Top 20 boozy Advent calendars filled with beer, wine and tequila including showstopper gin cracker

With the season of festive feasting nearly upon us, now may be the time to start preparing for the big day. Advent calendars were traditionally choc-full of sweet treats as they were gifted to children in the run-up to Christmas.

These special calendars have reportedly been around since the 19th century when a little boy's mum stuffed small sweets into a cardboard calendar. Advent calendar offerings have become a little more sophisticated since then.

Now you get all sorts of treats packed into Advent calendars, from beauty products and jewellery to traditional chocolates and alcohol. Yes, adults are getting in on the Advent calendar fun too and why not?

The Advent calendar is more than just a practical way to keep tabs on the date (although we doubt anyone is actually using it for this purpose). An Advent calendar is a wonderful gift too.

An Advent calendar also gives you the opportunity to sample different drinks that you wouldn't normally get the chance to try. It is similar to visiting a restaurant that serves tapas dishes where you can taste more dishes, simply because the tapas versions are smaller.

With an alcohol Advent calendar, you can even discover your new favourite tipple. Here is our round-up of top boozy calendars that make excellent gifts to others, or even yourself (we won't tell).

Prices are correct at the time of writing. Contents may vary, please check with supplier websites for more information.

Best alcohol Advent calendars 2022

Beer: BrewDog Craft Beer Advent Calendar

BrewDog Advent calendar features mixed styles of beers and is therefore great for a crowd (BrewDog)

Containing a mixed style of beers, BrewDog's Advent calendar offering also includes some beers for those following a vegan diet. Beers included in the pack are Albino Squid Assassin, Hazy Helles and Just Desserts.

BrewDog says the style of beers is mixed, meaning there will be something for everyone in this nifty box. Included with the beer is a 'unique' glass which adds to the festive spirit - it is an extra present for you to open, which is always a good thing.

What you get: 24x 330ml craft beer cans, £59.95, free delivery at BrewDog.

Beer: Beavertown Brewery Craft Beer Advent Calendar

Beavertown Brewery's Advent calendar offering is super handy, consisting of smaller packs that fit neatly in your fridge (Beavertown Brewery)

Some craft beer cans are so gorgeous, there should be an award, like an Oscars for the craft beer world, for designers of craft beer cans. The cans inside Beavertown Brewery look snazzy and if you are prone to getting snap happy for the 'Gram, Beavertown Brewery's offering won't disappoint.

Expect a riot of neon colours in lime green, vibrant orange and more for these beers that are all vegan. Included in Beavertown Brewery's offering this year are Neck Oil Session IPA and Gamma Ray American pale ale in compact boxes that can be placed in the fridge, which is really handy.

What you get: 24x 330ml craft beer cans, £58, free delivery at Beavertown Brewery.

Beer: Hopsmore Craft Beer Advent Calendar

Hopsmore Advent calendar is packed with 24 different craft beer cans for those who really want to taste different flavour profiles in the run-up to Christmas (Hopsmore)

Hopsmore Craft Beer Club's Advent calendar boasts a wide range of excellent beer options. Beers included in the pack are citrus pale ales, session IPAs, oat pale ales and American pale ales.

There really is something for everyone in this craft beer box of treats.

What you get: 24 x 330ml craft beer cans, £39.95, free delivery at Hopsmore.

Beer: Dry Drinker NoLo Beer Advent Calendar

This unique Advent calendar from Dry Drinker is truly inclusive, as it is perfect for the NoLo crowd, packed with the latest alcohol-free beers plus a seasonal Christmas Eve ale to be enjoyed on the the 24th (Milly Fletcher)

This calendar is unique in that it is the only offering on our list that is specifically for the NoLo market or those who are looking to reduce their alcohol consumption. Dry Drinker's Advent calendar is packed with 24 different NoLo beers, from lagers to IPAs and stouts.

It includes some of the popular NoLo beer brands such as Days and Big Drop but also some more unusual ones, which are kept a surprise for the big day.

