The season to raise a glass and spread the holiday cheer is creeping up on us and as the magical time of year approaches we find ourselves eagerly anticipating the warmth and joy of Christmas festivities. Whether you’re toasting with loved ones by a crackling fireplace or looking for the perfect gift to delight the spirits enthusiast in your life, our Christmas Drinks & Spirits Gift Guide is here to ensure your celebrations are filled with the finest libations and merriment. From classic cocktail spirits to delectable liqueurs, this guide will help you navigate the world of festive beverages and provide inspiration for the perfect seasonal sips. So, let’s embark on a journey through a winter wonderland of flavours and aromas, making this Christmas season one to remember.
Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ice Chalet
The Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ice Chalet Edition is a luxurious, limited-edition Scotch whisky, offering a rich, complex blend of flavours, including honey, dried fruits, spices, and a subtle smoky finish. Presented in an elegant, frosted bottle inspired by winter chalets, this release is a tribute to craftsmanship and rare whisky-making. Perfect for gifting, it’s an ideal choice for whisky aficionados who appreciate premium blends and striking presentation.
Champagne Lallier R.020 Brut NV Champagne
Lallier Champagne Brut R.020 is a refined expression of their 2020 harvest, blending 51% Chardonnay and 49% Pinot Noir grapes sourced from over 50 crus, including the esteemed Côte des Blancs and Montagne de Reims regions. Presenting a light golden hue with emerald reflections and offering aromas of white flowers, fresh citrus fruits, and hints of ripe peach and apricot. On the palate, it delivers a fresh, delicate, and silky opening, balanced depth in the middle, and a long finish with pleasant aromatic persistence dominated by mineral salinity. This versatile champagne is perfect for enjoying on its own, as an aperitif, or paired with fine dishes such as citrus-flavoured fish, cured fish, shellfish, and crustaceans.
Talisker Tidal Churn 8 Year Old
The Talisker 8-Year-Old Special Release 2024, known as “Tidal Churn,” delivers a bold maritime experience. This Island single malt is matured in casks refined by the natural forces of sea and stone, then gently re-toasted, resulting in a unique flavour profile. Expect aromas of fresh pear, apple, seaweed, and a whisper of pepper. On the palate, it unveils a creamy, smooth texture, with an intriguing balance of sweet and salty notes. Bottled at a robust 58.7% ABV, this cask-strength whisky offers a powerful and memorable dram for those who appreciate Talisker’s coastal character.
Singleton 14-Year-Old Glen Ord Special Release
The Singleton 14-Year-Old Glen Ord Special Release 2024 is a refined Highland single malt that encapsulates the spirit of autumn. Matured in first-fill ex-bourbon casks and enhanced by Pyrenean & Spanish oak, this whisky delivers a vibrant mix of orchard fruits, floral aromas, and grassy freshness. Its palate offers a delightful blend of vanilla, toffee, and soft spices, leading to a warm, lingering finish. Bottled at 54.7% ABV, this cask-strength release is an exceptional choice for collectors and those seeking a complex, richly flavoured dram.
Project #173 Pumpkin Spice Rum
Project #173 Pumpkin Spice Rum is a premium Caribbean rum infused with the quintessential flavours of winter. This 42% ABV spirit harmoniously blends warming spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove, delivering a rich and inviting profile reminiscent of freshly baked pumpkin pie. Its versatility makes it an excellent choice for adding a seasonal twist to classic rum cocktails or for enjoying neat during the festive season. The bottle’s elegant design, featuring a flake of 23-karat gold leaf, adds a touch of sophistication, making it an ideal gift for rum enthusiasts.
Del Maguey Vida Mezcal
Del Maguey Vida Clásico Mezcal is an artisanal spirit crafted from 100% organic Espadín agave in San Luis del Río, Oaxaca. This mezcal is double-distilled in small copper stills, resulting in a harmonious balance of fruit, smoke, and earthy notes. On the nose, it offers aromas of fruit, honey, vanilla, and roasted agave. The palate reveals flavours of ginger, cinnamon, burnt sandalwood, banana, and tangerine, leading to a long, soft finish. Its versatility makes it suitable for both sipping and cocktails this Christmas
Volcán de Mi Tierra Blanco Tequila
Volcán de Mi Tierra Blanco Tequila brings a refined touch to the festive season, crafted meticulously from the finest blue agave in the Jalisco region of Mexico. This tequila features a harmonious blend of highland and lowland agave, delivering a balanced flavour profile that unfolds with crisp citrus notes, subtle black pepper, and a fresh, herbaceous finish. Presented in a sleek, premium bottle, it’s an ideal choice for those who appreciate smooth, complex spirits that can be savoured neat or in crafted cocktails. Volcán de Mi Tierra is a sophisticated gift for discerning tequila enthusiasts, perfect for elevating any Christmas celebration with a taste of Mexico’s rich distilling heritage.
