Perfect Canned Wines for Your DIY Advent Calendar

It’s been a joy to witness the journey that canned wine has gone on, from the early days where pretty much anything you picked up was disappointing, to now, with diverse varietals, solid as a rock stalwart wines, and even English producers.

They’re also some of the most gorgeous designs in all the drinks world, and being between 187ml-250ml, they’re a joy to open each day on the build up to Christmas. Why should kids have all the fun?

There are a few different ways you can make your own DIY advent calendars, such as this guide using wine boxes, and this using tubes, or just make your little advent bags. Alternatively, if you don’t fancy making your own, then we’ve assembled the best Boozy Advents for 2023 here!

We’ve got you covered for 12 of the 24 days below, all beautiful inside and out.

WHITE

Vinca Organic Bianco

Vinca pride themselves on environmentalism, using 73% recycled aluminium for their cans, and only sourcing wine that was made from organic grapes. They have a Sicilian Rosé, a juicy red and this Sicilian Catarratto white, and they’re all full of fresh fruit, with a crisp and clean feel. One to prove the can snobs wrong.

Size: 187ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £4

Hun Vegan Sauvignon Blanc

The branding my be minimalist but the wine inside packs a punch, providing easy drinking on the go South African Sav. For the money especially, there’s plenty of that tropical, juicy profile, refreshening salinity and balanced acidity.

Size: 250ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £3 (but often 2 for £4!)

Most Wanted Pinot Grigio Fizz

Most Wanted usually back up their name, and for around £2, a can of this bubbly Pinot goes down easy. It has a fairy neutral expression, with pleasant crispness and semi-aerated fizz. Don’t get us wrong, it isn’t going to blow your mind with its elegance or depth, but as a decent sipper or palate cleanser, it does the job.

Size: 200ml
ABV: 11.5%
Find here: £2.20

Canned Wine Viognier White

Gone are the days of simple reds and whites being the only canned wine options because there are now brands like Canned Wine Co. focusing on single varietal and carefully sourced wines shooting for quality and hitting the mark. They have a really exciting selection, but their Viognier is the star, with sunny peach, aromatic jasmine and soft buttery mouthfeel. Their cans are also some of the best looking out there.  

Size: 250ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £5.50

ROSE

Nice Pale Rosé

Nice have become a shelf stalwart since launching in 2019, building a reputation as one of the most reliable canned wine brands going. Malbec and Sauvignon Blanc are also offered, but it’s their Rosé where their light, natural fruits really shine. Ripe peach and sweet strawberries linger behind that rose petal colouring for a real Cote d’Azur drinking experience – and top notch value too.

Size: 187ml
ABV: 11%
Find here: £2.35

Djuce Bibich's Rosé

This Syrah Rosé catches the eye from the off and continues to raise eyebrows. It’s fully organic, from Croatia and if you go into it with an open mind and don’t expect Provence style Rosé, you’ll be in for a treat. It’s a real red berry explosion, with fine spritz bubbles, unusual woody spice, and plenty of rose petal and delicate orange peel. A little pricey but it would be a welcome change in a boozy advent calendar.

Size: 250ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £9.99

SPARKLING

Canvino Bianco

Another charming design and within is one of the best sparkling whites you can pick up in the supermarket. Like all of Canvino’s output, it’s from Lombardy and the Bianco is in the mould of a Prosecco, a blend of Chardonnay and Trebbiano grapes producing real zing and simplicity over a gentle fizz.

Size: 200ml
ABV: 10.5%
Find here: £2.50

The Uncommon English White Wine Spritzer

The Uncommon focus on the specialist wines of southern England, which just get better and better. Their entire range is beautiful inside and out and would make a lovely advent opening. This Bacchus and Chardonnay spritzer is light and fresh, blended with sparkling water and elderflower and cucumber botanicals.

Size: 250ml
ABV: 5.5%
Find here: £4 (usually more!)

RED

Château des Moriers Miss Vicky 'O Joie' Fleurie

From Château des Morier by wine innovator Anne-Victoire Monrozier comes this seductive canned Beaujolais cru with 100% Gamay grapes, showing just how far canned wines have come. The Pinot-esque cherry scents are so inviting, and juicy acidity follows with a mouthful of crunchy, vivid red fruits. Herbal and spicy notes round everything off deliciously.

