Festive Spirits: Different Gins to Try This Christmas

If your celebrations come with a clink of glasses and a dash of seasonal sparkle, Christmas is the perfect time to explore a few new gins. 

From rich winter warmers to crisp botanical blends, there’s a whole world of flavours waiting to brighten your festive gatherings. 

Whether you’re hosting friends, pairing drinks with your Christmas feast, or treating yourself after a long day of wrapping presents, these gins offer something special for the season.

1. Spiced Christmas Gins

Many distillers release limited-edition holiday gins infused with warming seasonal spices. Expect notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, ginger, and sometimes even a whisper of mulled wine. These gins are rich, cosy and wonderfully aromatic – ideal for serving with a slice of orange and a cinnamon stick.

Perfect serve: Ginger ale or a classic tonic with orange peel.

2. Winter Berry Gins

If you prefer something fruity, winter berry gins offer bright flavours without being too sweet. Think cranberry, sloe, blackberry, raspberry, or even festive blends combining several berries. These are brilliant for Christmas cocktails and look stunning in the glass.

Perfect serve: Topped with lemonade or soda and garnished with fresh berries.

3. London Dry Classics

For those who like to stick to tradition, a well-made London Dry gin is always a festive winner. Clean, crisp and juniper-forward, it’s the ideal base for a Christmas Day G&T. With so many artisan distillers across the UK, it’s a great way to support local producers too.

Perfect serve: Premium tonic, ice, and a slice of lime.

4. Citrus-Forward Gins

Christmas doesn’t have to be all spice and berries. A citrus-led gin can cut beautifully through rich festive food, offering refreshing notes of lemon, orange or grapefruit. These gins are bright, uplifting and perfect for guests who enjoy something light and zesty.

Perfect serve: Mediterranean tonic with a twist of grapefruit.

5. Floral Winter Gins

For something more delicate, a floral gin brings a gentle, aromatic elegance to your Christmas drinks menu. Look out for blends with elderflower, heather, chamomile or rose. These pair wonderfully with lighter party foods and afternoon gatherings.

Perfect serve: Light tonic water and edible flowers for a touch of Christmas glamour.

6. Cask-Aged Gins

If you want a gin that feels truly luxurious, cask-aged varieties offer depth and warmth more commonly associated with whisky. Aged in oak barrels, these gins take on notes of vanilla, caramel and spice. They’re perfect for sipping neat by the fire.

Perfect serve: Neat over ice, or with a splash of ginger ale.

Festive Cocktail Ideas

Looking to elevate your Christmas drinks table? Try these easy mixes:

The Christmas G&T: Spiced gin, premium tonic, star anise and orange slice.

Winter Berry Fizz: Berry gin, prosecco and a few frozen berries.

Yuletide Negroni: Aged gin, sweet vermouth and a dash of campari for a warming pre-dinner drink.

Wrapping Up

Gin has never been more diverse or exciting, and Christmas gives you the perfect excuse to sample a few new flavours. Whether you lean towards spicy warmth, fruity sweetness or classic crisp botanicals, there’s a seasonal gin for every palate and every party.

Lessons in Chemistry. Aureus Vita, Fibonacci Dry Gin, arrives at Fortnum & Mason, in time for some Christmas magic

The composer Béla Bartók incorporated Fibonacci proportions into music. The Danish poet Inger Christensen used a Fibonacci structure for the great poem Alphabet, the sequence is repeated throughout nature in flowers, plants, seeds.

So, thought Cornish chemist turned master distiller John Hall, why not apply the golden ratio to gin? 

Aureus Vita is a Fibonacci Dry Gin, crafted using the first-of-its-kind Fibonacci-Hall Distillation Method. Inspired by the Golden Ratio (1:1.618), this innovative process reimagines and reinvents traditional gin-making, delivering mathematical taste perfection. 

The resulting liquid, created after years of meticulous experimentation, is gin reinvented through chemistry and the sequential beauty in nature. 

This extraordinary spirit, more viscous than your usual white spirit, and richer and deeper in aroma and flavour, represents the perfect harmony of science, craftsmanship, and the patterns found in the natural world.

The process of making Aureus Vita results in a longer, clearer series of ten pronounced flavour notes in a precise sequence, unlike the two or three you'd pick up on in a more standard gin.

Gin is, at its core, a balance of alcohol, water, and botanical oils. Every step involves critical decisions about ratios - alcohol to water, mass to liquid, juniper to each individual botanical. 

Aureus Vita represents an evolution of the classic London Dry style and a wholly new product, born of an obsession with achieving perfect balance. 

The two signature botanicals - juniper and zingy baobab pulp, are harvested in November. Unlike most gin botanicals, which may sit in storehouses for months or even years, Hall uses these key notes within three months of harvesting, ensuring they're at their brightest. Distilled each autumn, its bold intensity shines in a martini, sipped neat or simply served in a classic G&T.

John Hall, master distiller at Aureus Vita told That's Christmas:m “Aureus Vita has been created to challenge. 

"I wanted to give people something they could enjoy, yet push boundaries at the same time. Something new. Something that defies everything you thought that gin could be.”

Aureus Vita | available on shelf at Fortnum & Mason | 61.8% ABV | 70cl | RRP £169

https://www.fortnumandmason.com/aureus-vita-gin-70cl 

Suggested Festive serves

Rivers of Gold

This recipe seems simple in terms of ingredients. The art is in how it all comes together in the perfect combination of flavours, measures, and temperatures, to create something greater.This Wet Martini embodies the Golden Ratio (1:1.618) as a whole, to deliver a perfect mathematically balanced serve. This serve requires absolute precision (more so than just following the Fibonacci Sequence). This is a challenging recipe to measure unless you are prepared. But it results in the most harmonious Aureus Vita Wet Martini. 

1.618 parts (56.5ml) Frozen Aureus Vita

1 part (35 ml) Dry Vermouth (chilled)

1-2 drops Citrus Bitters

Stir over ice for 12 seconds, strain into a chilled. Nick & Nora glass and garnish with lemon spiral.

The Golden Martini

This Martini uses both φ and the Fibonacci Sequence. It builds upon the status quo of the modern Martini trolleys in London, and takes them to new heights. 

1 part (60ml) frozen Aureus Vita

Blended and infused Vermouth (to drinker's preference)

Wet the ice with the required amount of chilled Vermouth and strain. Add the frozen Aureus Vita and stir for 16 seconds and fine strain into a Nick & Nora glass. Garnish with a spiral of citrus fruit. 

The AV Martini 

This no add Martini is bone dry. Aureus Vita has so much flavour, it can be enjoyed without the addition of anything.

1 part (75ml) frozen Aureus Vita 

Stir over ice for 25 seconds for extra dilution within the drink, then strain into a frozen Nick & Nora glass. Garnish if you must, but avoid anything that will overpower the symphony of the Aureus Vita flavour journey. E.g. Dehydrated citrus peel is preferable to fresh 

AV & Tonic

A sip & savour G&T that breaks the status quo as it is made to be enjoyed slowly. This is a deliberately strong, punchy drink that delivers the full impact of the gin. It emphasises the sensory experience and flavour journey of Aureus Vita. 

