The Best Boozy Advent Calendars of 2023

It’s November which means that Christmas items have been slowly but surely popping up everywhere we look, and whilst the build up to Christmas can be stressful, there’s no reason it shouldn’t just be the kids that get all the excitement.

This year’s boozy advent calendars are being released, and aside from being a great surprise each day, they’re actually a brilliant way to explore a drink you’ve been meaning to try, with 24 miniatures giving you a taste of what’s on offer.

We’ve got something for everyone with our handy guide below identifying the best advent calendar for gin, rum, tequila, vodka, whisky, wine, cognac, and beer. Treat yourself!

Oh, and wine drinkers in particular, if you want to save yourself a bit of money then how about making your own DIY Advent with beautiful, canned wines? Take a look here!

The Best Gin Advent Calendar

Craft Gin Club Advent Calendar

The biggest gin subscription club in the UK is offering a 50ml bottle of craft gin behind each door, finishing on a special G&T on the big day itself. There’s a brand-new selection of gins picked out over the year, including seven exclusives like Tarquin’s Mince Pie Gin that you can’t get anywhere else. You also get expert suggestions for mixers and garnishes for every bottle, which you can buy as a separate bundle if you wish. We’ve had a sneak peek and we don’t want to give too much more away but gin lovers, you will not be left disappointed!

Find here: £94.95

The Best Rum Advent Calendar

The Whisky Exchange 24 Days of Rum Advent Calendar

Rum isn’t the most popular spirit for calendars, and we’re not sure why. It’s more popular for cocktails, but sipping rums are an exciting world once you find your favourite, and trying 24 different miniatures is the perfect way to do that. Not only does this calendar opens doors to every type of rum from all over – with Caribbean classics and lesser known gems from Scotland and Australia, but you also get full tasting notes to light the way and two glasses.

Find here: £84.95

The Best Tequila & Mezcal Advent Calendar

The Spirit Co Tequila & Mezcal Advent Calendar

Because of its association with shots, tequila is far from the first spirit people think of when it comes to boozy advent calendars, but despite the 30ml minis included, this is about exploring the diverse world of fresh, fruity tequila and floral, smoky mezcal. Blancos, Reposados, Añejos and Mezcals await behind each door of this lovely looking calendar, for you to truly explore a spirit dating back to the Aztecs.

Find here: £131.99

The Best Vodka Advent Calendar

Drinks by the Dram – Vodka Advent Calendar

Here’s 24 wonderfully varied 30ml vodkas to put a kick into your Christmas build up, focusing on unique blends from all four corners of the planet. Vodka is another spirit that some drinkers only have bad experiences with after trying a throat burner, so these tasters are a great introduction to what the spirit can be. Reputable brands like Chase and Cîroc are includes, as well Jaffa Cake Vodka, Brecon Five and an intriguing Chardonnay Vodka.

Find here: £89.95

The Best Whisky Advent Calendar

Master of Malt Whisky Advent Calendars

Master of Malt have a stunning selection of 14 different whisky advents, for newbies looking to get into it, seasoned dram drainers, and everything in between. The Whisky Explorer’s Edition is a great for adventures, That Boutique-y Company is for unusual independent releases, and there’s the Japanese Whisky Advent Calendar featuring some of the country’s best producers. If you’ve got the money, then there’s even the Old and Rare selection for £999, and for a Christmas you’ll never forget, there’s the Very Old and Rare calendar priced at £9,999!

Find here: £99.55-£9999.95

The Best Wine Advent Calendar

Virgin Wines Advent Calendar

One of the original players in the world of wine advents, Virgin Wines are one of the UK’s largest suppliers and this year they have premium boxes of 24 mini wines (mixed, red, or white) from across the world, with an extra special treat behind door 25 to wash down the Christmas dinner. Click the link, pick your box and you can see exactly what bottles are included.

Find here: £89.99

John Lewis Fizz

It’s not just their Christmas ad that’s the best because this bubbly bonanza is probably the best sparkling wine selection out there, with champagne, prosecco and six variations of Bottega wines. There’s a couple of Freixenet bottles and a Charles de Mignon champagne as the highlight. Christmas is all about the bubbles, and this makes every day in the run up a joy.

