8 Unique Bottles Perfect for Gifting

These uniquely striking bottles are beautiful inside and out and make the perfect Christmas gifts for lovers of rum, gin, vodka, and tequila. Sometimes, brands put everything into their gimmicky packaging and forget about the liquid inside, but these bottles raise eyebrows in the best way possible, delivering on the grand expectations they set once unwrapped.

Mauritius Dodo Gold Rum Dodo Bottle

The dodo has returned, and instead of it’s blue and grey plumage, it’s now full of golden rum from its home, Mauritius. This striking glass decanter is instantly memorable as a gift, filled with a sweet golden rum distilled from Mauritian molasses. Expect aromatic vanilla and notes of banana, berries, and pepper. Every dodo is handcrafted and unique, arriving in a charming fit box, and can be refilled with whatever spirit you choose, making this the gift that keeps on giving.

Size: 1L
ABV: 40%
Find here: £104.95

Stone Gaze Sour Berry Rum

This is a bottle that demands your gaze, so it’s a good thing it’s just a Medusa bottle and not the real thing, otherwise you would end up looking like the bottle itself. So many reviewers talk about buying this just for the bottle, and they all say how surprised they were at the delicious rum inside. It’s a symphony of berries like gooseberry and blackberry, and Caribbean white rum, giving great tang and tropical undertones. It has an almost gin style to the profile – interesting and extremely easy to drink.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 38%
Find here: £52.24

Engine Gin

Take your presents up a gear this year, with Engine Gin, house in a quirky fuel can that would look more at home in the garage than the drinks cabinet. It’s a distinctly Italian expression within, distilled at Torino Distillati, who also make Malfy by the way. It’s herbal, with crisp space and oily rosemary leaves, but lemon, liquorice and damask rose come through with a late overtake too. Floral, herby, bright and delicate – it’s a delicious surprise that you wouldn’t expect from the ‘bottle’ at all.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 42%
Find here: £27.50 (usually £33.50)

Sharish Blue Magic Gin

This vibrant Portuguese delight arrives in a lovely, curved bottle displaying a dazzling blue hue, courtesy of blue pea flower. Add tonic however and witness the alchemy as it becomes pink. And it really does. Beyond the spectacle, the gin itself is refreshing and smooth with classic botanicals and tasty raspberries and spice.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £35.99

Outerspace Vodka

Outerspace go beyond gimmicky packaging, they go to infinity and beyond in fact. Their vodka is distilled five times over from American corn and then filtered through actual ancient meteorites for a true taste of space. When pouring, you’ll discover that it is in fact clear, which might be a shock, bringing that clear, crisp, clean taste. There’s a slight minerality that keeps you on your toes too.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £29.99 (usually £32.99)

Crystal Head Aurora Vodka

Sourced from a natural aquifer hidden on the super remote St John’s Newfoundland, which is the most eastern point of the US, Crystal Head has a reputation for absolute purity. It’s filtered seven times before last of all, it goes through a triple-filter diamond cone. Premium English wheat creates an ever so slightly spicier expression than usual, with gentle anise coming through and floral aromas. The beautiful skull was designed with the Northern Lights in mind so it’s beautiful inside out.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £51.99 (usually £66.99)

SPHYNX Tequila - Extra Aged Añejo Black Oak Signature Decanter

Sphynx’s tequila range is pretty new, and every bottle looks spectacular. This is their oldest expression, the Extra Aged Añejo which has been aged in wine barrels, infusing the 100% agave tequila with luxurious depths of oaky vanilla and warming spice, creating a very special 100% caramelized roasted agave liquid.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £248

Kah Reposado Tequila

Kah’s Day of the Dead branding is an instant winner, and ever sip continues to celebrate that artistry. This is really one of those tequilas to give someone who thinks its just a spirit for shotting, delivering smooth, caramel laced spiced fruits, nutty vanilla, and peppery warmth on the finish. Beautiful inside and out.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £49.99

If you’re after more ideas for boozy presents, then check out our 12 secret santa recommendations here for some cheaper ideas that will still impress.

8 Traditional Christmas Drinks in the UK

Everyone has their own go-to tipples for the festive season, and often it’s just their favourite drink throughout the rest of the year… but there are some familiar faces that pop up every time.

And for good reason too, because they are comforting and delicious. They’re part of the furniture (especially towards the end of the evening when Nan’s had one too many), so it serves to know how to master them. We’ve got all the mulled classics, creamy indulgences, and fruity wine numbers you could wish for on your Christmas list, and this is how to impress friends and family with each one.