In many standard London Dry Gin & Tonic serves, the finish quickly dissipates and turns metallic tasting. 

Here, the flavour sits in the mouth and stays fresh, with notes of blackcurrant leaf and liquorice. Add ice to a highball, then the tonic, and the gin must come last to truly appreciate the flavour.

Christmas Cocktails from James Gin, a Gin by James May

JAMES GIN RHUBARB & CUSTARD 

This is James Gin's spin on the classic Snowball cocktail, this time with the tang of rhubarb. 

The botanicals in the gin accentuate the depth of flavour in the rhubarb, whilst the savoury notes from the parsnip gin work amazingly well with the richness of the advocaat. 

Rhubarb and Custard - a classic British dessert, best served after a hearty roast dinner involving parsnips. 

So really you can forget the cooking altogether as this is, in effect, the entire meal distilled into a glass.

INGREDIENTS

45 ml James Gin Asian Parsnip 

30 ml Advocaat

10 ml simple syrup (method below to make this at home, or be really lazy and get it on Amazon)

90 ml Fever-Tree  Rhubarb & Raspberry tonic

Rhubarb to garnish

METHOD

Fill a highball glass with ice.

Add James Gin,  Advocaat, and simple sugar syrup. (To make a simple sugar syrup, Dissolve 300g caster sugar in 150ml water over a low heat, leave to cool.

Slowly top with the tonic to create a layered appearance.

Garnish with a stick of rhubarb.

***

JAMES GIN SLOE DOWN

Grab those hiking boots, forage for sloes in wintery air - or just save a load of time and effort and buy some liqueur. Now you can make cocktails involving foam in the comfort of your own home (or shed if you need to get away from the in-laws), should that be something you really want to do. 

The nuttiness of the orgeat pairs well with the parsnip, with the citrus to balance out the sweetness, and the sloe gin adding a depth of complexity to the fruity and herbal notes in the Asian Parsnip.

Put more simply, a cocktail that involves adding gin to gin seems ideal.

INGREDIENTS

45 ml James Gin Asian Parsnip

15 ml Sloe Gin Liqueur (google this to buy - it's a bit unusual but worth the effort)

25 ml lemon juice

10 ml Orgeat Syrup (find this at Tesco)

Dash vanilla bitters

Foaming bitters 

METHOD

Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice.

Shake well until chilled.

Double strain into a chilled coupe glass.

Garnish with a few drops of the bitters, then swirl with a cocktail pick.

***

THE SLOW BURN

Are you one of these wonderful people that sacks off the cooking for a takeaway on Christmas Eve? Then, read on. 

This cocktail, based on a French 75 brings out the spicier notes of the gin, with ginger and chilli bringing a subtle heat,  with lemon to brighten and freshen the whole thing up.

The 'Asian' in 'Asian Parsnip' is all about the spices. Add ginger and chilli and you've basically got an Indian takeaway in cocktail form.

INGREDIENTS

2 slices ginger (muddled) or ginger syrup

30 ml James Gin  Asian Parsnip 

10 ml honey & chilli syrup (make your own by adding a glug of runny honey, chopping up a chilli and a splash of water. Boil down for 5 minutes and leave to cool)

15 ml fresh lemon juice

Your favourite Sparkling Wine

METHOD

Muddle the ginger in a shaker (skip this step if using ginger syrup).

Add the James Gin, honey & chili syrup, and lemon juice.

Shake with ice until well chilled.

Fine strain into a chilled flute glass.

Top with dry sparkling wine.

Garnish with a long, thin lemon twist and a chili.

Christmas Drinks? We have that covered!

It may still be summer, but Christmas will be here before you know it - and now’s the perfect time to get ahead on gift planning. 

This year we have organised our favourite spirits by price, making it easy to find something great no matter your budget. Whether you’re after affordable stocking fillers, great-value picks or a show-stopping gift, consider it sorted. From crisp gins and award-winning whiskies to vibrant liqueurs and inclusive non-alcoholic options, our selection offers something special for every taste and occasion.

Under £10 

Sierra Margarita Canned Cocktails  

Ready to chill and serve, Sierra Margarita cans are a playful addition to Christmas celebrations - perfect for parties, stockings, or sharing with friends.

The Sierra Margarita cans have been designed in vibrant colours and feature the iconic guitar-playing Jimador, Poncho, relaxing in the sunset. 

The Sierra red sombrero is instantly recognisable as a mark of quality and heritage, guaranteeing that the cocktail inside is full of bold flavour, expertly mixed and made for those moments worth savouring. These ‘bar-quality’ Margaritas have launched in two flavours, Lime and Strawberry.

Sierra Lime Margarita and Sierra Strawberry Margarita Range 12 x 250 ml Can Pack RRP £30.00 ABV: 6%. Available from Amazon and convenience stores across the UK. 

RRP: 1 x 250ml can for £2.49. ABV: 6%. Available to purchase from Lidl.

Under £20 

Australian Bitters 

A must for any cocktail enthusiast, Australian Bitters brings depth, character, and complexity to both classic and contemporary serves - from Old Fashioned's and Manhattans to Espresso Martinis.

 A true essential for any well-stocked bar.

Australian Aromatic Bitters RRP: 1 x 250ml for £14.50. ABV: 45%. Available to purchase from Amazon. 

Van Hunks Non Alcoholic Sparkling Rosé

For those skipping the alcohol but not the celebrations, Van Hunks Non-Alcoholic Sparkling Rosé is a sophisticated, crowd-pleasing alternative. 

Crafted using traditional winemaking techniques and carefully de-alcoholised to retain character and balance, it’s ideal for festive toasts, thoughtful gifting, or pairing with light dishes and good company.

Van Hunks Non Alcoholic: RRP £14 for 75cl bottle. ABV: 0.5% Available from Amazon and Van Hunks Website https://vanhunksdrinks.com

Limoncè Limoncello  

Crafted in Sicily using handpicked Femminello lemons—renowned for their intense citrus character—Limoncè Limoncello is Italy’s number one selling limoncello and a benchmark for quality and tradition. 

Free from artificial flavours or colouring, it’s made using a cold-infusion technique that preserves the natural brightness and zest of the fruit, while gentle double filtration delivers clarity and finesse. 

The result is a vibrant, aromatic liqueur with a citrus-forward profile, balanced sweetness, and a refined, zesty finish. Enjoy Limoncè Limoncello chilled or in a refreshing Limoncè Spritz. I first found Limoncello in an Italian cocktail bar in London. Absolutely amazing drink!

Limoncè Limoncello: RRP from £15 50cl | ABV 25%. Available from: Amazon, Master Of Malt and Ocado

Cotswolds Dry Gin Essence 

A beautifully crafted, lower-alcohol alternative from the award-winning Cotswolds Distillery.

 Made with 10x the botanical concentration of their signature Dry gin, this small but mighty bottle delivers all the flavour with a fraction of the alcohol. 