Find here: £140

The Best Cognac Advent Calendar

The Spirit Co Cognac Advent Calendar

After falling in love with Cognac and the release of The Three Drinkers in Cognac, we have to include this gem. Celebrating the Charente vineyards, every day brings you a touch of rich, velvety French luxury of various ages. They’re perfect for whipping up Cognac Cocktails, or sipping to find your favourite.

Find here: £200.39

The Best Beer Advent Calendar

John Lewis Beer & Snacks Advent Calendar

Christmas is the season for snacks, so why not combine them with beer in this festive box, with 14 glass bottles and 10 accompanying snacks. Lager, craft lager, pale ales and iconic pub snacks are all thrown in to bring all the pub vibes to your celebrations.

Find here: £80

If you want to save yourself a bit of money and make your own calendar, then we’ve given you 12 Canned Wines to get you on your way!

How To Make The Zombie Brain Shot for Halloween

It’s not often that you’ll find us recommending a drink that looks as revolting as this, but Halloween is a worthy exception. This fun concoction looks like anything but delicious, so it’s perfect for a gruesome gathering.

The secret here is in the peach schnapps and Baileys, the latter of which curdles when mixed with something slightly acidic. The grenadine syrup intensifies this effect by going in last and pulling the Baileys to the bottom, like a kind of lava lamp. When completed by the Crème de Menthe providing a mad scientist green hue, you’re left with a glass of zombie experiment gone wrong… and also something very tasty (but maybe keep your eyes shut).

Method
1.    Fill a double shot glass halfway with the schnapps.
2.    Add a splash of Creme de Menthe to get that green colouring going.
3.    Place a small spoon upside down over the shot glass and gently pour Baileys Irish Cream over the back. creating floating ‘brain’ clumps and adding texture.
4.    Add a few dashes of grenadine syrup from a few inches above the shot glass, aiming for bigger clumps of Baileys. Watch the magic happen as your "zombie brain" comes to life… back from the dead.

Maestro Dobel Celebrates The Day of the Dead 2023

With 11 generations of tequila mastery behind them, Maestro Dobel has become one of Mexico’s fastest-growing high end tequila brands. They tend to put their all into the iconic Day of the Dead celebrations, and 2023 is no different as they celebrate the creative geniuses and rule breakers no longer with us… in our favourite way – cocktails.

To pay homage to innovators who really left their mark on the world, they asked people to vote for their favourites, throwing up names like Picasso, Warhol, and Coco Chanel. Then they focused on what makes cocktails special – the experience, partnering up with top astrophysicist Professor Charles Spence from Oxford University to elevate every aspect.

You can see what they’ve done and try these, ‘Celebrate Brilliance’ art cocktails at 45 Park Lane Hotel in London throughout the month of November, but you can also give them a go at home. Professor Spence has suggested some psychological tips and tricks that are proven to enhance the cocktail drinking experience, and you’d be surprised at how much of a difference they can make!

First, aesthetics and aroma (the ‘eat with your eyes’ phrase works with drinks too, and the first flavours arrive via the nose, so they have to be spot on). Secondly, despite what anti-Instagram folks might say, take pictures! Simply taking the snap helps you to recall the flavour experience, but it’s important that you put the phone away after because that hinders the tasting. Thirdly, stick some tunes on. More specifically, music that matches the profile of your drink – in this case some Mexican vibes. Next, make sure your surroundings are how you like them, with touches of class and elegance feeding into the sensations of the cocktail. Texture also plays a role, not just in the drink but with the table – silky tablecloth actually makes the drink feel smoother believe it or not. Lastly, and most importantly – drink in good company!

Below are a few of the cocktails from the Maestro Dobel Celebrate Brilliance collection and how to make them - Feliz Día de los Muertos!

Andy Warhol and the Campbell Soup - A classy twist on the Bloody Mary.

Ingredients:
40ml Maestro DOBEL Humito Tequila 
10ml Dry Sherry
30ml Carrot Juice
2/3 drops of Lemon Juice
Salt and Pepper

Method:
Pour all the ingredients in a shaker, including salt and pepper.
Shake for 10/15 seconds and double strain in a Nick & Nora Glass.
Garnish with Roquito peppers.