What you get: A mixture of bottles and cans, £75.60, delivery from £4.99 at Dry Drinker.

Wine: John Lewis Wine Advent Calendar

John Lewis Advent calendar has a delectable mix of wine which is perfect if you are hosting festivities at your house this year (John Lewis)

You know that feeling of dread when you take a bottle of wine over for dinner, unsure whether you have the right one - does your host like white or red? You can ditch all uncertainty with the John Lewis Advent calendar which includes a mix of red, white and rosé wine.

Open a fruity Merlot, sip a Pinot Grigio, or celebrate the weekend with Sauvignon Blanc with this calendar. Each bottle is filled with 187ml of wine which is around one glass of wine.

What you get: 24x 187ml bottles, £85, free delivery at John Lewis.

Wine: Aldi Wine Advent Calendar

Aldi's Advent calendar comes in a beautifully packaged box, so pretty that you could even gift it unwrapped (if you can bear to part with it) (Aldi)

This mixed case of wine which is an online exclusive and not available in-store, has everything you need for Christmas. Sip refreshing sparkling whites, dry rosés and full-bodied reds.

The calendar boasts an exciting line-up of mini versions of wines suitable for any occasion (do you really need an excuse to crack open a small bottle early?). Jump on 'cloud wine' as you toast the festive countdown in style.

What you get: 24 bottles in total (16 x 18.7cl, 8 x 20 cl), £59.99, delivery from £4.95 at Aldi.

Wine: Virgin Mixed Wine Advent Calendar

Virgin Wines Advent calendar features an excellent range including juicy Shiraz, crisp Sauvignon Blanc and more (Virgin Wines)

The offering from Virgin features 24 mini wine bottles including new grape varieties for 2022. Recognising the importance of Christmas Day, the clever clogs at Virgin have included a full-size 25th bottle to be cracked open on the big day itself.

Wine connoisseurs will do cartwheels of joy as they dive into bottles from The Black Pig, Pérez Cruz and Beneficio.

What you get: 24 x 187ml bottles, £89.99, £7.99 delivery at Virgin Wines.

Wine: Laithwaites Fine Wine Advent Calendar

Laithwaites Fine Wine Advent calendar is packaged in a luxurious presentation case of midnight blue with tasting packs in a pull-out drawer style (Laithwaites)

Laithwaites say you can travel the world with their Advent calendar which features wines from a wide range of regions. Oenophiles can enjoy excellent French names (Châteauneuf to Chablis, Provence to Pauillac), Italian icons (Barolo, Brunello) and other Old World classics.

Prise open the doors which will reveal 24, 100ml tasting packs with a tasting note, a serving suggestion and a handy QR code so you can access detailed information on each of the wines.

What you get: 24x 100ml packs, £150, £7.99 delivery at Laithwaites.

Whisky: Johnnie Walker Advent Calendar

Johnnie Walker Advent calendar is a great way to expand your knowledge about one of the oldest brands of whisky in the world (Johnnie Walker)

This one is a must for fans of the critically acclaimed Johnnie Walker brand. Sip 12 different 5cl miniature bottles of Johnnie Walker whiskies which are perfect for sharing with friends and family.

From the classic Johnnie Walker Red Label, to the smoother Johnnie Walker Black Label, there is something for everyone to enjoy. It is always nice to taste and learn about new flavours, which is why the tasting notes accompanying this calendar are so handy.

What you get: 12x 5cl bottles, £49.99, delivery from £4.99 at The Bottle Club.

Whisky: Explorers' Edition, Drinks by the Dram

This gorgeous whisky Advent calendar is the Explorers' edition by Drinks by the Dram and the perfect gift for someone who has a passion for wanderlust (Drinks by the Dram)

If you're an armchair traveller who loves exploring new horizons without leaving the cosy confines of your home, then Drinks by the Dram's offering is one for you. You'll be treated to 24 different whiskies, some of which you may already be acquainted with, and some that may well turn out to be your new favourite whisky.

