Budmo! Dima’s Cocktail Book Supporting Ukraine

Budmo! Cocktail Book

Dima Deinega is the man behind namesake brand, Dima’s Vodka, an award-winning triple-grain expression picking up prestigious gongs from the IWSC, World Vodka Awards and Vodka Masters… and now, he’s also the man behind, ‘Budmo!’, a book of vodka cocktails from his homeland.

If you’re wondering, Budmo (pronounced Bood-more) means, ‘let us be’ and is the shortest and most popular Ukrainian toast, usually featuring a hierarchy of toasts around the table. Dima’s book celebrating the art of toasting features fifty essential recipes created by expert mixologists from Kyiv cocktails bars, celebrating vodka’s special place in the culture. As Dima himself puts it, “Vodka is an integral part of the Ukrainian lifestyle with generations of expertise and tradition behind it. With different regional flavour profiles, it crosses class and status boundaries and is suffused into the country’s culture, uniting the nation.”

Highlights include the Kyiv Mule, The White Ukrainian, the Beetroot Bloody Mary and Parovoz Bar’s Green Pea Cocktail, a smoothly shaken cocktail entwining the richness of Dima’s Vodka with green pea shoots and celery bitters! You even get a QR code to walk you through making each one, as well as insight into the exciting Ukrainian bar scene, vodka infusions (nalyvkas), traditional pickles and beautiful accompanying photos.

Most importantly, a minimum of £5 from every purchase goes towards First Aid Ukraine in their time of need, and you can purchase the book on its own for £25 or combine it with a gorgeous bottle of Dima’s for £55 (the perfect star of the show for your vodka cocktails).

Super inventive recipes, stunning Vodka, and the opportunity to support and celebrate Ukraine – Budmo to that we say.

If it sounds like it’s up your street, please visit Dima’s website to learn more about their premium products and purchase the cocktail book!

The Best Hot Toddy Cocktail Variations

What is a hot toddy?

There’s nothing quite like a hot toddy to soothe the winter chill in our bones is there? The history of the hot toddy is by no means set in stone. In India, toddy has long been a fermented palm tree sap concoction, and by the end of the 1700s, it came to mean, ‘a beverage made of alcoholic liquor with hot water, sugar, and spices’ in the United Kingdom.

One man credited with its popularity is Robert Bentley Todd, an Irish physician who prescribed hot brandy, cinnamon, syrup, and water in the 1830s to his patients with flu. Now that sounds better than tablets to us!

These days, the winter warmer is loved by many to jump-start mornings, soothe colds, and sore throats, as a nightcap, or just to heat up during the chilly nights. So versatile! And the good thing about that is, there are tonnes of room to adapt the recipes...

So, without further ado, here are our best hot toddy variations, whatever you’re in the mood for, and even if you don’t like whisky!

For the traditionalists: The Original Hot Toddy

The Original Hot Toddy

Some recipes are as simple as whisky + sugar + water, and others read more like full shopping lists, so we’ve kept it fairly simple with cloves and cinnamon for mellow and warming spice, honey for sweetness, lemon juice to cut through and of course, a gorgeous splash of whisky at the heart of everything. Balanced and beautiful, it’s soothing comfort in a mug.

Ingredients
1 clove
2 tsp lemon juice
1 tbsp honey
100ml-150ml hot water
35ml Whisky (Johnnie Walker Black Label is great)
1 cinnamon stick (optional)
Lemon wheel (garnish)

Method
Grab your favourite mug or handled glass and add the water. Mix in the whisky, lemon juice and honey until it’s completely disappeared. Chuck in the clove and the cinnamon if you like it. Most important of all, have a taste and adapt it how you like! You can add some sugar, or some more lemon, or even a splash of whisky if it’s not got enough oomph.

For the bourbon drinkers: Ginger Toddy

Ginger Toddy

Bourbon works just as well as Scotch in a Hot Toddy, so it’s just down to your preference, but we love it with the ginger here. Those warming spicy notes, with vanilla and caramel bourbon hints create a delicious bakery feel to the cocktail. This is guaranteed to leave a lovely zing in your mouth and warm you down to your toes!

Ingredients
35ml bourbon
15ml ginger syrup
100ml hot water
Lemon wheel (garnish)

Method
Combine the bourbon, ginger syrup and hot water in your favourite mug and stir thoroughly, adding a splash of lemon juice if you want extra zing! Then enjoy!

For the cider drinkers: The Hot Apple Toddy

The Hot Apple Toddy

Now be aware that this has a serious kick to it because the water is being swapped out for apple cider. You can still add cinnamon and a clove if you wish, but if you’ve used a good cider then there should be bold enough flavours without. Along similar lines, if you’d prefer an even fruiter version, use apple brandy instead of whisky! Oh so satisfying and that subtle tang is lovely.

Ingredients
1 tsp honey
100ml apple cider
35ml whisky or apple brandy
1 cinnamon stick (optional)

Method
Heat up your cider in a saucepan and pour this into your mug or glass coated with honey at the bottom. Add your whisky and optional spices and stir well.

For the gin lovers: Hot Gin Toddy

Hot Gin Toddy

There are even options for you gin lovers out there. The Hot Gin Toddy relies on the beautiful botanicals in the gin, with the heat opening them up and giving them a new lease of life. It’s just as warming, but with a pleasantly aromatic profile that’s surprisingly light and refreshing too.

Top Tip: Dry gin will work better because the botanicals tend to react to hot water more reliably.

Ingredients
1 tsp sugar
35ml gin (dry)
100ml hot water
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 cinnamon stick (garnish)
1 lemon wheel (garnish)

Method
Super simple, just mix everything really well with the hot water and give it a final stir with the cinnamon stick. Make sure the water isn’t boiling hot because this may be too harsh on the gin.

For the rum drinkers: Hot Rum Toddy

Hot Rum Toddy

Rum fits so nicely into the Hot Toddy recipe, with those warming spices and underlying sweetness accentuated beautifully. Whilst Scotch has always been the Hot Toddy go-to in the UK, rum used to be far more readily available in America, so this or brandy was usually used. Any rum works, but we would suggest dark rum for that deep caramel flavour, and the spicier notes.

Ingredients
1 tbsp honey
35ml rum (preferably dark)
100ml hot water
1 cinnamon stick
Lemon wedge (garnish)

Method
Stir together everything so that the honey is completely dissolved and drop in the cinnamon stick giving it plenty of time to diffuse. Garnish with a lemon wedge to finish, and squeeze in a little juice if you prefer! Truly a fireside sipper that gives the original a run for its money.