Size: 250ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £4.95

Kiss of Wine Feisty Nebbiolo

Kiss of Wine are all about celebrating smaller, independent winemakers and packaging their wines in simple, charming ways. There’s the Smooth Loire Valley Chardonnay and the Zesty German Riesling to name two, but we adore their Feisty Nebbiolo because we never expected it in a canned wine – delicate, fruity acidity from Piedmont. You even get a pamphlet with your order all about the wine and producer. Check out their six varietals!

Size: 250ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £5.90

Copper Crew Merlot

Yet more aesthetically pleasing cans here from Copper Crew in South Africa. They offer a Provence Rosé, vibrant Sauvignon Blanc and a Chenin Blanc with a lot of zip, but their Merlot feels particularly luxurious for a can. It’s aged for 24 months in French oak to feel full and plush with red fruits.

Size: 250ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £4

Lubanzi Red Blend

Named after a mysterious dog who followed the two founders 100 miles across the South African coast, Lubanzi is inspired by this experience and South African wine. This Red Blend of Shiraz, Grenache and Mourvédre hits with spice and serious elegance for the money. And it’s all vegan, carbon neutral and Fairtrade certified too. And the design is gorgeous. The complete package.

Size: 250ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £3.65

If you’d rather order a ready-made calendar then we’ve assembled the best Boozy Advents for 2023 here!

Perfect Drinks to Keep You Warm on Guy Fawkes Night

Remember, remember the 5th of November, as a time to indulge in the cosiest, most soothing cocktails of the year. In front of a crackling bonfire, gazing up at fireworks or staying snug indoors these warming concoctions complete the evening to perfection. So, whether you’re into Baileys, Cider, Wine, Gin, or Whiskey, we’ve got the drink to elevate your Bonfire Night to the next level.

Baileys Hot Choc

You can kinda take this as far as you want regarding whipped cream, grated chocolate, coffee liqueurs and all sorts, but keeping it fairly simple works a treat. Of course, other Irish Creams are out there (check these), but for easy familiarity and reliable indulgence, Baileys with hot chocolate however you like it is classically idyllic in front of the bonfire. The Baileys is thick enough to make the hot choc with water, but as always, go with whatever you think is best!

Ingredients
60ml Irish cream liqueur
100ml hciderot chocolate
Whipped cream (optional)
Grated chocolate (optional)

Method
Knock up the hot choc separately and pour it gently over your Baileys. That’s literally it. Unless of course you want to go the whole hog with cream and grated chocolate and we wouldn’t blame you for that at all.

Cider Hot Toddy

The hearty world of hot cider is a wonderful Autumn accompaniment. Whisky is the obvious pairing, as with most Toddies, but try this one with spiced rum instead. Those winter spices of cinnamon and nutmeg come to life in as the cider warms, and mingling with the warm, caramel spice of the rum, you end up with an apple pie style drink that is about as soothing as it’s possible to imagine.

Ingredients
100ml cider (try Toffee Apple flavour for extra sweetness and nostalgia)
40ml spiced rum
Sprinkle of cinnamon/half a cinnamon stick
Sprinkle of nutmeg

Method
Very gently heat the cider in a pan and be careful to not boil, stirring continuously. Add your cinnamon stick and sprinkle of nutmeg, as well as your rum nearer the end. Pour into your mug or flask, cup your hands and enjoy.

Mulled Wine

Our favourite way to use leftover wine, mulled wine is a staple of the colder months and rightly so. Don’t make the mistake of going super cheap because even though we’re heating it through, you will notice. Go for big, bold wine that will carry strong flavour and smooth mouthfeel. We recommend fresh cranberries that will soften up when heating, but just add a nice textural and acidic crunch. Try and avoid just adding sugar when there’s so much natural fruity sweetness, instead, include plenty of cinnamon, Grand Marnier liqueur if you have it (brings rich fruity Cognac and orange), or honey. Delish.

Ingredients (for 6)
750ml bottle of Red Wine (Zinfandel, Primitivo, Grenache)
4 cloves
2 cinnamon sticks
1 quartered orange
1 star anise
Small handful of fresh cranberries
100ml Grand Marnier (optional)
2 tbsp honey (optional)

Method
Add your wine to the pan and very slowly begin heating through, always stirring as you add your spices and fruits. Do not let it get anywhere near boiling and add your Grand Marnier (if included) towards the end before turning off the heat and letting everything infuse for at least 30 mins. Then simply strain and serve!

