Have yourself a very Merry Christmas with the Luxuriate Life festive drinks for 2021 guide, full of the best tipples you’ll want to enjoy this yuletide season. If you’re looking for a unique drink, a classic cocktail, a pairing experience or some festive cheer, our bumper guide will make Christjammas 2021 your most lubricated yet.
Festive drinks for 2021 – cocktails
12 days of Christmas cocktails
Made in small batches and vegan friendly, this is a one of a kind festive drinks gift. It encompasses a brilliant selection of their finest festive handcrafted cocktails (all proper cocktail size 10 cl bottles) including: Christmas In A Bottle, Christmas Negroni Cosmopolitan, Dirty Vodka Martini, Elderflower Gin Martini, Espresso Martini, Lychee Martini, Margarita, Negroni, Passion Fruit Daiquiri, Remedy and our favourite Twisted Old Fashioned.
From – bottlebarandshop.com
Price | £80
The Bottled Cocktail Company
This forward thinking company has launched a refined range of classic cocktails in striking bottles, backed by years of experience in drinks and hospitality, inspired as much by Keivan Nemati’s experience in the worlds of perfumery and culinary arts.
The bottles, inspired by cocktails that have become classics in the world of bartending, include a Silver Fir Negroni, a Dry Gin Martini, an Old fashioned and more. All are bottled at sipping strength, and designed to be enjoyed either straight up, served from the freezer, or stirred over ice.
From – www.bottldcocktailcompany.com
Price | £36 (70cl)
NIO Cocktails
NIO (Need Ice Only) have launched six ready to pour boxed Christmas cocktails, with a limited-edition festive holographic sleeve for gifting. Enjoy all of the newly improved limited-edition Christmas cocktails in one cocktail box. Winter spices and crafted liqueurs feature in six premium cocktails, with a range of spirits to please including Rum, Gin and Whiskey. Cocktails include: Snow Daiquiri | Winter Sidecar | Spiced Negroni | Christmas Margarita | Apple Rum Punch and Christmas in Manhattan.
From – niococktails.co.uk
Price | £41
Primo Aperitivo
Take the hassle out of cocktail making and add a touch of sparkle to any Aperitivo hour with Primo Aperitivo’s two new lightly carbonated cocktails. Primo Aperitivo are the first brand to release the American and Sbagliato cocktails in ready to serve bottles and designed to share. All you simply need to do is open and pour. We love the convenience!
From – www.primoaperitivo.com
Price | £27.90
Beluga Vodka festive martinis at Isabel, Mayfair
Luxury Beluga Noble Russian vodka is helping Londoners get into the Christmas spirit with its brand-new Festive Martini Menu menu at Mayfair restaurant and bar, Isabel, until 31 December 2021. Expect four Christmas cocktails in Beluga Vodka’s signature serve, the Martini. You can choose from a gingerbread martini, a snowflake, jingle bells or for a very special serve, the Rising Star using Beluga Gold Line. The ultra-smooth taste showcases hints of vanilla and cinnamon which complement Yellow Chartreuse and Lillet Blanc Vermouth to create a bright, strong and herbal finish and an elegant twist on a classic martini.
www.isabelw1.london (walk ins only)
Festive drinks for 2021 – a one stop shop
VIP Bottles
How about some premium liquid gifts for the person that has everything? VIP Bottles is a collective of trend hunters, curators and connoisseurs with one mission: to bring the world’s freshest, most premium and exclusive alcohol to your doorstep, whether that’s champagne that is the brainchild of the Cartier family and Jay-Z or a bottle of whisky with only 600 in existence. They really have something for everyone and browsing the website was a total joy, finding some undiscovered tequilas, champagne gift boxes and a Whitley Neill Christmas cracker set.
From – vipbottles.co.uk
Price | Varies
Festive drinks for 2021 – Wines and Champagnes
Chateau Malescasse 2016
Sitting at the highest point of the Médoc, Malescasse is now recognised for its quintessentially Médoc style – approachable in youth yet with the potential to age, providing an excellent value claret for Christmas drinking. Though Bordeaux buyers will often opt for the “Grand Cru” estates, Malescasse is one of the region’s top hidden gems, providing great quality wines at great value prices. The 2016 growing season saw the property’s latest ever harvest of Cabernet Sauvignon, encouraging an optimum development of flavour, ripeness, and complexity.
