Christmas spirits gift guide 2024: Curated picks for every occasion

Christmas is the season of joy, a time to gather with friends and family over delicious feasts and raise a glass to shared laughter and lasting memories. Whether enjoyed as a spirited aperitif before the holiday banquet or savoured as a smooth, lingering digestif to conclude the evening, a fine bottle of liquor can enhance any festive celebration. From heritage whiskies and limited-edition rums to unique gins and pre-mixed cocktails, there’s a bottle to suit every palate and occasion. This year’s selection of premium spirits not only elevate the craft of holiday entertaining but also make impressive and thoughtful gifts for the connoisseurs on your list – delivering layers of depth, complexity and craftsmanship in every pour. Explore our handpicked lineup of exceptional drinks, each with its own story, flavour profile, and unique origins, and treat yourself – or a loved one – to a truly merry Christmas toast.

The Orientalist Gunpowder Gin

Evoking the timeless mystique of Asia’s ancient spice routes, The Orientalist Gunpowder Gin brings a bold fusion of Eastern botanicals straight to your glass. This award-winning craft spirit blends time-honoured distillation methods with adventurous ingredients like gunpowder tea, Kampot peppercorn, and Korean Omija berries, resulting in a crisp, aromatic profile that dances between peppery heat and vibrant citrus. Perfect for a classic Martini or a bright, herbaceous Negroni, this recently launched gin captures the elegant complexity of pan-Asian flavours – offering a unique tasting experience. Presented in a sophisticated bottle, it’s an inspired gift for those seeking to step beyond the familiar and embrace something exotic this Christmas.

For further information or to purchase, visit The Orientalist Spirits UK

The King’s Ginger Liqueur

Channel an air of old-world opulence this festive season with The King’s Ginger liqueur. Originally crafted in 1903 for King Edward VII, this amber-hued spirit boasts a robust, warming character steeped in citrus notes – making it the perfect pairing for a traditional Christmas treat. Celebrating this match made in culinary heaven, The King’s Ginger has joined forces with Pophams Bakery to create limited-edition mince pies, infused with the liqueur and lavishly filled with fruit, spice, and a swirl of clotted cream. Encased in flaky, buttery pastry, these festive pies honour heritage and craftsmanship, offering a taste that’s rich, comforting, and undeniably regal. A stylish, sensory delight for any holiday table, this duo of bottle and pie promises an unforgettable celebration of tradition and taste.

For further information or to purchase, visit The King’s Ginger and Pophams Bakery

Little Mercies Bottled Cocktails

When time is of the essence and you’d rather not fiddle with shakers and measures, Little Mercies has you covered. This acclaimed North London bar distils its cocktail wizardry into beautifully balanced, pre-mixed bottled and canned creations, perfect for effortless holiday hosting or a quick indulgence after a busy day of festivities. Choose from vibrant flavours like the Kiwi Gimlet’s crisp, floral tang or the Moro Margarita’s refined twist on a beloved classic. If you crave a playful spark, the spicy Garden Picante awaits, while the Snickers Old Fashioned tempts with a luscious nutty sweetness. In sleek cans, delight in their bright Bellini, zesty Super Collins, or quintessentially British Summer Cup. Sophisticated and fun, each serve captures the inventiveness that has made Little Mercies a neighbourhood gem. Treat friends, family, or yourself to these festive sips – no bartender skills required.

For further information or to purchase visit Little Mercies.

Bruichladdich Eighteen and Thirty

For the discerning whisky connoisseur, Bruichladdich’s new permanent high-age statements offer an exquisite taste of Islay’s storied history. The Bruichladdich Eighteen, distilled from pioneering locally grown barley, encapsulates the distillery’s farm-to-glass ethos. Matured in ex-Bourbon and wine casks, it boasts notes of honey, citrus, and tropical fruit – at once delicate and deeply complex. Meanwhile, The Bruichladdich Thirty hails from rare legacy casks that survived the distillery’s uncertain times, maturing for three decades to achieve layers of oak, honeyed sweetness, and subtle floral hints. Both presented in fully recyclable, eco-friendly packaging, these whiskies reflect a future-forward vision without sacrificing heritage or flavour. It’s a sublime gift for those who value authenticity, sustainability, and time-honoured craftsmanship in every dram.

For further information or to purchase visit Bruichladdich.

Brugal Rum: Colección Visionaria Edición 02 & Brugal 1888

Celebrate the festive season with a taste of the Dominican Republic, courtesy of Brugal’s premium rums. Limited to fewer than 35,000 bottles worldwide, the Colección Visionaria Edición 02 is a luxurious statement of five generations of rum mastery – ideal for intimate gatherings and cherished holiday moments. Its rich heritage shines through every sip, offering a depth of warmth and complexity. For a timeless classic, reach for Brugal 1888, patiently matured in both bourbon and sherry casks. Smooth yet full-flavoured, it marries vanilla, red fruits, toffee, and a whisper of cocoa spice. Whether savoured neat or enlivening festive cocktails, these exquisite rums promise to evoke the spirit of togetherness and celebration that defines the holidays. A perfect gift for rum aficionados and flavour adventurers alike.

For further information or to purchase visit Brugal Rum.

Food Desk