 Pablo Picasso - Inspired by innovative painting “Les Demoiselles d’Avignon”

Ingredients: 

40ml Maestro DOBEL Humito 
10ml Green Chartreus 
10ml Cointreau
15ml Lime Juice
Dash Agave Nectar

Method: 
Pour all the ingredients in a shaker and fill up with ice.
Shake for around 10/15 seconds and double strain in a rocks glass. 
Garnished with Preserved Lemon.

Coco Chanel  - Celebrating the fashion designer’s sweet/ sweet bitter personality.

Ingredients:
45ml Maestro DOBEL Diamante
10ml Dry Vermouth
10ml Grand Marnier
3d Chocolate Bitter

Method:
Pour all the ingredients into a glass and gently stir for 10/15 seconds.
Strain in a Nick & Nora Glass.
Garnished with Candied Orange.

Sloe Gin – What Is It and What Should I Try?

What is Sloe Gin?

Sloe Gin is a quintessentially British creation that uses high-proof gin and sloe berries, along with a touch of sugar to create a liqueur. Thanks to all the sloe berries decorating British hedgerows, it’s beloved here but if you ate them on their own, they’d be quiet tart. When worked into a Sloe Gin however, they add a warm richness that’s incredible for the colder seasons.

Making your own DIY Sloe Gins is a big thing, and you can find our handy guide on that here, as well as more information about this delicious liqueur. But, if you want to leave it in the hands of the experts and try some ready-made concoctions, these are some of the best to try.

The Best Sloe Gins to Try

Sipsmith Sloe Gin

Sipsmith’s London Dry is tremendous, and to make this Sloe Gin, they leave hand-picked Autumn sloes to rest with it for 4 months, bottling once optimum flavour is achieved. It’s not overly sweet, and instead smacks of quality, with velvety redcurrants, cassis and soft cherries.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 29%
Find here: UK £23.95 / US $42.99

6 O'clock Sloe Gin

With an abundance of handpicked sloes from Gloucester, this tried-and-true recipe is perfect for drinking at anytime because the sloe to gin ratio is high. It’s very dry, with intense fruit flavour and warming spice, but enough bittersweet notes to retain appeal all night (or day).

Size: 700ml
ABV: 26%
Find here: £24.66

Hayman's Sloe Gin

Winner of the top award in 2019, the yin and yang of sweetness and tartness is perfected here, with sloes steeped for months in their stellar London Dry. You get all that plum flavour, without overbearing sweetness, as well as complementing notes of almond and richness. A splash of tonic and an orange slice is delicious with this.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 26%
Find here: UK £25.49 / US $29.99

Plymouth Sloe Gin

The bartender’s buddy and many Sloe drinkers’ go-to, Plymouth Sloe Gin is adored for its value and natural depth. It’s an explosion of natural berries, with none of the sugar overload. The touch of tartness is perfection, and the thick, luxurious mouthfeel is to die for.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 26%
Find here: UK £26.99 / US $33.99

Foxdenton Estate Sloe Gin

Another absolute gem, Foxdenton picked up the top award at the 2016 Gin Masters for this Sloe. This is a far cry from poor quality toothache-inducing sloe gins, with the perfect touch of smooth jammy fruits but a bitter, pale dryness and juniper integrity that doesn’t get lost. A glass of quality, best enjoyed neat.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 27%
Find here: £29

Wrecking Coast Honey Sloe Gin

Like so many gins, Wrecking Coast Honey Sloe Gin is divinely bottled. Inside? These Cornish producers have crafted a jammy, honey-kissed concoction that's equally at home in a hip flask on a chilly day or as the star of a summery spritz. It's an innovative collision of locally picked rich slows, Cornish honey, and a pinch of spice for a luxurious mouthfeel and moreish earthy warmness.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 34.5%
Find here: £30

Elephant Sloe Gin

What do you get when you combine award-winning Elephant London Dry Gin with wild sloe berries? A rich, nutty, slightly sweet, and oh-so fruity Sloe Gin, that’s what. Totally distinct, from the spice to the nutty notes to the blackberry sweetness, not only does Elephant Sloe Gin deliver a completely rounded Sloe Gin experience, but they also donate 15% of profits to elephant conservation.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 35%
Find here: UK £31.45 / US $54.99

Sloe Gin is delicious neat, if you find that a little too intense, try one of the above as a G&T for a refreshing yet rich red fruits delight. Check out our perfect tonics here!

