Tis the season: It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas
(Picture: Pexels)It’s the time of year most of us have been waiting for: 25 thirsty days of discovery, when popping the cork comes without any remorse. Well, mostly.
As such, it feels like the perfect time to have an after-work sip... straight from the advent calendar. It’s fascinating to see just how far drink-themed advent calendars have come over the past five years — and it looks like there’s no slowing down.
From whiskey and wine to vodka, rum and everything in between, it’s time to put the “merry” into Merry Christmas.
Fortnum & Mason’s spirits and liquers calendar
Fortnums has long been known for its focus on quality. Over the years, the department store has built up an impressive portfolio of own-brand British spirits, showcasing the best of what this country has to offer. This luxury advent offers 25 unique spirits and liqueurs from that very collection. It’s the perfect choice for those who’d like to dip their toes into a broad range of tipples: vodka, gin, whiskey, rum, scotch and more. Each door also contains a fun fact, recipe or serving suggestion, which lets drinkers get the very best out of the what’s behind the doors. Seasonal favourites include Figgy Pudding liqueur, marmalade vodka and honey and violet gin.
£250, Fortnum & Mason
24 days of rum
Rum fans, rejoice: this is likely one of the most diverse representations of the spirit available. Twenty-four hand-picked rums showcase key regions such as Jamaica, Dominican Republic, Venezuela and Trinidad alongside less common treats from Australia, South Africa, Portugal and even Scotland. This truly is a journey around the world. In terms of the styles, you’ll find everything from spiced and cask-finished variations to a range of vintages. They say the calendar is made to share, but having seen the rums inside... why would you?
£99, Harvey Nichols
Bourbon and American whiskey calendar
If there’s one thing America does well, it’s whiskey. Sadly, due to the limited quantities making it into the country, it’s really hard to find the “good stuff”. This calendar, though, allows drinkers to seek out some of the best creations from the country without having to search far and wide. You can expect 24 days of bourbon and American whiskey, highlighting a selection of award-winning styles and representing everything from boutique bottlings to rare rye-rich rewards. In my opinion, this is the best US-focused advent calendar going.
£149.95, Drinks by the Dram
The premium edition of the whisky advent calendar
Scotch fans might want to sit down for this one. Expect to delve into 24 exceptional Scottish drams, with a few splashes of Irish Whiskey thrown in for good measure. There’s some serious stuff here from some of the most notable and iconic producers including The Dalmore, Balvenie, Jura, and Tallisker, just to name just a few. A treat.
£249.95, Drinks by the Dram
Virgin Wines’ mixed calendar
Say hello to the original wine advent calendar, perfected over the years to offer some of the club’s most sought-after bottles. Twenty-four mini bottles sit within each door, each offering something a little different throughout the month. At just under 200ml per bottle, it’s a pretty generous glass each night — and, come Christmas Day, there’s a full-size bottle to celebrate with.
£89, Virgin Wines
St Austell’s beer calendar
Most beer calendars seem to showcase several of the same beers throughout the month, but not this one. Traditional favourites, new highlights and seasonal treats await, one bottle at a time, incuding some extremely limited edition releases. Grab your pint glass and embrace the festive cheer within; as with the others, there’s a full 24 drinks to enjoy.
£79.99, St. Austell Brewery
NIO cocktails 12-day advent box
Over the years there’s been a gradual rise in beer, spirits and wine calendars, but one category that all too often seems to have been forgotten is cocktails. Thankfully, NIO have been shaking and stirring up some creativity and has filled a major gap in the market. These professionally made serves, inspired and created by some of the top mixologists in the world offer 12 days of cocktail exploration — but the good news is, there are two cocktails per day, offering a total of 24 serves, ideal to share. Mixes include the Negroni, Manhattan, Margarita, Mai Tai, Cosmopolitan, Daiquiri, Old Fashioned, gin Sour, Brown Gold, Espresso Martini, Sidecar and White Lady. Have a very Merry Christmas.
£115, NIO Cocktails