Baileys Hot Choc

This is a classic winter warmer, with Bailey’s being the drink most synonymous with Christmas. Ideally, it’s so easy to make too. Just add the Irish Cream to hot chocolate and away you go. Of course, whipped cream and some grated chocolate add that extra indulgence that is pretty much mandatory at Christmas time too. Other people add different creams, winter spices or coffee liqueurs though, so experiment. Enjoy those deliciously rich undertones of whiskey intertwining with the sweet hot chocolate hug and cloud like softness of whipped cream. Oh, and because of the Bailey’s cream, we’d recommend using water for the hot chocolate but it’s up to you of course.

Ingredients
60ml Irish cream liqueur
100ml hot chocolate
Whipped cream (optional)
Grated chocolate (optional)

Method

Make your hot chocolate in a separate mug and pour it gently over your Baileys. Squirt some whipped cream and grate some chocolate if you want to go the extra mile.

Hot Buttered Rum

This is one that gets the mouth watering from the title alone, a simple delight perfect for cosy vibes. Some people don’t include the baking spices, but especially if your rum lacks spice, we find that they build a handy bridge between the rich butter and the booze. It’s sweet, warm in temperature and spice, and full of comforting flavours.

Ingredients
100ml hot water
50ml dark rum
1 tsp cinnamon
1tsp nutmeg
1 tsp all spice
A dash of vanilla extract
1 tbsp unsalted, softened butter
2 tsp brown sugar

Method
Muddle and mix sugar, butter, vanilla extract and all those beautiful spices at the bottom of a handled glass or mug. Pour in the rum, then the hot water and give it a nice stir (with a cinnamon stick if you have them!.

Eggnog

Well, it doesn’t get much more wintery than Eggnog does it? Check out our Mocktail recipe here, although this is one is pretty much the same except the inclusion of brandy. We think brandy brings perfect fruity, richness but others go for bourbon or rum. Why not make a few? It’s so silky, sweet, and creamy, and with the warm punch of the brandy at the heart of it. Just writing about it makes you want one!

Ingredients (for 5)
120ml brandy
cinnamon stick
whipped cream (optional garnish)
grated nutmeg (optional garnish)
Eggnog:
1 tsp vanilla essence
3 eggs
120ml double cream
100ml whole milk
100ml condensed milk
50g caster sugar

Method
You make the eggnog separately, and there are lots of variations using different sugars/milks and creams, but love the luxurious flavour of the above. Whisk the eggs with vanilla essence and caster sugar until it goes creamy. The, gradually whisk in the milk, in 25ml intervals, and repeat this exactly the same for the condensed milk. Repeat with the cream too! Slow and gradual. Cover and refrigerate for over at least 2 hours. If you find that the mixture is too thick after cooling, add milk and blend. When you’re ready to serve to your lucky guests, pour the eggnog in first, before slowly adding the brandy serving and garnish as you please – grated nutmeg, whipped cream, cinnamon stick – all perfect.

Snowball

The clues in the name with this one, and it’s a great way to spruce up Advocaat for a festive libation. The richly flavoured creamy Advocaat binds everything together, with vibrant, zesty lime cutting through, lemonade adds a effervescent refreshment, and although a lot of people leave it out, the brandy adds a touch of opulent, fruity depth that roots the cocktail nicely. A glass of Christmas magic.

Ingredients
15ml lime cordial (Rose’s)
50ml Advocaat
40ml lemonade
15ml brandy
Maraschino cherry (optional garnish)

Method
Fill a glass with a large scoop of ice and add in your lime cordial (you could use juice, but cordial works better). Add Advocaat, then lemonade and stir gently until everything is chilled. Then add the cherry on the cake/cocktail!

British Christmas Punch

If you’re in one of those families that knocks up a Christmas Punch, then you’ll probably have your own recipes, whether that’s a ‘throw in anything we have’ philosophy, or a ‘refined through the generations’ masterpiece. There are endless directions you can take with this, but this recipe has warmth and spice from herbal liqueur, fresh rosemary, ginger syrup and cinnamon paired with bright fruit juices. People use red wine, white wine, sparkling wine or even no wine, but Prosecco or a crisp white work best here.

Ingredients (for a jug)
300ml cranberry juice
40ml ginger syrup
50ml herbal liqueur (Benedictine or Jägermeister)
750ml Prosecco/white wine
200ml apple juice
Sliced clementines
Sliced lemon
3-4 sprigs rosemary
2 cinnamon sticks
Fresh cranberries (optional garnish)

Method
Make sure everything is nicely chilled before use, and a few hours before you’re expecting to serve the punch, combine everything together in a punch bowl. There’s no need to be delicate, just add everything in and stir with a little ice. Give everything enough time to merge and infuse, and then serve! For the simple ginger syrup, go here.

Mulled Wine

The official smell of the Christmas market, mulled wine is an absolute staple of the winter months and many people’s all-time favourite Christmas drink. If we have one tip, it’s to dispel the myth that the cheapest wine is fine if you’re heating it through – you do notice the difference! Opt for a juicy, big, bold wine. Think Zinfandel, Grenache and Primitivo. You’ll get strong flavour and a silky-smooth mouthfeel. Avoid adding sugar in and include some fresh cranberries that beautifully soften when heated for added texture and a little acidic crunch.

