Perfect Christmas Gifts for Lovers of Hot Drinks

The Christmas season is nearly upon us, and the festive spirit fills the air with warmth and joy. If you’re on the hunt for Christmas gifts, you can never go wrong with a delightful selection of hot drinks.

 Whether your loved ones are coffee aficionados, tea enthusiasts, or hot chocolate connoisseurs, there's nothing quite like the comfort of a steaming mug on a cold winter’s day. 

To help you with your gift-giving this Christmas, we’ve compiled a list of perfect presents for anyone who enjoys a cosy cuppa.

1. Specialty Coffee Gift Packs

For those who can't start their day without a cup of coffee, a thoughtfully curated coffee gift set is a guaranteed hit. Opt for a selection that includes beans or ground coffee sourced from various regions. Look for brands offering unique blends, like rich, full-bodied coffees from Colombia or fruity, lighter roasts from Ethiopia. Many roasters now include detailed tasting notes, which can make the experience even more enjoyable.

Gift Idea: For a touch of luxury, consider a gift pack that includes flavoured syrups, like vanilla, caramel, or hazelnut, along with a bag of freshly roasted beans. Alternatively, subscription boxes that deliver fresh coffee every month are a gift that keeps on giving.

2. Artisan Loose Leaf Tea Sets

Tea is more than just a drink—it's a ritual. Whether your giftee prefers classic English Breakfast, soothing herbal infusions, or fragrant chai, a beautiful tea set can transform an everyday moment into something special. Look for high-quality loose leaf options presented in elegant tins or boxes. To create a truly luxurious gift, include a tea infuser and a charming mug.

Gift Idea: Consider selecting a themed set, such as a winter wellness tea box filled with blends designed to warm and comfort. Matcha enthusiasts might appreciate a matcha starter kit complete with a bamboo whisk, bowl, and premium-grade matcha powder.

3. Indulgent Hot Chocolate Hampers

There’s something undeniably nostalgic about a cup of hot chocolate. Perfect for a cosy evening by the fire, a hot chocolate gift set can be a heart-warming present for both children and adults alike. Look for kits that include artisanal hot chocolate powders, marshmallows, and perhaps even a dash of peppermint or cinnamon for added festivity.

Gift Idea: For a luxurious twist, seek out hot chocolate flakes made from real chocolate rather than powder. Add a selection of gourmet toppings like salted caramel sauce, chocolate shavings, and flavoured marshmallows for a truly indulgent experience.

4. Specialty Mugs and Drinkware

A beautifully crafted mug can make enjoying a favourite hot drink even more special. Opt for hand-painted ceramics, double-walled glass mugs to keep drinks warmer for longer, or insulated travel mugs for those always on the go. Personalised mugs with names, initials, or a heartfelt message are also a thoughtful choice.

Gift Idea: Pair the mug with a matching coaster, or include a reusable coffee cup for eco-conscious friends who love grabbing a coffee to go.

5. Luxury Drink Accessories

Sometimes, it’s the little things that make a gift truly special. If you’re looking for something a bit different, consider adding a few accessories to enhance your loved one's hot drink experience. From electric milk frothers for making café-quality lattes at home to temperature-controlled smart mugs that keep drinks at the perfect sipping temperature, these gifts are perfect for the true hot drink enthusiast.

Gift Idea: A beautifully crafted tea storage box, a set of flavoured coffee creamers, or a collection of botanical syrups can elevate their daily beverage routine.

6. Themed Gift Baskets

If you’re undecided on one particular type of drink, why not combine a few? Themed gift baskets are a versatile option that can be tailored to suit different tastes. You could create a “Winter Warmers” basket filled with hot drinks, cosy socks, and a scented candle, or an “Around the World” hamper featuring coffee and tea from different countries.

Gift Idea: Assemble your own basket by selecting artisanal products from local shops or markets. You could even add some homemade biscuits or chocolates for a personal touch.