The Best Gins for a G&T 2023

Gin and Tonics can take some getting used to, but if you’re served a good one then you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them. With just gin and tonic, it’s so important that the driving force, the gin, is perfect.

The following bottles deliver an array of botanicals that pair perfectly with various tonics, plenty of complexity to keep things interesting, and enough bold flavour to be the star of the show.

Cross Keys Gin

Cross Keys Gin, the key to a perfect G&T! Straight from the heart of Latvia, this small-batch wonder is like a botanical bouquet with a Baltic twist. With botanicals like chamomile, linden blossoms, rosemary, and juniper, it's like a walk through a blooming garden. Pair this award winner with a twist of lemon, a sprig of rosemary and a splash of Mediterranean Tonic and away you go.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 41%
Find here: £25.89

Canaïma Gin

Invented to support the Amazon rainforest and the natives that still occupy parts of it, this gin gets closer to its cause than any we’ve seen. Not only does it use an intricate blend of rare botanicals like uve de palma and copuazu merey fruit, but they’re even hand-picked by these Venezuelan native tribes. The result makes for an earthy, more savoury led G&T with plenty of herbaceous notes and a fruity tang. A great story, and a fantastic gin at the end of it all.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 47%
Find here: UK £31

Orkney Rhubarb Old Tom Gin

There’s been a flurry of rhubarb-infused gins and this is one of the best. Locally grown rhubarb adds a twist and tang to Orkney’s classic Old Tom, creating a harmonious balance of tartness and smooth sweetness. Other botanicals include citrus, rose petal, cinnamon and citrus which round off a really classy gin that makes for G&T with notable zest, florality and warmth.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £32.90

BVI Gin

Here's a gin with a heart as big as its flavour. BVI Gin, born from the aftermath of Hurricane Irma which devastated the British Virgin Islands in 2017. It’s full of flavour this one, with a beautiful richness and intensity from punchy juniper, hibiscus flower, angelica root and most noticeably, vivid grapefruit that works a treat.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 42%
Find here: £35.95

Lind & Lime Gin

Inside this stunning bottle is a zesty gin packed with pink peppercorn and lime. In fact, it’s so limey that it’s named in honour of Dr. James Lind, who pioneered the battle against scurvy with limes. It’s one of the most refreshing gins out there, and a little tonic and of course, a lime slice makes for a stonking G&T.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 44%
Find here: £34.40

Blackeye Gin

Blackeye, created by rugby legends Mike Tindall, James Haskell, and Alex Payne, this gin is like a scrum of botanicals from rugby-playing nations worldwide. It's got a citrusy kick, a floral twist, and even a secret ingredient. This all comes together for a silky, citrusy G&T with a hearty crunch of juniper at its core.  Don't forget the orange garnish – it's a game-changer.

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

Blue Bottle Dry Gin

A true sip of Guernsey's charm, Blue Bottle is crafted with juniper, nutmeg, and even local gorse flowers, it's like a botanical bouquet from the Channel Islands. It’s eyebrow raising in its smoothness, with a delicious fresh and lively profile that prevails even with the higher alcohol percentage. Vanilla and cubeb back up a juniper-forward gin that goes well with Mediterranean or Indian tonic.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 47%
Find here: £38.95

Seven Hills Tokaj Gin

You’re looking at a serial award winner with Seven Hills, scooping gongs at all the top international competitions. Hungary’s rich winemaking history meets the depth of 21 handpicked botanicals including local Hungarian Linden leaf grapes. Juniper, pine and pink grapefruit keep things fresh in a totally unique and delicious gin that makes for a floral and woody G&T. A must try for gin connoisseurs.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 47%
Find here: £38.95

If you want to try something a little more elaborate than a G&T, then try making the best versions of The Most Popular Gin Cocktails with these delicious bottles above.

6 Mezcal Cocktails Perfect for Autumn

Mezcal is hitting the mainstream and it makes the perfect cosy cocktail for Fall, so if you want to try a new serve this Autumn, try mezcal.

