, but you’ll also receive a skull’s head glass to drink from, a treasure map, a piece of eight lapel pin and a TOP SECRET hidden treasure… Whether you’re a lover of rum, a tentative trier, or legitimately sail under the skull and cross bones: this advent calendar is a treasure not to be missed.

Find here: £249.95

For Vodka Lovers

Vodka Explorer Advent Calendar

Buckle up - we’re going exploring, with Drinks By the Dram’s Vodka Explorer Advent Calendar. If you’ve ever disregarded vodka as a simple, monotonous spirit, this advent calendar will bash those misconceptions and introduce you to the wide range of flavour profiles that are out there. After tasting 24 curated, high-quality vodkas, we promise you’ll appreciate this classic spirit like a connoisseur. Vodka producers big and small from all over the world are hiding in 30ml bottles inside this calendar, so put on that explorer gear and get tasting!

Find here: £99.95

For Tequila Lovers

Arriba Tequila Advent Calendar

Though they may come in 30ml bottles, let it be known that the tequilas inside Arriba’s Tequila Advent Calendar are off limits for shotting with salt and lime. We see you. In fact, this advent calendar was curated especially to showcase the nuances and subtleties of tequila, a drink worthy of savouring (…and no salt allowed). With a selection of blanco, reposado, and añejo, Arriba is guiding you through tequila at all stages of its life. We promise you, by Christmas Day, you’ll be such an enthusiast that you’ll be racing to go out and explore more tequila.

Find here: £124.95

For Gin Lovers

That Boutique-y Gin Company Advent Calendar

Not only is this advent calendar beautiful, it’s stuffed full of gin goodies for gin-lovers far and wide. That Boutique-y Gin Company has put together a selection of 24 30ml bottles from their large selection of wildly popular gins. From Spit-Roasted Pineapple to Squeezed Yuzu, That Boutique-y Gin Company is nothing if not inventive with their flavours. You’ll be bursting with excitement to find out the next creation behind each door, and will not be disappointed with what you find. If you’ve been looking to expand your gin collection in a fun and interesting way, we really recommend this calendar.

Find here: £49.95

For Tea Lovers

24 Reasons To Smile Advent Calendar

Love a good cuppa? Looking for an advent calendar you can actually open and consume in the morning? T2 has just the thing for it, with their 24 Reasons to Smile Advent Calendar showcasing an eclectic selection of teas to celebrate the countdown to Christmas! Just like wine, good tea has a complicated flavour profile of its own. Try testing your taste buds in an alcohol-free way by picking up one of these calendars and basking in the range of flavours T2 has put together. P.S. This calendar comes in both loose leaf and teabag edition - so don’t worry if you don’t have a tea infuser!

Find here: £22

For Beer Lovers

Beer Hawk 2021 Advent Calendar

Now, we’ve talked a lot about spirits so far - but what about something for the beer-lovers in our lives? Well, have no fear - we have not forgotten about you! For beer fiends with a taste for new and interesting craft beers, Beer Hawk has created the beer advent calendar to end all beer advent calendars. For its 8th year running, Beer Hawk will be providing you with 25 unique craft beers from all around the globe. They may be presented in a bottle, they may be presented in a can: but all of them are presented alongside a tailor-made website created to guide you through tasting and enjoying the beers. Get hoppy this December and give Beer Hawk a go - you won’t regret it!

Find here: £75

Tiny Rebel Beer Advent Calendar 2021

When Tiny Rebel say that this Advent Calendar is their ‘craziest project to date’ you have to take notice… After all this award-winning brewery from Wales are known for experimenting with beer flavours and styles - Imperial Honey Glazed Ham Marshmallow Porter anyone? This whopping box of 25 beers includes a mixture of IPAs, NEIPAs, stouts, Sours and some stuff they ‘honestly don't even know how to categorise’. That’s not all there’s also an exclusive Teku Glass plus a surprise gift. And for all you can collecting geeks out there, these 25 collectable cans will never be available again as they will only be in this Advent Calendar.

Find here: £87.50

For Prosecco Lovers

Prosecco O’Clock Advent Calendar

Christmas just isn’t Christmas without a bit of bubbly, and with the UK’s growing love for this Italian fizz, it’s no surprise a Prosecco Advent Calendar has popped up. The look of this calendar is certainly out of the box, and by out of the box we mean a full size, working, wooden clock engraved with ‘Fizzy Time!’. Though each bottle is lined up with an hour, we don’t recommend drinking all 12 in one day. Instead, try one every other day! The lead up to Christmas is just as important as the big day - so celebrate it by popping some tiny bottles!

