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.
Paul John Christmas Edition 2023
The Paul John Christmas Edition 2023 Indian Single Malt Whisky is a luxurious addition to any festive celebration. This 6th edition in the Christmas series, crafted in the exotic locale of Goa, India, presents an unpeated malt matured in ex-bourbon casks and finished in Single Vintage Colheita Tawny Port Casks. It offers a symphony of aromas and flavours, featuring creamy vanilla custard, dark chocolate, rich dry fruits, sweet oak, mocha, warm caramel, and a hint of soft spice. This edition is especially notable for its tawny colour and a finish that is both fruity and lingering.
Never Say Die Rye Whiskey
This festive season, elevate your gift-giving with Never Say Die‘s innovative ‘Sweet Mash’ American Rye Whiskey. A perfect blend of craftsmanship and tradition, this first-of-its-kind rye whiskey from the renowned craft bourbon distiller features a unique sweet mash process and a distinctive mash bill of 56% rye, 33% corn, and 11% malted barley. Matured through a trans-Atlantic journey from Kentucky to the UK, it boasts a well-rounded profile with punchy spices, buttery richness, and notes of citrus and green herbs. Presented at 52.5% ABV, it’s an ideal choice for whiskey enthusiasts, encapsulating a rich history and a flavour profile that’s both bold and intricate – a truly memorable gift for this holiday season.
Uncle Nearest 1856 Premium Whiskey
Uncle Nearest 1856 Premium Whiskey, aged in new American Oak barrels, offers a delightful addition to any Christmas drinks collection. This whiskey greets the senses with a nose rich in buttery vanilla and brown sugar, leading to a palate of caramelised nuts, oat cookies, and sandalwood, complemented by subtle hints of mint leaf and milk chocolate. Named in honour of the year Uncle Nearest perfected the Lincoln County Process, a cornerstone in Tennessee whiskey production, this whiskey is not just a drink but a nod to a significant historical legacy. Its warm and inviting flavours make it an ideal choice for those looking to gift something truly special and tasteful this holiday season.
COYA 1615 Macerado
Introduce a touch of Latin American luxury to your festive celebrations with COYA 1615 Macerado, the world’s first bottled Passion Fruit Pisco infusion, launched in September 2023 by the renowned COYA group. Now available in the UK, this exquisite blend is infused with authentic passion fruit pulp, offering a rich tapestry of fruity and floral notes. Ideal for those seeking to elevate their Christmas drinks selection, COYA 1615 Macerado promises an authentically fragrant and flavorful Pisco experience, perfect for creating memorable holiday cocktails or enjoying as a unique standalone sipper.
Aberfeldy 25-Year-Old Single Malt Whisky
Searching for a luxurious and unique whisky present this Christmas? Discover the Aberfeldy 25-Year-Old Single Malt Whisky, showcased in an exquisite collector’s edition to mark the 125th anniversary of the Aberfeldy distillery this Autumn. The enchanting Aberfeldy distillery embodies a legacy of whisky craftsmanship across generations. In honour of this significant anniversary, Aberfeldy has meticulously created a 25 Year Old Single Malt, masterfully aged in Oloroso Sherry casks. This process enhances its deep, fruity essence and adds a charmingly spiced nuance.
Angel’s Envy Whiskey
Matured for as long as six years in French oak barrels that previously held port wine, each bottle of ANGEL’S ENVY offers a refined bourbon experience with a smooth, sweet finale. This exquisite whiskey features delicate notes of vanilla, balanced by a rich nuttiness and dark chocolate, complemented by hints of raisins and maple syrup. An award-winning spirit, it’s perfect for a post-Christmas dinner drink or mixed into a classic Manhattan. With a gentle and divinely smooth palate, its subtle port influences bring a cosy warmth, making it a delightful choice for savouring the festive season.
Ardray Blended Scotch Whisky
Ardray makes the ideal Christmas gift for whisky enthusiasts, reimagining the traditional blended Scotch with a contemporary twist. This exquisitely crafted blend, matured for up to 20 years, blends malt and grain whiskies to pay homage to the art of blending. It’s a thoughtful creation by the renowned Suntory blending team, the minds behind Hibiki, Yamazaki, and Hakushu, taking two years to perfect. Ardray emerges as a standout choice for festive gifting, characterised by its rich, velvety texture and a palate of honey, floral, citrus, and a whisper of smoke. This extraordinary whisky is a testament to balance and sophistication, making it an ideal gift that embodies the spirit of elegance and celebration.