From –www.millesima.co.uk
Price | £28.33
Lafon-Rochet 2014
One of the leading properties in St. Estèphe, the team has been researching ways to reduce its environmental impact, including assisted natural regeneration through tree-planting, and total eradication of the use of chemicals in the vineyard. Currently drinking well, the 2014 boasts a naturally powerful structure, well rounded with a soft and balanced sweetness. The team believes the finish is the “perfect representation of the year”, being “long, smooth, and full of patience”.
From – www.thewinesociety.com
Price | £40
Vagabond SOMM
Sommeliers are a rare breed these days so this new, AI driven wine subscription service allows you to discover and enjoy new wines. SOMM leverages its unique AI-driven personalisation to discern your likes and dislikes, recommending new grapes, regions and producers tailored to you, just as a real sommelier would. The easy to use app lets you choose from a library of 100 frequently changing wines from around the world including ultra fancy premium choices. Next thing you know you will receive a bespoke selection of five 100ml taster bottles at home every 2 or 4 weeks. Genius.
From – shop.vagabondwines.co.uk
Price | £25
Hattingley Valley
Hattingley Valley has a range of quality English sparkling wines that make superb gifts. Single bottles have stylish gift boxes and their luxury gift sets are ideal for those who enjoy wine and are notoriously difficult to buy for. Our favourite is the Hattingley Trio which includes the Classic Reserve, the Sparking Rose 2018 and the Blanc de Blancs 2014.
From – hattingleyvalley.com
Price | £130
Cilar de Silos, Torresilo 2018
Óscar Aragón uses fruit from 60 different old-vine parcels in Quintana del Pidio and La Aguilera to produce this intense, darkly coloured Tinto Fino, made in a modern style with 50% new wood and malolactic in barrel.
With a medium to full-bodied taste, this structured but balanced wine enjoys notes of blackberry, anise and mocha flavours, freshened and supported by the acidity of high-altitude grapes. It’s a complex wine which although still young, will age well.
From – www.vinissimus.co.uk
Price | £33.30
Château Clarke 2016, Baron Edmond de Rothschild Listrac-Médoc
The first wine of Edmond de Rothschild, Château Clarke epitomises the attention to detail shown in all they do. Merlot-led, the silky tannins, perfect structure and decadent complexity make this a must-try Bordeaux – the perfect accompaniment to grilled meats and assorted cheeses.
This beautiful crimson wine with a deep purple rim is intense and complex on the nose, presenting subtly roasted notes with bright aromas of fresh blackcurrant and black cherry, harmonising with a herbal undercurrent.
From – www.winedirect.co.uk
Price | £33.50
Simonnet-Febvre Premier Cru Fourchaume Chablis
Situated on the right bank of the Serein running on from the Grand Crus and exposed to the West/South-West, this area produces ample and harmonious wines with a slight mineral note. This wine is classically elegant, powerful and round with lovely aromas. It is best served with fish, white meat and cheeses.
From – www.tesco.com
Price | £25
Taittinger Brut Prestige Rosé NV
A benchmark rosé, uniquely packaged in clear glass to show off its pretty pink hues, Taittinger Brut Prestige Rosé NV is a delicate salmon pink in colour with its aromas fresh with wild strawberries and a hint of spice. This is a champagne to welcome your guests in style with this festive season.
From – www.sainsburys.co.uk
Price | £40
Denbies Cubitt Blanc de Noirs 2015
If you want to push the boat out this Christmas or New Year, then what about buying a Magnum from award winning English vineyard, Denbies in Surrey?
Denbies Cubitt Blanc de Noirs 2015 is pale straw-gold in colour with a hint of salmon pink; the limited release 2015 Cubitt Blanc de Noirs displays toasted and honeyed brioche characters on the nose. The palate is rich and full bodied with savoury, buttery notes leading to a full, soft and creamy finish.
