I really hope you sang that title. That’s what made me think of it. I’ve ben bopping around to Christmas music for a while now and I’m not even sorry. Just in case you didn’t sing it here’s a little reminder of the tune.
Now, I’m at that awkward age where I’m not cool enough to ask for the latest gizmos and gadgets and I kind of begrudge asking for things for the house that will benefit everyone as my Christmas present (selfish, I know!) So I’ve been trying to decide what I want and you know what, the answer is nearly always booze!
So, just in case you have any other awkward people like me on your shopping list this festive season I thought I’d share some of my favourites to give you some ideas.
Mermaid Gin
This could be the prettiest bottle I’ve ever seen and for that reason alone it could make this little guide. Other than that though it’s bloody tasty. It’s hard to explain but it kind of has a taste of sea air about it and it’s really refreshing. Kind of like a brisk walk to blow away the cobwebs.
It’s hand-crafted on the Isle of Wight, at the island’s first and only distillery using ten ethically sourced botanicals including organic lemon zest and locally foraged rock samphire. Oooh, it seems I wasn’t going mad when I said it had a breath of sea air about it!
The good news is you can order up to 20th December to get it in time for Christmas. Also, if gin isn’t your thing (what?!) they also make Salt Vodka and HMS Victory Rum.
Brighton Gin
Sticking to a seaside theme next up is the lovely Brighton Gin. The Pavilion Strength gin is really subtle and smooth and has some lovely hints of orange. I can highly recommend using a slice of orange as a garnish of this to really bring out those zesty notes.
This is also a hand-made craft gin this time hailing from, you guessed it, Brighton! It’s gluten-free and totally vegan, including the gum used to stick on the label and the wax seal on the lid.
I’m not sure when their cut off date for Christmas delivery is but you can order here. As soon as we’re able to go out and do exciting things again I’m going to book on to their distillery tour!
Bobby’s Gin
Bobby’s is a spicy and fragrant little number. It’s citrusy and a little bit peppery. To make the perfect Bobby’s and tonic they suggest garnishing with orange and cloves. How perfectly Christmassy! I don’t ever have any cloves to hand but can confirm and orange slice/wedge goes delightfully in this.
I really enjoy the story begind Bobby’s and how it’s a fusion of east meets west. Using a Dutch Jenever base and Indonesian spices creating a recipe of Dutch Courage and Indonesian Spirit.
New Town Gin
Ok, so this one isn’t strictly a gin. It’s a gin liqueur. But with a flavour of Blackberry and Winter Spices I couldn’t leave it off my Christmas list, it’s just so festive! It’s warming and tasty and ideal to top up that glass of fizz on Christmas Day.
New Town Gin is a range of contemporary gins from Wharf Distillery in Northamptonshire. They use their base London Dry Gin and add extra botanicals to create these lovely flavours.
If Blackberry and Winter Spices isn’t up your street they also make an Orange and Pomegrante flavour too which is next on my shopping list!
Disco Cocktails
I don’t just drink gin. I have been known on an occasion or two to bust out the cocktails too. In fact, I bloody love a cocktail, I just hate making them at home. They’re never as good. So, with pubs and clubs not exactly up and running yet, why not bring the party home with these instant 70s-inspired Disco cocktails from Ladies and Gents Bar in North London.
These little pouches are single serve and although you can drink them neat over ice I preferred them with a splash of soda water just to add a touch of fizz them. They’re all made with a top quality spirit, a soft drink syrup mixer and a drop of disco magic.
Thanks to their minimal packaging they’re letterbox friendly and an excellent way to get a round in ready for your Zoom Christmas Party!
So there we have it, a quick list of some excellent boozy gifts. I’d be happy to find any of these in my stocking on Christmas Day.
PS…
Not a boozy gift but something bloody mega all the same. Jackpot Peanut Butter is not only the best peanut butter I’ve ever tasted you can get it in a personalised jar. There is a young ‘uns friendly version but my jar says Laura’s Motherfucking Peanut Butter. It makes sure Tom keeps his filthy paws off it!
As a lovely added bonus, for every jar you buy you’re also supporting local music venues through the Music Venue Trust.
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