For the vodka drinkers: Toffee Apple Hot Toddy

Toffee Apple Hot Toddy

This may ring some bells because we recommended it as the perfect Bonfire Night cocktail when Lewis Stairs, founder of Sunday Cocktail Club joined us in Ep.96 of the Bring a Bottle Podcast. It’s gorgeously smooth, with that slightly sweeter bourbon intertwining with crisp toffee vodka. The apple juice completes the hot toffee apple vibe, and it’s a fantastic option if you’ve got a sweeter tooth.

Ingredients
25ml toffee vodka
50ml bourbon
40ml apple juice
Splash of lemon (optional)
Cinnamon stick (garnish)

Method
All you’ve got to do is heat everything up in a saucepan until it’s hot throughout, but not bubbling. Keep some cool apple juice behind to cool it down if needs be. We love the very subtle sour edge that the lemon provides, but feel free to leave it out – it’s your creation! Feel free to check out Lewis making it here.

For the non-alcoholic drinkers: Apple Berry Toddy

Apple Berry Toddy

There are lots of alcohol-free hot toddy variations using different types of tea, but we wanted something that still has the boozy profile to it... just without the booze itself. Step up Crossip Rich Berry, perfect for mulled wines but also hot toddies. It’s packed with rich blackberries and cherries, and a lovely layer of spice. Obviously, there isn’t quite the power that comes from a spirit, so swap out the water for some lovely hot apple juice and it’s a warming winner with heaps of flavour.

Ingredients
25ml Crossip Rich Berry
125ml Apple Juice
Lemon (garnish)

 Method
Like every hot toddy, it’s easy to pull together. Just heat everything together and decant! A little squeeze and garnish of lemon is a nice finishing touch. The only difficult bit is trying not to finish it all in one sitting!

If you are looking for more delicious drink ideas this January, why not check out our recommendations for the best no and low alcohol drinks?

Words by Calum Ecroyd

calum ecroyd writer bio

The Best Pre-Lunch Christmas Drinks

The Best Pre Lunch Christmas Drinks

Once the mimosas have been drunk, breakfast had and Christmas lunch is beginning to be prepared, the chef, and everyone else for that matter, might be wanting a little something to drink before the grand meal gets under way. Personally, I don’t eat much at breakfast, so one of the next drinks can be a great substitute, whether with or without alcohol. One of my favourite drinks of all time is the Bloody Mary. Traditionally made with vodka there are other options out there. If you’re not a tomato juice fan, then a gin and tonic can go down very well pre-lunch too. And there is always the traditional Christmas drink of Sherry. Forget the old days of cream sherries, there are plenty more options of something tasty to sip away at to get your appetite going.

 

The BEst Spirits for a Bloody Mary cocktail

Glen's Vodka

Best Drinks for Christmas Day Glen's Vodka

Glens Vodka is the second best-selling spirit in the UK. And it is made in Scotland! Made by the Loch Lomond Distillery Company, who know how to make great spirits, this is a clean, smooth and easy going vodka created for mixing, and it is great value for money. 

Size: 700ml
ABV: 37.5%
Find It Here: £13

 

Dima’s Vodka

Best Drinks for Christmas Day Dima's Vodka

We at The Three Drinkers have long been a great supporter of Dima’s Vodka, and in my opinion, it is the best vodka on the market today. It has superb flavour without being flavoured, it has a great texture that feels creamy in the mouth, and it is incredibly smooth. Beyond all this, it comes from Ukraine and is created by Ukrainian Dima, hence the name. Every bottle sold goes to help fund the Ukrainians in their battle against Russia making buying a bottle even more worth it.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find It Here: £35

 

Ardbeg 10 Year Old

Best Drinks for Christmas Day Ardbeg 10 Year Old

For whisky lovers out there, this makes one of the best Bloody Marys I have ever had. Choose a rich thick tomato juice, or even add some passata to the drink, and once the spices are added, with the Ardbeg 10 Year Old, a smoky, earthy, and delicious drink evolves. With the power of the whisky, you can use as little or as much spice and Worcester sauce as you like, and it’ll taste great.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 46%
Find It Here: UK £42.90 // US $52.99

 

X Muse Vodka

Best Drinks for Christmas Day X Muse Vodka

Pronounced 10th Muse, this vodka is made with heritage varieties of barley in Scotland, which are distilled separately and then carefully blended. Based on the mythical 10th Muse which was supposed to be an amalgam of the other 9 muses, this vodka has huge amounts of flavour and complexity which shine through in a Bloody Mary. This is a vodka which really does push the boat out, but is worth every penny, and definitely worth the splurge on Christmas day. Beyond the tomato juice, this is a vodka to savour and sip.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find It Here: £55.74

 

The Best Gin for a Gin and Tonic 

Gordon’s Special London Dry Gin

Best Drinks for Christmas Day Gordon's Special London Dry Gin

The quintessential British gin. Gordon’s has been the country’s gin of choice for the humble gin and tonic for a very long time. And with good reason. It is a classic London dry gin with plenty of botanical flavour alongside the juniper and the resulting G&T is very, very good. It’s also great value and, if you don’t happen to be drinking, they make a very good 0% version, which, having tasted quite a few decent no alcohol gins, is my favourite.

Gordon’s Special London Dry Gin
Size:
UK 700ml // US 1.75L
ABV: 38%
Find It Here: UK £16 // US $21.99

Gordon’s 0% London Dry Gin
Size:
700ml
ABV: 0%
Find It Here: £12

 

Finger Lime Gin

Best Drinks for Christmas Day Finger Lime Gin

Made from an unusual fruit, which although is called a ‘lime’, it’s not certain if it actually fits into the citrus family or not, this gin is definitely zesty with oodles of citrus flavours which mixes with tonic superbly well. If you can find some finger limes to garnish, the little green caviar-like cells will bounce up and down the drink with the bubbles creating a very pretty display. A little like a gin and tonic snow globe. Perfect for Christmas.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 46%
Find It Here: £34.95

 

Anty Gin

Best Drinks for Christmas Day Anty Gin

Created by the Cambridge gin distillery, this is a special gin which, although made of ants, wood ants to be precise, tastes great, and adds a little more interest to a simple gin and tonic. A great talking point when guests or family descend on you for Christmas, it may be a convenient distraction from any brewing family feud!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 42%
Find It Here: £194.99