Ingredients
750ml bottle of Red Wine (Zinfandel, Primitivo, Grenache)
4 cloves
2 cinnamon sticks
1 quartered orange
1 star anise
Small handful of fresh cranberries
100ml Grand Marnier (optional)
2 tbsp honey (optional)

Method
Slowly pour the wine into a pan on a low heat, and begins stirring slowly as you add in your fruits and spices. It should never be boiling, and make sure to include the Grand Marnier towards the end (it’s optional, though we really recommend it). Let it all cool over 30 minutes whilst the flavours come together and it’s ready to go. Oh, and the honey is optional if it needs more sweetness – it’s better than sugar.

Mulled Cider

This is a delicious alternative to mulled wine and brings a hearty warmth to any festive occasion. The key here is, obviously, the cider so we would recommend trying it cold first and just making sure you like it before committing to the pan. This is for regular apple, but there are delicious, spiced ginger ciders and other seasonal flavours that would work a treat too. Here though, you’ve got hearty cider with the dry cider, rich apple with Calvados, and sweet apple with the juice, and they balance really nicely.

Ingredients
1L dry cider
100ml Calvados (brandy if not)
300ml apple juice
Orange slices
4 cloves
2 large cinnamon sticks
1tbsp all spice
50g sugar (optional)

Method
It’s similar to mulled wine really, just gently simmer and combine everything up to a simmer, at which point its gas right down to a very low heat for 20 more minutes before turning it off altogether. Let it cool and infuse before serving.

Bucks Fizz

A classic start to the Christmas morning, Bucks Fizz is nostalgic, fresh, and delicious. Cava, Prosecco, Crémant, and even Champagne – you can pick whichever poison to pair with your OJ. There is a load of nice, pre-made bottles (Sainsbury’s in particular), but as anyone who loves fresh OJ knows, the difference is substantial so if you want a work out, get squeezing those oranges.

Ingredients
50ml orange juice
100ml chilled sparkling wine

Method
It couldn’t be easier. Pour your orange juice into a glass, and slowly top up with your sparkling wine. Voila! Christmas has begun.

In terms of grown up coffee and hot chocolate recipes, we could be here all day and whist not all are traditional, they sure do hit the spot over the festivities so check out our Best Boozy Coffee and Hot Chocolate Recipes for more Christmas drinks ideas.

The Best No-Lo Alternatives To Enjoy This Winter

Dry January isn’t far away, but alcohol-free drinking is increasingly becoming much more than a one-month experiment. More and more people, especially under the age of 30, are cutting down on booze, which means better alternatives every year.

It is still an emerging area however, and there are loads of underwhelming No-Lo alternatives out there charging a lot of money for something not far off water. Fear not, because we’ve been on a scouting mission and found the best alternatives for pretty much whatever drink you like. Let’s dive in!

The Best Rum Alternative

Caleño Dark & Spicy

Caleño is inspired by the vibrance of Colombia, distilling a tropical smorgasbord including pineapple, coconut, ginger, vanilla, and kola nut, which come through vividly. You get the rich deliciousness of dark spice and the brightness of the tropical fruits, with a surprising sweetness considering no sugar or sweetener is added. It’s not so much a direct swap for dark rum, but a super tasty versatile rum alternative, that can be paired with ginger ale for a spiced mix, or white rum mixes like piña colada.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 0%
Find here: £13

The Best Tequila Alternative

CleanCo Clean T

This is CleanCo’s take on blanco tequila, and beautiful it is too, inside, and out. The fresh agave aromas are instant, and the first seep reveals subtle melon and hints of olive, before the signature peppery finish. They even manage a little tingle on the tongue. Everyone that tries this seems to love the taste, so see for yourself what all the fuss is about.

Size: 500ml
ABV: <0.5%
Find here: £16

The Best Gin Alternative

Salcombe New London Light First Light Alcohol Free Spirit

Gin is probably the best candidate for no-lo alternatives because it’s all about the botanicals, and First Light might just be the best of the best. Free from alcohol but full of flavour, 15 hand-picked botanicals such as orange, sage and lemongrass join juniper, ginger and habanero for a versatile, supremely well-rounded blend. The juniper and citrus are clear and bright, the floral wafts are inviting, and there is a gorgeous warmth with the ginger and pepper, as well as grassy freshness. Such an all-rounder, and comes to life with a little tonic and orange garnish.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 0%
Find here: £24

The Best Non-Alcoholic Cocktails

Savyll Collection

Mocktails are more plentiful than spirit, wine, and beer alternatives so it can be hard to pick out the best, but we love Savyll. Not only is the packaging on point, but the flavours inside match that sophistication, bringing the special elegance a good cocktail should always have. This includes their refreshing Bellini, clean-cut Mojito, tangy Paloma, and easy-drinking Moscow Mule, which has a delicious fiery ginger kick.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 0%
Find here: £9.99 for 4

The Best Beer Alternative

Adnams Southwold Ghost Ship 0.5%

This Citrus Pale Ale, mirroring their 4.5% beer of the same name (aside from most of the booze of course) is a very impressive effort indeed. It gets rave reviews, loved for its light freshness, zest and distinct hoppiness. The grapefruit and blood orange shines too.