If you’re not sure what mezcal is, then check out our article, ‘Tequila vs Mezcal: What’s The Difference?’ In short, it covers all agave-based spirits, whereas tequila is only Blue Weber. It tends to be smokier and more savoury than tequila, which is usually smooth and a little sweet, but just like its more famous partner, it’s malleable during production and the bottled liquid varies hugely.

Trying it in a cocktail is always the best introduction, so let’s indulge in these delightful concoctions that explore mezcal and embrace the season.

Mezcal Martinez

Mezcal replaces gin here for a delicious twist on a classic. It’s a rich combination of cherry and vanilla with herbal undertones and wafts of smoke., balancing sweetness and bitterness perfectly.

Ingredients
50ml mezcal
30ml sweet vermouth
15ml Maraschino liqueur
3 dashes of Angostura
Absinthe rinse
Garnish: orange zest

 Method
Stir everything with ice and strain into a chilled glass that’s been rinsed with absinthe, finishing with fresh zest or an orange slice.

Mezcal Cider

This harmonious balance will warm your soul. Inspired by the Margarita, it brings sweet and sour flavours together with the sugary fruits of apple cider and brandy, the sour zip of lemon, the earthy, charred Mezcal and warming aromatics of cinnamon. Delish.

Ingredients
50ml mezcal
20ml apple brandy
70ml apple cider (sweet)
20ml lemon juice
1 dash of Angostura
Garnish: cinnamon, sugar, and apple slice

Method
Use the lemon to wet the rim of the glass and roll it in a cinnamon sugar mix. Next, shake everything else with ice and strain over fresh ice before finishing with an apple slice.

Mezgroni

The Negroni might be the best cocktail in the world for adaptations, and replacing gin with an agave spirit adds amazing flavour. The smoky sweetness locks horns with the herbal bitterness of the Campari, bringing that vermouth and citrus through more noticeably. Simple to make, but complex on the nose and palate.

Ingredients
30ml mezcal
30ml sweet vermouth
30ml Campari
Garnish: orange wheel

Method
Add ingredients to a mixing glass full of ice and stir until thoroughly chilled, before straining into a rocks glass with large ice cubes. Don’t leave out the orange wheel here, it makes all the difference.

Mezcal Mule

Mezcal pairs with the spice of ginger beer deliciously – smoke and spice are paired all the time in food, so why not in mixology?

Ingredients
50ml mezcal
30ml lime juice
120ml ginger beer
Garnish: lime wheels and/or fresh mint

Method
If you’ve got a gorgeous Mule mug then fill it with ice, mezcal and lime juice. Stir until it feels chilled, top up to the top with ginger beer and finish your creation with a lime wheel or sprig of fresh mint. Voila!

Oaxacan Chocolate Hug

Oaxaca is one of the Mexican states most associated with mezcal... but also chocolate, and they just so happen to be a dreamy marriage. On particularly cold Autumn days, the hot chocs start to appear, and the peppery earthy character of mezcal balances against the rich sweetness divinely. Coffee brings some complimentary bitterness for balance, and a gentle dash of citrus rounds it off.

 Ingredients
30ml mezcal
30ml coffee liqueur
120ml hot chocolate (dark works well)
A tablespoon of heavy cream
3 dashes of Angostura

Method
You can make hot choc however you usually do, but we like dark chocolate chips added to hot milk, so make this and set it aside. Pour mezcal, liqueur and bitters into a glass or even better, mug. Next, add your hot choc and finally, pour some heavy cream over the back of a spoon slowly and gently, creating an appetising marbling effect.

Mezcal Jackson

Adapted from a Sean Lisik recipe, the Mezcal Jackson has incredible depth of flavour. You might not expect them to fit that well together, but boy do they – smoky almonds, delicate coconut, and luxurious sweetness. Totally unique.

 Ingredients
30ml mezcal
30ml amaretto (preferably Disaronno)
30ml coconut rum
3 drops bitters (Bob’s Abbotts)

Method
Simply stir everything with ice and strain over a large chunk of ice and it’s a thing of beauty.

Well, now you just need the most important thing. You can flick through some of our go-to mezcal bottles here!

8 Seriously Smooth Vodkas You Need To Try

There’s nothing quite as disappointing as pouring a vodka, taking a sip, and finding out that there’s nothing but an unpleasant burn. Despite being one of the most popular drinks on the planet, standards vary hugely. If you want an easy-drinking vodka that doesn’t contort your face, then check out these smooth operators at various price levels for whatever your budget is.