LoneWolf Bramble & Raspberry Gin
Artisanally crafted and distilled in limited quantities through exclusive copper pot stills, Lonewolf Gin is infused with an exceptional combination of the world’s finest botanicals. Overflowing with the essence of just-picked berries, it presents a delightful fusion of luscious and succulent fruits. The palate dances with the flavours of rich, jammy raspberries complementing our distinctive Tuscan juniper. To savour the unique profile of LoneWolf Gin, pour it over ice cubes and add a splash of light tonic. Enhance the experience with a garnish of a lime wedge and plump, fresh raspberries. Cheers to a festive and flavorful celebration!
Ardgowan Clydebuilt Whisky
Ardgowan Clydebuilt Whisky Sailmaker represents a harmonious fusion of six whiskies sourced from Highland, Lowland, and Speyside Distilleries. These whiskies undergo full maturation in first-fill oloroso sherry casks meticulously chosen by Ardgowan’s master whisky maker, Max McFarlane. This exceptional blend has garnered widespread acclaim, earning a master medal at the 2023 Scotch Whisky Masters, a gold medal at the Scottish Whisky Awards 2022, a gold medal at the World Whisky Awards 2022, and a silver medal from the IWSC 2023.
Ardgowan Distillery has recently initiated the construction of a groundbreaking eco-friendly whisky distillery and visitor centre near Inverkip on the West Coast of Scotland. Dubbed the £20 million ‘cathedral of whisky,’ this facility marks the first distillery to grace the area in over a century. To coincide with the festive season, they have introduced ‘Clan Ardgowan,’ an exclusive membership program. Priced at £97, Clan Guardians will enjoy a bottle of Clydebuilt Whisky, a limited edition t-shirt, a metallic pin, and exclusive access to distillery releases.
Aberfeldy 12-Year-Old Single Malt Whisky Gold Bar Gift Tin
Give the gift of luxury this holiday season with Aberfeldy 12-Year-Old, elegantly packaged in a lavish Gold Bar Gift Tin. Celebrated by whisky connoisseurs as the golden dram, Aberfeldy Distillery proudly sources water from the gold-rich Pitilie Burn. Traditional methods, including extended fermentation, are key to creating its distinctive citrus and honey flavours. This whisky offers a rich blend of spices, ripe fruits with a honeyed sweetness, abundant vanilla, and fudge notes, culminating in a subtle smoky finish.
Showerings Cider
Indulge your senses in the exquisite world of Showerings Cider, a symphony of craftsmanship and heritage bottled for your enjoyment. Nestled in the heart of Somerset, Showerings Cider embodies a rich tradition dating back to 1650, where the art of cider-making is not just a process but a legacy. From the carefully tended orchards to the expertly crafted blends, each bottle encapsulates the essence of the land and the passion of generations. The distinct flavours, whether in the crisp bite of their traditional Dry Cider or the refreshing sweetness of the Vintage Sparkling, reflect the terroir of Somerset’s orchards. Immerse yourself in the history and flavour of Showerings Cider, where tradition meets innovation in every effervescent sip.
Greenall’s Original London Dry Gin
Greenall’s Original London Dry Gin, a timeless creation from the historic Greenall’s distillery in Warrington, embodies a classic gin style with a legacy dating back to 1761. Crafted under the expertise of Joanne Moore, one of only a few female master gin distillers in the UK. This gin features a harmonious blend of eight botanicals, resulting in a silky smooth profile adorned with hidden layers of spice and sweetness. Breaking new ground in eco-conscious packaging, this London Dry Gin is now presented in a revolutionary paper bottle using Frugalpac’s technology. Comprising 94% recycled paperboard and boasting a significantly lighter weight than glass, the bottle has a remarkably lower carbon footprint of 91.9kg/CO2e per bottle. Fully recyclable, the paper bottle aligns with Greenall’s commitment to sustainability, allowing for responsible disposal of both the outer shell and cap through kerbside recycling and the soft inner lining at major supermarkets and recycling centres.
The Aberlour 12-Year-Old
Established in 1879, Aberlour Whisky has dedicated itself to crafting the finest spirits, prioritising substance over style. Drawing upon a rich legacy of craftsmanship, passion, and generational knowledge, Aberlour has consistently upheld its commitment to excellence. The Aberlour 12-Year-Old exemplifies the maturation process of Aberlour’s new make spirit, skillfully influenced by ex-Sherry casks to achieve a subtle and well-balanced flavour profile. Infused with a distinctive Sherry character, this exceptional whisky presents a delightful blend of fruity aromas and indulgent chocolate notes, making it the perfect libation to savour during the festive season.
Broken Clock Vodka
Experience the refined charm of the 18th century this Christmas season with Broken Clock Vodka, a distinctly “awfully English” spirit designed to embody quintessential English pleasures. Crafted with meticulous care in the picturesque landscapes of North England, Broken Clock matures into a sophisticated yet playful expression, enclosed in a bespoke antique-inspired vessel and presented in a luxurious festive gift box. Sourced from the English country garden at Shandy Hall, North Yorkshire, the vodka pays homage to a place where time stands still, with a distinctive taste crafted through copper-pot distillation of superior British wheat and a subtle infusion of Shandy Hall’s timeless botanicals.
