8 Great British Gins for Celebrations

Gin is one of the most quintessentially British drinks so it’s no surprise that there are plenty of delicious tipples to select from. These eight, however, are bottles that have that extra special something fit for a celebration, be that the upcoming Coronation or, well, anything! There’s never an inappropriate time to celebrate with great gin after all.

Boodles British Gin

Since a 2013 rejuvenation, Boodles has been flying the flag for quality London Dry that doesn’t cost the earth. The recipe here actually dates way back to the 19th century, using botanicals like rosemary, nutmeg, sage and pronounced juniper.  Where Boodles stands out, however, is the lack of citrus which is usually a given for gins these days. This creates a far more herbaceous and aromatic palate that’s sublime over ice with a little premium tonic.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £24.90

Hayman’s London Dry – Limited Edition

Hayman’s bottles always look the part, but with this limited-edition coronation wrap they’ve outdone themselves. Dressed for celebration in Rose England-designed London-inspired wrapping, the liquid inside doesn’t disappoint. The 150-year-old family recipe is distilled by hand in the most traditional process possible, gently refining into a balanced gin brimming with fresh juniper, vibrant citrus, and a warming spice throughout. It’s made for the coronation, but what a lovely gift it would make for anyone moving to, or fond of, London too!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 41.2%
Find here: £26 Available in Waitrose

Dodd's Gin

Understandably, this gin has been voted in the Top 5 most beautiful gin labels in the world which is exactly what’s needed for a celebration. Named after Ralph Dodd who wanted to build a British spirit distillery in 1807 but never managed to, this is The London Distillery Company’s first gin produced only in London. All botanicals are organic and most, such as honey from The London Honey Company, are locally sourced. Juniper, angelica, fresh lime, cardamom, red raspberry leaf and laurel complete a gin that feels big and bright in flavour. There is also a very pleasant viscosity to the texture that fills the mouth with what is undoubtedly one of the most flavoursome British gins around.

Size: 500m
ABV: 49.8%
Find here: £27.99

Horse Guards London Dry Gin

If you’re after a coronation gin then this might be the one for you because Britain’s Horse Guards were formed by the last Charles on the throne, King Charles II back in 1661, and this same gin is supplied to the Household Cavalry to this day (after the riding is done we’re sure!). With classic botanicals of Juniper, Coriander, Cardamom, Angelica, Orange, and Grapefruit Peel, this is a simple, refined, and elegant expression of British London Dry style gin done really well.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 42%
Find here: £32.50

Silverback Mountain Strength Gin

Hampshire-based Gorilla Spirits Co. is behind this citrus-forward expression which uses 100% British wheat spirit and a fresh selection of botanicals including acacia blossom, lemongrass, calamus root, angelica, and sweet orange. The citrus has a gorgeous, sweet tinge and clean quality that tastes great, the juniper is piney, and the layers of flavours are subtle but deep. An orange slice is a must in your glass with either premium tonic, or Cardamom flavoured tonic. Also, £1 goes to helping endangered Mountain Gorillas so it’s more than just a name!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 46%
Find here: £35

Deck Chair Gin

Distilled along the English Riviera in Devon, this punchy aromatic tipple reflects the British summer with sunny orange, crisp pink grapefruit, and a surprising herbal finish. This is a versatile expression so if you want to bring out the citrus then pair with a Mediterranean Tonic, but if you prefer the aromatic notes, stick with straight down-the-line Premium tonic. If you popped all the awards this gin has won on an actual deck chair it would probably collapse, so see for yourself why it’s celebration-worthy!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 44%
Find here: £39.95

BH1 Gin

Packaged in a charming vintage exterior, BH1 provides something a little different with a more savoury expression. As you might have guessed if you know your south coast postcodes well, this recipe was thought up in Bournemouth and includes fruity orange and pink grapefruit, warm spices like clove, cinnamon and star anise and fragrance from chamomile, nigella seed and almonds, amongst others. It is tastefully crafted for precision balance, drifting between zippy citrus, welcoming floral notes, fruity sweetness and comforting spice. Bravo!

Size: 500ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £39.95

Adnams Coronation Gin

Adnams have produced this herbaceous number to commemorate the coronation of King Charles III, with the official emblem front and centre of a sophisticated bottle. There are only 1000 numbered bottles, each containing a gin that emulates the English herb garden (a hint at The King’s well-known green fingers). Think green herbs like rosemary, thyme, basil and parsley amongst fresh cucumber and cleansing tea. This is as herbaceous as gins get so if you’re into that, this is the jackpot.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £50

If you want more drinks to enjoy the coronation with (or for any celebration!) then check out another one of Britain’s finest – Sparkling Wines and we mustn’t forget Buckingham Palace’s very own Coronation gin!

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.

The New Vodka Made from Peas

Move over potato and wheat, there's a new vodka ingredient in town - peas! That's right, Manchester drinks business Ten Locks has unleashed Pod Pea Vodka that’s making green waves in the sea of spirits.