From – www.denbies.co.uk
Price | £75
Frerejean Frères Blanc de Blancs NV Premier Cru
The contemporary, forward thinking and fashionable rebel Maison of Champagne, Frerejean Frères is creating artisanal Champagnes focussed on unrivalled craftmanship.
The Blanc de Blancs is developed exclusively from Premier Cru and Grand Cru Chardonnay grapes, grown in the Côte des Blancs. A blend of vintages and reserve wines contributes to generous and complex aromas which are aged for longer to produce a beautifully clear and elegant champagne. This is a generous and complex cuvée for the most discerning of wine drinkers.
From – www.frerejeanfreres.co.uk
Price | £65
Festive drinks for 2021 – It’s Vodka Time
J.J Whitley Vodka Cracker Selection
This is a fun gift for the cocktail lover providing a great opportunity to try different flavours before buying a larger bottle of your favourite J.J. Whitley Vodka. The set includes Vanilla, Passionfruit, Artisanal, Watermelon & Lime, Blue Raspberry and Blood Orange.
From – thedropstore.com
Price | £19
Snow Queen Organic Vodka
Snow Queen Organic Vodka is a super-premium vodka made with organic wheat and crystal-clear water from snow crowned mountains, encapsulating the spirit of the Snow Queen. This smooth, soft and balanced vodka promises unparalleled purity, specially distilled to ensure a full-bodied flavour with the most delicate finish. Bottled in France and perfect for cocktails and martinis, like the Snow Queen herself, the bottles were inspired by elegance, ice and individuality.
From – www.ellustria.com
Price | £33
Roberto Cavalli Vodka Gold Limited Edition
This show-stopping limited-edition vodka has been designed to turn heads – featuring a special gold metallic coating which shimmers and glitters from afar. The first premium vodka to be made entirely in Italy, this Cavalli creation is made in-line with traditional Italian distilling methods, using the finest quality grain and purest water from the Alps, resulting in a vodka that’s smooth, subtle and sophisticated. Plus the bottle will look the part at your festive party.
From – www.thebottleclub.com
Price | £38.39 (1L)
GREY GOOSE® Vodka Collectible Tin
Featuring a bold and contemporary design, this collectible holiday tin set is perfect for the spirits connoisseur on your shopping list. Delicious over ice or in any vodka based recipes, from Martini Cocktails to Christmas cocktails, GREY GOOSE® is the gift that keeps on giving. Every tin comes with a 75cl bottle housed in an easy-to-wrap gift box.
From – www.amazon.co.uk
Price | £37.50
CÎROC
Launched in time for winter you could choose from the limited edition Cîroc Pomegranate vodka with notes of pomegranate and redberries with hints of sweet strawberry or the Cîroc Red Berry which is distilled five times and then infused with red berry, fresh raspberries and blackberries. Both bottles are available for personalisation to make this gift unique.
From – INKD | INKD
Price | £45.99
Festive drinks for 2021 – Gin
Masons of Yorkshire Gin
A classic London dry gin layered with uplifting citrus flavours; Masons of Yorkshire’s Orange & Lime Leaf gin also features punchy, fragrant notes of kaffir lime leaf for a deliciously smooth finish. Best accompanied with plenty of ice, premium Indian tonic water and a twist of lime zest, this is the perfect tipple to add a touch of festive finesse to any serve this Christmas season.
From – www.masonsofyorkshire.com
Price | £30
Fords Gin
Revered by mixologists from the world’s Top 50 Bars, Fords Gin is the critically acclaimed cocktail gin that everyone needs to have in their home collection. Designed to complement all the classic gin cocktails, it’s made from a carefully selected mix of nine botanicals spanning the globe, including jasmine flowers, orange blossom grapefruit peel and an abundance of juniper, meaning this gin beautifully marries floral notes with citrus. The bartenders’ best kept secret this Christmas.
From – www.amazon.co.uk
Price | £24.99
Bloom Gin Cocktail Making Set
Bloom Gin’s luxury gift set contains all the tools of the trade to create those show-stopping cocktails. Included is a 70cl bottle of Bloom London Dry gin, a rose gold hammered cocktail shaker, a measure jigger and a cocktail barspoon. All you’ll need is tonic and ice and you’re good to go and get mixing!