7. Subscription Services

For a gift that keeps on giving long after Christmas, consider a subscription service. Whether it's a coffee subscription delivering fresh beans from different roasters, a tea club that introduces new flavours each month, or a hot chocolate subscription with seasonal flavours, this is the perfect present for anyone who loves trying new things.

Gift Idea: Pair the subscription with a beautifully designed journal so they can keep track of their tasting notes and favourite brews.

(Christmas) Wrapping It Up: Thoughtful Extras

To add an extra layer of festivity to your gift, consider including a few thoughtful extras. You could pop in some cinnamon sticks, a jar of locally sourced honey, or a small bottle of flavoured syrup. A handwritten note with a heartfelt message wishing them a warm and cosy Christmas would be the perfect finishing touch.

This Christmas, help your loved ones find joy in the little moments—like sipping a hot drink by the fire on a cold winter’s night. With these gifts, you're not just giving a drink; you're gifting comfort, warmth, and a touch of holiday magic.

As for me? A luxury chocolate drinks hamper is Christmas gifting perfection! 

Happy gifting, and cheers to a season filled with warmth and togetherness!

Your Drink Choice Could Make or Break Your Morning: The Best and Worst Hangovers Ranked

An expert reveals how your drink selection can significantly impact on your morning hangover, with tips on what to avoid and how to recover faster.

Key Points:

Alcohol expert reveals how darker spirits like whiskey and red wine are notorious for causing severe hangovers

Cheaper spirits and tequila often lead to pounding headaches and nausea, with recovery taking longer than expected

Tips and guidelines to follow to prevent the hangover of all hangovers

Almost all of us have experienced the morning-after effects of a night out or an evening of at home partying, but what many don’t realise is that the choice of beverage plays an important role in how severe those effects are.

According to expert Daniel Ufland, of online whisky retailer The Whisky Masters, the drink you choose can make all the difference when it comes to the intensity of your hangover the next day,

“Darker spirits, like whiskies or red wines are notorious for causing worse hangovers because they contain these chemical compounds called congeners, which make symptoms more intense,” Daniel explains. 

“On the flip side, clearer spirits, like vodkas or white wines have fewer congeners, which leads to a milder, more manageable hangover. It’s not just about how much you drink but what you drink.”

Backed by scientific studies, the presence of congeners in certain alcohols is key in determining how you’ll feel the next morning. They are present in higher quantities in darker alcohols, contributing to symptoms like horrendous headaches, heavy heaves, and general malaise.

So, what should you avoid if you want to dodge a brutal hangover? Check out Daniel’s top 5 drinks to avoid, as well as the ones to look out for:

The Worst Drinks for Hangovers

1. Red Wine: Severe Headaches and Sensitivity to Light

Loaded with tannins and histamines, red wine will leave your head, lips and hips in a bit of a stir if you over-do it.

Daniel’s Tip: “If you can’t resist a good glass of red, make sure you drink water between glasses to stay hydrated. Hydration is key in preventing disastrous hangovers.”

2. Cheap Spirits: Pounding Headaches

Budget-friendly but body-punishing, cheap spirits often contain more impurities than premium products. These impurities make recovery slower, and the symptoms last longer.

Daniel’s Tip: “Opt for higher-quality spirits with fewer additives and, of course, stay hydrated to lessen the morning blow.”

3. Dark Spirits (Whisky): Severe Headaches

Whisky is one of the more congener-rich alcohols. The deep, smoky, woodgrain flavors may be appealing during the night, but the next day can bring a lingering malaise, making it one of the worst choices for avoiding a hangover.

Daniel’s Tip: “If you choose whisky, follow it up with at least a pint of water before bed to minimize the impact the morning after. A big meal beforehand is also a big help.”

4. Tequila: Headaches and Loss of Appetite

While 20 shots of tequila might seem like a good idea at the time, they often lead to a rough morning. It also causes a loss of appetite, a common post-tequila symptom.

Daniel’s Tip: “If tequila is on the menu, limit yourself to one or two shots and eat something beforehand to slow alcohol absorption. And don’t forget the salt and lime!”