Each 5ml serve contains just 0.23 units of alcohol and 14 calories, just enough alcohol to toast, not topple. Simply add tonic for a lighter version of a G&T or add to your other favourite classic Gin cocktails. 

Whether gifting to a cocktail enthusiast, a health-conscious friend or someone exploring low-alcoholic options, this is a gift that feels refreshingly different. 

Cotswolds Dry Gin Essence: RRP from 18.50 for 100ml. ABV 46%. Available from The Cotswolds Distillery https://www.cotswoldsdistillery.com

Under £30

Van Hunks Brut  

Crafted in the traditional méthode cap classique, Van Hunks Brut Sparkling Wine is a premium South African fizz made from 70% Chardonnay and 30% Pinot Noir. 

Aged on the lees for 30 months, it offers refined complexity with delicate fruit, fine bubbles, and a beautifully balanced finish.

It's ideal for festive celebrations, thoughtful gifting, or raising a glass in style. 

Van Hunks Brut: RRP from £25 for 75cl bottle. ABV: 12%. Available from Amazon and Van Hunks website https://vanhunksdrinks.com

Dutch Barn Vodka  

Dutch Barn Vodka Original

A beautifully smooth and exceptionally clean vodka, Dutch Barn Vodka Original is perfect for those who appreciate quality and simplicity. 

Its crisp, pure character makes it ideal for sipping neat or mixing into classic cocktails—an elegant gift to toast the season with style. And it's made with apples! In Yorkshire.

Dutch Barn Vodka Original RRP: from £25 for 70cl. ABV: 40%. Available from Dutch Barn Vodka,  Amazon and Sainsbury’s.  https://dutchbarn.com

Dutch Barn Vodka Cherry

Add a splash of festive cheer with Dutch Barn Vodka Cherry. This vibrant cherry-flavored vodka delivers a luscious, fruity twist on the classic, ideal for holiday cocktails or warming winter drinks. A delightful gift that brings a burst of joyful flavour to any Christmas celebration.

Dutch Barn Vodka Cherry RRP: from £32 for 70cl. ABV: 40%. Available from Dutch Barn Vodka, and  Amazon.

Under £40 

Pantalones 

This Christmas, gift an organic tequila that combines quality and character. Pantalones Tequila comes in two expressions, Reposado and Blanco, each crafted to deliver a distinctive and smooth experience. 

Co-founded by Matthew and Camila McConaughey, this award-winning spirit invites you to enjoy life with a lighthearted spirit.

Pantalones Reposado 

A perfect gift for the tequila lover who appreciates a richer sip this holiday season. Aged nine months in American oak whisky barrels, this smooth and golden Reposado offers warming notes of caramel, vanilla, and toasted oak - ideal for cozy winter evenings and festive celebrations.

Pantalones Tequila Reposado: RRP [X]  ABV 40% for 70 cl. Available on trade at select cosy club venues. Soon to be in supermarkets UK wide. 

Pantalones Blanco  

Bright, fresh, and smooth, this organic Blanco is bursting with subtle notes of honey, citrus, and cooked agave. Its clean, crisp profile makes it a versatile gift, perfect for classic cocktails or enjoying neat during holiday gatherings.

Pantalones Tequila Blanco: RRP [X]  ABV 40% for 70 cl. Available on trade at select cosy club venues. Soon to be in supermarkets UK wide. 

£50 and over 

Renais Gin Original (Can be Personalised)  

A standout gift for the season, Renais Gin brings thoughtful detail and flavour together in one beautifully crafted bottle. 

Available with personalisation when purchased from the Renais website, it’s an ideal choice for hosts or gin lovers on your list. 

Founded by Alex and Emma Watson and inspired by their family vineyard in Northern France, it’s made using upcycled wine grapes and infused with botanicals like linden flowers, cubeb berries, and acacia honey. The result is a smooth, floral gin that shines in a classic G&T or festive spritz.

Renais Gin RRP: From £48.00 for 70cl. ABV: 40% . Available from www.renais.co.uk 

Renais Grand Cru 

Just in time for buying in for the festive season, Renais Grand Cru is a limited-edition gin matured for a year in a single Grand Cru Chablis oak cask. 

It's smooth and gently spiced, it’s layered with notes of vanilla, citrus and oak, and comes in a beautifully designed bottle, hand-numbered and boxed in sustainable mycelium packaging. 

With only 800 bottles available, it’s a rare and thoughtful gift for any gin lover.

Renais Grand Cru Cask Aged Gin RRP: From £90 for 70cl. ABV 50%. Available exclusively at www.renais.co.uk

Cotswolds Founder’s Choice Single Malt Whisky 

A bold and luxurious choice for whisky lovers, the Cotswolds Founder’s Choice Single Malt Whisky is matured exclusively in STR (that's shaved, toasted, and re-charred) ex-red wine casks to create a rich and intense festive dram. 

Non-chill filtered and naturally coloured, this cask-strength expression (around 60% ABV) offers a deep, complex flavour profile with notes of toffee, dark chocolate, and red berries, followed by layers of mocha, cinnamon, and warming ginger spice. The finish brings hints of baked bread and peppery heat — ideal for sipping slowly by the fire over the Christmas holidays.

Cotswolds Founder’s Choice Single Malt Whisky: RRP £76 for 70cl. ABV  Between 59.1% ABV and 60.5%. Available at Cotswolds Distillery Website https://www.cotswoldsdistillery.com

Cotswolds Dry Gin Magnum  

Make a statement this Christmas with the Cotswolds Dry Gin Magnum , a 1.5L bottle of award-winning gin that's as impressive in size as it is in flavour. 

Crafted using a generous blend of nine carefully selected botanicals, including freshly peeled lime and pink grapefruit zest, this classic London Dry-style gin is bursting with citrus, spice and juniper-forward character. 

It’s the perfect centrepiece for festive celebrations or a standout gift for any gin lover.

Cotswolds Dry Gin Magnum: RRP £78 for1.5L. ABV 46%. Available at Cotswolds Distillery Website https://www.cotswoldsdistillery.com

New Christmas Cocktail Book From James May

James May - Ginpreneur, Pub Landlord and Taster of Great Cocktails - Has Launched His First Ever Cocktail Book for Xmas.

Introducing your complete guide to the best cocktails you can make with James Gin.

Created by Jamie Maudsley, highly skilled mixologist at The Royal Oak, Swallowcliffe and diligently tasted and approved by James May, ginpreneur and, occasional, pub landlord.

Says James May: “I've been absolutely inundated with emails from James Gin fans around the wortlkd asking me what the best cocktails are to make with  James Gin. 

I have absolutely no idea, but I know a man who does. Jamie Maudley, chief mixologist at The Royal Oak, Swallowcliffe, just off the A30 between Shaftesbury and Salisbury. 

"They are almost impossible to remember, so we've put them into this rather confusingly named James Gin Big Book of Cocktails. It is the ideal coffee table book, if your coffee table is really small, and you use it for gin rather than coffee.”