 

The Best Sherry for Christmas

Tio Pepe Dry Sherry

Best Drinks for Christmas Day Tio Pep Dry Sherry

This sherry is made from the Palomino grape variety and aged for around five years. It is crisp and zesty, and the perfect drink before a meal that is likely to be of gargantuan proportion. Easy to sip and take your time over, and especially good if you like dry white wines like Sauvignon Blanc.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 15%
Find It Here: £9.50

 

Lustau Oloroso Emperatriz

Best Drinks for Christmas Day Lustau Oloroso Emperatriz

If sherry means rich and nutty flavours with lots of dried fruit aromas and flavours to boot, then this is a sherry you’ll love. There is lots of complexity and alongside the usual flavours you will find dark chocolate and nougat. The Solara this sherry comes from was founded in 1921 to mark the visit of Eugenia de Montijo to Jerez, who was the last Empress of France.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 20%
Find It Here: £20.95

 

Bodegas Tradición 30 Year Old Palo Cortado

Best Drinks for Christmas Day Bodegas Tradicion 30 Year Old Palo Cortado

Palo Cortado is an unusual sherry. Many cheaper versions are created by the sherry maker, but those that happen naturally are rare. They are created when the “flor”, which is a naturally occurring fungal barrier that lies on top of the sherry in the barrel to prevent the oxygen from getting to the liquid, naturally and for no reason disappears, allowing the sherry beneath to start to oxidize. The best of these naturally occurring barrels are put aside to become Palo Cortado. It’s hugely complex, yet has great delicacy and finesse, this is one of the greatest examples, and would delight any sherry drinker.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 20%
Find It Here: £103.05

Having sated oneself between breakfast and the great meal to come, the main event is next. With a huge number of drinks to choose from, I will keep it simple. To find out how to indulge yourself during this gourmet festive event, move on to my next set of drinks here. If you missed the Best Drinks to Enjoy on Christmas Morning, click here.

From Budget To Blowout: The Best Vodka To Gift This Christmas

best vodka to gift this christmas

Vodka is a spirit that spans generations and nations, and whilst it was born in Russia and the East of Europe, there are now quality producers absolutely everywhere. It’s still a drink that comes with misconceptions though, so if you’re looking to convert a doubter, or just get a vodka lover something they’re guaranteed to adore, allow us to be your tour guides through the best vodkas to gift this Christmas... starting with incredible value options!

The Best Vodka to Gift Under £20

Wyborowa Vodka

Wyborowa Vodka

Translated to, ‘Selected’ in their language, this vodka is hugely popular in Poland where every part of it is made. It’s been winning international awards since 1930 and remains an ever-present bottle in the value categories. The Polish rye gives the Wyborowa vodka its distinct gentle pecan taste mixed with subtle sweetness, and it’s smooth and pure beyond its price. Any vodka enthusiast will appreciate this and its place in vodka heritage.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £18.59 

Luksusowa Vodka

Luksusowa Vodka

Luksusowa is another 1920s Polish vodka overdelivering. Produced from potatoes along the Baltic Sea’s coastline, the soil is ‘loamy’ producing pure flavour. The result is a super clean aroma that’s subtly chalky, minerally, with grassy qualities, so this really has that, ‘vodka of the earth’ feel. There’s a loveable creamy taste, and a mildly peppery aftertaste too. A classic that’s more than earnt its place in the vodka hall of fame.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £19.74 // US $16.79

Zubrówka Bison Grass Vodka

Zubrówka Bison Grass Vodka

 Completing the trio of excellent Polish value is Zubrówka which is infused with Hierochloe Odorata grass (there’s even a blade of it in the bottle)! It’s a unique variety grown in the Bialowieza Forest near the Ukrainian border – home to the eye-catching beast on the bottle, Polish Bison. Distilled from rye, the spirit is strained through this grass, creating the green hue you can see. As a result, there are plenty of herbal and aromatic notes at play, like cut grass, lavender, slight citrus and cracked pepper. This is a really unique sipping vodka and an incredible gift for a vodka lover. Have some fun working out the notes over ice, and then try it with apple juice or ginger ale!

Size: UK 700ml // US 1L
ABV: 37.5%
Find here: UK £19.94 // US $26.99

The Best Vodka to Gift Under £30

Black Cow Pure Milk Vodka

Black Cow Pure Milk Vodka

Vodka from cow’s milk? Yep. This is a rather unusual vodka that has been on everyone’s lips in more ways than one. It’s created on a West Dorset dairy farm using the whey left over from the farm’s cheddar (also great if you want to combine them as a gift!). You won’t be surprised to hear that this creates a decadent and creamy mouthfeel and as a result, it is amazing at the heart of an Espresso Martini or White Russian, but not before giving it a go neat!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £24.99

Debowa Polish Oak Vodka

Debowa Polish Oak Vodka

We love this bottle with its retro 3D design style, and the sliver of oak wood included in every bottle. As you might imagine from looking at it, this Polish oak vodka is still produced in accordance with a traditional polish recipe and creates unparalleled buttery smoothness at this price point. There are delicate nuts and vanilla, but it’s the velvet feel that grabs the headlines.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £25.43

Brecon Five Black Vodka

Brecon Five Black Vodka

Named because of the pure rock-filtered Brecon Beacons glacier water that goes into this 5 times distilled vodka, this is a masterpiece from the late Dr Jim Swan. A lovely Welsh vodka born from the same team behind Penderyn whisky, it has won gong after gong for ultra-smoothness in the mouth and a fruity barley spirit twist. Pure, natural, and crystal clear, not what you might guess from the sleek bottle!

Size: UK 700ml // US 1.75L
ABV: 43%
Find here: UK £23.94 (usually more!) // US $26.99

Reyka Vodka

Reyka Vodka

This Icelandic wheat and barley vodka is distilled in the most Icelandic way you can imagine. It uses icy glacial spring water and geothermal heat from underground volcanoes, establishing its reputation as one of the world’s greenest vodkas when it launched in 2005. Full and rounded, with a clean but creamy vanilla note that plays against peppery spice and fresh citrus, Reyka would sit pretty in a martini or simply with tonic and ice.