5. Rum: Dizziness and Dehydration

Rum, especially the darker varieties, can lead to dizziness and severe dehydration. Its sugar content may also contribute to headaches, leaving you feeling worse for wear the next morning.

Daniel’s Tip: “Drink rum cocktails with lighter mixers like sugar-free sodas or soda waters to avoid adding more sugar to the mix. There’s enough in it already.”

The Best Drinks for Hangovers

1. Clear Spirits (Vodka): Mild Headaches and Quicker Recovery

Vodka is one of the better options if you’re hoping to avoid a hangover altogether. It contains fewer congeners, resulting in milder symptoms such as slight headaches and a quicker recovery.

Daniel’s Tip: “Pair vodka with hydrating mixers like sugar-free sodas or a light tonic, and don’t forget to drink a glass of water before bed for a smoother morning.”

2. White Wine: Mild to Moderate Headaches and Dehydration

Lighter and less likely to leave you suffering from a severe headache, white wine still causes a bit of dehydration. However, it tends to be kinder than its red counterpart when it comes to hangover severity.

Daniel’s Tip: “Stick to one or two glasses to reduce the chance of dehydration-related headaches.” 

3. Champagne: Headaches

The carbonation in champagne accelerates alcohol absorption, which can result in quicker intoxication and, unfortunately, faster hangover onset. However, its lower alcohol content means hangovers from champagne tend to be less severe than darker spirits.

Daniel’s Tip: “Sip champagne slowly and avoid drinking on an empty stomach to mitigate the effects.”

4. Beer: Bloating and Sluggishness

Beer often causes bloating and sluggishness due to its high carb content, but its lower alcohol content makes it a more forgiving option than spirits. You may experience dull headaches, but they’re usually manageable compared to the symptoms caused by stronger drinks.

Daniel’s Tip: “Nothing wrong with a few light beers if you’re aiming for a more manageable morning and pace yourself throughout the night. But if you go for the heavier stuff make sure you line your stomach beforehand.”

5. Craft Cocktails: Variable

Craft cocktails, depending on the ingredients, can be a wildcard. Some may leave you feeling perfectly fine, while others - especially those with sugar-heavy mixers - can lead to projectile vomiting. The complexity of the ingredients can also affect how your body processes the alcohol, making it harder to predict the after-effects.

Daniel’s Tip: “If you’re going for cocktails, stick to simpler recipes with clear spirits and low-sugar/sugar-free mixers.”

Daniel Ufland of The Whisky Masters Commented:

“Your drink choice plays a huge role in how you feel the next morning. Darker spirits like whiskey and red wine are loaded with congeners—substances that increase the severity of hangovers. On the other hand, clearer spirits like vodka contain fewer congeners, making for a milder recovery. 

“We’ve all heard the saying ‘drink in moderation,’ but it’s also important to know that drinking water between alcoholic beverages and before bed can make a massive difference. What’s more, avoiding sugary mixers and sticking to higher-quality alcohol can help reduce those dreaded morning-after symptoms. By being mindful of what you drink and how you stay hydrated, you can enjoy your night without paying the price the next day.”

That's Christmas would like to thank Daniel Uffland and the Whisky Masters website. https://thewhiskymasters.com 

Incidentally here's a tip from That's Christmas: If you are drinking alcoholic drinks avoid having carbonated drink in between, as the bubbles can help the alcohol get into your bloodstream quicker. Drink non-carbonated drinks instead.

Christmas Cocktails Inspired by Literature: Raise a Glass to Literary Legend

Christmas is the perfect time to enjoy indulgent cocktails, and what better way to elevate the holiday spirit than with drinks inspired by some of the world’s most beloved literary classics? 

Whether you’re a book lover, cocktail connoisseur, or just someone looking for a bit of festive inspiration, here’s a collection of literary cocktails that will bring a bit of magic and mischief to your Christmas celebrations.

1. The Gatsby Sparkler – Inspired by The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

No literary cocktail list would be complete without a tip of the hat to Gatsby, the ultimate host of opulent parties. Capture the essence of Jazz Age glamour with a sparkling cocktail that’s as vibrant as Gatsby’s legendary gatherings.