£15-£30

Puschkin Vodka

This German gem is simply fantastic for the price, offering a flavour profile as classic as a Pushkin novel. Crafted with pure spring water and an ice filtration process, it's so smooth, even the bear on the bottle seems to be giving it a friendly wave rather than a ferocious roar. Puschkin is a  completely steadfast vodka that won’t let you down for any cocktails.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 37.5%
Find here: £15.99 (usually more!)

Rekyka Vodka

We love Reyka at The Three Drinkers. It’s an Icelandic vodka crafted from wheat and barley with green production thanks to glacial water and geothermal heat, and the end result is to die for – as clean as a whistle, and as smooth as a polar bear’s slide. The whole mouthfeel is so gloriously rounded, with a slight creamy, vanilla note playing off peppery spice, but mostly is the icy cleanliness that stands out. Top notch.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £25.80 (usually more!)

Vusa Vodka

Say hello to Vusa Vodka, South Africa's premium sip with a touch of sweet swagger! Crafted in small batches with sugar cane straight from KwaZulu-Natal, it's smooth, clean, and wallet-friendly, providing a superior drinking experience to many brands twice the price. It’s ideal for sipping neat but mix up some magic with an Espresso Martini and make the most of that gentle sweetness. Oh, and what a glorious bottle, celebrating South Africa and standing out amongst the other vodka bottles – love it.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £27.98

Haku Japanese Craft Vodka

From The House of Suntory comes a must-try Japanese rice vodka (Haku means white in Japanese). Suitably though, the word can also be read as brilliant. Crafted from Japanese white rice, twice distilled and filtered through bamboo charcoal, what’s bottles is complex and aromatic, encompassing a subtle botanical character you’d usually find in a gin. Think of cardamom, bitter lemon and peppermint, all gently flavouring the crisp and clean feel.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £29.95

£30+

Dingle Vodka

In County Kerry, lies a master of all trades with the Dingle Distillery, producing Whiskey, Gin, and Vodka... the latter of which came first. Crafted with a quintuple distillation technique it's pure, smooth, with a touch of creamy sweetness to raise an eyebrow or two.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £31.74

Fire & Ice Gold Premium Vodka

Fresh from the alpine water of the Swiss Alps comes Fire & Ice, filtered with real gold and edible gold leaves for the luxury touch. The softness on the palate is what hits home here, with crisp minerality cutting through for a refreshing feel. Lovely as a gift or sipping over a splash of tonic and slice of lime – depending on how generous you’re feeling.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £34.95

Nykur Vodka

Nykur is an organic vodka from the Faroe Islands, but one that won the top Master award at the 2023 Vodka Masters. Crafted with water drawn from Kirvi mountain, filtered through 12 layers of basalt rock, it glides down the throat with unparalleled smoothness. Not only that, but the slightly higher alcohol is perfectly integrated, buffing out the texture for a premium, mature, and elegant liquid perfect for a classy Martini.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 42%
Find here: £35.60

X Muse

If you’re lucky enough to sip on X Muse, you’ll know why we rave about it. Crafted from old heritage barley varieties up in Scotland, the result is not only the gloriously sleek profile you want from vodka, but also a surprising but amazing flavour. Enjoy the in-your-face florality with the sweet, toasted barley backbone riding on a wave of intoxicating viscosity, with delicate touches of ginger and nutmeg. Try it with an olive because the salinity makes for an unforgettable mix. Worth every penny.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £55 (usually more!)

Well, how about some Martini recipes for these silky vodkas? Here are 10 of the Best Martini Variations to make at home!

The Best Spiced Rums Under £40

Ahoy rum enthusiasts! Spiced rum is an area that contains a lot of variety. It doesn’t help that production rules are super strict in some countries, whilst totally relaxed in others, and all kinds of characteristics can be affected including ageing and sweetness. On the plus side, this means that there will be something for everyone so rather than just splashing out on a bottle with a hefty price tag hoping that it’s a guaranteed hit, check out the best spiced rums for under £40 below!