Size: UK 700ml // US 1.75L
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £26.94 // US $35.99

Sapling Vodka

Sapling Vodka

... or to give it it’s full title, ‘Sapling Climate Positive Vodka’. For every bottle sold, a tree is planted. The unique code on the bottle tells you where and more about their planting project with the High Atlas Foundation. So it’s not just a pretty picture on the bottle, that’s what we like to hear! The vodka itself is distilled exclusively from British wheat, distilled four times over for a pure and naturally sweet taste. Detectable through this purity are gorgeous herbaceous and citrusy notes, so this would be amazing as a classic Vodka Lime soda. Climate positive and a tick from us on taste – cheers to that!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £26.94

Tito's Vodka

Tito's Vodka

Tito’s Vodka is as handmade as it first sounds. Tito who lives in in Austin Texas, uses old-fashioned pot stills and each small batch is meticulously taste tested and distilled six times to give a clean and pure vodka perfect for a luxury cocktail. Corn distillation imparts a touch of sweetness to the batches, so something like an Espresso Martini that would be top notch. The corn also means it’s gluten free by the way!

Size: UK 700ml // US 1L
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £27.85 // US $27.99

Cîroc Pineapple

 Cîroc Pineapple

Distilled five times from a base of frozen French grapes, Cîroc is pretty much as smooth as it gets. Whereas with some vodkas, smoothness is achieved at the sacrifice of character, that isn’t the case here, and that’s before the pineapple flavour is even introduced! This vibrant tropical twist tastes natural and of crushed pineapple, rather than flavouring. It would liven up a vodka lemonade and make a stellar gift for anyone who is a fan of the original Cîroc.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 37.5%
Find here: £29.95

FAIR. Quinoa Vodka

FAIR. Quinoa Vodka

This first vodka made from quinoa is organic and Fair Trade certified and created by French distillers and Bolivian farmers. FAIR has been around for over 13 years now, committed to true fairness because no drink is worth it if exploitation is involved anywhere in the long process from soil to bottle. On top of these values, this full but delicate vodka is minerally on the nose with a nice sweetness on the palate. The very subtle but pleasant oiliness creates an incredibly smooth mouthfeel, and we’ve heard this is going down brilliantly with vodka lovers so give it a try!

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £29.99 // US $34.79

The Best Vodka to Gift Under £40

Edwards 1902 Vodka

Edwards 1902 Vodka

The finest King Edward potatoes going into this premium English vodka lend themselves to a gorgeous minerally vodka with earthy depth. On the nose, on the other hand, there’s a fruity, chocolate aroma. For a spirit that only launched in 2020, it’s been heavily praised at all of the major international competitions and is 100% smooth and crisp enough to sip the night away. It would also luxuriate any cocktail though, so it’s up to you! So good!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £34.94

Broken Clock Vodka

Broken Clock

Hidgate’s Broken Clock is produced at one of England’s oldest distilleries in Cheshire, and the flavour suits this down to the ground as it’s infused with russet apples and garden botanicals from old Georgian recipes. This perfumed nose is met by a richly rounded palate in a vodka that oozes character and heritage. Try it in a martini with an olive for a very memorable drink.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £34.99

88 Vodka

88 Vodka

If you like 88 Gin then this award-winning vodka by the same folks is definitely worth a try. For those of you who are drawn to fruitier vodka, this is also for you. It showcases the citrus notes that can sometimes go missing in other expressions with a refreshing tartness, all whilst retaining a gentle creamy feel. Serve with your favourite citrus fruit of course!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40 %
Find here: £35.95 

The Muff Liquor Company Irish Potato Vodka

The Muff Liquor Company Irish Potato Vodka

A follow up to the success of Irish Potato Craft Gin, it’s The Muff Liquor Company’s Potato Vodka! Made with famous Irish potatoes, it’s distilled six times to create a delicately tuned vodka with a creamy taste and vanilla on the nose. There’s real character with it being based on the old recipes of Granda McClenaghan, but with pure and crisp modern distillation. Gorgeous vintage label too – sláinte!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 38%
Find here: £35.96

Tom of Finland Organic Vodka

Tom of Finland Organic Vodka

Let us introduce you to Tom of Finland, aka Touko Laaksonen, a gay icon who’s pioneering visual art had a momentous impact on gay culture in the latter half of the last century. His creations focusing on masculinity and homoeroticism influenced the world, with his work represented by the leather-clad moustached man on the standout bottle. The vodka itself is organically produced in small batches by Master Distiller Mika Mönkkönen at the second oldest family run company in all of Finland; Lignell & Piispanen. Distilled five times through traditional sheet filters, there is no burn whatsoever, just subtle rye spice from aroma to finish and silky smoothness all the way! This really is an absolutely delicious industry-acclaimed vodka with an amazing story, and the final cherry on top is that proceeds from every purchase go to the Tom of Finland Foundation!

Size: UK 500ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £35.99 // US $34.79

Chase Aged Marmalade Vodka

Chase Aged Marmalade Vodka

Here’s a really interesting vodka from England produced from 100 per cent estate-grown potatoes. It’s a beautifully bittersweet orange-flavoured vodka made with zesty thick-cut Seville marmalade that carries over into a long tangy finish. Definitely one to try for anyone who loves experimenting with fruity vodkas!

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £36.99 // US $29.99

G.H.Q. Vodka

G.H.Q. Vodka

Handcrafted at a secret location somewhere in the Scottish Highlands by unknown distillers using confidential recipes and Cairngorm water, G.H.Q present this glorious creamy vodka. Whoever’s handy work it is they’re clearly smashing it because this has been picked out for praise after praise. There’s a lovely balance of minerality and herbal elements, and noticeable hazelnut and honey in the mouth. Super relaxing to sip on, and it’d go well with Mediterranean tonic or ginger ale! This one won’t stay secret for long!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 41%
Find here: £37.95

The Best Luxury Vodka to Gift

X Muse

X Muse

This is a vodka with really amazing flavour, named after a sculpture at the Bonnington Estate which the co-creator Robert Wilson owns. We should clarify, this isn’t a flavoured vodka, it’s a vodka with flavour! X Muse is a barley vodka blending two different heritage varieties together with notes of both fresh and cooked fruits giving great complexity. There’s a standout silky texture with intoxicating viscosity, and delicate touches of ginger and nutmeg surface on the palate too for a sublime experience. An absolute treat for any vodka lover.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 41%
Find here: £55.74

Crystal Head Aurora Vodka

Crystal Head Aurora Vodka

Crystal Head has built itself a reputation as the world’s purest vodka, sourcing water from a natural aquifer that’s hidden on the extremely remote St John’s Newfoundland (the most Easter point in North America). The iconic skull design is created in celebration of the Aurora Borealis aka the Northern Lights and uses high-quality English wheat instead of the usual corn for a slightly spicier expression, with floral aromas and subtle anise. Filtered seven times before a final triple-filter through a cone of Herkimer diamonds, this is absolutely stunning as always and feels as special from the moment you lay your eyes on it to the moment you take your last sip.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £59.94 // US $57.99

If you want to kit out your home for the ultimate boozy Christmas, then check out our favourite luxury crackers this year, each filled with a variety of different delicious drinks!