Unlike other vodkas, Pod Pea Vodka is made using sustainably sourced British peas, which not only imparts distinctive taste but also comes with environmental benefits. Peas are a sustainable crop, requiring less water and fertilizers than other crops typically used for spirits, whilst feeding nitrogen to the soil at the same time. And let's not forget the obvious health benefits of peas, being a good source of protein, fibre, and essential vitamins! The peas are distilled into a neutral grain spirit which is then blended with beautiful Lake District water to create a smooth and refreshing flavour.

But Ten Locks' innovation doesn't stop there. They have also partnered with a London-based eco-startup, to create packaging made from recycled glass and sustainable labelling, making Pod Pea Vodka a truly green product from start to finish.

Don’t let the pea ingredient fool you into thinking it has an off-putting vegetal taste either, far from it. There is a vibrance to the vegetal note that rounds off the more familiar crisp lemon, creamy grain, pepper, and delicate sweetness. For a refreshing summer vodka serve, this will be on point served simply on the rocks, but combining with the likes of mint and cucumber in a Mojito twist would give create a gorgeous natural blend too.

The Pod Pea team have been busy themselves creating cocktails to star their creation, such as the Petit Pois Fizz, Easy Peasy, Pickle Pea Martini, and a take on the classic Bloody Mary – who says red and green should never be seen.

“We launch Pod Pea Vodka confident we’ve prioritised taste, flavour, and an unwavering belief that excellent ingredients can be sourced right here in the UK,” Becky Davies, head of commercial at Ten Locks, said. Sounds good to us.

So, if you're looking for a vodka with a difference or one with an innovative green outlook, give Pod Pea Vodka a try!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £37.45

Renegade Rum: The Importance of Terroir in Rum

Compared to the worlds of wine and whisky, rum has a tendency to be viewed slightly differently. Someone looking to change this and lean on the importance of terroir and provenance is former Bruichladdich head Mark Reynier, with Renegade Rum in Grenada.

Setting his sights on rum after two decades of developing whisky, Renegade Rum’s philosophy was part strategic but also part accidental. On the one hand, Reynier’s approach for Renegade dates back seven years, and he answered the basic questions pretty quickly; sugarcane not molasses, and traditional pot stills not columns. These would enable him to shine all the light on the terroir of spirits and Grenada’s stand-out conditions. But this is where the first big problem arose.

No one in Grenada wanted to farm sugar cane. After three years of searching, Reynier adopted the ‘if you need something doing, do it yourself’ mantra and began growing across an array of areas. This unplanned step into farming meant Reynier could use a diverse range of terroirs and microclimates and keep precision tracking over the provenance, with the ‘cane code’ on every bottle logging every production detail you can think of.

With the philosophy and methods of winemakers and the expertise of single malt distilleries, Renegade has evolved into a terroir study of rum, and more precisely the building blocks of sugar cane. Each Étude bottle, their first aged rum, displays a single terroir of cane that went into it, be that from New Bacolet or Pearls.

Both were aged in premium French and American oak before being bottled at 55% ABV but have subtly different offerings. New Bacolet is filled with deep, dried fruits and sweet oak, whereas Pearls is rounded with less fruit and more cinnamon oak spice. We’re intrigued to see where this laser focus on rum terroir goes, and what other mouth-watering open-book bottles come out of it!

The small-scale bottlings of Étude have now rolled out across the world, you can visit Renegade Rum’s site for way more information on their fascinating work here and if you’re interested in investing in a cask then this is where to head!

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!

Heinz and Absolut Team Up for Tomato Vodka Pasta Sauce

Heinz and Absolut Vodka, now that’s two brands you probably didn’t foresee combining. But here we are, with their new Tomato Vodka Pasta Sauce; a classic Heinz tomato sauce infused with Absolut Vodka to create a rich and creamy pasta sauce.

It probably isn’t as odd as it sounds at first because vodka is often combined with pasta, adding a touch of heat and sharpness to complement the sweet, creaminess of most pasta sauces. In this case, cheese and basil are also included to finish off a tomato sauce that has gone down very well indeed with those who’ve tried it.

It all started back in 2020 when supermodel Gigi Hadid boasted of a spicy pasta recipe using vodka and after it went viral, Pernod Ricard (owner of Absolut) had the idea to team up with another iconic brand in Heinz. Time will tell if this becomes a kitchen staple for those easy-to-make pasta dishes, but if it does, we can’t help but wonder if some kind of Bloody Mary crossover will be next?

If you’re not a vodka drinker, then you understandably probably don’t want to spend money on a whole bottle just to use a little in a pasta sauce, so this is actually quite a neat way for people to see what vodka can bring to pasta! Want to try? It’ll be available in Waitrose stores from April 12th at £2.50 per jar, but you can pre-order from the Heinz site here if you’re super keen!

To read more of the latest drinks news, click here.

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!