Mulled Gin

For something deliciously different this Bonfire Night, how about Mulled Gin? Sure, it won’t quite be the delicate, chilled exploration of botanicals that gin drinkers are used to, but it more than makes up for that in other areas. Aromatic spices, sweet apple, and vibrant, fresh citrus all tease out different corners of the gin to make something beautifully rounded. Sweetness, richness, herbaceous notes, inviting fragrance and that soothing, comforting quality perfect for Autumn.

Ingredients (for 4)
200ml dry gin (bold character)
400ml good apple juice
½ lemon
1 bay leaf
1 clove
1 cardamom pod
½ cinnamon stick
2tsp honey
2 or 3 black peppercorns
2 or 3 juniper berries (optional)
Lemon slice (garnish)

Method
Remember, unlike other mulled concoctions, we’re not heating the gin here. Divide the gin into your glasses, and then combine everything else into a large pan, warming gently. Again, don’t let it boil and just as the first bubbles form, take it off the heat and allow it to cool for a minimum of 30 minutes. Pour and stir to combine with the gin and garnish with lemon.

Hot Toddy

The traditional Hot Toddy might just be the king of cozy cocktails. There are so many delicious variations, but we’re going for the original here. You find some recipes that are simple as water, whisky, and sugar, but we think that fresh lemon to slice through, a touch of honey for silky sweetness, and Autumn spices are a must. Balanced, dreamy sweetness that soothes the soul – ah!

Ingredients
40ml Whisky (Johnnie Walker Black Label works great)
120ml hot water
1 clove
2 tsp lemon juice
1 tbsp honey
1 small cinnamon stick
Lemon wheel (garnish)

Method
Nice and simple, you’ve just got to combine everything. Leave the water till last and just top up to the top with it, make sure everything is thoroughly mixed and infused and then taste. It’s easy to adjust if it isn’t spot on – just add more of what it’s missing!

Irish Coffee

Rich, warming, velvety smooth and full of indulgence, the Irish Coffee is a must for Guy Fawkes Night. The fundamentals are Irish whiskey, black coffee, and cream, usually with some sugar too, but like any classic, you can adjust it to your taste. We’ve got different recipes for more fruit, more spice, more peat etc. here, but you can’t go wrong with this original recipe to wake you up.

Ingredients
45ml quality Irish whiskey (like Powers or Teeling)
2 teaspoons brown sugar
120ml hot, fresh coffee
20ml double cream (can lightly whip)

Method
Preheat your glass and gradually add your chosen whiskey, syrup, and freshly brewed coffee. Once mixed nicely, pour your cream over the back of a spoon so it sits invitingly on top. Slainte!

If you want a bigger selection of whiskies that suit Irish Coffee down to the ground, have a look through these.

How To Make The Zombie Brain Shot for Halloween

It’s not often that you’ll find us recommending a drink that looks as revolting as this, but Halloween is a worthy exception. This fun concoction looks like anything but delicious, so it’s perfect for a gruesome gathering.

The secret here is in the peach schnapps and Baileys, the latter of which curdles when mixed with something slightly acidic. The grenadine syrup intensifies this effect by going in last and pulling the Baileys to the bottom, like a kind of lava lamp. When completed by the Crème de Menthe providing a mad scientist green hue, you’re left with a glass of zombie experiment gone wrong… and also something very tasty (but maybe keep your eyes shut).

Method
1.    Fill a double shot glass halfway with the schnapps.
2.    Add a splash of Creme de Menthe to get that green colouring going.
3.    Place a small spoon upside down over the shot glass and gently pour Baileys Irish Cream over the back. creating floating ‘brain’ clumps and adding texture.
4.    Add a few dashes of grenadine syrup from a few inches above the shot glass, aiming for bigger clumps of Baileys. Watch the magic happen as your "zombie brain" comes to life… back from the dead.

Supermarket Wine Bargains: Morrisons October/November 2023

In Supermarket Wine Bargains, we look at the latest discounted top-notch wines and today it’s Morrisons. Reds, Whites, Bubbles and Port, we’ve picked out the bottes that we love and with the discount, they’re absolute must tries, so waste no time in picking up the bottle that takes your fancy (they’re all under £10 too, except one amazing bottle of English fizz that’s still a top deal!).