Lagg Distillery – Touch of Lagg Gift Box
Lagg Distillery on the Isle of Arran has officially launched both editions of their core range Single Malts – The Kilmory Edition, their flagship single malt, and The LAGG Single Malt Corriecravie Edition. The former, released in June, was a significant success. The latter, a more recent launch, comes from the forward-thinking island distiller that opened in 2019. They invite customers to explore their new gift boxes featuring the ‘Lagg Single Malt Kilmory Edition’ along with a specially etched Mixer glass and handmade James of Arran ‘New Make’ truffles. The Kilmory Edition is crafted from Concerto malted barley and water from the distillery’s borehole, with a chosen yeast and fermentation time to create a full-bodied flavour. The whisky features the effects of peat, combined with the vanilla and creamy influence of American oak, resulting in a nose of heather smoke and charred citrus, a palate with an initial burst of fruit leading to subtle bonfire smoke, and a long-lasting finish.
Malfy Con Arancia
Malfy Con Arancia Blood Orange Gin is Malfy Gin’s limited edition Italian gin that captures the essence of the Amalfi Coast. Distilled with handpicked juniper, Italian oranges, and Sicilian blood oranges, it offers a burst of citrusy flavour with a background of juniper and a complex, long finish. Best enjoyed over ice with a Mediterranean tonic and an orange wheel or in a La Dolce Vita Spritz, this gin makes for a perfect gift for Christmas. The vibrant deep ruby red color and the delightful blend of orange blossom and juniper on the nose make it a refreshing and rich bittersweet citrus experience, encapsulating the spirit of Italy’s sun-soaked Amalfi Coast.
SAVOIA Orancio
SAVOIA proudly introduces SAVOIA Orancio, a new aperitivo that combines the essence of orange and spices, paying homage to Italy’s adventurous spirit inspired by Marco Polo’s travels along the Silk Road. This delightful concoction features aromatic red fruits, Saffron, Cinnamon, and Red Tea, offering a fragrant and warm experience. With a lower alcohol content at 17.2%, SAVOIA Orancio is a vegan, natural alternative with significantly less sugar than other red bitters and sweet vermouths. It can be enjoyed over ice, mixed with soda or tonic water, or blended with Prosecco or sparkling rosé for a classic Spritz, making it a perfect choice for those seeking a lighter yet flavorful festive drink.
Cygnet Welsh Dry Gin
Cygnet Welsh Dry is a vibrant, artisanal gin created by the renowned singer Katherine Jenkins, crafted in close proximity to her childhood home. This exquisite spirit artfully combines locally sourced botanicals from the valleys with pure Welsh water, ensuring a silky-smooth texture that can be sipped neat over ice. Infused with invigorating juniper, gentle notes of sweet orange, and delicate coriander, it culminates in a crisp, refreshing finish. Pine, citrus, and a hint of spice contribute to the harmonious flavour profile, while chamomile, as noted by Jenkins, imparts an elegant and refreshing taste. For the ideal serving suggestion, she recommends enhancing the experience by adding a spritz of light tonic and a juicy red grapefruit wedge to complement the botanicals of liquorice, cardamom, and almonds. Inspired by a droplet of pure Welsh water, the glass bottle is thoughtfully designed for reuse once the last drop has been savoured. It can serve as a splendid vase for showcasing wild blooms on your mantle or as the centrepiece of a seasonal tablescape. ‘Hwyl!’
Mirror Margarita
Renowned mixologist Deano Moncrieffe, founder of the UK’s first ‘Agaveria’ Hacha has introduced Mirror Margarita, a modern take on the classic cocktail. This signature serve offers award-winning mixology at home crafted using 100% Premium Agave Blanco Cazcabel Tequila, combined with blended citrus oils and natural malic acid from the agave plant, the resulting Margarita strikes a balance between sweet and sour, emphasising agave flavours with a clean, layered profile and grapefruit notes.
Talisker 10-Year-Old
Talisker 10–Year–Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky is a highly–prized whisky made at the oldest distillery on the Isle of Skye, Scotland. It is double distilled and aged for a minimum of 10 years in American oak casks, and has won multiple awards, including Double Gold for the fourth year in a row at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. It has a rich, deep character embodying the maritime characteristics of a coastal whisky, making it an ideal present for adventurers.
Cardrona Distillery The Reid Vodka
Cardrona‘s Reid Single Malt Vodka is an exceptional spirit crafted from only the finest malted barley. After two distillations in German column stills, it is blended with local water to achieve a 44% ABV. This decadently rich vodka offers a unique flavour profile that is perfect for sipping neat or in a craft cocktail.