Size: 330ml
ABV: 0.5%
Find here: £3.70 for 4

The Best Wine Alternative

Wednesdays Domaine ‘Sanguine’ Red

Conveying the lighter bodied reds, this expression begins with de-alcoholised Tempranillio from La Mancha in Spain, which is artfully intertwined with the dark fruity depths of plum and blackcurrant. Bad no-lo wines suffer form a lack of intensity and complexity – this does not. Plus, you wake up feeling hydrated and refreshed – a win win,

Size: 750ml
ABV: 0.18%
Find here: £14

The Best Champagne Alternative

Oddbird Blanc de Blancs

Oddbird started in Sweden and have made a name for themselves across Scandinavia for their top of the range alcohol-free sparkling wines. This is made from 100% Chardonnay in Languedoc-Roussilon, picked young to capture vibrant freshness, before a year of aging in oak imparting nutty richness. The difficult part comes with keeping the signature elegance and intensity when removing the alcohol, but they manage it, and there’s a bounty of crunchy Granny Smiths as well as notes of almond croissants and a delicious minerality.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 0%
Find here: £11.99

The Best Sparkling Tea

Saicho

Tastefully designed, this is a delicate Jasmine sparkler (though they do Darjelling and Hojicha too). They’re fairly new, and have a great, distinctive tea flavour that some sparklers miss out. Jasmine blossom registers with the nose, as does the Fujian province green tea’s gentle floral aroma. There’s apple sherbet, vanilla, and lychee to be enjoyed too, and it’s honestly a very interesting and refreshing experience that won’t be like anything you’ve tried before.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 0%
Find here: £17.99

If you’re new to the bubbly world of sparkling teas, then here are some others well worth trying!

The Best Boozy Coffee and Hot Chocolate Recipes

Is there anything better than a steaming hot drink when it’s cold outside? Well, maybe – booze! These grown up coffee, hot chocolate and tea cocktails are deliciously comforting, but also pack a punch, be that with Baileys, whisky, rum or whatever! Decadent, indulgent and utterly soothing – treat yourself to one of the beautiful recipes below.

Baileys Hot Choc

This is a classic, and of course you don’t have to use Baileys (find alternatives here), but it’s a winter favourite that lots of you will have in the cupboards. This recipe keeps it fairly simple because there’s already a lot of delicious flavours going on, but try including different creams, cinnamon, and/or coffee liqueurs if you fancy going all out. Rich whiskey undertones, a sweet hot chocolate hug and the soft texture of whipped cream – nom. We’d recommend making the hot choc with water but if you want it even thicker, then try a half and a half mix, or all milk – it’s up to you of course.

Ingredients
60ml Irish cream liqueur
100ml hot chocolate
Whipped cream (optional)
Grated chocolate (optional)

Method
Make your hot chocolate separately (try it so it’s just right) and pour it gently over your Baileys. That really is it, unless you top up with whipped cream and some grated chocolate for a special touch… which we always recommend.

Irish Coffee

One of the most indulgent and delightfully rich winter warmers, Irish Coffee is pretty much mandatory at this time of year. It’s so warming and velvety smooth, and if you’ve never clicked with it then try out all these subtle variations here. The fundamentals don’t change too much from Irish whiskey, black coffee, and cream, usually with some sugar too, but like any simple classic, adjust it to your preference. This original recipe is the one we recommend for waking you up and soothing the soul.

Ingredients
45ml quality Irish whiskey (like Powers or Teeling)
2 teaspoons brown sugar
120ml hot, fresh coffee
20ml double cream (can lightly whip)

Method
Preheat your glass a little, and slowly add your favourite whiskey, sugar, and coffee. Once combined nicely, pour your cream over the back of a spoon (a valuable skill to learn), making an inviting and luxurious cream top. Slainte!

Hot Scotch Tea

At its essence, this is a Hot Toddy tea remix. In fact, some Hot Toddies are actually made with tea. For so many people, tea is the most comforting and familiar drink there is, so combining that with this sweet and warming tonic to battle the cold weather is magical. Combining different teas and whiskies for this is great fun, but regular English Breakfast, Earl Grey, Rooibos works a treat. Also, if you’re into Japanese whisky then try using that with green tea – it’s big over there as a chilled drink, but would work hot too.