*Updated: 27/10/2023*

Morrisons Red Wine Discounts October/November 2023

Roodeberg Black Dark Red Blend

Predominantly Pinotage, this South African red was born from the flames of an unfortunate winery fire. Undeterred, the Roodeberg team created this easy-drinking gem, packed with dark fruits and blackcurrant, as well as a delicious smoky oak note. It’s velvety and rich too, and for a tenner an absolute steal.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £10 (usually £12.50)

Dynamite Factory Shiraz

This is another South African red that, for a Shiraz, really punches with the fruits. With intense flavours of cherry, plum, and a dash of peppery spice, soft tannins and comforting character, this is tremendous value, particularly for a well-rounded mid-week option.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £8.50 (usually £10)

The Best Marques de los Rios Rioja Reserva

Made from hand-harvested Tempranillo grapes, this wine is aged for 30 months in oak barrels and then another 6 months in the bottle. It's a rich treasure chest filled with black fruit, hints of vanilla, a touch of spice and smoke, and all this flavour without being heavy or harsh in anyway too. And so smooth! There’s so much to love. Serve alongside a steak and it’s a dream.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £8 (usually £10)

Colpasso Nero D'Avola Appassimento

Everyone that tries this Sicilian Red seems to love it. The Nero d’Avola grapes are partially dried before the winemaking begins, resulting in intense flavour and serious punch. It’s as rich and soft as a luxury velvet robe, plush with cherry and plum, but also gentle wafts of smoke and cinnamon. There’s so much going on the for the money, and it easily outperforms wines double the price.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £9 (usually £10)

Cidade Branca Tinto

This trio of Portuguese grapes is a full-bodied wonder and trophy winner. Especially if you let it breathe for a few hours, the dense plum, blackberry and blackcurrant shine with pepper and pleasant acidity too. There’s an edge to it that’s very moreish. It’s screaming out to be paired with food – think strong cheese but also hearty stews. Charming label too.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £7 (usually £8.75)

Morrisons The Best Negroamaro

This Italian Negroamaro hits you from the off, with an up-front blackcurrant blast with cherries and plums following up. There are more complex and fuller-bodied wines sure, but for punchy fruit, flavour and balance, it’s wonderful for the money.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £8 (usually £8.50)

Morrisons White Wine Discounts October/November 2023

Cuba Azul Alvarinho

This Portuguese revelation makes the very most of the Albariño grape which drinkers cannot get enough of right now. The acidity is lively, the blossom florality is aromatic, and all with a lovely lightness carrying lemony, peach notes as well as pleasant salinity. Utterly refreshing.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £9 (usually £11)

Mud House Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc

Zesty, tropical, tangy, and majestically smooth, this is top notch expression of Marlborough Sauvignon. The overwhelming feeling is of instant crispness and complete refreshment, and it should be a reliable go-to with many dishes, particularly fish.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £9 (usually £10.50)

Morrisons Sparkling Wine Discounts October/November 2023

Martini Asti Sparkling Wine

Yes, it’s Martini but make no mistake this is a very different drink. Made in the uniquely Italian way with single fermentation, the 100% Moscato Bianco grapes are a joy. Light and lovely, melon, peach, green apple, and subtle brioche arrive in smooth and sweet waves, with refreshing effervescence and crisp acidity providing the perfect palate cleanser. Try with white choc and surprise yourself!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 7.5%
Find here: £7.50 (usually £8.50)

Morrisons The Best English Sparkling Brut Vintage 2010

This is a terrific representative for the progress English fizz has made and where it’s headed. 8 years of ageing gives so much depth – plenty of fine bubbles rivalling Champagne, intense biscuity notes, crisp orchard fruits, vibrant citrus and a finish stretching far off into the distance. With £8 off, this is the perfect time to give it a go.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11.5%
Find here: £19 (usually £27)

Morrisons Port Discounts October/November 2023

Cockburn's Special Reserve Port

Cockburn’s benchmark Port has been a comfort since its 1969 release, like a warm, fruity blanket. The rich tapestry of molasses, woody vanilla, prune, smooth caramel, and plum set the standard, with everything balancing out magically. A no brainer at £12.