Enjoy delicious creations such as the very on-trend 'Yuzu Sour', 'The Gary' (named after Gary, who works in the pub), 'Funghito', (made with the new mushroom Calfornia Dreamgin'), and 'Sweet Beets are made of this.'

James Gin, gin by James May and engineered in Wiltshire, is a range of gins created by the man himself and Hugh Anderson of Downtown Distillery. It now includes Asian Parsnip, Asian Parsnip Navy Strength, London Drizzle, California Dreamgin' and a limited edition Asian Parsnip Turbo and a range of gift sets to keep everyone happy.

www.jamesgin.com

Follow https://www.youtube.com/@JamesMayDrinks for news.

How to Make Homemade Sloe Gin for Christmas

As the festive season approaches, there’s nothing quite like a bottle of homemade sloe gin to bring warmth and cheer to your Christmas celebrations. 

Not only does it make a delicious treat for yourself, but it’s also a thoughtful gift for friends and family. Plus, making it is wonderfully simple and satisfying. 

Here’s how you can create your own batch of sloe gin in time for Christmas.

What is Sloe Gin?

Sloe gin is a traditional British liqueur made by steeping sloes, the fruit of the blackthorn bush, in gin with sugar. 

The result is a deep ruby-red drink with a sweet yet somewhat tart flavour, perfect for sipping by the fire or mixing into cocktails.

When to Start?

The best time to start making sloe gin is in the autumn, after the first frost. Frost softens the berries, releasing their juices and natural sugars. If you’re late to the game or want to get started sooner, you can mimic this by freezing the berries before use.

To ensure your sloe gin is ready for Christmas, aim to begin around October or early November. It needs at least 6–8 weeks to mature, though longer is even better.

What You’ll Need

Sloes: Around 500g of ripe sloes. If you’re foraging, make sure you’ve correctly identified the berries.

Gin: 1 litre of a good-quality gin. No need for the really top shelf gin, but avoid anything overly harsh.

Sugar: 250g of granulated sugar or adjust to taste.

Large Jar: A sterilised jar with a tight lid, large enough to hold all the ingredients.

Bottles: Sterilised glass bottles for decanting.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Sloes

Wash the sloes thoroughly to remove dirt or debris. If you’ve picked them fresh and they haven’t been frosted, pop them in the freezer overnight to soften.

Prick the Berries

Use a fork, skewer, or cocktail stick to prick each berry. This helps release their juices and speeds up the infusion process.

Combine the Ingredients

Fill your sterilised jar with the sloes. Add the sugar and pour in the gin until the berries are fully submerged. Leave a little space at the top to allow for shaking.

Shake and Store

Seal the jar tightly and shake it well to mix the ingredients. Store it in a cool, dark place.

Shake Regularly

For the first week, give the jar a gentle shake every day to help the sugar dissolve. After that, shake it every few days.

Wait and Taste

Patience is key! Leave your sloe gin to steep for at least 6 weeks. After this, taste it. If you prefer it sweeter, you can add more sugar at this stage and let it infuse for another week.

Strain and Bottle

Once the sloe gin has reached your desired taste, strain it through a muslin cloth or fine sieve into sterilised bottles. Discard the berries (or use them to make sloe gin chocolate truffles for an extra treat!).

How to Serve Sloe Gin

Neat: Enjoy it straight as a warming nightcap.

Cocktails: Mix it into a sloe gin fizz or a festive Negroni.

With Prosecco: Add a splash of sloe gin to a glass of Prosecco for a Christmas toast.

The Perfect Gift

Homemade sloe gin makes a charming Christmas present. Add a personal touch by decorating the bottles with handwritten labels, ribbons, or sprigs of holly.

Final Tips

If you’ve missed the autumn sloe season, don’t worry. You can often find frozen sloes or sloe gin kits online or in specialist homebrew shops.

Experiment with flavours by adding a few extras to your infusion, such as a cinnamon stick, orange peel, or a couple of cloves.

This Christmas, enjoy the fruits of your labour with a glass of sloe gin that’s as delightful to make as it is to drink. Cheers!

DIY Craft Gins: Perfect Christmas Gifts for Gin Lovers

As Christmas approaches, finding the perfect gift for the gin enthusiast in your life can be a delightful challenge. Instead of buying a bottle of their usual tipple, why not make it personal this year? 

Creating your own craft gin infusions is not only thoughtful but also surprisingly simple. With a bit of creativity and a few carefully chosen ingredients, you can craft a unique gift that’s as fun to make as it is to give.

Why Make DIY Craft Gins?

There’s something special about a homemade gift, especially when it’s tailored to someone’s taste. DIY craft gins are:

Customisable: You can experiment with flavours to suit the recipient’s preferences.

Creative: Each bottle becomes a mini work of art with the right presentation.

Budget-Friendly: High-quality gin and a few ingredients cost less than premium artisan bottles.

The Basics: What You’ll Need

Before getting into the recipes, gather your essentials:

Base gin: Choose a decent quality gin with a clean, neutral flavour profile. Avoid heavily botanical or flavoured gins, as they can overpower your infusion. Some people use a good quality vodka as the base.

Infusion ingredients: Fresh or dried fruits, spices, herbs, and botanicals.

Glass bottles or jars: Airtight and sterilised for storing your creations.

Labels and decorations: Add a festive touch with handwritten tags, ribbons, or wax seals.

Recipe Ideas for DIY Craft Gins

Here are a few festive infusion ideas to get you started:

Cranberry and Orange Gin

Ingredients: 250g fresh cranberries, zest of 1 orange, 200g sugar, 500ml gin.

Method: Prick the cranberries, mix with the sugar and orange zest in a jar, and pour over the gin. Shake well and leave to infuse for 1–2 weeks, shaking daily.

Spiced Apple Gin

Ingredients: 1 apple (sliced), 1 cinnamon stick, 3 cloves, a small piece of star anise, 500ml gin.

Method: Combine all ingredients in a jar and let it steep for 5–7 days. Strain and bottle.

Rosemary and Grapefruit Gin

Ingredients: Zest of 1 grapefruit, 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary, 500ml gin.

Method: Add the ingredients to a jar, ensuring the zest is free of pith. Infuse for 3–5 days for a bright, herbaceous flavour.

Winter Berry Gin

Ingredients: 300g mixed frozen berries, 2 tablespoons of sugar, 500ml gin.

Method: Combine berries and sugar in a jar, pour over gin, and infuse for 2 weeks. Shake gently every few days.

Tips for Success

Taste Test: Sample your gin every few days to ensure the flavour isn’t too strong.

Strain Carefully: Use a fine sieve or muslin cloth to remove solids, ensuring a smooth result.

Presentation Matters: Invest in pretty bottles and consider adding serving suggestions to the label.

Personalising Your Gift

To make your craft gin gifts extra special:

Include a handwritten note with tasting notes or cocktail recipes.

Pair the bottle with a couple of elegant gin glasses or a small tin of garnish like dried orange slices or juniper berries.