Ingredients:

120ml Champagne or sparkling wine

30ml elderflower liqueur

Fresh raspberries or edible glitter for garnish

Instructions:

In a champagne flute, pour the elderflower liqueur and top with chilled Champagne. Garnish with raspberries or a touch of edible glitter for that shimmering “green light” touch. Perfect for welcoming the New Year or adding sparkle to a holiday toast.

2. The Snow Queen – Inspired by The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis

Embrace the icy allure of Narnia with a drink that’s as cool as the White Witch herself. This cocktail brings a bit of winter wonderland magic with peppermint and creamy vodka, perfect for Christmas Eve.

Ingredients:

45ml peppermint vodka

15ml white chocolate liqueur

60ml cream

Crushed peppermint candy for garnish

Instructions:

Shake the vodka, white chocolate liqueur, and cream with ice and strain into a martini glass rimmed with crushed peppermint candy. This chilly delight will make you feel as though you’re in the heart of a winter wonderland.

3. Jane’s English Garden – Inspired by Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Transport yourself to the gardens of Regency-era England with this refreshing and floral gin-based cocktail. Delightfully delicate, it’s a perfect match for Austen’s most famous heroine, Elizabeth Bennet, and an ideal drink for sophisticated Christmas gatherings.

Ingredients:

50ml gin

20ml elderflower cordial

15ml lemon juice

Soda water

Cucumber and mint sprigs for garnish

Instructions:

In a highball glass filled with ice, combine the gin, elderflower cordial, and lemon juice. Top with soda water and garnish with thin slices of cucumber and mint. It’s as refreshing as a stroll through the English countryside and a lovely start to a holiday soirée.

4. Scrooge’s Mulled Cider – Inspired by A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

For a warm and comforting choice, look no further than this traditional spiced cider inspired by Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. There’s no better way to get into the holiday spirit than by sipping on a drink that would warm even the iciest hearts.

Ingredients:

1 litre of apple cider

1 cinnamon stick

4 cloves

2 star anise

1 orange, sliced

Honey to taste

Instructions:

Simmer the apple cider with cinnamon, cloves, star anise, and orange slices for about 20 minutes. Sweeten with honey as desired, and serve warm in a mug. Garnish with a cinnamon stick or orange slice. This comforting brew is the perfect choice for a cosy night by the fire.

5. The Boo Radley – Inspired by To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

An unexpected twist on the classic Old Fashioned, this cocktail captures the mysterious and misunderstood character of Boo Radley. With notes of bourbon and a hint of sweetness, it’s a timeless drink that pairs beautifully with festive evenings.

Ingredients:

60ml bourbon

1 sugar cube

2 dashes of bitters

Orange peel for garnish

Instructions:

Muddle the sugar and bitters together in an Old Fashioned glass, add a large ice cube, and pour in the bourbon. Stir well and garnish with an orange peel twist. Smooth and smoky, this cocktail is both classic and memorable.

6. Wuthering Heights Hot Chocolate – Inspired by Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë

For those who prefer a non-alcoholic option, look no further than this dark, brooding hot chocolate inspired by the stormy romance of Wuthering Heights. Rich, dark chocolate captures the wild, untamed essence of the Yorkshire moors.

Ingredients:

240ml milk

60g dark chocolate, chopped

1 tbsp sugar

Pinch of salt

Whipped cream and chocolate shavings for garnish

Instructions:

Warm the milk in a saucepan, add the chocolate, sugar, and salt, and stir until smooth and creamy. Pour into a mug and top with whipped cream and a sprinkling of chocolate shavings. It’s a warming, bittersweet treat for curling up by the fire on a chilly evening.

Bringing Literary Cocktails to Your Christmas Gathering

From Gatsby’s glitz to Scrooge’s warmth, these literary-inspired cocktails bring a world of character and charm to any holiday gathering. Serve them with a bit of backstory, and they’ll be a festive talking point. Cheers to a literary Christmas, where every sip tells a story!