Size: 1L
ABV: 20%
Find here: £12 (usually £19.50)

Taylor's Late Bottled Vintage Port

A mature and characterful deep ruby Port, Taylor’s Late Bottled Vintage is packed with blackberries and cherries that feel rich and robust from the six years aging. Notes of chocolate, baking spice and liquorice lurk beneath the surface invitingly too. A smooth ride, and the perfect way to end an Autumn evening.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 20%
Find here: £11 (usually £18)

Taylor's 10 Year Old Tawny

Taylor’s decade aged Tawny is also well worth a try, especially at this price. Mature prunes, plums and raisin combine with the charm of delicate woody notes, and the nuttiness has really come through too – tasty. Elegant, voluptuous and the aftertaste is to die for.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 15%
Find here: £19 (usually £25)

W.& J. Graham's Late Bottled Vintage Port

This isn’t as thick as some Ports, but it packs a hefty punch of intense blackberry and fresh plum. The barrel comes through with the oaky vanilla and dried fruits, and welcome touches of spice. Those sweeter elements are reigned in a little too, by the edge of dryness that settles everything down nicely.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 20%
Find here: £11 (usually £16.50)

Keep your eyes peeled if you do the weekly shop elsewhere, or if you’re too late for these offers, because we’re going to be out hunting all the latest bargains wherever you shop. Check out our Sainsbury’s offers here, updated regularly with the latest wine bargains.

Maestro Dobel Celebrates The Day of the Dead 2023

With 11 generations of tequila mastery behind them, Maestro Dobel has become one of Mexico’s fastest-growing high end tequila brands. They tend to put their all into the iconic Day of the Dead celebrations, and 2023 is no different as they celebrate the creative geniuses and rule breakers no longer with us… in our favourite way – cocktails.

To pay homage to innovators who really left their mark on the world, they asked people to vote for their favourites, throwing up names like Picasso, Warhol, and Coco Chanel. Then they focused on what makes cocktails special – the experience, partnering up with top astrophysicist Professor Charles Spence from Oxford University to elevate every aspect.

You can see what they’ve done and try these, ‘Celebrate Brilliance’ art cocktails at 45 Park Lane Hotel in London throughout the month of November, but you can also give them a go at home. Professor Spence has suggested some psychological tips and tricks that are proven to enhance the cocktail drinking experience, and you’d be surprised at how much of a difference they can make!

First, aesthetics and aroma (the ‘eat with your eyes’ phrase works with drinks too, and the first flavours arrive via the nose, so they have to be spot on). Secondly, despite what anti-Instagram folks might say, take pictures! Simply taking the snap helps you to recall the flavour experience, but it’s important that you put the phone away after because that hinders the tasting. Thirdly, stick some tunes on. More specifically, music that matches the profile of your drink – in this case some Mexican vibes. Next, make sure your surroundings are how you like them, with touches of class and elegance feeding into the sensations of the cocktail. Texture also plays a role, not just in the drink but with the table – silky tablecloth actually makes the drink feel smoother believe it or not. Lastly, and most importantly – drink in good company!

Below are a few of the cocktails from the Maestro Dobel Celebrate Brilliance collection and how to make them - Feliz Día de los Muertos!

Andy Warhol and the Campbell Soup - A classy twist on the Bloody Mary.

Ingredients:
40ml Maestro DOBEL Humito Tequila 
10ml Dry Sherry
30ml Carrot Juice
2/3 drops of Lemon Juice
Salt and Pepper

Method:
Pour all the ingredients in a shaker, including salt and pepper.
Shake for 10/15 seconds and double strain in a Nick & Nora Glass.
Garnish with Roquito peppers.

 Pablo Picasso - Inspired by innovative painting “Les Demoiselles d’Avignon”

Ingredients: 

40ml Maestro DOBEL Humito 
10ml Green Chartreus 
10ml Cointreau
15ml Lime Juice
Dash Agave Nectar

Method: 
Pour all the ingredients in a shaker and fill up with ice.
Shake for around 10/15 seconds and double strain in a rocks glass. 
Garnished with Preserved Lemon.

Coco Chanel  - Celebrating the fashion designer’s sweet/ sweet bitter personality.

Ingredients:
45ml Maestro DOBEL Diamante
10ml Dry Vermouth
10ml Grand Marnier
3d Chocolate Bitter

Method:
Pour all the ingredients into a glass and gently stir for 10/15 seconds.
Strain in a Nick & Nora Glass.
Garnished with Candied Orange.

What Does Pinotage Taste Like and What Should I Try?

What is Pinotage?

Pinotage crosses the Cinsaut and Pinot Noir grapes, the former of which was renamed Hermitage giving us the portmanteau Pinot-age. Despite an inconsistent reputation in the past, it’s absolutely flourishing now and is well and truly South Africa’s flagship grape, becoming a dream BBQ accompaniment.