There are four designs available meaning it will be a double-treat if you know the favourite colours of your gift recipient. The one pictured here is the Explorers' Advent calendar, other versions available are Original, Christmas and Craft.

What you get: 24x 30ml bottles, £99.95, free delivery at Master of Malt.

Whisky: Emerald Edition Scotch Whisky Advent Calendar, Cask Explorers

Take your taste buds on a whisky exploration journey and enjoy learning, by joining the online discussion and tasting session on the dram of the day (Cask Explorers)

This calendar is packed chock-full of a diverse range of whiskies to hit the sweet spot of different palates. Whether you prefer the elegance of a single malt or an earthy peaty dram, this calendar will delight and thrill in the run-up to Christmas Day.

Learning can be even more fun, especially if whisky is involved. Links to tasting notes hidden behind each door will make diving into this Advent calendar all the more exciting.

What you get: 25x 3cl bottles, £149.99, £4.99 delivery at The Really Good Whisky Company.

Whisky: World Whisky Advent Calendar, Drinks by the Dram

The constellation style packaging of this Advent calendar from Drinks by the Dram is unique and will leave whisky lovers starry eyed (Drinks by the Dram)

This calendar features wax-sealed drams of whisky from across the globe, from Japan to Finland. It is a great way to expand your horizons and try a massively wider range of whiskies, which Drinks by the Dram say are expertly chosen from different producers.

A sneak peek into the contents is a joy to behold. Whiskies to enjoy over the festive season include Togouchi Premium Blended Japanese Whisky, Kyrö Wood Smoke Malt Rye Whisky and Aber Falls Single Malt Whisky.

What you get: 24x 30ml bottles, £149.95 free delivery at Master of Malt.

Gin: Neat & Shaken Collection's Gin Advent Calendar

Be the host with the most with Neat & Shaken's Advent calendar which includes barware and a larger 50cl bottle of a surprise gin kept a secret for the big day (Neat & Shaken)

Make the countdown to Christmas even more fun this year with this exciting calendar. Big names in the world of gin that are included in this gorgeous box are Bloom, Opihr, Thomas Dakin, Berkeley Square and Greenall’s.

Included is some barware meaning you can really flex those cocktail mixologist muscles. Neat & Shaken also promise 'a few surprises along the way', meaning this could even double-up as a fun Christmas present.

What you get: 24 mini bottles varying in size plus a 50cl bottle, £89.90, delivery £4.90 at Neat & Shaken.

Gin: Virgin Wines Gin Advent Calendar

Gather round this fantastic curation of gin from Virgin Wines which includes a real mix of flavour profiles from zesty citrus to elegant florals (Virgin Wines)

One of the joys of opening an Advent calendar is spotting something new that you may not have tried before. In this Advent calendar you can feast your eyes on familiar brands as well as small-batch finds.

Gins exclusive to Virgin Wines include zesty Festival Spiced Orange Gin and L&C Lemon & Chilli Old Tom which sound fiery and wonderful. For those who prefer to keep it classic, you can enjoy gins from Keepr's, Henely and Whitley Neil.

What you get: 24x mini bottles, £99.99, £7.99 delivery at Virgin Wines.

Gin: Craft Gin Club's Advent Calendar

Pour a generous double with every bottle in this Advent calendar by Craft Gin Club (Craft Gin Club)

Discover 25 handpicked miniature craft gins from the UK and beyond. There is a very special tipple on the big day, but this is a surprise, adding to the excitement of this Advent calendar.

Each bottle will pour a double, or a single for two if sharing is your thing.

What you get: 25x miniature bottles, £89.95, £4.99 delivery at Craft Gin Club.