Words by Calum Ecroyd

The Best Boozy Christmas Crackers You Need To Try This Christmas

The Best Boozy Christmas Crackers You Need To Try This Christmas

The fortune telling fish, miniature nail files and Dad jokes tumbling out of crackers on Christmas Day are enshrined in festive law and we wouldn’t have it any other way, but that’s not to say we can’t try for something a little more exciting, is it? 

These alcohol-filled crackers are perfect to spice things up a little on the big day, filled with whatever tipple takes your fancy! Whether it’s rum miniatures that pack a punch, create-your-own crackers, or cream liqueurs to get the Baileys open even earlier than usual, we’ve got it all covered and more!  

The Best Gin Christmas Crackers:

Fever-Tree Ultimate Gin & Tonic

Fever Tree Gin and Tonic Christmas Crackers

If you’re a gin lover and you haven’t heard of Fever-Tree then we don’t know where you’ve been. They are about as reliable as it gets when it comes to premium tonic varieties, and this cracker set matches four of them wonderfully. The Audemus Pink Pepper Gin with Elderflower Tonic in particular is delightful, but there isn’t a bad option in the box!

Find here: £34 Box of 4

Franklin & Sons Gin & Mixers

The Best Boozy Christmas Crackers You Need To Try This Christmas Franklin & Sons Gin & Mixers

Founded in Victorian London, Franklin & Sons are pioneers in the soft drinks space, using the best natural ingredients to churn out unique flavours and top-notch classics. Inside this beautiful box are six crackers with the same Christmas tree design, each containing an award-winning combo of gin and mixer. From classics like Rock Rose and Sipsmith Dry to newer innovations from Manchester Gin and Masons, this is a cracker pull you’d definitely want to win. 

Find here: £35 Box of 6

York Gin

The Best Boozy Christmas Crackers You Need To Try This Christmas York Gin

York Gin orchestrates its range of stunning gins around the history of the equally beautiful city of York. Their box of six contains one of each flavour, telling the story from the Roman foundations (Roman Fruit) to the Chocolate Orange flavour honouring the iconic Terry’s, whose factory was just a couple of miles from the York Gin distillery. A 100% renewably powered distillery, with a great concept and award-winning gin to back it up – not a bad thing to pull out of a cracker at all!

Find here: £60 Box of 6 (or £10 for 1)

The Best Mixed Spirit Christmas Crackers:

The Lakes Distillery

The Best Boozy Christmas Crackers You Need To Try This Christmas The Lakes Distillery mixed spirit

Each swanky cracker contains one premium 50ml miniature to experience the range of products the Lake District distillery has on offer. There’s a classic Lakes gin that doesn’t shy away from vibrant juniper, and a zesty pink grapefruit version too. As promised, this is a mixed set, but that mix is completely up to you. You can select whichever four from those two gins, or a fruity, gently smoky whisky, as well as a very alluring salted caramel vodka liqueur! Or you can have all four the same, but a surprise element when you’re opening is nice wouldn’t you agree?

Find here: £20 Box of 4

Lakeland Spirits Mix

The Best Boozy Christmas Crackers You Need To Try This Christmas Lakeland mixed spirit

You get the best of both worlds with these crackers. Not only are there miniatures of the UK’s most popular spirits in Bacardi, Baileys, Smirnoff, and Beefeater, but you also still get the terrible jokes and hats that come with your standard cracker...there’s no escaping them!

Find here: £39.99 Box of 6

The Best Beer Christmas Crackers:

Bier Company

The Best Boozy Christmas Crackers You Need To Try This Christmas Bier Company beer

These beefy crackers will need a real tug of war to break them open, and that’s because they contain not one but two premium craft beers each! Also included in these stylishly designed colourful crackers are the usual party hats, riddles and jokes we all know and love.

Find here: £39.95 Box of 5 (£12.95 for 2)

Black Sheep Brewery

The Best Boozy Christmas Crackers You Need To Try This Christmas Black Sheep Brewery beer

This Yorkshire brewery’s crackers are ideal for experimenting with a range of intriguing beers. You simply select how many of each you want from their list of nine. So, you could throw in two reliable Riggwelters, and then add on one Pineapple Milkshake IPA and a Monty Python’s Holy Grail Ale? You’ve got a really inviting selection with plenty of classic and unusual IPAs, Ales and Stouts, so it’s up to you – that’s the beauty of it!

Find here: £5.50 per cracker


The Best Whisky Christmas Crackers:

Drinks by the Dram

The Best Boozy Christmas Crackers You Need To Try This Christmas Drinks by the Dram whisky

This selection of six bowtied crackers arrives in a lovely box, each containing a 30ml wax-sealed mini dram from a curated selection of fine whisky producers. For example, there’s the award winning softly sweet Glengoyne 10-Year-Old, the rich and peaty palate of Smokehead, or the experimental World Whisky Blend, which has combined single malts, single grains, and bourbons of all kinds into one. It’s a nice selection that will please beginners and seasoned dram drinkers all the same!

Find here: £39.95 Box of 6

The Best Cream Liqueur Christmas Crackers:

Hotel Chocolat

The Best Boozy Christmas Crackers You Need To Try This Christmas Hotel Chocolat cream liqueur

Hotel Chocolat has put together 50ml bottles of, ‘Velvetised Creams’, with real chocolate, crisp vodka, and silky cream. These would be perfect to save for a Boxing Day boozy hot choc, or if you can’t wait (we don’t blame you), enjoy them as an after-dinner digestif. You can expect two original chocolates, two salted caramels, one mint, and an Espresso Martini version, all super decadent and definitely worth fighting over... or diplomatically swapping, whatever works. 

