Your Perfect Wine and Cheese Pairing Guide

Cheese and wine are an iconic match for good reason, so if you’ve never got round to pairing them or just want some mouth-watering combinations to try, then what better time than Christmas time?

From fizz to reds to whites and sweeter wines, we’ve paired your favourites with delicious cheeses that bring the best out of both of them and serve as great ambassadors for what the fuss is all about. Let’s get stuck in.

SPARKLING WINES

Champagne

For a luxurious pairing, try pairing Champagne with Truffle Brie. Brie is deliciously fatty, which coats the mouth and the super-fine bubbles of the Champagne slice through and cleanse with their sharpness, setting you up for another bite of brie, and so the heavenly cycle continues. Flavour wise, the earthy, creamy richness of the truffle brie compliments the toasty, brioche notes of Champagne. Aged Comté would go deliciously too, playing up to Champagne’s buttery and nutty notes. Any good, biscuity Champagne with mature, lively acidity would work, like the one below.

Champagne Charles Heidsieck Brut Réserve - £55

Cava

For Cava, look to hard sheep milk cheeses like Manchego, or Berks well. You get the nutty characteristics from the aging, with a slightly granular texture, caramel notes, and a tang to the finish. Similarly, to Cava, the toasty, nutty and caramel flavours develop with age, so the two converge somewhat. The gentle sweetness in the cheese is a natural partner for sparkling wine. An aged Cava like below brings gorgeous pastry and pear flavours, with refined fizz and fresh acidity.

Bodegas Sumarroca Brut Reserva 2019/20 - £13.95

WHITE WINES

Chardonnay

For Chardonnay, look to alpine-style cheeses. However, be aware that unoaked Chardonnay is crisp, and lean, whereas oaked chardonnays are more associated with toasted or vanilla notes. Provenance matters too, as the grape is malleable. From cool-climate citrus and minerality, to hotter California ripeness and full-bodied fruit – this affects the pairings. Think Beaufort for unoaked/mildly oaked cool-climate Chardonnay, with smooth, creamy texture and distinct, earthy aromas. For warmer-climate, oaked Chardonnay, go big and bold. Think buttery, creamy alpine-style cheeses like Comté Vieux with full, nutty richness and fruits or Aged Gouda for its intense, nutty flavour and crumbly texture. The oaked Coonawarra Chardonnay below from Australia has great buttery complexity.

Hollick Bond Road Coonawarra Chardonnay - £16.99

Sauvignon Blanc

Alongside a glass of Sauvignon Blanc, look to goat’s cheeses with rich. Sauvignon, with its acidic, citrussy mineral-driven chisel, slices through the rich and gamey cheese perfectly. Their acidity match, creating a refreshing and invigorating feeling. You can look to the Loire Valley, famous for both Sauvignon Blanc and ash-coated aged Chévre, for a regional pairing of mineral, grassy notes, and for Selles sur Cher, a succulent and velvety cheese with nuts, citrus, salt, and a hint of sweetness – the Sauvignon will make those bright lemony flavours sing. Check out the fresh, well-balanced number below.

Cabriz Dao Sauvignon Blanc 2021 - £12.24

RED WINES

Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir notes are full of light, fruity notes that make it a versatile dance partner for delicately flavoured cheeses. The lighter the Pinot, the creamier and softer the cheese – so, Brie and Camembert for a dreamy red fruit punch that won’t overpower the subtlety of the cheese. Elegant, light and fruity, the Walat Pinot below is perfect. For Pinots with a bit more body, really good Premium Cheddar is fantastic, where the body is full of warm toasted nuts.

Walt Pinot Noir Pfalz - £11.99

Tempranillo

Like the Loire Valley with Sauvignon Blanc and goat’s cheese, Tempranillo and Idiazabal adhere to the old saying, ‘if it grows together, it goes together’. The full-bodied Tempranillo works a treat with the harder, grainy texture of the cheese, the high tannins contrast with the buttery flavour, and both are Spanish with savoury flavours and wafts of smoke.