Add a festive ribbon or gift bag for a polished look.

The Joy of Giving

There’s no better way to spread holiday cheer than with a homemade gift from the heart. DIY craft gins are more than just a thoughtful present—they’re a reflection of the time and care you’ve taken to create something truly unique. This Christmas, let your creativity flow and give a gift that will be savoured and remembered.

Cheers to a merry and gin-filled holiday season!

Some exciting news with gorgeous advent calendars from Drinks by the Dram!

Back in 2010 the innovative Drinks by the Dram company was launched as a new way of allowing lovers of whisky to sample new releases of single malt Scotch whisky at a fraction of the cost of buying a full bottle. A very good use of the "try before you buy" system, we at That's Christmas believe! 

Over the years the range has grown and now includes in excess of 6,000 unique spirit drinks, including whiskies, rum, gin, tequila, mezcal and more besides.

What advent calendars are they offering this Christmas? This is just a part of their absolutely stunning range:-

Drinks by the Dram World of Whisky Advent Calendar – £129.95

A globetrotting whisky adventure awaits! The World of Whisky Advent Calendar showcases 25 different 30ml samples from 12 whisk(e)y-producing nations, inviting you to explore a diverse array of styles and flavours. 

Featuring exceptional drams from both traditional regions like Scotland and exciting emerging markets such as India and New Zealand, this calendar is a journey in a glass.

 Highlights include Paul John Classic Select Cask, Jameson 18 Year Old, and The Cardrona – The Falcon. It’s a remarkable way to discover the world of whisky, making it the ideal gift for any whisky enthusiast.

Drinks by the Dram Dadvent Calendar – £54.95

Celebrate the countdown to Christmas in a totally new way with the Dadvent Calendar, a 12-day whisky-filled delight! Behind each window lies a 30ml dram carefully curated to warm the heart and toast the season. 

This selection includes whiskies from renowned producers such as Loch Lomond, Hatozaki, and Tullamore D.E.W. Whether you’re treating your dad or any whisky-loving friend, this is the perfect way to show appreciation with a gift that says, “Cheers!”

Drinks by the Dram Sherry Cask Whisky Advent Calendar - £129.95

Sherry cask whiskies have captivated palates with their rich, complex flavours, and this Advent calendar brings you 25 exquisite drams matured in these prized casks. 

With notes of dried fruit, nuts, and spices, these whiskies deliver warmth and depth, making them the perfect winter companion. Sourced from top producers and distilleries, the Sherry Cask Whisky Advent Calendar is a wonderful gift for anyone who appreciates the finer things – especially when it comes to sherried whisky.

Drinks By The Dram Rum - 12 Day Advent - £69.95

Brighten up your festive countdown with Drinks by the Dram's Rum 12 Dram Advent Calendar! 

There's a different wax-sealed 30ml sample of rum hidden behind each of the 12 doors, sourced from some of the most impressive producers across the globe.

If a full-blown 24-day Advent countdown feels like too much of a voyage this December, this calendar offers the perfect mini-cruise into the world of rum and would make a cracking gift for a rum fan.

Drinks by the Dram Peaty Whisky Advent Calendar – £129.95

A roaring fire paired with a warming Whisky is a rite of passage during the colder months, and peated Whiskies embody this sentiment perfectly. But being sourced from different locations, not all peat imparts the same flavours.

From powerful peat monsters packing in plenty of medicinal, earthy notes, to lightly smoked sippers with just a whisper of those flavours, this calendar is just the place to learn all about the magic of peat. 

That Boutique-y Gin Company Advent Calendar - £64.95

Known for their experimental flavours and commitment to craftsmanship, That Boutique-y Gin Company’s Advent Calendar is a gin lover's dream with a flavorful delight hidden behind each window. 

Expect to discover flavours such as Neroli, Chocolate Orange, Spit-Roasted Pineapple and Rhubarb. The perfect way to jazz up your G&Ts this festive season. 

All of Drinks By The Dram’s Advent Calendars are available to buy from Master of Malt https://www.masterofmalt.com/advent-calendars and they'll make an absolutely perfect Christmas gift for the discerning people in your life. Or why not buy one for yourself, too? 

Great British Food Awards Gold for Yiayia Gin. Buy some for Christmas!

Irini Tzortzoglou

A Cumbrian small batch artisan spirits distiller has been awarded a prestigious Gold accolade at the Great British Food Awards 2024.

Ulverston-based Shed One Distillery's Yiayia Gin, created in partnership with Greek chef and 2019 Masterchef winner, Irini Tzortzoglou, came out on top in the Gin category of the annual awards, which celebrate the very best artisanal produce in the UK's food and drink industry.

The Gin category was judged by top industry expert and Michelin-starred chef and restaurateur, Adam Handling, who said Yiayia was "an excellent gin with elegance and complexity, foraged and sourced all in the UK with an innovative concept of Mediterranean flavours. A super artisanal and female-led project."

Yiayia Gin was judged by Adam to be a prime example of Great British food and drink – demonstrating not only delicious flavour, but also providing an optimum drinking experience and one-of-a-kind enjoyment.

The awards, launched in 2014, give a promotional platform to passionate artisanal brands and makers with a judging panel made up of an array of food industry icons, critics, and Michelin-starred chefs. 

Each year the Great British Food Awards champion the standout producers from all over the UK with winners confident their winning items truly are among the very best the country has to offer.

Shed One Distillery owner and co-founder, Zoe Arnold-Bennett, said: “We're beyond thrilled for Yiayia Gin to be recognised as the best of the best by the Great British Food Awards and by a chef and restaurateur of Adam Handling's stature. 

"We're blown away by his comments and his appreciation of the concept, genuine love, and enthusiasm that went into creating this special gin, which evokes the flavours and aromas of Irini's homeland of Crete.

“We drew inspiration from the island's rich gastronomic culture then set out to find locally grown and locally foraged savoury and citrus flavoured botanicals to perfectly compliment this corner of the Mediterranean. After lots of mixing and blending, and even more testing and tasting, we created Yiayia Gin or as we now like to refer to it, Crete in a glass!”

Yiayia, which translates as 'grandmother', was inspired, created, distilled, and bottled by women, and features vine, fig, olive, and lemon leaves, mushroom, seaweed, rose pelargonium, and oregano alongside classic juniper.

Irini Tzortzoglou added: “What started as a chance conversation with Zoe when I was on a gin-making experience at Shed One, ended with me spending months working with the women of the distillery to produce a gin we all loved.

“Named in tribute to my grandmothers, I am thrilled with the thought that the spirits of Yiayia Irini and Yiayia Stavroula are rejoicing in pride and joy, witnessing this wonderful Great British Food Awards accolade from beyond! You can't go wrong if you create with love and pure intentions, and I'm delighted and humbled that Yiayia Gin continues to be proof of that and has come so far.”

Having been awarded the highest Gold accolade, Shed One's Yiayia Gin will be promoted across Great British Food's print, online, and social channels in celebration of its achievement. For more information, visit www.greatbritishfoodawards.com/awards.