What does Pinotage taste like?

The Pinotage grapes turned out to be extremely dark, creating bold wines high in tannin, with famously meaty, smoky, and rich profiles. The Pinotage of old was dismissed by some for being unrefined, and for good reason. Being such a good grower and so dense, its destiny was low-quality commercial wine and being stretched too thin. On top of that, it’s a volatile grape that when processed poorly, can go very wrong. Bad Pinotage is Bad Pinotage, put it that way.

However, if that’s what’s put you off in the past then give it another go, because Pinotage winemakers have got their act together since then and it’s come on leaps and bounds. There is now a host of delicious Pinotage bottles with that same inky density, as well as silky plum, blackberry, tobacco, and liquorice. Let’s explore some…

Which Pinotage should I try?

Tesco Finest South African Pinotage

Delicious, accessible, and modern red Pinotage that’s very much on the lighter and younger side of the grape. Think velvety bramble fruits and none of the burnt tar smoke from yesteryears. It’s a very drinkable midweek wine with your Italian dishes, and an easy way into bolder Pinotage.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £8.25

Kanonkop 'Kadette' Pinotage Rosé 2022/23, Stellenbosch

Perdeberg is the largest Pinotage block in the world, never mind just Stellenbosch, and that’s where this wine comes from. Given how robust Pinotage is, it’s innovative to make Rosé from it but the results are delicious. It’s vivid and refreshing, with aromatic summer berries and red apple, and goes to show how versatile this grape can be.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £14.99

Warwick Estate First Lady Pinotage 2020

An award-winning, highly praised Pinotage from Warwick brimming with dark cherries throughout, and backed up by dark chocolate, fine tannins, and a lovely oak spice to finish.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £11.95

Lanzerac Pinotage 2020

Masterfully put together Pinotage with underlying smoked oak and leather supporting smooth plum and butterscotch vanilla. It’s not as gamey as some Pinotage, and has wonderful complexity to explore on the lasting finish.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £13.99

Barista Pinotage 2021

The work of winemaking legend Bertus Fourie, this Pinotage, as hinted at by the name, draws on the coffee notes in the varietals. Joined by chocolate coated cherries on the nose, it unfolds presenting ripe blackberry and plum before an earthier tobacco on the finish. Incredible value and one for the fireplace we think.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £7.99

Mooiplaas Wine Estate, The Bean Coffee Pinotage 2020

Classic earthy, leather and smoke intertwining with lofty jammy, berries, softly integrated tannins, and mocha notes. Characterful and tasty to explore.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14.5%
Find here: £12.25

Check out our favourite Cabernet Sauvignon here, and our Pinot Noir guide here!

Downton Abbey’s Highclere Castle : First Gin, And Now…

If you know of Highclere Castle, then it’ll probably be the dramatic tales of Downton Abbey coming to mind, with aristocratic grandeur a plenty. However, this stunning estate, nestled in Hampshire, has now added a new chapter to its story – a fully operational vineyard.

And one that in October 2023, harvested it’s first batch of grapes from across the 2.5 acres. Owners Lord and Lady Carnarvon embarked on this winemaking venture in 2018 after discovering that the estate's "old wall garden" offered the perfect chalky soil for grape cultivation.

The two grape varieties planted were Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. While the Chardonnay faced a bit of a challenge due to heavy summer rains, Pinot Noir grapes emerged beautifully, and the family are looking to get bubbly, producing a sparkling rosé under the name, ‘Chateau Highclere’, which they hope to make thousands of bottles of.

This isn’t actually Highclere’s first foray into the drink’s world, because their wines, once ready, will sit alongside their Castle Gin in the shop. This gin has picked up a lot of praise, known for infusing botanicals grown on the estate, including vibrant oranges from the Victorian Orangery.

For more information about the Highclere Castle Gin, go here. And if you were already a fan of Downton Abbey and have been meaning to pay a visit to the real life Grantham’s, then you’ve not got even more of a reason!

6 Easy Halloween Drinks Recipes

No Halloween party is complete without drinks, and it’s not as much effort to make them a central part of the night as you might expect. With a few simple ingredients and ghoulish garnishes, you can make Halloween Drinks that look horrifying whilst tasting delicious.

Dark abyss’, evil lab potions, blended bodies, swamp juice and brain gloop are all to come, but first take a look at our easy-to-make Halloween Garnishes, and remember that extra special effects like LED ice cubes and dry ice will blow guests away too! Onto the elixirs...