Find here: £24.95 Box of 6

Baileys

The Best Boozy Christmas Crackers You Need To Try This Christmas Baileys cream liqueur

Well, it’s a Christmas list so it was only a matter of time before Baileys showed up! These four colourful crackers complete the table, with two 50ml Irish Creams, a Coffee Liqueur, and an Orange Truffle flavour too. It’s the only cream liqueur to be awarded a World Spirits Medal every year since 2003 and when it’s so synonymous with Christmas, how can you not want it around? 

Find here: £14.99 Box of 4

Aldi Ballycastle 

The Best Boozy Christmas Crackers You Need To Try This Christmas ALDI Ballycastle cream liqueur

The quality that comes with some of Aldi’s own versions of much-loved products is no longer a secret, and in terms of value, these 50ml Ballycastle creams are hard to beat. Inside there’s the classic, Chocolate & Clementine, Espresso, and White Chocolate, which sounds like a gloriously indulgent selection to us, just what every Christmas feast demands. 

Find here: £7.99 Box of 4


The Best Rum Christmas Crackers:

Sly Dog Spiced

The Best Boozy Christmas Crackers You Need To Try This Christmas Sly Dog Spiced rum

Don’t worry rum lovers, because behind those ominous eyes is a Sly Dog miniature, filled with a Jamaican and Dominican rum blend and their secret recipe of spices. This is a sublime spiced rum with perfect balance, picking up Gold at the World Rum Awards in 2022. If you want something to crack open after the cracker itself that really hits the spot, then this is it. 

Find here: £30 Box of 4


The Best Cocktail Christmas Crackers:

Candy Cane Fizz & Berry and Bright Gin

The Best Boozy Christmas Crackers You Need To Try This Christmas Candy Cane Fizz & Berry and Bright Gin cocktail

Now this a box that screams luxury. The Cocktail Man in London has pulled together Chase GB Gin with his secret signature Sliqueur giving you everything you need to get started on that Christmas cocktail. You also get garnish, hats, jokes and don’t worry, there are very clear cocktail instructions because the last thing you need is another thing to get sorted on the big day. 

Find here: £59.95 Box of 4


The Best Vodka Christmas Crackers:

J.J Whitley 

The Best Boozy Christmas Crackers You Need To Try This Christmas J.J Whitley vodka

J.J Whitley has been making spirits for 260 Christmases now (since 1762 that is by the way, just in case our maths is off), so it’s no wonder that they’re still winning awards on a yearly basis. It’s lovely and fresh on the nose and unravels into a creamy and full-bodied delight... and that’s just their Artisanal original! You’ll also get to try Vanilla, Raspberry, Watermelon & Lime, Blood Orange, and finally Passion Fruit. Serve them as chilled as a Christmas Day and you’ll be sure to have a jolly one!

Find here: £15.99 Box of 6


The Best Wine Christmas Crackers:

Virgin Wines 

The Best Boozy Christmas Crackers You Need To Try This Christmas Virgin wines

You get more booze for your buck with these classy crackers, as each one reveals a 187ml bottle of fabulous wine. There’s Aussie Pinot Grigio, South African Chardonnay Viognier (which would be great with the Christmas dinner itself), Chilean Merlot, French Malbec, Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc and South African Cinsaut. Something for everyone

Find here: £35.99 Box of 6

Virgin Wines Prosecco

The Best Boozy Christmas Crackers You Need To Try This Christmas Virgin Prosecco

If Prosecco is more your thing, then Virgin still have you covered. Each cracker contains a 200ml Extra Dry Senti, an exquisitely crisp and fruity Prosecco with the perfect amount of fizz. Prosec-ho-ho! (Had to be done.)

Find here: £36.99 Box of 6


Create Your Own Christmas Crackers

Lakeland Fill-Your-Own

The Best Boozy Christmas Crackers You Need To Try This Christmas Lakeland Fill-Your-Own Christmas Cracker

Often the most memorable moments around Christmas time involve personalised gifts and decorations, that show you’ve gone the extra mile and thought about the people you’re with. That’s why Lakeland have created these fill-your-own crackers. They arrive with some festive embossing and minor decoration, but it’s down to you to personalise them and fill them with whatever you like! If you know someone loves a particular drink but it can’t be bought in a cracker, then what a pleasant surprise for them to find it!

Find here: £14.99 Box of 6

If you’re now ramping up Christmas preparations, then why not booze-up the advent calendar as well as the crackers? Who says they’re just for kids? We’ve compiled our Favourite Advent Calendars For 2022, each one with a tasty treat behind every door!

Words by Calum Ecroyd

Calum Ecroyd

8 CBD Drinks To Relax You Over Winter

8 CBD Drinks To Relax You Over Winter

Every year, more and more people are becoming familiar with CBD and at The Three Drinkers, we like to keep a particular eye on CBD infused drinks. There can be a lot of misconceptions about CBD so with the dark nights drawing in, what better time for us to give you the lowdown on what CBD is and which drinks you should try!

CBD is short for cannabidiol, a naturally occurring molecule that plants in the cannabis family produce. Now for people not familiar with it, the confusion can arise from the fact that tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is also in cannabis plants, and this is what produces the ‘high’ associated with marijuana.

CBD does not come with this ‘high’. Instead, it has shown to be beneficial for deep relaxation and stress relief, hence why you’ve seen it popping up all over the place over the last decade. So, if you want to combine a delicious drink with something to de-stress and pick you up from any winter blues, CBD drinks are well worth trying!

Gin

Cloud Gin

Cloud Gin

In many ways this is a classic gin, except nestled amongst the familiar juniper, coriander and blueberry botanicals is CBD. Masterminded by two brothers in Yorkshire, they chose to emphasise the similarities of CBD and alcohol in calming anxiety. And so, born in the overlap of that Venn diagram was Cloud Gin. It’s perfect for sipping the evening away after a stressful day and a beautiful bottle that’s worth keeping too!

Size: 700ml
ABV:
40%
CBD: 35mg
Find here: £39.95

Rum

Dead Man’s Fingers Hemp Rum

Dead Man’s Fingers Hemp Rum

With their eye for experimentation, it’s no surprise that Dead Man’s Fingers has its own CBD drink – the world’s first CBD hemp rum! It was awarded Gold at the Rum Masters in 2020, with praise for the herbal grassy notes, pine, coffee, and a warming spicy finish. Hemp contains CBD naturally, but this won’t be as strong in that department as some others on the list. Enjoy it with some ginger ale, or in an ‘Ernest Hempingway’ cocktail because why not!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
CBD: Minimal
Find here: £22

Vodka

Aqua Sativa Hazy Dry

Aqua Sativa Hazy Dry

Formerly known as Strangeways Spirits, Aqua Sativa is continuing its aim to become a pioneer of CBD drinks, and with the Best Alcoholic Beverage Award at the World CBD Awards in the bag, their vodka has to be a must try. Hand-crafted, distilled and bottled in Manchester, try it on the rocks with lemon and see what you think!