ROSÉ

Pale French Rosé

Pungent cheeses can easily overpower a Rosé, but there is still enough tartness to cleanse the palate of flavoursome cheeses, and Rosé is actually a flexible pairing, particularly if the Rosé has acidity, dryness, and bubbles. Fresh, young cheeses like Feta, Mozzarella and Baby Swiss all nuzzle up to the berry notes nicely, and the wine can cut through and reset the palate. We recommend a pure, smooth Havarti though, because the flavours are mellow and delicate, and the steely minerality of Provence Rosé counters the soft cheesy texture wonderfully. Check out the zippy bittersweet fruits of the bottle below, which also brings a cool saline tang.

Barbebelle Rose Fleuri Coteaux d'Aix en Provence Rose 2022 - £8.95

SWEET WINE

Port

Port and Stilton is a bonified classic pairing, and for good reason. Port brings full body, sweetness, and rich boldness – so you need a cheese stinky enough to stand up to it. A salty Blue Stilton brings pungent complexity to pair with the sweetness. A Christmas classic. The sweet but complex Tawny below is perfect.

Noval 10 Year Old Tawny Port - £25.95

For more cheese and wine pairings and tips on how to get the most out of tasting them together, explore our in-depth tasting guide here.

8 Unique Bottles Perfect for Gifting

These uniquely striking bottles are beautiful inside and out and make the perfect Christmas gifts for lovers of rum, gin, vodka, and tequila. Sometimes, brands put everything into their gimmicky packaging and forget about the liquid inside, but these bottles raise eyebrows in the best way possible, delivering on the grand expectations they set once unwrapped.

Mauritius Dodo Gold Rum Dodo Bottle

The dodo has returned, and instead of it’s blue and grey plumage, it’s now full of golden rum from its home, Mauritius. This striking glass decanter is instantly memorable as a gift, filled with a sweet golden rum distilled from Mauritian molasses. Expect aromatic vanilla and notes of banana, berries, and pepper. Every dodo is handcrafted and unique, arriving in a charming fit box, and can be refilled with whatever spirit you choose, making this the gift that keeps on giving.

Size: 1L
ABV: 40%
Find here: £104.95

Stone Gaze Sour Berry Rum

This is a bottle that demands your gaze, so it’s a good thing it’s just a Medusa bottle and not the real thing, otherwise you would end up looking like the bottle itself. So many reviewers talk about buying this just for the bottle, and they all say how surprised they were at the delicious rum inside. It’s a symphony of berries like gooseberry and blackberry, and Caribbean white rum, giving great tang and tropical undertones. It has an almost gin style to the profile – interesting and extremely easy to drink.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 38%
Find here: £52.24

Engine Gin

Take your presents up a gear this year, with Engine Gin, house in a quirky fuel can that would look more at home in the garage than the drinks cabinet. It’s a distinctly Italian expression within, distilled at Torino Distillati, who also make Malfy by the way. It’s herbal, with crisp space and oily rosemary leaves, but lemon, liquorice and damask rose come through with a late overtake too. Floral, herby, bright and delicate – it’s a delicious surprise that you wouldn’t expect from the ‘bottle’ at all.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 42%
Find here: £27.50 (usually £33.50)

Sharish Blue Magic Gin

This vibrant Portuguese delight arrives in a lovely, curved bottle displaying a dazzling blue hue, courtesy of blue pea flower. Add tonic however and witness the alchemy as it becomes pink. And it really does. Beyond the spectacle, the gin itself is refreshing and smooth with classic botanicals and tasty raspberries and spice.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £35.99

Outerspace Vodka

Outerspace go beyond gimmicky packaging, they go to infinity and beyond in fact. Their vodka is distilled five times over from American corn and then filtered through actual ancient meteorites for a true taste of space. When pouring, you’ll discover that it is in fact clear, which might be a shock, bringing that clear, crisp, clean taste. There’s a slight minerality that keeps you on your toes too.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £29.99 (usually £32.99)

Crystal Head Aurora Vodka

Sourced from a natural aquifer hidden on the super remote St John’s Newfoundland, which is the most eastern point of the US, Crystal Head has a reputation for absolute purity. It’s filtered seven times before last of all, it goes through a triple-filter diamond cone. Premium English wheat creates an ever so slightly spicier expression than usual, with gentle anise coming through and floral aromas. The beautiful skull was designed with the Northern Lights in mind so it’s beautiful inside out.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £51.99 (usually £66.99)

SPHYNX Tequila - Extra Aged Añejo Black Oak Signature Decanter

Sphynx’s tequila range is pretty new, and every bottle looks spectacular. This is their oldest expression, the Extra Aged Añejo which has been aged in wine barrels, infusing the 100% agave tequila with luxurious depths of oaky vanilla and warming spice, creating a very special 100% caramelized roasted agave liquid.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £248

Kah Reposado Tequila

Kah’s Day of the Dead branding is an instant winner, and ever sip continues to celebrate that artistry. This is really one of those tequilas to give someone who thinks its just a spirit for shotting, delivering smooth, caramel laced spiced fruits, nutty vanilla, and peppery warmth on the finish. Beautiful inside and out.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £49.99

If you’re after more ideas for boozy presents, then check out our 12 secret santa recommendations here for some cheaper ideas that will still impress.