To learn more about Shed One, visit https://shed1distillery.com.

Sourcing Artisan Gins for Special Christmas Gifting

Christmas is a time for giving, and finding the perfect gift for friends, family, or colleagues can be a challenge. 

If you're looking for something unique, elegant, and quintessentially British, artisan gins are the ideal choice for special Christmas gifting. 

With the rise of craft distilleries across the UK, there's a wonderful selection of gins that showcase local botanicals, innovative flavours, and handcrafted quality. Here's how to source the perfect artisan gin for your festive celebrations.

1. Look Local: Support Independent Distilleries

The UK has seen a boom in independent gin distilleries, each offering distinctive products that reflect their regional heritage. From the Scottish Highlands to the coastlines of Cornwall, each bottle tells a story. Many distilleries offer small-batch gins with unique flavour profiles, such as Scottish heather, Welsh seaweed, or Kentish apple, perfect for a truly local gift.

Start your search by exploring local distilleries in your area. Many offer gift packs, personalised labels, and special Christmas editions that make for thoughtful presents. Supporting local businesses also adds a heartwarming, community-driven touch to your festive gift-giving.

2. Explore Unique Flavour Combinations

Artisan gins are renowned for their creativity when it comes to flavour. From the classic juniper-forward gins to more adventurous botanical blends, there’s something for every palate. Some festive flavours to consider include:

Spiced Gins: Infused with warming spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, these gins capture the essence of Christmas in a bottle.

Citrus Blends: Crisp and zesty, perfect for those who enjoy a refreshing G&T with a burst of lemon, orange, or grapefruit.

Herbal and Floral Gins: Featuring botanicals like lavender, rosemary, or elderflower, these gins are perfect for a delicate, fragrant drink.

Berry and Fruit-Infused Gins: Add a hint of sweetness with gins infused with British berries, rhubarb, or even sloe for that traditional Christmas feel.

For the true gin connoisseur, you can also find gins aged in barrels, which give a rich, oaky character akin to whisky.

3. Consider Limited-Edition and Seasonal Gins

Christmas is the perfect time to indulge in something special. Many distilleries release limited-edition gins specifically for the festive season. These bottles often come in beautiful packaging, adorned with Christmas-themed designs, and make for impressive gifts. Keep an eye out for distilleries offering seasonal blends that bring in festive spices or seasonal fruits for a Christmas twist.

You could also gift a gin subscription box, allowing the recipient to enjoy a different artisan gin each month. Many companies offer Christmas editions or allow you to personalise the first box, making it an exciting, long-lasting gift.

4. Pair Gin with Special Accessories

To elevate your gin gift, consider pairing it with some thoughtful accessories. A set of beautiful gin glasses, a stylish cocktail shaker, or a garnish kit with dried botanicals can turn a simple bottle of gin into a complete gin-lover’s package. Alternatively, explore tonic pairings. Premium tonic waters and mixers, such as those with elderflower or Mediterranean herbs, complement artisan gins beautifully.

Some distilleries even offer ready-made gin hampers with all the essentials – gin, tonic, and a few nibbles – perfect for festive entertaining.

5. Order Early and Check for Christmas Offers

While artisan gins are more exclusive, many distilleries offer seasonal discounts, bundles, or free delivery during the Christmas period. To ensure your gift arrives on time and to avoid last-minute stress, make sure to order early. Many distilleries also provide the option of personalised labelling, which adds an extra touch of luxury and thoughtfulness.

6. Gifting Experiences: Gin Tours and Tastings

If you're looking for something beyond the bottle, why not gift a gin-tasting experience or a distillery tour? Many artisan gin producers offer guided tastings, where the recipient can learn about the production process, sample a range of gins, and even try their hand at creating their own gin blend. This is an ideal gift for someone who loves gin and enjoys learning about the craft behind their favourite tipple.

7. Sustainable and Ethical Gins

As sustainability becomes an increasing priority, many gin distilleries are committed to ethical production. You can find gins made with organic botanicals, produced with renewable energy, or packaged in eco-friendly materials. Some brands also support environmental or social causes, meaning your gift can contribute to a greater good. Look for distilleries that champion sustainability and choose a bottle that reflects your recipient's values.

Sourcing artisan gins for Christmas gifting is a delightful way to offer a unique, personal, and premium gift that will be appreciated by any gin enthusiast. 

With the variety of flavours, seasonal editions, and creative packaging available, you can find something for everyone on your list. By supporting local distilleries and exploring innovative gin pairings, your Christmas gifts are sure to stand out this festive season.

Whether you're after a classic bottle of juniper-rich gin, a limited-edition spiced blend, or a full gin experience, your gift will be one to savour long after the Christmas tree comes down. Cheers to that!

Gintastic Christmas Gifting with Garden Gin

Calling all gin lovers! The luxury Essex Down Hall Hotel, Spa & Estate’s bespoke Garden Gin (£42) in partnership with local and sustainable distillery, Essex Spirits Co, is making the perfect gin Christmas stocking filler for this year.

Made only employing fresh, flavourful ingredients from the hotel’s own lush Kitchen Garden, set within 110 acres of stunning greenery and woodlands, the Down Hall Garden Gin is infused with delightful citrus notes, delicately blended with a range of different botanicals, including bay leaves, wild mint, lemon verbena, rosemary and nasturtium leaves. 

This intensely smooth, modern gin makes an impressive gift to give to loved ones this festive season at £45 a bottle.

Available now for national delivery 

Purchase here: https://essexspiritsco.com/products/down-hall-garden-gin?srsltid=AfmBOopzicbGXjeGcXPi9JrMW-8dURSYlTHENJ7Wjg0O53xfW1LP549X

 

A Very Social Spirit! Celebrate Togetherness at Xmas With Masons of Yorkshire's Personalised Products, Award-Winning Gins and Vodkas, All Locally Produced in Yorkshire

Following on from our previous blogpost featuring amazing personalised Christmas gifts, That's Christmas brings you news of Masons of Yorkshire.

Ten years ago, gin lovers Karl and Cathy Mason set up a Facebook page about their favourite spirit. They were posting reviews of their delicious finds, followers followed, and soon 10k people were on the page, joining in the chat and sharing their gincredible finds too.

It took a lot of time to manage thousands of comments and reviews - and then the couple had the lightbulb moment: what if we did this all the time? And Masons of Yorkshire was born. The distillery was the first to open in Yorkshire, right at the start of the gin boom that swept across the UK and beyond.

This year the company celebrates a decade of distilling. 24 people are now employed at the stunning state-of-the-art distillery in beautiful Bedale, North Yorkshire, which is open for tours and events all year round. Masons of Yorkshire has won countless awards the world over, (over 180!) and exports products internationally. 

With a gin portfolio consisting of the 10th Anniversary Gin, Original, Tea Edition, Orange & Lime Leaf, Pear & Pink Peppercorn, Pink Grapefruit & Cucumber, Fruit of the Tropics and English Lavender, the Masons have lent their expert hand to crafting Luxury British Vodka, and sales have doubled in the last year as at-home cocktail enthusiasts and bars discover the smoothness of the Original, Citrus, Espresso and Chocolate expressions. 

