What to drink (and gift) this Christmas

Christmas merriment and drinking go hand in hand – whether you’re looking for a boozy gift, what to stock up on, or just want to splurge a little on yourself this Christmas, we’ve got you covered with some of the latest wine and whisky releases, as well as festive specials for the consummate drinker.

Something special

Some of the most exclusive, impression-forming bottles you can gift – or indulge in.

This one might be a little hard to come by, although with the right connections it might still be possible. Krug's freshly-released 2006 blanc de blanc, Clos du Mesnil, is marked by a beautiful harvest and a champagne that's singular, precise, and bursting with citrus and barley sugar, with a persistent finish. Bottles can still be found at Krug Ambassade outlets, including JAAN by Kirk Westaway, Zen, Hashida Sushi and Moomba.
It's been a challenging year – and a little bit of self-pampering is in order for the festive season. Diageo's Rare and Exceptional platform has put together a selection of celebratory whiskies to whip out for gatherings, or as an exceptional gift. We're looking at the John Walker & Sons Bicentenary Blend for a special end-of-the-night dram. The 28 year old bottling includes now-discontinued whiskies from distilleries like Cambus and Port Ellen – and represents a rare chance to taste Johnnie Walker like you've never had it. If you want to make an entire activity of your holiday drinking, they've also just released their 2020 Special Release – with collects 8 unusual expressions including a 8-year-old Talisker matured in pot still Carribean rum casks.
Arguably one of the most exclusive wines being made in China right now, Ao Yun has released its 2016 vintage. It's just the third vintage, but the LVMH-owned winery has shown every intention to make better wine each year – which is happening thanks to the increasing age of the vines and better understanding of the land. Blend percentages and plantings are fine tuned each year – with 2016 representing the first year the team decided to taste the wines at sea-level – each wine to be blended is shipped to Hong Kong – due to the winery's high altitude affecting taste perception. This particular vintage has been marked by cool weather, followed by a warm season that ensured optimal ripeness in the grapes. The result is an exceptional vintage, with a balanced, layered bottle that would do beautifully with 30 years in a cellar or – for the sake of education – in a glass.

Available for purchase at Vinum Fine Wines and The Moomba
Add some interactivity to Christmas dinner with the Spirits Discovery Box, a curated collection of spirit 100ml samples – rum, whisky or gin – that comes with tasting notes and videos. Otherwise, they also offer experiential gift sets, which features a main spirit like the Portland-distilled Westward Whiskey, with complementary accoutrements like rocks glasses, spice kits, and garnishes.

More info here.

For the cocktail drinker

Don’t want to faff about with shakers, jiggers, and hours of prep? Try these bottled cocktails

Jigger & Pony Group’s new cocktail initiative, Pony, is the perfect solution for all your holiday cocktail needs. The pre-bottled classics come in 500ml and 200ml sizes, with options including the classic negroni and a Christmas creation – a chocolate boulevardier with Suntory Chita whisky, Cinzano Rosso, Campari, chocolate bitters and orange essence.
Elsewhere, Manhattan bar will be offering its famously boozy mulled wine as well as the Joyeux Noel, a creation comprising Michter's Straight Rye, white wine, Mancino Secco, house-made French toast syrup and chocolate bitters.
For a festive aperitif, Siri House is offering its in Good Spirits bottled cocktail – made with a house scotch blend with Fernet and cinnamon infused honey. Best over ice and garnished with fresh orange peel. Comes in 250ml and 500ml sizes.
Also new to the market is Curatif, a canned cocktail company following in the steps or beer and re-defining the image that good things can, well, come in cans. There's a negroni made with Aussie gin Four Pillars; as well as an espresso martini made with Archie Rose vodka. The latter removes all the need to fuss about with ice and shakers – just chill and shake the can.

Aperitif hour

Start the day easy with some fizz.

In the same vein, Hendrick's latest offering, the Midsummer Solstice, is another great way to start off the party. Here, refreshing floral notes (the kinds of botanicals remain a secret) are layered on Hendrick's signature rose and cucumber – resulting in an intriguing berry-like gin. Great in a spritz, and also available as in drinks at over 50 partner bars including Shin Gi Tai and Lumo.
Day drinking? Start off with some refreshing highballs – Remy Martin has teamed up with craft soda brand Fever Tree to offer cognac highball sets. Each box comes with a bottle of Remy Martin VSOP and two bottles of Fever Tree Ginger Ale. Add your own ice, some citrus, and a cinnamon stick for glasses of sessionable festive fizz.
Everyone's going to be bringing Champagne to Christmas dinner. Create a talking point by arriving with a bottle of Nyetimber – English sparkling wine made to hold its own against some of the best its French cousins have to offer. Made the same way, with the classic Champagne grapes – on English soil. Available from Analogue Wine Merchant.

The Peak's guide to drinking, and drinks you can gift this festive season.

Something special

For the cocktail drinker

Aperitif hour