Ingredients
1 clove
1 cinnamon stick
½ lemon juiced
1/2 tbsp honey
100ml-150ml tea
40ml Whisky
Lemon twist (garnish)

Method
Add your tea first, and then mix in the whisky, lemon juice and honey until it’s completely disappeared – it needs a good stir. Chuck in the clove and the cinnamon if you like it and let them infuse. There are no hard rules, so just add more whisky (oomph), or more lemon (less sweet), or more honey if needed (more sweet).

Spanish Coffee

Carajilo, popular in Spain and Mexico, is the combination of fresh coffee, sugar and liqueur or spirits, and this showy variation on it, more popular stateside, is delicious. Brandy is common, but dark rum is gorgeous, bringing together a rich, caramelly flavour that pairs with the orange liqueur, coffee liqueur and coffee for a dessert style hot cocktail with intense flavour and kick. It can also be set alight if you wish! (see the method below).

Ingredients
25ml dark rum
35ml coffee liqueur (Kahlua)
25ml Triple Sec or Grand Marnier
90ml strong coffee
Whipped cream (or 25ml heavy cream)
Granulated sugar (for rim)
Orange/lemon wedge (garnish)

Method
Rub the lemon or orange wedge around the rim of your glass and roll it in sugar (make sure it’s super fine and shake off any excess bits). Now, once you’ve poured in your rum and orange liqueur, you have a choice. You can dazzle guests and set them alight, thereby caramelizing the sugar rim before extinguishing it with the coffee liqueur. Or, you can just add the coffee liqueur and do without the flames. Depends how brave you’re feeling! Top up with hot coffee and float the cream using the back of a spoon.

Vert Chaud

The Vert Chaud, or Chaud Vert, is a classic après ski drink popular in the French Alps, and no wonder because not everyone has chartreuse lying around. But, even though is a bit pricey it’s adored by so many, and here the powerful, herbaceous, peppery notes and fresh palate combine gloriously with hot chocolate. The minty flavours in particular come out with the heat, creating a mint-chocolate paradise.

Ingredients
40ml green chartreuse
120ml hot chocolate
Whipped cream (optional garnish)

Method
Super simple pouring of both into a handled glass or mug, stirring to combine. The whipped cream tempers the intensity of the chartreuse nicely and puts a cap on the boozy aroma for the first sip, but it’s up to you as always.

Hot ‘n’ Minty White Russian

This warm twist on the classic offsets silky sweet white-hot chocolate against hearty vodka, rich espresso and distinctly, a cooling, flavoursome peppermint syrup. It’s thick and full-bodied, with that lush chocolate and lively espresso, packs a vodka punch, and the peppermint touches the lighter side of the palate.

Ingredients
25ml vodka
25ml espresso shot
80ml white hot chocolate
15ml peppermint syrup
Whipped cream (optional garnish)

Method
You could combine everything in a saucepan so it’s nice and hot, but if the espresso and white-hot chocolate are nice and hot, then simply combining and pouring in vodka and peppermint syrup should come out at a drinkable temp. Whipped cream if you like to finish!

It’s easy to look at something like peppermint syrup and think that it needs buying or is complicated, but syrups are actually some of the easiest things to make and can completely elevate your cocktails. For more syrup recipes, go here!

12 Brilliant Boozy Presents For Your Secret Santa 2023

The eagerly anticipated, or in some cases dreaded secret santa is here, and whether you’re out of ideas for someone you know, or completely at a loss because you’ve barely said hello to them, we might have the answer below.

If you know what drinks they like, then we’ve scouted the internet for specific gifts that are surefire hits. If you’re not so sure, then check out the drinks related gifts that have broader appeal at the end – there’ll be something, we promise!

The Best Secret Santa Presents for Gin Lovers

Franklin & Sons Ltd Spirit & Mixer Gin Perfect Serve Hamper

Franklin & Sons have been at the forefront of tonics and mixers since the Victorian era, when Christmas became the Christmas we know and love today. They have a famously eclectic and expansive range, and they’ve included some of their classics here, along with the perfect gins for them and two Copa glasses. With pairings like Tanqueray and Elderflower & Cucumber Tonic, this hamper emphatically shows what the perfect tonic can do.

Find here: £19 (usually more!)

100 Gins Scratch Poster

Forcing ourselves to try new drinks can be easier said than done, but one way of keeping to it is by scratching them off. So, if you’ve got a gin lover for secret santa, then this lovely A3 poster with 100 gins from around the world is a good way to start exploring. If you’re feeling generous, you could throw in a gin to get them started too.

Find here: £12.99

The Best Secret Santa Presents for Whisky Lovers

Christmas Whisky Tasting Set

Whisky has a reputation as a drink that takes some getting into, so if your secret santa has mentioned wanting to get into it, then a tasting set is the best way to start. This set contains five wax-sealed drams curated for festive sipping, including GlenAllachie 12YO, Teeling Small Batch and Four Roses Bourbon to experience a variety of whisky profiles.