Now a proudly carbon-neutral business, Masons of Yorkshire will dedicate the next 10 years to creating business and jobs for local people as sustainably as possible, building on a legacy of creating award-winning 'no gimmicks' gin and vodka, and being at the forefront of British produced distilled spirits.

Stand out products for stand out gifts, let your family and friends know how much you treasure them by sending the original and best.

Perfectly Personalised Presents

They can personalise their award-winning range of Gins and Vodkas with up to 20 characters on the front label. From £37.95 for 70cl.

The serious Gin for the serious Gin Lover - 52% abv

To mark the 10 year anniversary, Masons of Yorkshire has released a special edition gin, with the star of the show being juniper, to celebrate the plant that started it all. The gin has been crafted to be juniper rich, to share with the gin aficionados and gin lovers out there that have supported the brand.

In addition to the juniper, the gin also features other key botanicals such as coriander, fresh lime and bay leaf. These botanicals add complexity to the gin, making it a well-rounded and delicious spirit.

The gin features two different varieties of juniper, distilled three ways: pot still, vapor basket, and vacuum distillation. It's bottled at 52% ABV, 10% higher in ABV than the Masons of Yorkshire Original Edition, (1% for every year!) a punchy flavour fitting for a 10th anniversary celebration and the perfect strength to deliver a juniper hit. The gin will be presented in a beautiful presentation box, made from fine linen with foiled copper detailing. The ultimate in luxury gin.

Available from www.masonsofyorkshire.com. £45 for 70cl, 52% ABV.

Stocking Fillers - Luxurious Gin and Vodka for under £25

Why not treat Santa to something a little special this year? Swap the cookies for a miniature bottle of Masons to enjoy with a tonic under the tree?

These perfectly formed presents also make absolutely wonderful stocking fillers, or why not save them for Christmas Dinner? The smooth flavours will make amazing aperitifs for your guests on arrival.

The Taste Experience Gift Set, £22.50

Each pack includes five miniature 5cl bottles of Masons gin including The Original, Tea Edition, Pink Grapefruit & Cucumber, Pear & Pink Peppercorn and Orange & Lime Leaf. Perfect as a gift for all premium gin lovers, or why not treat yourself?

Vodka Miniatures Gift Set, £16

The Masons Vodka Gift Set bundle includes all three of their original Vodkas: Classic Vodka, Espresso Vodka & Citrus Vodka, now in a 5cl miniatures tasting set. It's ideal to explore the flavour, clarity and smoothness their Vodkas have won awards for. Perfect as a gift set to treat a vodka lover.

Classic Vodka: Designed with clarity and freshness in mind. Savour the crisp, gloriously smooth characteristics of Masons Classic Vodka over ice, in long drinks or as a base for your favourite cocktails.

Espresso Vodka: Masons Espresso Vodka is slowly distilled for smoothness. Delicately nuanced with vapor-infused coffee beans from El Salvador results in a taste experience of rich, silky coffee.

Citrus Vodka: Masons Citrus Vodka is distilled for smoothness and quality. Citrus is delicately vapor-infused through the process to create a vodka with crisp and punchy citrus notes.

As we say, ideal, personalised Christmas presents, but this time for the gin and vodka lovers in your life!

Christmas Cocktails - Add a Touch of Magic and Elegance to Your Festive Celebrations

With the expert assistance of Devon's very own multiple award-winning Salcombe Gin, you'll be able to add more than a touch of class and magic to your Christmas and New Year festive celebrations this year with two stunning cocktails curated by the expert distillers at Salcombe Distilling Co. 

Whether you'll all be gathered 'round the festive fireplace with loved ones, or hosting a merry Christmas soirée for your friends and neighbours, Salcombe Gin's Christmas cocktails are the genuinely ultimate indulgence to make your Yuletide festivities sparkle and glitter.

'The Wanderer' features the multi-award winning classic citrus forward Salcombe Gin 'Start Point' and 'Southern Sky' features the equally excellent and highly decorated Salcombe Gin 'Rosé Sainte Marie', a dry rose gin with no sugar added.

'The Wanderer'

This elegant and wintery take on a classic Martinez is the perfect Christmas Eve tipple. 'The Wanderer' combines the complex flavours of Salcombe Gin 'Start Point' with seasonal notes of pine syrup and festive spice from the vermouth.

50ml Salcombe Gin 'Start Point'

15ml Knightor Rosso Vermouth

10ml William Fox Pine Syrup

2 dashes Angostura bitters

Jack Rudy Cocktail Co. Bourbon Cocktail Cherry to garnish

Chill a Nick and Nora glass with ice and place to one side

Place the 'Start Point', Vermouth, pine syrup and Angostura bitters into a cocktail shaker, fill with ice and shake vigorously for 15 seconds

Remove the ice from the Nick and Nora glass, and use a hawthorn strainer to strain the mixture into the glass

Garnish with a cocktail cherry, leaving the stem on

'Southern Sky'

A celebration of sophistication. 'Southern Sky' is a delicate balance of Salcombe Gin Rosé Sainte Marie's floral and red berry sweetness, with the cherry citrus of Knightor Rosé Vermouth and sharp raspberry of Chambord, infused with an earthy thyme backbone. Its glorious peach colour is reminiscent of a low winter sunset over the Mediterranean Sea.

25ml Salcombe Gin 'Rosé Sainte Marie'

15ml Knightor Rosé Vermouth

15ml Thyme infused Chambord*

Champagne to top up

Chill a Champagne saucer with ice and place to one side

Place the 'Rosé  Sainte Marie', vermouth and thyme infused Chambord into a mixing jug, fill with ice and stir with a bar spoon for 20 seconds

Remove the ice from the champagne saucer and use a julep strainer to strain the mic into the glass

Top with your favourite Champagne

*To make the thyme infused Chambord, add 3 sprigs of thyme to half a bottle of Chambord and leave in the fridge for four days, shaking every day. Strain through a fine mesh sieve to carefully remove the thyme.

Enjoy these exceptional creations safe in the knowledge that every bottle of Salcombe Gin sold makes our oceans healthier, with 1% of the UK net sales revenue donated to the Marine Conservation Society to protect and regenerate precious ocean habitats.

For further information about Salcombe Gin, visit www.salcombegin.com, follow SalcombeGin on Instagram and Facebook. 

Isle of Harris Gin is the perfect Christmas tipple

It's the perfect festive tipple, for gifting or savouring this Christmas.

A true taste of the Scottish isles.

Distilled and bottled in the delightful Scottish Hebridean seaside village of Tarbert, Isle of Harris Distillery has developed a spirit that really celebrates its heritage in every single drop. 

As the key botanical, Sugar Kelp seaweed, only hand harvested from local sea-lochs, creates dry maritime notes which are softened by the fresh rainwaters which flow from the nearby stream, Abhainn Cnoc a ’Charrain. 

