Party season is back ON for 2021, and that means party drinks, and no, we’re not talking about flat prosecco served out of plastic cups in your office or dusting off whatever’s still lurking at the back of the cupboard – if it wasn’t good enough to be drunk in lockdown, it’s time to let it go. From hipster mulled wine to batched Bloody Marys, here’s how to level up your festive drinks…
Banks Brothers Wine
If it’s good enough for a Michelin-starred restaurant to pair food with canned wine, it’s got to be good right? And it is. Premium wine in a can from acclaimed Chef Tommy Banks and brother James, who have launched Banks Brothers, your new fave wine in a can.
banksbrothers.co.uk
Le Cocktail Shop Bottled Cocktails
Doing cocktails for a crowd has never been easier thanks to the invention of bottled cocktails, and Le Cocktail, the boozy offshoot of French restaurant Maison Patron is well stocked with those. This Rum Punch by Kuda will bring the sunshine even in the depths of winter.
Oranj Cocktails
Hip wine subscription company Oranj have launched a collection of pre-bottled cocktails. Created by Ben Dargue, the flavours include blackcurrant margarita, Oranj juice and spiced negroni. The drinks are bottled in old orange juice bottles making them the ideal size for stocking fillers or secret Santa.
oranj.co.uk
Tiempo Tequila
If you’re over G&Ts, make it T&Ts this party season. And Tiempo, made from 100% blue agave and filtered through charcoal after it’s been in the barrel, is the perfect tequila for your tonic thanks to the balance of complex flavours and lighter floral notes.
DelMago Negroni
These bottled cocktails from Italian brand DelMago make hosting a breeze; there’s no need to measure, shake and serve as they’re already expertly mixed, so you can get on with the real business of drinking, just like that cool cat on the label.
The Bloody Box
When you’ve had one too many at your Christmas drinks there’s only one thing for it…..hair of the dog. This Bloody Box from Bloody Drinks makes getting through the post-party morning as easy as possible with four cans of perfectly mixed Bloody Marys plus salt and olives to garnish, and even some nuts to nibble on.
Belvedere Organic Infusions
Freshen up your festive tipples with these Belvedere Vodka Organic Infusions. Featuring a line-up of blackberry and lemongrass with hints of sage; pear and ginger with notes of honey; and lemon and basil with a touch of elderflower, there’s something to keep the whole crowd merry.
NICE Wine
Christmas calls for some NICE wine and that’s exactly what these boxes deliver. Their all-vegan selection includes a juicy, dark Argentinian red; a crisp and dry rosé; and a classic French Sauvignon Blanc. They also stay fresh for up to six weeks (not that it’s gonna last that long).
Rathfinny 2017 Blanc des Blancs
This is an English sparkling wine that will not disappoint. A limited production of just 9,333 bottles, the 2017 Blanc de Blancs is made from 100% Chardonnay grapes and is ideal for pairing with seafood dishes, so you can treat your partygoers to treats like butter-braised lobster or goat’s cheese and fig tartlets. A bit posh isn’t it?
Beeble Honey Whisky
If you’re planning to mix up a batch of hot toddies, this honey whisky from Beeble is what you want. Made using leftover honey from Beeble’s Wiltshire hives blended with Scotch from Strathearn Distillery, it’s smooth and rich with the perfect touch of natural sweetness – a perfect winter warmer.
Della Vite Prosecco
Whether its bubbles for breakfast or pre-Christmas dinner fizz, it’s the season for popping bottles of the good stuff, including Della Vite. Founded by the Delevingne sisters, Della Vite is a premium prosecco that’s sustainably produced and vegan. If you’re looking for a boozy gift for a friend, impress them with the Della Vite Prosecco DOCG which comes in a swish giftbox.
dellavite.com
Frerejean Freres Blanc de Blancs
You can’t do a festive toast without some champers and this Blanc de Blancs from contemporary champagne house Frerejean Frères is the bottle to do it with. Aged for six years, making it lovely and clear, it’s a fruity one with notes of mango, papaya and passion fruit. Great as a gift, even better for yourself.
Shop Cuvee’s Mulled Wine
It’s not Christmas without some mulled wine but you don’t need to faff about with a vat of cheap red because Shop Cuvée has done all the hard work. Their ‘actually nice’ Mulled Wine is a balanced blend of rioja, Sicilian white wine and festive spices, so all you need to do is heat and drink.
shopcuvee.com
Four Pillars Bloody Shiraz Gin
If you’re a gin person but want to try something a bit different from your regular bottle, give this Bloody Shiraz Gin from Aussie distillery Four Pillars a go. Steeped with Victorian shiraz grapes, this baby is more natural than pink gin and stronger than sloe gin, and goes great with bitter lemon.