Size: 500ml
ABV:
40%
CBD: 20mg
Find here: £37.99

Beer/Cider

Cannabrew

Cannabrew

Back in 2019, Elliot Horner started exploring CBD to ease his aches and pains from rugby. He ended up merging that with his passion for craft beer and arrived at Cannabrew – one of the UK’s first CBD breweries. The CBD oil used is specifically made to work well with the range of beers and ciders, and what a range! Somerset Cloud cider, clean and crisp Soul lager and a citrusy Session IPA. They actually have even more, but we think these are a great place to start. Cannabrew is completely vegan, plastic free and even has a tree planting scheme, so it won’t just be the CBD giving you a feel good factor!

Size: 330ml
ABV: 4.5% (Cider 4%)
CBD: 15mg
Find here: £19.99 6x330ml

Bitters

OTO

Oto Bitters

OTO is a reliable and renowned name in the CBD world, with skincare, pure oil, and other products available, but it’s their bitters we’re interested in. It’s a blend of herbaceous botanicals that adds to your drink, from a few drops in your morning coffee, to a dash in a Friday night cocktail. Unlike the other drinks on this list, these are much stronger, so whilst it may be much pricier, only tiny amounts are needed to bring on the calmness.

Size: 75ml
ABV: 0%
CBD: 1350mg
Find here: £51.75

No Alcohol

Goodrays

Goodrays

Goodrays is one of the loudest voices educating people about the often-misunderstood CBD. These seltzer style cans are 100% vegan and sustainable, contain Vitamin D aka the sunshine vitamin (perfect for winter), natural flavouring and also hemp extract, which is shown to help with stress and inflammation. Goodrays has four flavours right now, but our top two are the Blood Orange & Grapefruit with its juicy tartness and their Passionfruit & Pomelo with its tropical sweetness.

Size: 250ml
ABV: 0%
CBD: 30mg
Find here: Blood Orange & Grapefruit: £6 4x250ml
Find here: Passionfruit & Pomelo: £6 4x250ml

Gibson’s Goodology Tea

Gibson’s Goodology Tea

Gibson’s Goodology cans are luxury CBD Teas, tailormade to help revitalise, refresh and re-balance. There are no artificial flavours or sweeteners, just five ingredients: tea, fruit puree, agave, lemon juice and CBD. If you’re tired of sugary sodas, caffeine crashes and alcoholic cocktails, then this natural tea is the opposite. They have three very inviting options currently; a nutty shisho tea with a sweet blueberry finish, a punchy passionfruit with earthy green tea, and a floral jasmine tea with tart rhubarb. Also, if you are still drinking alcohol, we reckon these would be great as a gin mixer so why not give it a whirl?!

Size: 250ml
ABV: 0%
CBD: 25mg
Find here: £14.99 3x250ml

EDI Spirited Euphoria

EDI Spirited Euphoria

The mysteriously named Endorphin Dealer Institute (EDI) has its own alcohol-free hemp spirit called, ‘Spirited Euphoria’, and it’s designed to trigger the enjoyment of alcohol without the downsides. It’s a dry, bittersweet, and subtly aromatic flavour and although it’s a non-specific spirit, it’s incredibly refreshing and enjoyable. There’s hemp, nootropics (cognitive enhancers) and adaptogens (stress reducers) all working together meaning that not only is there no hangover, but you also feel on top of your game. Sounds good to us! It’s perfect over ice with a little orange, or if you want a sweeter flavour pair it with some fruit juice.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 0%
CBD: 420mg
Find here: £40.10

If you’re more of a white than red kind of person, then we’ve got a list of our favourite white wines for under £10 here! And with the sleigh bells of Christmas ringing louder each day, there are some more great value reds perfect for Christmas here too. 

Words by Calum Ecroyd

Calum Ecroyd writer bio

The Best Drinks Advent Calendars for 2022

It's November and that means one thing… Christmas is a common feature on all the shelves with piles of baubles here and boxes of shimmering tinsel there. It also means that this year’s round of drinks advent calendars are being released! Woo-hoo!

The countdown to Christmas is on, and what better way to enjoy it than by opening a boozy treat each day? If you’re a bah humbug then it makes the countdown enjoyable, and if you’re already a Christmas convert then it makes it even better! They’re getting more and more creative every year with options a-plenty, and we’ve got something for everyone with our handy guide below!

For Fine Spirits drinkers:

The Whisky Exchange Spirits Advent Calendar

Welcome to the ultimate, luxurious treat for a lover of fine spirits. The Whisky Exchange have put together 24 minature bottles of whisky, rum, gin, amaro, calvados and more, all of which are exclusive bottlings, under-the-radar spirits or some of the biggest names in fine booze. Simply stunning and berautifully packaged.
Find here: £150

For Gin drinkers:

Fever-Tree Gin & Tonic Advent Calendar

Fever Tree Gin and Tonic Advent Calendar

Most gin drinkers will already be on drinking terms with Fever-Tree and their cracking selection of tonics. This year, their masters of mixology have paired them up with some of the UK’s best-known gin brands like Tanqueray and Hendrick’s, as well as some new kids on the block. Perfect dance partners like Ginger Ale and Ophir’s spicy gin wait behind each door so have fun finding and tasting the pairings as the month rolls on!

Find here: £60

The Premium Edition Gin Advent Calendar

With 24 wax-sealed 30ml samples of gin from around the world hand picked by experts, there’s something for everyone behind each door! From classics to new releases, Tarquin’s Figgy Pudding Gin to Bluecoat’s American Dry, this is a yuletide medley you won’t want to miss!

Find here: £99.95

 

For Rum drinkers:

Drinks by the Dram – Rum Advent Calendar

Drinks by the Dram Rum Advent Calendar

There’s something tantalising behind every door for the rum drinkers too, with this Drinks by the Dram calendar. Dark rum, white rum, golden rum, whatever you’ve wished for it’s in here. Try unusual delights like award-winning Discarded Banana Peel Rum and enjoy old familiars such as Plantation’s XO.