From – Amazon.co.uk
Price | £59
Cambridge Truffle Gin
Cambridge Truffle Gin is the world’s first digestif gin and is a complex and decadent indulgence, created with white truffle from Alba in Piedmont. This is a bold and surprising gin where traditional juniper perfectly complements rich earthy notes that evoke fresh pine. With its extremely long, expressive finish and unique rewarding taste, Truffle Gin is a fitting accompaniment to the finest of dining and is perfect neat over ice or in a truffle Negroni.
From – www.cambridgedistillery.co.uk
Price | £80
Leggets Oriental Rose Gin
Leggets Oriental Rose Gin has been carefully blended to complement exquisite Asian cuisine. Rose water is one of the great secret ingredients of Asian cooking; world-famous dishes like Biryani, for example, reach their dizzying peak of flavour with the judicious addition of rose water, itself a by-product of the ancient distillation of rose petals destined for the perfume trade. With this delightful, gentle, Dry London Gin, you will find the merest hint of rose – in addition to subtle Asian spices.
From – www.leggets.com
Price | £39
London No. 1 Gin Phone Box
The limited-edition light up telephone box cheekily subverts the traditional London icon. Historically London gins were always a striking blue haze, with the colour generated during the distillation process. Recognising that colour and flavour enhance the consumer experience, the craftsmen behind London No 1 set about recapturing the essence of London-style gins from yesteryear. London No.1 is a triple-distilled small batch gin with quality, and more importantly, colour, at the heart.
From – www.selfridges.com
Price | £42.99
Festive drinks for 2021 – Whisky
Blue Label & Bang & Olufsen Headphones Gift Pack
Combining sound with flavour, this collaboration between Johnnie Walker and Bang & Olufsen allows you to immerse your senses in pure pleasure. The gift pack contains a bottle of Johnnie Walker Blue Label Blended Scotch Whisky, (700ml) and a pair of Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EQ earphones. Small, lightweight and comfortable enough to wear while lying on a pillow, these adaptive noise cancelling wireless earphones contain six built-in microphones for clear calls, authentic audio and unparalleled clarity.
Pour a dram of the velvety smooth and vibrant Scotch Whisky then slip in the Bang & Olufsen headphones. Only 100 limited edition gift packs have been made available to Harvey Nichols exclusively at their Knightsbridge store and online.
From – www.harveynichols.com
Price | £495
Woodford Reserve Double Oaked
An innovative approach to twice-barrelled bourbon creates the rich and colourful flavour of Woodford Reserve Double Oaked. Uniquely matured in barrels which have been heavily toasted and lightly charred, the process extracts a soft, sweet oak character from this bourbon whiskey.
On the nose, rich notes of dark fruit, caramel, sharp honey, chocolate, marzipan and toasted oak. Full bodied in taste, drinkers are met with a delicious mix of vanilla, dark caramel, hazelnut, apple and spices.
From – www.waitrose.com
Price | £42
Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel
A Tennessee whiskey with a one-of-a-kind flavour, Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel comes from just that – a single barrel which has been individually hand-selected for its unique taste.
Offering subtle notes of caramel and spice with bright fruit notes and sweet aromatics, it’s a whiskey with an individual flavour – designed to be sipped neat, or on ice, to experience its full character.
From – www.sainsburys.co.uk
Price | £42
Waterford The Cuvée
The Cuvée is the new flagship whisky from innovative, terroir-driven Irish producer Waterford. Inspired by Bordeaux’s greatest chateaux, Waterford has applied the same methodology and blended together 25 single malts from single farm origins. This has resulted in a whisky at 50% ABV showing notes of red apples, lavender, digestive biscuits, oranges, fresh mint, coffee cake, with a distinctly oily, textured palate delivering grapefruit, lemon zest, dark chocolate, cherries with an extraordinary length of flavour.
From – www.thewhiskyexchange.com
Price | £69.95
The GlenAllachie
One of Scotland’s few independent Scotch whisky companies, renowned for premium, small-batch, innovative bottlings, GlenAllachie has legendary Master Distiller Billy Walker at the helm. With almost 50 years in the industry, the emphasis is firmly on quality over quantity. Their trophy cabinet includes World’s Best Single Malt won at the World Whiskies Awards 2021. The GlenAllachie 15-year-old combines Single Malt matured in Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso Sherry Puncheons & Hogsheads.