Find here: £25

Glencairn Glass with Pipette

Glencairn Crystal is the go-to glass for whisky connoisseurs, and this beauty comes with a glass pipette to add controlled amounts of water to premium expressions. As any whisky lover will appreciate, water droplets can really change the liquid and evoke different notes, so this is a classy and useful present for them.

Find here: £17

The Best Secret Santa Present for Rum Lovers

Spiced Rum Gift Set

This is a really nicely put together rum set, featuring 50ml bottles of The Kraken, Dead Mans Fingers, Admirals Old J Cherry and Bacardi, offering spice across the spectrum. But that’s not all. Franklin & Sons premium mixers are included too, giving the rum drinker everything they need for their perfect Crimbo tipple.

Find here: £24.99

The Best Secret Santa Present for Wine Lovers

Wine Escape Room Game

Escape Rooms have been massive for a few years now, and this one brings the challenge into the home. Sadly, the wine is behind bars, and it can’t be opened until four stages of puzzles are completed and the combination padlock is opened. Oh, and before someone gets the hammer to attempt a desperate jail break, the solution is included in the pack. You’ll have to get your own wine, so you can actually get anything that fits the metal cage.

Find here: £24.99

Montidori Sangiovese

At the end of the day, the best thing you can get a wine lover for secret santa is… wine. We’ve picked out this bottle for its extraordinary value. Some of the grapes have been dried, so it comes through with mouthwatering richness and bold flavours, with so much soft spice intensity. If your secret santa is capped at a tenner, then this will really seem like you’ve gone over budget.

Find here: £8.99 (usually more!)

Fun Alcohol Related Secret Santa Presents

Prisoner Drinking Game

In this game, if you do the crime, you do the time. The dice is rolled, and the lowest number is placed in actual handcuffs. The ‘criminal’ then has to navigate their way through various challenges as the ‘jury’ guesses whether they will be able to do it or not. Keep guessing wrong, and it will be a long and very drunk night indeed.

Find here: £19.99

Top Spoons

If you’ve got someone that loves the pub for secret santa this year, then this pub crawl card game will be right up their street. This pub crawl takes the player through the best and worst Wetherspoons boozers, as they attempt to outscore their opponents to own every establishment going.

Find here: £9.99

The Ladybird Book of the Hangover

Perfect timing for Christmas, this is one of the funniest Ladybird books with perfect, old illustrations pairing up with perfectly observed hangover ‘guidance’. ‘Look out of the window. Can you recognise simple shapes or colours? Is there a moon or a sun in the sky? What sort of a name might you have? Where might there be bacon?'’ It’s not a scientific book by any means, but it is a comfort.

Find here: £7.99

Upside Down Wine Glass

This boozy illusion will cause a few double-takes, that’s for sure. It holds half a bottle of wine, and you drink from the bottom instead, through the hollow stem. Simple but effective.

Find here: £12.99

Festive Boozeballs

How about making the Christmas tree a bar? These baubles can be filled with anything and are absolutely perfect for a more decadent ‘interactive’ tree, as well as drinking games. Just make sure they’re hung on the higher branches if there’s kids or pets around!

Find here: £13.99

We have tonnes of drinks guides on our website, so if you want to pick up a bottle of something, whether that’s a reliable classic or an unusual eyebrow raiser, have a browse. How about gifting someone ‘Irish Moonshine’ AKA Poitín? Or perhaps a Sloe Gin if they’ve only tried regular gin before?

What is Poitín and What Should I Try?

What is Poitín?

Poitín, pronounced puh-cheen, and derived from, ‘little pot’ (referring to the pot still distillation technique), is an unaged spirit from Ireland, usually made from potatoes or barley… and its history is fascinating.

The history of Poitín

Known as Irish Moonshine, Poitín is the precursor to whiskey, being used as currency, medicine and of course, as a spirit since at least the 6th century. It’s hugely varied, but has always been a farm spirit, made in a single pot still using whatever starch is around the person making it. That now has to be potato, cereals, grain, whey, sugar beet or molasses, but historically it’s been milk and even bark!

It was outlawed in 1661 after a Irish spirits tax, and not overturned until, staggeringly, 1987, so it was completely unregulated and therefore massively versatile for centuries. It’s a huge part of Irish identity and history, and these days Poitín is brewed all over Ireland, as we found out when we went there for The Three Drinkers in Ireland.

Mixologists and adventurous drinkers are beginning to experiment with Poitín as it pops up on more and more bar menus, but there are still misconceptions and unknowns about it, especially outside of Ireland. Some people still think it’s illegal, some people think it’s only made from potatoes, and perhaps most damaging of all, it is seen by some as being poorly distilled. Of course, in the past, being illegal and made in many cases by amateurs, this was often the case. Nowadays though, it is going the way of mezcal, being expertly made and experiencing a resurgence, and all whilst celebrating its deep historical roots.