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.
Ron Abuelo XII Two Oaks
Ron Abuelo is a rum brand with a rich and distinctive history. The brand was created by José Varela Blanco, a pioneer from Spain who came to Panama and created the country‘s first sugar cane mill. The Ron Abuelo Two Oaks rum has a smooth flavour that is the result of the liquid being aged for 12 years in selected bourbon barrels and finished in an extra-charred virgin American Oak barrel. This results in a non-traditional liquid that meets the bridge between bourbon and rum. It has an intense, and delicate smoky sweetness with notes of spices, caramel, and roasted coffee beans with light hints of cola nuts. It can be enjoyed straight up or on the rocks.
Aluna Coconut Rum
Aluna is made with virgin sugar cane which makes a lighter smoother rum with a natural subtle sweetness. A subtle blend of rums from Guatemala and the Caribbean with natural toasted coconut flavour. Aluna offers the true flavour of coconut alongside the authentic warmth and complexity of high-quality rum with no sticky, sugary aftertaste. It’s naturally lower in sugar and higher in flavour and great for a Daiquiri or to add to hot chocolate in winter.
Avallen Calvados
Avallen is made from nothing but apples, water and time, and is completely natural with no additives or added sugar. Avallen has just launched a new paper bottle in a major move to greater sustainability which is far more robust that glass and six times lighter so makes posting for a Christmas gift ideal. It is available in Harvey Nichols until end of Nov then nationwide. Avallen‘s liquid is fresh, fruity, and proudly apple-forward in its flavour profile which is aged in French oak barrels for 2 years. Produced entirely in northwest Normandy Avallen represents a younger, fresher and more climate-conscious brand with the health of the planet at its core. Even the labels are made from recycled paper fibres and apple pulp.
VIVIR Café Coffee Liqueur
VIVIR Café VS is a Tequila-based liqueur made with VIVIR Tequila Blanco and flavoured with Mexican coffee beans. It is sweetened with Piloncillo, a natural Mexican cane sugar. It has a rich coffee flavour with a subtle Agave finish. Delicious savoured by itself and superb in classic coffee cocktails, including the Espresso Martini.
Fords Gin
Fords Gin, a London Dry, is a collaboration between 10th generation Master Distiller Charles Maxwell of Thames Distillers and Simon Ford. It’s been designed in unison with professional bartenders and celebrated distillers from around the world. From its beginning, Fords Gin has earned credibility within the craft bartending community and has become a go-to gin for use in cocktails. Fords Gin is one of the top 10 best-selling premium gins in the USA and is the newest member of the Brown-Forman portfolio, joining in 2019. Fords Gin won the Chairman’s Trophy at the Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards 2019, and it remains on the 50 Best Bars top trending gin list.
Horse With No Name
This is an interesting spirit from The Horse’s Spirit Co., which features a spicy combo of bourbon and habanero pepper. The bourbon comes from Texas’s Firestone & Robertson Distilling Co., while The Horse’s Spirit Co. makes a habanero distillate (using red savina peppers, specifically) in Germany, which is then combined to make Horse With No Name! Great in cocktails, particularly in a warming twist on a Manhattan, or a Mule…
Santiago de Cuba 11 Year Old Extra Anejo
Let your loved one discover Cuban Rum through this rich, smooth, naturally sweet blend of sugar cane molasses, with hints of vanilla, coconut and almond by Ron Santiago de Cuba. This perfect Christmas gift is currently available in an exclusive, gold foil-embossed, luxury gift tin with a red carrying rope. Inside, there is a label that can be personalised and to make this gift extra special, the bottle is beautifully wrapped in a map of Cuba which takes the recipient on a journey of Ron Santiago de Cuba discovery once opened.
Axia Extra Dry Mastiha Spirit
Axis is an expertly-crafted Mastiha from Greece, made with resin from the Mastic trees on the island of Chios. The dried resin crystals are harvested and cleaned by hand, then double distilled before being bottled at 40% ABV without any sweetening. This leaves an authentic flavour profile with vibrant citrus and vegetal notes.
ITALICUS Italian Bergamot Aperitivo
This award-winning modern Italian Aperitivo is a stunning addition to the Christmas drinks trolley or the perfect gift for the trend-setting cocktail lover in your life. The striking bottle design embodies the history and heritage of Italy with the colour of the glass representing the Capri and Amalfi Coast shoreline. The Aperitivo, which is 20% alcohol, has fresh tones of ripe bergamot balanced with a light bitter and floral spice. It can be used in cocktails like the classic ITALICUS Spritz with Prosecco or Champagne to welcome guests to your festivities, or in a classic Sgroppino with sparkling wine of your choice and lemon sorbet.