Find here: £114.95

For Picky Drinkers:

Master of Malt Build-Your-Own Advent Calendar

If you’re wanting to create a personalised advent calendar for the one you love, or perhaps you can’t stand surprises - why not create your own advent calendar with Master of Malt’s customer calendar builder! It also means you can make your calendar gluten-free or vegan, so dietary requirements won’t get in the way of you having a good time. This is a great way to test out some spirits you’ve been eyeing up while at the same time counting down to Christmas!

Find here: Price varies

Looking for more drinks news? Why not have a read of The World’s Best Vodka or The Best Scottish Gins to Try?

The World's Best Vodka

Vodka, vodka, vodka. From university student to master mixologist, this clear spirit has been a bar staple for over 100 years*. Vodka spans generations, types of drinkers, and now - the world. While its origins are still firmly rooted in Russia and Eastern Europe, distilleries are popping up all over the shop. Even wine giants such as Italy are getting on the Vodka Express. So, as you step onboard today, allow us to be your tour guides showcasing the best vodkas from across the globe. Stand clear o’ the doors and bottoms up!

*Fun Cocktail Party Fact: The first recorded vodka cocktail recipe is from 1911, originating from the St. Charles Hotel in New Orleans. This cocktail was aptly named ‘the Russian Cocktail’ and was a mix of vodka and rowanberry juice. 

The Best Russian Vodka

Tovaritch! Russian Vodka

Wow! Tovaritch! We’re not just really excited about vodka, this Russian brand does actually have an exclamation mark in its name. They’re not just being bolshy either, for the rich history and delicious taste of Tovaritch! is definitely enough to warrant a good exclamation mark. Tovaritch! is still made according to a family recipe hailing all the way back to the 1700s, so it’s had a serious amount of R&D. If it ain’t broke! 

The high quality Russian grain mix is distilled five times and filtered twenty to create a vodka with a subtle floral aroma and a characteristic ‘bread’ flavour. If you’re looking for a traditional vodka that will leave you reaching for your gimlet time and time again, Tovaritch! is the vodka for you!

ABV: 38%
Size: 700ml
Find here: £22.35

The Best Ukrainian Vodka

Dima’s Vodka

Much like Russian vodka, Ukrainian vodka is incredibly close to the heart of the country’s culture, meaning distillers never compromise on quality. Made from a blend of barley, wheat, and rye, Dima’s Vodka is velvety smooth with a rich and rounded flavour profile. On the palate, Dima’s has a silky mouthfeel with a hint of that rye bread followed by subtle notes of vanilla, spices and a cereal earthy sweetness. Dima’s recommends a somewhat interesting serve, with the brand adamant that nearly every cocktail made with their vodka include either pickle juice or be garnished with a pickle - the saltiness of the pickle perfectly complementing the sweet smoothness of the vodka. Hear that? Don’t mess with Dima’s pickle...

ABV: 40%
Size: 700ml
Find here: £35

The Best Italian Vodka

VOGA Italia Vodka

When you think of Italy, your brain probably doesn’t immediately jump to vodka distilleries - but VOGA Vodka looks to be changing that. The wheat that makes Italian pasta so delicious is the same wheat used to make VOGA Vodka, along with spring water from the Italian Alps. Though a delicate spirit, the Nebbiolo grapes from Piemonte that are used to filter Voga give it a unique flavour profile worthy of its premium label. To fully appreciate this vodka, drink it neat or over ice alongside a generous slice of focaccia. Mmm…

ABV: 40%
Size: 1L
Find here: Available here for some countries from $38.99 but will be coming to more soon!

The Best Finnish Vodka

Koskenkorva Vodka

Though an expertly crafted and well renowned vodka, Koskenkorva is still produced in the tiny Finnish village of Koskenkorva, boasting only 2200 inhabitants. Since the 1930s, the people of Koskenkorva have been lending a hand in the distillery and working to create a superbly smooth and elegant vodka. The purity of the vodka makes for a lip smacking base spirit in cocktails such as a Moscow Mule, or simply a vodka tonic with a garnish of lime.

ABV: 40%
Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
Find here: UK £23 // US $29.99

The Best Australian Vodka

Baxter Australian Crafted Vodka

In true Aussie fashion, this vodka is super smooth and easy-going. A unique blend of Australian grain and sugarcane gives Baxter Vodka a naturally sweet edge, though not enough to be sickly. It’s also additive free and gluten free, which is great to hear since that isn’t always the case with vodkas. Baxter Vodka is brilliant in a fruity cocktail such as a passionfruit martini or a raspberry mule, so keep an eye out for it!