Which Poitín should I try?

Micil Irish Poitín

This takes is a complex Poitín with a herbal feel, as the botanicals are pot distilled – bog myrtyle, hawberry, heather and locally-picked Connemara bogbean are all included for intriguing kicks of florality and spice.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 44%
Find here: £33.94

Killowen Poitin

A far cry from a farmyard botch job, this recipe has been refined for generations using malted grain smoked on site by local turf fires in the handmade kiln of the Mourne family, and blended with unmalted too. It’s earthy, fresh and hits with aniseed, clove, and cinnamon spice. Tonnes of depth without wood maturation.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 48%
Find here: £33.99

Teeling Spirit of Dublin Poitin

A 50/50 split of unmalted and malted barley, this picked up Gold at the Irish Whiskey Masters two years running. The baking notes are sweet, and one sip coats the mouth with a wonderful creamy texture.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 52.5%
Find here: £34.95

Mad March Hare Poitin

Using locally grown barley, Mad March Hare uses a historical recipe, bringing through lemon and lime to show off the diverse range of the spirit. Smooth and malty, this is a curious try indeed.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £35.25

Ban Poitin

Forget ‘Ban Poy-tin’, this is pronounced ‘Bawn Putch-een’. Potatoes, malted barley, and sugar beet go into this traditional spirit with a moreish oily texture, and buckets of sweet spice. The subtle mocha notes are a nice touch too.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 48%
Find here: £41.50

Ballykeefe Poitín

Hailing from County Kilkenny, this eco-friendly Poitín innovatively reuses the heat from its cooling systems across its visitor centre and farm. Most importantly though, it tastes great, with an earthy quality, as well as clean smoothness.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £44.95

If you’re always up for exploring drinks you might have heard about but never tried, check out our other guides, like Mead and Pisco.

8 Delicious Winter Mocktails

It’s no secret that some mocktails can be a little underwhelming, but these 8 winter recipes are not about compromise – they’re bold, delicious, and completely comforting on a cold winter’s night.

Forget any hangover or sluggish feeling, because these seasonal mocktails get you in the festive spirit and leave you rejuvenated. They’re pretty simple to make, wonderfully refreshing and crucially, they leave you with that special feeling a cocktail should always come with.

We keep up to date with the latest and greatest in the world of No-Low drinks, and whilst there are recipes below that don’t use alternatives, some do, so if you haven’t found your No-Lo go-to just yet, check here and here!

Hot Spiced Apple and Ginger Ale

Get that hob on for this soul-soothing mix of zest, warmth, sweet apple, and winter spices. The juice to cider ratio is down to personal preference and the sweetness of your cider, but using both does round the mix off nicely.

Ingredients (for a jug)
250ml apple juice
150ml no-lo apple cider
1 large cinnamon stick
3 cloves
2 star anise
400ml ginger ale
Apple wedges rolled in sugar (optional garnish)

Method
As with any hot cocktail, it’s about heating gradually and stirring constantly. Slowly add everything except the ginger ale, and heat until just before a simmer. Turn the heat down just a smidge for 5 minutes, and then off all together. Let everything infuse and add your ginger ale, before serving up.

Cranberry Mojito

A festive makeover for a cocktail classic, the sweetness comes from a beautifully seasonal cranberry syrup (1:1:1 ratio of water, sugar, and cranberries, heated and strained). It’s as fresh as a winter walk and as vibrant as a crackling fire. Using a sugar cane based no-lo really makes this mix, but most no-lo gins would also work, and even just sticking with soda water is refreshing, but you may want to include orange juice then!

Ingredients
60ml white rum alternative (like Lyre’s White Cane Spirit)
25ml cranberry syrup
Soda water to top up
Juice of 1 lime
Small handful of muddled mint
Mint leaves and fresh cranberries (optional garnish)

Method
Muddle the mint with the lime juice and pour over cranberry syrup and your white rum alternative. Strain, and top up with soda water before making it pretty with a sprig of mint and a few fresh berries.

Cranberry and Pomegranate Punch

This punch walks the tightrope between tart and sweet perfectly, brimming with fruity goodness.  For extra sweetness, whip yourself up a cranberry syrup (recipe above). The sparkling water gives it a lovely, light fizz, and if you’ve got a no-lo vodka you like, add that in. So reinvigorating.

Ingredients (for a jug)
350ml pomegranate juice
70ml cranberry syrup
300ml cranberry juice
400ml sparkling water
2tbsp grenadine
10 mint leaves
4 lime wedges
100ml no-lo vodka (optional)
fresh cranberries and lime (garnish)

Method
For stronger mint taste, muddle at the bottom of the jug first. With generous helpings of ice, stir everything, except the sparkling water, together in a punch bowl or jug. Top your mix up with that, before scattering some cranberries and lime wedges to finish.