Showerings Triple Vintage Cider
Showerings Triple Vintage Cider a refined choice for Christmas celebrations, crafted to be the perfect pairing for festive feasts. This unique cider combines the distinct qualities of the 2021, 2022, and 2023 apple harvests from Showerings’ Somerset orchard, creating a beautifully balanced blend that speaks to the artistry of traditional cider making. Each vintage brings light and delicate notes, uniting in a cider of exceptional elegance. Ideal alongside pork dishes, game, smoked salmon, seafood, and charcuterie, Showerings is a versatile choice, elevating each dish it accompanies. Perfect as an alternative to wine, it’s favoured by top chefs like Michelin-starred Simon Rogan and Alain Roux.
Honey Tequila – Beeble Agave
A unique blend, crafted to delight those with a taste for luxury and adventure. Made by infusing high-quality tequila with Beeble’s signature honey from Wiltshire, this spirit brings together the rich, smooth notes of agave with the natural sweetness of British honey, resulting in a balanced and intriguing flavour profile. The carefully sourced honey lends a velvety texture and nuanced depth, making it a perfect choice for sipping neat or adding a distinctive twist to cocktails. Presented in a stylish, minimalist bottle, it’s as visually appealing as it is delicious, making it an ideal gift for foodies and discerning spirits enthusiasts this Christmas.
A Good Old-Fashioned Christmas Whisky 15 Year Old (2024 Edition)
Celebrate the festive season with this limited-edition 15-year-old whisky that exudes the cosy warmth of Christmas. Matured for 15 years, this spirit is a delightful blend of rich, spiced notes such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and dried fruit, balanced by hints of vanilla and oak from its long maturation process. The palate is smooth yet complex, making it an ideal whisky for those who appreciate depth and character. Perfect for gifting or enjoying by the fire, this bottle embodies the spirit of the season.
Lindores Abbey Sherry Butts – The Casks of Lindores II
Produced in the historic setting of Lindores Abbey, where whisky distillation is believed to have originated, this single malt is matured exclusively in sherry butts, imparting deep flavours of dark fruits, raisins, and spiced oak. The second release in the Casks of Lindores series, it offers a rich and luscious texture, with notes of chocolate, figs, and toasted nuts. This whisky is a must-have for those who appreciate the unique influence of sherry casks and are looking to explore the heritage of Scottish whisky making.
Uncle Nearest 1856
Honouring the legacy of Nathan “Nearest” Green, the first African-American master distiller, Uncle Nearest 1856 Premium Whiskey is a bold yet smooth Tennessee whiskey. Aged for a minimum of 8 years, it offers rich caramel and vanilla notes with undertones of dark chocolate, dried fruit, and subtle spices. Its full-bodied flavour and complex finish make it perfect for sipping neat or in classic whiskey cocktails. A truly unique gift for whiskey enthusiasts who appreciate craftsmanship and heritage.
Appleton Estate 15-Year-Old Black River Casks
From the heart of Jamaica’s rum tradition, Appleton Estate’s 15-year-old Black River Casks rum is a complex and luxurious expression. Aged in oak barrels in the tropical climate of the Nassau Valley, this rum bursts with rich toffee, warm spices, and subtle oak, while tropical fruit notes like banana and pineapple balance its profile. The long finish reveals a hint of cocoa and dried orange peel. It’s an excellent sipping rum, perfect for both newcomers and seasoned rum enthusiasts seeking a full-bodied, sophisticated experience.
The Bowmore 15-Year-Old Sherry Oak
The Bowmore 15-Year-Old Sherry Oak is a premium single malt whisky from Islay, aged in a combination of bourbon and first-fill Oloroso sherry casks to create a deep, full-bodied flavour profile. This luxurious whisky offers a harmonious blend of smoky peat and rich sweetness, with notes of dried fruits, treacle, and subtle sherry spices. Perfect for winter nights, it delivers a smooth, warming finish that makes it an ideal festive gift for whisky enthusiasts or a refined addition to any collection.
Thompson Bros Organic Mediterranean Gin
Distilled with organic Mediterranean botanicals, Thompson Bros Organic Mediterranean Gin brings the vibrant flavours of the coast to your glass. Bursting with zesty citrus, fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme, and fragrant wildflowers, this gin offers a bright and refreshing character. Its well-balanced profile is both crisp and aromatic, making it perfect for cocktails or a simple gin and tonic. Sustainably produced, it appeals to gin lovers who appreciate both quality and environmental consciousness.