ABV: 37.5%
Size: 700ml
Find here: $46 (currently only available in Australia but watch this space!)

The Best Canadian Vodka

PUR Vodka

Winning over 80 awards since its launch, it’s clear critics are crazy about this premium vodka. PUR Vodka is made with 100% Canadian ingredients including corn from Ontario and glacial spring water from northern Quebec, and it’s these high quality components that give PUR its sophisticated clarity. Drunk neat, PUR is resoundingly clean on the palate with light mineral notes, but offers a hint of black peppercorn on the finish. The cutting purity of this vodka makes it perfect for a drier than dry vodka martini that’s certain to impress the Bond in your life. From Canada With Love...

ABV: 40%
Size: 700ml
Find here: £47.94

Looking for more vodka filled articles? How about checking out The Best Value Vodkas for Martinis or Our Favourite Vodkas under £30

The Best Whiskeys for an Old Fashioned

The Old Fashioned: the whiskey lover’s cocktail, and not old-fashioned at all! The Old Fashioned is a simple cocktail composed of whisk(e)y, sugar, a dash of bitters and a twist of orange. First served at the Waldorf Astoria Bar in New York City, it has always been a classy drink showing off a fantastic spirit, but what whiskeys should you try? Here’s our list of some great whiskeys for a top notch Old Fashioned.

Wild Turkey Longbranch

Wild Turkey Longbranch is a small batch, 8 year old Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey and a collaboration between Wild Turkey master distiller Eddie Russell and the brand's creative director – award-winning actor Matthew McConaughey. The sweet citrus and spices of this bourbon make it perfect for an Old Fashioned, complementing Angostura bitters delectably.

ABV: 43%
Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
Find it here: UK £35.94 // US $34.99

Ezra Brooks Bourbon

Ezra Brooks is a great entry level bourbon if you’re looking for a perfect bourbon without the hefty price tag. The recipe was first produced in 1950 as a competitor to Jack Daniels and the company was even sued by the global whiskey superpower (though JD did end up losing…)! Caramel and vanilla combine together with hints of spice and chocolate giving it a lovely warm finish definitely worthy of an Old Fashioned.

ABV: 40%
Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
Find it here: UK £25.90 // US $20.99

Bulleit Rye 

The only non bourbon on the list, but it makes a stunning Old Fashioned. The high rye content gives a better balance between the whiskey and the sugar in the cocktail meaning your Old Fashioned won’t be overly sweet, as can sometimes be the case. Bulleit Bourbon has been an Old Fashioned favourite for a while, with its higher rye content, but it’s definitely worth trying this whiskey too! 

ABV: 45%
Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
Find it here: UK £35.20 // US $37.99

Woodford Reserve Double Oaked

In its distinctive bottle, Woodford Reserve can get you licking your lips before you even get your hands on it. The Double Oaked is perhaps the most complex of their range, being aged firstly in a standard Woodford Reserve barrel before being moved to a heavily toasted and charred barrel. The bourbon itself has notes of dark fruits combined with beautiful caramel chocolate, roasted hazelnuts and marzipan and in an Old Fashioned, its complexities really shine making it a cocktail to truly be savoured. 

ABV: 43.2%
Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
Find it here: £45.89 // US $58.99

Buffalo Trace Bourbon

Buffalo Trace is another big name in both the Old Fashioned lover community and on the shelves of many a craft bartender. This whiskey has won multiple awards over the years, notably achieving Gold in the American Whiskey Masters 2020, a title it has held since 2017. An Old Fashioned made with Buffalo Trace is smooth, with subtle spice and the bourbon itself is also brilliant value for money, so it is very much worth adding a bottle to your bar cart. 

ABV: 40%
Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
Find it here: UK £26.40 // US $34.99

Knob Creek Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Knob Creek is a bold, flavourful bourbon and bottled at 100 proof leads to a very strong old fashioned. The simplicity of the Old Fashioned cocktail really helps the rich robustness of Knob Creek shine, with its notes of candy floss, a hint of dark chocolate, and a little charred oak. We would definitely recommend the use of ice while mixing up this Old Fashioned to release more of the aromas and flavours but for a bourbon under £40, Knob Creek really delivers.

ABV: 50%
Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
Find it here: UK £34.45 // US $47.99

Fancy trying out a Scotch whisky alternative? The, head over to The Dalmore Old Fashioned or, if it’s an entirely different cocktail you after then we have plenty here!