Non-Alcoholic Eggnog

It doesn’t get much more wintery than eggnog, and the great thing about is that so many spirits work in it. Some people use brandy, others bourbon, rum, Cognac... it goes on, and the same therefore goes for no-lows! It’s silky smooth, decadent, and gorgeously rich, especially once you’ve added your chosen spirit - think dark, rich fruits, and warming spices.

Ingredients (for 4)
120ml no-low spirit (like Lyre’s American Malt, Crossip ‘Dandy Smoke, or Fluére Spiced Cane)
whipped cream (optional garnish)
grated nutmeg (optional garnish)
Eggnog:
1 tsp vanilla essence
3 eggs
120ml double cream
100ml whole milk
100ml condensed milk
50g caster sugar

Method
For the eggnog, whisk your eggs with vanilla essence and caster sugar until it goes creamy. Slowly whisk in the milk, in 25ml intervals, and repeat with condensed milk. Repeat with the cream. Cover and refrigerate for over 2 hours. If you find that the mixture is too thick after cooling, add milk and blend. When ready, pour into your glasses or mugs and slowly stir in your spirit. Finish with grated nutmeg, perhaps cinnamon, and whipped cream if you want to go all out. What a treat.

Minty White Russian

This winter-filled peppermint White Russian works so well, bringing that indulgent coffee cream up front, and the refreshing herbaceous minty taste behind. The coffee hits you with that energy boost we all need now and again, but there’s a lot in here so a little relaxing CBD balances the effect out nicely, creating more of the drinking experience you get from alcohol.

Ingredients
30ml chilled coffee
30ml non-alcoholic coffee liqueur (like Lyre’s Coffee Originale)
50ml heavy cream
30ml milk
15ml peppermint syrup
dash of CBD bitters (optional) (like OTO)

Method
Peppermint syrup is super easy to make. You can use essence, or leaves, but the easiest way is to mix peppermint tea with sugar syrup (water and sugar) in a 1:1 to split on the hob. Then shake everything with ice until it’s chilled, and strain over fresh ice.  

Apple Pie Sangria Mocktail

Sangria ain’t just for summer, not with a few adaptations anyway. Simpler than it first appears, this a really nicely balanced mocktail that builds and builds on a white wine spritzer. Sweet apple and sour lemon play off your No-Lo wine, all underlined with vanilla syrup as well as honey and cinnamon on the rim is so tasty.

Ingredients (for jug)
40ml wine alternative (preferably white, like Chardonnay)
40ml apple juice
20ml lemon juice
handful of cranberries
dash of vanilla syrup
honey and cinnamon sugar (for rim)
apple slice (garnish)

Method
A simple syrup is always heating equal parts sugar and water, and simply adding vanilla pods here is enough to make your vanilla syrup with great natural flavour (you could use vanilla essence if you really want). Shake ice, the juices, the No-Lo wine, and this syrup until thoroughly cold and mixed. Roll the rim of your glass in honey and then cinnamon sugar so it’s evenly distributed all the way round. Strain carefully, especially with fresh juice, and pour, finishing with an apple slice.

Thyme Clementine

This is one normally mixed with vodka and by all means, you can use a No Lo vodka but it’s just as enjoyable without. Sweet and herby, you’re getting antimicrobial benefits from the fresh thyme and buckets of vitamin C from the clementines. It feels festive, light and refreshing, and makes you feel great too! Win win.

Ingredients
1tbsp of chopped fresh tyme
80ml boiling water
3 juiced clementines
thyme sprigs and clementine-peel (garnish) 

Method
Pour boiling water of thyme and let it steep for 20 minutes. Then strain and refrigerate. In the meantime, get juicing those clementines and straining into a glorious juice. Don’t forget the seeds! Lastly, combine the two by pouring int chilled glasses.

Tom Collins Mocktail

With their diverse botanicals, gins are some of the best and most popular non-alcoholic spirits. A lot of cocktails and mocktails drown them out, but something as simple and clean as the Tom Collins lets them shine. Lemon juice adds the zip, a simple dash of syrup sweetens proceedings, and the star of the show is your No-Lo gin.

Ingredients
60ml gin alternative (like Sea Arch or New London Light)
20ml simple syrup
25ml lemon juice (ideally fresh)
top up with soda water
lemon slice (optional garnish)

Method
Shakers at the ready. Throw everything in except the soda then pour the mixture over a tall glass with ice. Top up with soda water to your hearts content and voila.

If you need ideas for specific, No-Lo drinks then check the links in the introduction! Also, non-alcoholic creations are absolutely flourishing right now, so a lot of them are very much their own thing and not looking to duplicate any boozy version – so if the profile sounds and tastes right, experiment with it in mocktails!

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!