Gin: Luxury Flavoured Gin Advent Cracker

This showstopper Advent calendar is uniquely shaped in a stunning Christmas cracker shape, whilst its glossy packaging makes it feel luxurious - the marvellous medley of gin inside is simply the icing on the (Christmas) cake (Getting Personal)

This is one showstopper of a calendar and will guarantee gasps of delight from your guests. There are 24 doors to open, each revealing a miniature bottle of premium-flavoured gin.

Choose from blood orange, strawberry, Sicilian lemon, Bramley and Gage Organic Sloe Gin and much more. There is even a personalised gift card that you can fill out when you order online.

What you get: 24x miniature bottles, £139.99, free delivery at Getting Personal.

Mixed spirits: The Whisky Exchange Spirits Advent Calendar

Although the exact contents from The Whisky Exchange Advent calendar are kept under wraps as a lovely surprise for the big day, you can expect a stellar line up from distilleries including Glenfarclas (The Whisky Exchange)

This mixed spirit calendar is packed to the rafters with whisky, rum, gin, Calvados and more. Expect a real mix of exclusive bottlings, under-the-radar spirits and some of the biggest names in drinks.

This is perfect as a luxurious gift for a spirits’ lover or if you want to go on a tasting journey to discover new flavours comprising of 15 spirits, four liqueurs and six whiskies.

What you get: 24x 3cl bottles, £175, free delivery at The Whisky Exchange.

Rum: Spiced Rum Advent Calendar, Drinks by the Dram

This spiced rum Advent calendar is one for fans who love spirit with an adventurous kick, including spiced rums that are perfect for sipping or creating delicious cocktails with (Drinks by the Dram)

Spiced rum continues to be a popular drink in all seasons, so it is a savvy move for Drinks by the Dram to branch out in the spiced rum Advent calendar arena. Enjoy a whole range of spiced and flavoured rums to bring a tropical twist to your Christmas countdown.

There are plenty of flavoursome rums to sip including Dead Man's Fingers Cherry Rum, Langs Pineapple Rum, Spirited Union Organic Coconut, Norfolk Dark Spiced Rum and Langs Mango & Ginger Rum.

What you get: 24x 30ml bottles, £99.95, free delivery at Master of Malt.

Rum: The Rum Advent Calendar from Drinks by the Dram

Filled with one of the world’s oldest and best-loved spirits, this rum Advent calendar is packed full of drinks to sip and savour this festive period. According to Drinks by the Dram, the headline bottles in this year's edition are the Plantation XO Barbados 20th Anniversary, Diplomático Seleccion De Familia, and Santiago de Cuba 11 Years Old Añejo Superior.

What you get: 24x 3cl bottles, £149,95, free delivery at Master of Malt.

Tequila and Mezcal Advent Calendar

This one of a kind Advent calendar not only looks vibrant and stunning, its contents of spirits du jour will have you creating gorgeous cocktails with a twist (The Spirit Co.)

Those in the know will be getting this Advent calendar as a special treat for loved ones. Two of the hottest spirits on the market have been curated into one gorgeous Advent calendar, filled with Blancos, Reposados, Añejos and Mezcals.

Sip fresh and fruity tequila, or if you're in a dramatic mood, go for a smoky mezcal. If you always wanted to try tequila the grown-up way - no tequila shots here so keep your salt and lime hidden - get this calendar and enjoy the tequila-mezcal journey.

What you get: 24x 30ml bottles, £149.94 free delivery at The Spirit Co.

Cognac Advent Calendar

This Cognac Advent calendar is a real festive treat for discerning palates who love the finer things in life (The Spirit Co.)

This calendar is one for those who love a bit of va va voom. Taste French luxury with this range of stunning Cognac, either by itself (highly recommended) or in a cocktail, the choice is yours.

Delicious tipples included in this calendar include Rémy Martin Mature Cask Cognac, HINE Rare Cognac VSOP, Hermitage Single Estate Cognac, Bourgoin Microbarrique XO Cognac and Sazerac de Forge Finest Original Cognac Special Cuvée.

What you get: 24x 30ml bottles, £238.80 free delivery at The Spirit Co.