THE BLACK WIDOW

Black cocktails are a must for Halloween, making an instant, creepy yet alluring impact on the eye. There are a few options, most involving Cola, but we think The Black Widow is the best. This sinister elixir is devilishly sweet, with blackcurrant liqueur, a sturdy vodka spine and the fizzing spice of ginger beer. The eerie black hue is courtesy of activated charcoal, creating a wickedly tempting abyss to stare into and sip!

Ingredients
30ml Crème de cassis
40ml vodka (black if you have it)
25ml ginger beer
0.5tsp activated charcoal (optional)
Black food colouring (optional)
Blackberries (garnish)

Method
For extra darkness, use black vodka if you have it, The same goes for black food colouring, but make sure you use the activate charcoal because that creates the darkest black. Ideally use all three! Shake everything, top up with ginger beer and skewer a blackberry to finish.

Jelly Brain

All the effort with this one is in buying the mould. You can find loads of brain moulds for Halloween in the shops, and all you’ve gotta do is fill it with your jelly mix (a pink/red colour mix) and mix in the vodka before setting. Once it’s done you’ve got a wobbling vodka jelly brain that you can plate up or drop into another horror cocktail.

Ingredients
Vodka (amount depends on volume)
Jelly mix
Brain mould

Method
Pour your vodka into your mix and stir thoroughly before leaving it to set. You might need to leave it more time than usual because of the vodka remember! For extra decoration, feel free to add some red syrup for extra brain gloop and extra horror points.

DEATH IN THE AFTERNOON

If you can get your hands on some green absinthe, then this is a super easy cocktail to pull together at the last minute. Mixed with the champagne, you get a sparkly, green evil lab vibe that looks incredible with dry ice if you have it.

Ingredients
40ml green absinthe
90ml Champagne
Dry ice (optional)

Method
Add your absinthe and then top up with Champagne for a luxurious experiment gone wrong. Complete the look with an eyeball garnish which you can find at the link above!

SWAMP JUICE SOUR

Any other time of year and the hue of Swamp Juice wouldn’t be one we’d recommend, but of course it’s perfect for Halloween. Whiskey and cider combined for not only gorgeous Autumnal richness, but also the perfect murky colour, while lemon juice jolts you to life. The perfect touch for that silky sliminess is the egg white and bam, you’ve made the best tasting swamp around.

Ingredients
45ml bourbon
45ml apple cider
Juice of 1 lemon
15ml syrup
1 tbsp egg white
0.5tsp of green food colouring (optional)

Method
This is a swamp so there’s no need to be delicate – just throw the lot into a cocktail shaker with some ice. Strain over the glass with more ice to finish and drink up! Each cider and whiskey have different colouring so if you want more a pungent green, use food colouring too.

BLOODY MARY

You’ve gotta have a Bloody Mary at a Halloween party. The shocking blood red is perfect, and you can go wild with garnishes from gouged out eyeballs, to severed finger celery sticks, to dripping blood. Also, if you like you can up the spice with extra Tabasco and spices for more fiery concoction.

Ingredients
35ml vodka
100ml tomato juice
1tsp Worcestershire sauce
Tabasco (to taste)
Juice of half a lime
Pinch of salt and pepper

Method
Shake everything with ice and pour into a glass and then comes to the fun bit – the gruesome garnishes for that blended body effect. Lychee eyeballs, dripping blood, fake fingers... go all out!

Pumpkin Martini

This one might not be as spooky, but no one can deny that any pumpkin drink deserves a place at the Halloween table. With robust vodka at the heart of it, this Martini is pumpkin pied up with sweet syrup, vanilla, cream, pumpkin spice and of course the crunch of biscuit. Bewitching!

Ingredients
50ml vodka
15ml cream
10ml syrup
2tbsp pumpkin puree
¼ tsp of pumpkin pie spice (optional)
¼ tsp of vanilla extract
Crushed biscuit (garnish)

Method
Grab a load of ice and shake everything until it feels cold to the touch. Before pouring, rub the rim with a light coating of maple syrup and add crushed biscuit around it. Finally, strain into your chilled Martini glass and enjoy the taste of Halloween’s most famous symbol.

A gruesome garnish really takes a Halloween cocktail to the next level, and we’ve got 8 here that work perfectly for the above drinks.