Its iconic bottle and taste is what makes Harris Gin so very special, and gives the drinker a true ‘from the sea’ experience.

You can currently find Isle of Harris Gin at selected UK stockists and The Online Isle of Harris Gin Shop. A 700ml bottle retails for £43.00 and Isle of Harris products are shipped within the UK at no extra cost. 

It's the ideal Christmas gift for any gin lover, Isle of Harris Distillers offer gift sets priced from £70.00 to £92.00, complete with 700ml bottle plus two glasses (Copa de Balon, highball or Harris serve tumbler as options) as well as the ultimate gift from Harris, the iconic bottle, 2x Harris serve glasses and Sugar Kelp Aromatic Water. 

Each gift set is tucked beneath a beautiful debossed lid, made from natural card stock and flecked with copper and sugar kelp flakes, and includes a special hi-resolution photographic print of Harris’ shores by local man Iain Angus Macleod, botanical information, special cocktail recipes and tasting notes, finished with a unique, handwritten card.

The ultimate glassware

Whether you’re buying for a drinks enthusiast, a homeware lover, or a loved one who has an eye for design, give them the gift of Harris this Christmas with its range of beautiful glassware. 

Priced from £28.00 to £30.00, you can choose from a twin set of Harris Serve glasses, highballs or Copa de Balon complete with perfect serves and presented in a completely recyclable and sustainably produced gift box – Harris’ greenest gift sets to date. 

(And ideal for self-gifting, too, dare we at That's Christmas suggest? Go on! You know you are worth it!)

https://harrisdistillery.com

https://harrisdistillery.com/pages/official-stockists

Add a touch of Finish splendour to your Christmas celebrations

This isn't your grandma's liqueur – this is Kyrö Dairy Cream!

You can really boost your Christmas celebrations with Kyrö Dairy Cream, which is an absolutely deliciously indulgent milk punch liqueur that really embodies the spirit of the season. You can delight in its velvety richness and festive charm, adding a touch of magic to your favourite serves.

Kyrö Dairy Cream is a Finnish cream liqueur with a touch of 100% rye malt whisky. It's carefully crafted with local milk and cream and a splash of Kyrö Malt rye whisky, which does not contain lactose, gluten, or any artificial colours or flavours. It tastes of liquorice, chocolate, toffee, fresh dairy cream, with a hint of salt.

Enjoy neat with ice, add to creamy cocktails, coffees, and desserts.

Available to buy in Waitrose, Kyro Distillery Website or Master of Malt. ABV 16%, 500ml. RRP £19.95

If a creamy liqueur isn't your cup of tea, so to speak, why not make the world's best Gin and Tonic this Christmas with the award-winning Kyrö Gin?

Immerse yourself in a delightful world of aromatic botanicals and winter wonders as you sip on the finest Finnish craftsmanship?

Unleash the Nordic magic this Christmas with Kyrö Gin and be transported to a realm of enchantment, where juniper-infused flavours dance on your palate, evoking memories of snowy landscapes and cosy yuletide gatherings.

Kyrö Gin is a Finnish gin made with 100% rye and wild local botanicals. It tastes herbal and sweet, gentle citrus, peppery rye.

Just add tonic, plenty of ice and freshly harvested garnishes with cranberries and a sprig of rosemary for a delicious Kyrö Gin serve.

An award-winning spirit, Kyrö Gin was voted the ‘World’s Best Compound Gin’ in the 2023 World Gin Awards

Available to buy in Waitrose, Kyro Distillery Website or Master of Malt. ABV 42.6%, 500ml. RRP £29.95  

Kyrö Pink Gin is sweeter than nature!

Celebrate the sweetness of this Christmas with Kyrö Pink Gin, which is a deliciously fruity and vibrant gin that will paint your Christmas festivities in delicate shades of pink. 

So, why nor let Kyrö Pink Gin be the centrepiece of holiday gatherings, as its blushing hues and delightful taste mesmerises your senses?:

Kyrö Pink Gin is a stupendously Finnish gin made with 100% rye, fresh red berries, and rhubarb. It tastes of rhubarb, custard, berries, juniper, smooth sweetness. ​

Just add tonic, plenty of ice and garnish with frozen festive berries for a delicious Kyrö Gin serve.

Available to buy on the Kyrö Distillery website or Master of Malt. ABV 38.2%, 500ml. RRP £29.95 ​

Kyrö Malt is as rye as it gets!

Embark on a sensory journey this Christmas with Kyrö Malt—a whisky that captures the essence of the season in every sip. Immerse yourself in the rich flavors and craftsmanship that define this exquisite malt, carefully crafted to warm your heart during the festive season.

Kyrö Malt is a single batch Finnish malt whisky made with 100% rye. It is double pot-distilled and aged in new white oak casks. It tastes of intense pepperiness, balanced with sweet notes of caramel and vanilla. ​

It's perfect sipped as it is, in a whisky sour – or any way you like.

Available to buy on the Kyrö Distillery website or Master of Malt. ABV 47.2%, 500ml. RRP £49.95 

Kyrö Distillery Company is a Finnish all-rye distillery founded in 2012. It’s run from the small town of in Finland where its distillery and visitor centre is located. The visitor centre hosts 15,000 visitors annually.

Kyrö has won multiple awards over the years, including international Wine and Spirits Competition (IWSC) where Kyrö Malt Rye Whisky recently won ‘Gold Outstanding’, scoring an impressive 98/100 points. Kyrö Gin and Kyrö Pink Gin have both recently won ‘Gold’ in the World Gin Awards, along with Great Taste stars.

https://www.kyrodistillery.co.uk

Craft Gin Club Launches Gin Advent Calendar to Welcome in Christmas 2023

The Craft Gin Club (www.craftginclub.co.uk) is to launch its fabulously festive Craft Gin Advent Calendar for 2023 at a price of £94.95 from 1st September (pre-sale) and on general sale from 1st October on the Craft Gin Club online shop.

The calendar features 25 miniature bottles, each containing a double shot (50ml) of craft gin, so you'll get to enjoy a special G&T on Christmas Day, also!

All the craft gins are new to the calendar for this year, and the selection includes seven exclusive gins created just for Craft Gin Club by master distilleries from all over the UK

For example, the massively popular Cornish craft distiller, Tarquin's, has created an exclusive Mince Pie Gin recipe. This gin can't be purchased anywhere else.

The gins come from the finest craft distillers from around the UK and also from across the globe.

Featuring a fun and fabulously retro hand-drawn design, the calendar will take pride of place in any festive gin-lover's living room!

The advent calendar also has three tasty cocktail serving suggestions to try at home: a 'Claus-mopolitan', a 'Festive Snowball' and a 'Sloe Gin Negroni'

The back of the calendar also outlines a suggested mixer and garnish to pair with each individual gin, as chosen by Craft Gin Club's in-house mixologist, so you can enjoy the perfect G&T with each and every door opening; a 'pairing bundle' of mixers will be available on the online shop to accompany the advent calendar from September.