From – www.amazon.co.uk
Price | £68
Jameson Black Barrel Fan Gift Set
The Jameson Black Barrel Fan Gift Set is the perfect way to mark the Christmas season. An ideal whiskey to share with those that matter, this pack contains a bottle of the newest Black Barrel Proof with an engraved Black Barrel hip flask accompanied by a set of Black Barrel glasses.
From – shop.jamesonwhiskey.com
Price | £95
Festive drinks for 2021 – Tequila
Patrón Tequila limited edition
This festive season, Patrón celebrates its tradition of making simply perfect tequila and Mexico’s rich cultural heritage with a vibrant limited edition collector’s tin. Honouring the mythical Aztec story of the origins of agave, the heart and soul of tequila, the unique design brings to life the vibrancy of Mexican crafts and culture through a bespoke artwork signed by contemporary artist Senkoe.
From – www.harveynichols.com
Price | £59
El Jimador – Blanco
El Jimador Blanco is the perfect tequila to gift cocktail connoisseurs this Christmas. With a hint of citrusy sweetness, this peppery, tequila is bottled immediately after the double distillation process, giving it a crystal-clear appearance.
Every drop of El Jimador tequila is made from 100% plant-based blue weber agave, delivering a smooth and balanced flavour ideal for sipping, or to enjoy in long and refreshing cocktails.
From – www.waitrose.com
Price | £23
Festive drinks for 2021 – Indulge before, during and after
Chambord Black Raspberry Liqueur
Known to be the ultimate liqueur during the Christmas period, Chambord, the luxurious French black raspberry liqueur, is the perfect gift for those looking to elevate their festive fizz and make it magnifique.
Made from an infusion of the world’s finest black and red raspberries with Madagascan vanilla and XO Cognac – an aged and refined elixir from the eponymous region – Chambord is ideal for those with a penchant for festive fun with a fabuleux twist.
From – www.tesco.com
Price | £8
Hennessy VS Holidays by Julien Colombier
This exquisite special edition bottle has been designed in collaboration with Paris-based artist Julien Colombier to celebrate the end of 2021.
From its dramatic tropical themed bottle to the intense, fruity flavours of Hennessy’s youngest cognac, there is no doubt that this limited edition should be at the heart of any cocktail party. Perfect for sharing, mixing with cocktails and raising a glass to the end of the year – sit back and enjoy the round and robust flavours of this timeless cognac.
From – www.thebottleclub.com
Price | £39.99
Italicus
Italicus, the award-winning modern Italian Aperitivo, is a stunning addition to your Christmas drinks trolley. 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.
From – www.waitrose.com
Price | £30
Don Papa Rum
Premium single-island rum from the Philippines Don Papa has launched ‘Manila Disco’ which depicts a decadent modern playground of dance and drinks amidst a glimmering oasis inspired by Manila’s answer to Studio 54 – the wildly eccentric and gritty Coco Banana nightclub.
Manila Disco debuts four new Don Papa cocktails, created by Aaron Goodall, the brand’s Manila-based Cocktail Maestro: Coco Sour – a refreshingly tart and tropical start to the night at Manila Disco; Manila Kiss – a bright and floral twist on the classic Cosmopolitan; Chocolate Wonderland – a layered, richly complex punch, packed full of flavours from the East and West; and Malate Martini – Don Papa’s twist on the now iconic Pornstar Martini.
From – www.sainsburys.co.uk
Price | £26
Duppy Share White
Duppy Share Caribbean Rums and UK music pioneer Kano’s vibrant celebration of Jamaica and its influence on the world offers 100% Jamaican white rum with flavours of mango, pimento and fresh thyme for maximum Jamaican flavour.
Produced & co-founded by Kano, this is a rum five years in the making; born from the memories, smells and flavours that reflect his Jamaican roots and the profound impact of Jamaican culture on London and the world.
From – www.tesco.com
Price | £19.75
All imagery courtesy of the brands featured. Leading image courtesy of The Dorchester collection.