£20-30

Redleg Spiced Rum

For value, there aren’t many if any spiced rums better than Redleg. It’s pure Caribbean spirit in a bottle, infused with Jamaican vanilla and ginger. Rich custard and apple slices rolled in cinnamon invite on the nose before delicious sweetness hits after sipping, with gingerbread and creamy vanilla. The warmth of the pepper and ginger last the distance too. This is an adventure for both rum newbies and connoisseurs and goes well served simply in a Cuba Libre.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 37.5%
Find here: £21.99 (usually more!)

Depth Charge Spiced Rum

Crafted from top-notch Caribbean rum and a medley of spices, Depth Charge is a flavour explosion. Picture this: brown sugar, honey, caramel, and zesty citrus dancing together with cinnamon, clove, and peppercorn. It’s definitely smooth and layered enough to enjoy over ice with a lime wedge, but a splash of cola takes it in a new direction too. A Hurricane cocktail also comes to mind with this one.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £25.95

Black Magic Spiced Rum

Black Magic Spiced Rum, the mystical concoction of light and dark rums, unveils a flavour spectacle with vanilla, cherry, caramel, and a hint of black pepper – a proper carnival in a glass! The awards speak for themselves, picking up Gold at the World Rum Awards in 2022. This rum isn't shy either; it loves to mingle, especially with cola. But for a real "Lift Off," try it in a cocktail with amaro, honey, and a splash of Prosecco.

Size: UK 700ml / US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £26.74 / US $17.99

Chairman’s Reserve Spiced Rum

Chairman’s Reserve Spiced Rum, straight from St. Lucia, is a tropical taste sensation that punches well above its price point. Cinnamon, clove, vanilla and allspice get the party started, but it’s the balance and smoothness that’s staggering. It’s just so drinkable. A Spiced Rum Old Fashioned with this is a dream.

Size: UK 700m/ US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £28 / $26.99

£30-40

Sly Dog Spiced Rum

We loved their Christmas Crackers last year, but you really just want a full bottle. Made with aged rums from Jamaica and the Dominican Republic, it's the smooth operation of rums – suave, sophisticated, and with a hint of mystery (thanks to their secret spice recipe). There are some classical rum profile flavours, but also some unusual but very welcome notes. You'll taste pineapple chunks, brown sugar, a touch of clove, and salted caramel, but it’s how harmoniously put together everything is that won it a Gold at the World Rum Awards 2022.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £32

Pull the Pin Spiced Rum

The explosive, eye catching bottle hints at the interesting origin story of Pull the Pin, because co-founder Tom left the army to pursue the perfect Spiced Rum, and he has to be happy with the results. Guyanese in origin, if you don’t like too much sweetness in your spiced rums then this is the one for you. It’s all about the spice – a treasure trove of aromatic baking spices with cinnamon at the fore, intertwining with silky butterscotch, brown sugar, and tobacco for a super comforting drinking experience. We’d like to see (and taste) it in an extra spicy Dark & Stormy.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 37.5%
Find here: £34.49

Mermaid Spiced Rum

Crafted with a blend of aged sugar cane and molasses rum from Trinidad and the Dominican Republic, Mermaid is infused with a bevvy of exotic botanicals from the Isle of Wight to bring sweet honey, apricot, rock samphire and black salt to the smooth, caramel notes. This is an instantly distinct rum that may very well surprise drinkers who don’t normally go in for spiced rums, with vibrant fruity Christmas spice and floral sweetness. It’s fun to explore this one neat but topping up with ginger ale isn’t a bad idea either.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 38%
Find here: £37.99

Rumbullion Spiced Rum

A prestigious Master award winner at the 2021 Rum Masters, Rumbullion is a warming spiced rum evoking the full-bodied and rich seafaring rums of years ago. Madagascan vanilla is added to the highest quality of Caribbean rum as well as a sprinkle of orange zest, cassia, cloves, and cardamom. Expertly crafted, intense in flavour, balanced perfectly, and packaged with such charm and attention to detail – Rumbullion on a cold evening is the stuff of dreams.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 42.6%
Find here: £39.95

If you’ve found yourself here then the likelihood is that you’re really enjoying your rum, so to enhance that at home drinking experience, why not have your own dedicated rum bar? Check out 7 Things Every Rum Lover Needs!