Find here: £149.95

For Tequila drinkers:

The Spirit Co – Arriba Tequila Advent Calendar

The Spirit Co Arriba Tequila

You will begin a 24-day long journey to enlightenment with this, and how many advent calendars can you say that about? Although they’re 30ml sized bottles, The Spirit Co’s 24 tequila picks are designed for you to taste and discover the subtleties of this Mexican icon. From fresh Blanco, to complex Añejo, you will understand tequila on a whole new level by the time the big day comes.

Find here: £124.95

For Vodka drinkers:

Drinks by the Dram – Vodka Advent Calendar

Drinks by the Dram Vodka Advent Calendar

Vodka is a spirit that can be found being dismissed by some as monotonous. Well, with a new year on the horizon, it’s time to change those misconceptions. These expertly curated tasters are a perfect opportunity to learn about how vodka can vary, and what you’re individually drawn to. Whether it’s drinking crisply smooth originals or subtle berry beauties, every day is a school day and school has never been so fun.

Find here: £99.95

 

For Whisky drinkers:

Whisky Explorers’ Edition Advent Calendar

whisky explorer.'s edition advent calendar

Winter whisky warms the soul perfectly over the festive season, and as you prize open each cardboard door, a new whisky awaits. From traditional Irish whiskeys to a new whisky that is actually designed by artificial intelligence(!!), this advent calendar is perfect for someone wanting to dip their toe into the wonderful world of whisky.

Find here: £99.95

Whisky Premium Edition Advent Calendar

Whisky Premium Edition Advent Calendar

If you’re already a card-carrying whisky explorer or know someone that is then this calendar is for those ready to take the step up. Every door is filled with a wax-sealed 30ml dram of top tier whisky, carefully selected by world-famous producers. Aged to perfection, this is a great way of eying up your favourite premium whisky without buying a whole bottle. Pricey sure, but if you can’t treat yourself or others at Christmas time when can you?

Find here: £249.95

 

For Wine drinkers:

Brixton Wine Club Canned Wine Advent Calendar

Brixton Wine Club Canned Wine Advent Calendar

This advent calendar is jam packed with Brixton Wine Club’s favourite canned wines from throughout the year, including limited editions and ones that have sold out so it’s a real treat. There are reds, whites, seltzers, bubbles and not only that, but we were happy to see so many up and coming British wines included too!

Find here: £125

Laithwaites Wine Advent Calendar

Laithwaites wine advent calendar

Every December day is made that bit better by a delicious quarter-bottle of wine waiting for you, isn’t it? All packaged up in a cosy Christmas market scene too, so it makes a wonderful festive addition to your home. We won’t spoil it for you but there also may or may not be a special treat on Christmas Eve too ;)

Find here: £69.99

 

For Cocktail drinkers:

NIO 12-day Advent Cocktail Box

This is the perfect advent for sharing because you can reveal cocktails two at a time over 12 days, so don’t worry you do still get your 24 drinks! And you even get a garnish too, so you can really indulge in the authentic cocktail experience. The calendar houses a very alluring cocktail hall of fame, with Negroni, Manhattan, Cosmo, Espresso Martini, and Daiquiri to name a few. There’s also sure to be some surprises for you too.

Find here: £115

For Beer drinkers:

Beavertown Craft Beer Advent Calendar

Beavertown Craft Beer Advent Calendar

Don’t worry beer guzzlers, there’s something for you to countdown to Christmas as well. Craft beer extraordinaries Beavertown have created a delightfully vibrant advent calendar this year, and a limited-edition version that includes a load of cool gifts too. 6 mini boxes are included so they’re perfect to pop in the fridge, meaning that the only surprise is which beer you get, not that it’s warm!

Find here: £58 / £68 (Limited Edition)

For Cider drinkers:

Lilley’s 2022 Advent Calendar

Lilley's Cider advent calendar

There are even cider advent calendars these days, and we love the interesting concoctions of Lilley’s. Pear flavoured Bee Sting had picked up plenty of awards for the Somerset company, and the same can be said for their Rhubarb flavour. Also, if you like sweet ciders, then let us tell you that the Mango is a must try. There are 24 full size bottles so it’s good value too, and you can go look up each interesting flavour... or keep it as a Christmas surprise! Scrumptious.

Find here: £66

If you’re still stuck for gift ideas or just fancy looking at what else is out there, check out our other drinking gift ideas and be sure to let us know if you’ve got your eyes on any advent calendars we’ve missed out here.

Words by Calum Ecroyd

Calum Ecroyd

Au Vodka – The Most Talked About Vodka in The World?

If you’re not on social media you might never come across Au Vodka, but since launching in 2016 they’ve been making huge waves in the vodka pool. Through TikTok fame, endorsements from the famous, ‘Gold Gang’ and on-trend innovations like colour changing vodka, they’ve become one of the most talked about premium vodka brands.

Now, if you turn your minds back to Secondary School chemistry, you might remember that Au is the chemical element for Gold. So, if you’ve seen their all striking all gold bottle (or the two gold Lamborghinis on their website), that will make sense. Welsh duo Charlie Morgan and Jackson Quinn thought up the brand in 2015, and over the last few years, it has exploded. By the way, if you follow football, you may know Charlie Morgan better as the ball boy who was infamously kicked by ex-Chelsea star Eden Hazard in 2013. So, it seems he has a knack for going viral, whatever the means!

Charlie gained some profile from this, and with rap DJ Charlie Sloth on board too, Au picked up the pace (ironic for a sloth). With his connections, he established The Gold Gang, an extensive list of well-known ambassadors including AJ Tracey, Big Narstie, Headie One and Tion Wayne to name a few.

Innovations like becoming the first colour changing vodka in the UK have kept Au on people’s lips in more ways than one. Their new Bubblegum flavour begins blue but add a little lemonade and you get a vibrant purple! Pretty cool and perfect for Halloween.

It’s not just the rappers, packaging and bubble gum bamboozling that’s getting attention either, it’s the vodka itself. It’s a 5 times distilled vodka, filtered through charcoal before being put through a high-pressure gold filter chamber! No expense is spared here.

If you want to taste ‘the gold standard’ of vodka and see why it’s getting so much online traction, it’s available for around the £30 mark here and in most supermarkets.

For those wanting to read more vodka news, make sure you check out The World’s Best Vodka in 2022 or if you fancy a martini tonight then The Best Value Vodkas for Martinis is a great place to head.