Espolòn Blanco Tequila
Espolòn Blanco Tequila is a vibrant and crisp tequila that embodies the essence of Jalisco’s famed agave. Crafted from 100% Blue Weber agave, this tequila offers bright citrus notes, fresh tropical fruit, and a clean, peppery finish. Its smooth and approachable character makes it ideal for cocktails such as Margaritas or Palomas, while still being enjoyable neat. Perfect for those looking for an authentic and versatile tequila, Espolòn Blanco is a fantastic choice for festive celebrations or as a gift for tequila lovers.
Noble Coyote Espadin-Jabali Mezcal
Handcrafted from a blend of Espadín and wild Jabali agave, Noble Coyote’s Espadin-Jabali Mezcal offers an earthy, smoky flavour balanced with bright citrus and herbal undertones. Produced in small batches using traditional artisanal methods, this mezcal boasts a unique and complex profile, with a light smokiness giving way to fresh green herbs, ripe tropical fruit, and a lingering peppery finish. Its wild Jabali component adds complexity and rarity, making this mezcal perfect for those looking to explore the vibrant world of agave spirits.
Mumm RSRV Blanc de Blancs 2015 Champagne
Crafted from 100% Chardonnay grapes sourced from the prestigious Côte des Blancs region, Mumm RSRV Blanc de Blancs 2015 is a refined and elegant champagne. It offers a delicate bouquet of citrus, white flowers, and toasted brioche, complemented by a creamy texture and a vibrant minerality. The fine bubbles and long, zesty finish make this vintage champagne a perfect choice for toasting special occasions or pairing with light seafood dishes. Its crisp, refreshing character encapsulates the finesse of the 2015 vintage.
Montagny 1er Cru Grappe d’Or Feuillat-Juillot 2022
This Premier Cru Chardonnay from Burgundy’s Montagny appellation showcases the region’s mineral-rich terroir. With fresh citrus, apple, and pear notes balanced by a subtle hint of creaminess, this 2022 vintage delivers vibrant acidity and a long, lingering finish. The wine’s bright, clean profile makes it an excellent pairing for seafood and poultry dishes, while its depth and complexity offer something special for white wine lovers. A fine example of Burgundy winemaking at its best.
Graham’s 20 Year Old Tawny Port
Matured in seasoned oak casks for two decades, Graham’s 20 Year Old Tawny Port is an exceptional example of aged port. Rich and smooth, it presents a complex palate of caramel, dried figs, toasted almonds, and delicate spices. The long aging process imparts a velvety texture and deep, nutty flavours, making this port perfect for enjoying after dinner, either on its own or with fine cheeses and desserts. Its elegant balance and nuanced profile make it a truly memorable experience for port enthusiasts.
Don Julio 1942 Tequila
An iconic ultra-premium tequila, Don Julio 1942 is revered for its exquisite craftsmanship and smooth taste. Aged for a minimum of 2½ years in oak barrels, this tequila presents a refined flavour profile with notes of caramelised agave, vanilla, and oak, complemented by subtle hints of tropical fruit and a rich, velvety mouthfeel. Often enjoyed neat, it’s perfect for connoisseurs who appreciate a smooth, lingering finish with layers of depth. Ideal for toasting special occasions, this bottle is a luxurious addition to any bar.
Mancino Sakura Vermouth (2024 Edition)
The limited-edition 2024 Sakura Vermouth by Mancino infuses delicate cherry blossom (sakura) into its traditional vermouth recipe, creating a unique and floral aperitif. Light and fragrant, it offers a delightful mix of cherry, rose petals, and botanicals with a touch of spice, making it a versatile addition to classic cocktails such as Negronis or enjoyed simply over ice. Ideal for those who appreciate floral spirits, this vermouth brings a refreshing twist to any drinks cabinet.
Jean-Luc Pasquet Vieilles Grande Champagne Lot 90 (1980s)
From the prestigious Grande Champagne region, Jean-Luc Pasquet’s Vieilles Grande Champagne Lot 90 is a vintage cognac crafted from eaux-de-vie distilled in the 1980s. Aged for decades, it offers an exceptional depth of flavour, with layers of dried apricots, candied orange peel, rich leather, and spiced oak. The complexity and long finish of this rare cognac make it an ideal gift for collectors and a sophisticated choice for connoisseurs looking to savour the finest that the Grande Champagne region has to offer.
Bushmills 16 Year Old
Aged in a combination of Oloroso Sherry and bourbon-seasoned barrels, before going through a final finishing period in Port wine casks, the unique maturation process creates a truly fantastic whiskey. With complex notes of juicy fruits, nuts, and spice, as well as a hint of ruby redness, the 16 Year Old Single Malt is best enjoyed neat or with a small ice cube to unpack its unique flavours.