8 Traditional Christmas Drinks in the UK

Everyone has their own go-to tipples for the festive season, and often it’s just their favourite drink throughout the rest of the year… but there are some familiar faces that pop up every time.

And for good reason too, because they are comforting and delicious. They’re part of the furniture (especially towards the end of the evening when Nan’s had one too many), so it serves to know how to master them. We’ve got all the mulled classics, creamy indulgences, and fruity wine numbers you could wish for on your Christmas list, and this is how to impress friends and family with each one.

Baileys Hot Choc

This is a classic winter warmer, with Bailey’s being the drink most synonymous with Christmas. Ideally, it’s so easy to make too. Just add the Irish Cream to hot chocolate and away you go. Of course, whipped cream and some grated chocolate add that extra indulgence that is pretty much mandatory at Christmas time too. Other people add different creams, winter spices or coffee liqueurs though, so experiment. Enjoy those deliciously rich undertones of whiskey intertwining with the sweet hot chocolate hug and cloud like softness of whipped cream. Oh, and because of the Bailey’s cream, we’d recommend using water for the hot chocolate but it’s up to you of course.

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

Method

Make your hot chocolate in a separate mug and pour it gently over your Baileys. Squirt some whipped cream and grate some chocolate if you want to go the extra mile.

Hot Buttered Rum

This is one that gets the mouth watering from the title alone, a simple delight perfect for cosy vibes. Some people don’t include the baking spices, but especially if your rum lacks spice, we find that they build a handy bridge between the rich butter and the booze. It’s sweet, warm in temperature and spice, and full of comforting flavours.

Ingredients
100ml hot water
50ml dark rum
1 tsp cinnamon
1tsp nutmeg
1 tsp all spice
A dash of vanilla extract
1 tbsp unsalted, softened butter
2 tsp brown sugar

Method
Muddle and mix sugar, butter, vanilla extract and all those beautiful spices at the bottom of a handled glass or mug. Pour in the rum, then the hot water and give it a nice stir (with a cinnamon stick if you have them!.

Eggnog

Well, it doesn’t get much more wintery than Eggnog does it? Check out our Mocktail recipe here, although this is one is pretty much the same except the inclusion of brandy. We think brandy brings perfect fruity, richness but others go for bourbon or rum. Why not make a few? It’s so silky, sweet, and creamy, and with the warm punch of the brandy at the heart of it. Just writing about it makes you want one!

Ingredients (for 5)
120ml brandy
cinnamon stick
whipped cream (optional garnish)
grated nutmeg (optional garnish)
Eggnog:
1 tsp vanilla essence
3 eggs
120ml double cream
100ml whole milk
100ml condensed milk
50g caster sugar

Method
You make the eggnog separately, and there are lots of variations using different sugars/milks and creams, but love the luxurious flavour of the above. Whisk the eggs with vanilla essence and caster sugar until it goes creamy. The, gradually whisk in the milk, in 25ml intervals, and repeat this exactly the same for the condensed milk. Repeat with the cream too! Slow and gradual. Cover and refrigerate for over at least 2 hours. If you find that the mixture is too thick after cooling, add milk and blend. When you’re ready to serve to your lucky guests, pour the eggnog in first, before slowly adding the brandy serving and garnish as you please – grated nutmeg, whipped cream, cinnamon stick – all perfect.

Snowball

The clues in the name with this one, and it’s a great way to spruce up Advocaat for a festive libation. The richly flavoured creamy Advocaat binds everything together, with vibrant, zesty lime cutting through, lemonade adds a effervescent refreshment, and although a lot of people leave it out, the brandy adds a touch of opulent, fruity depth that roots the cocktail nicely. A glass of Christmas magic.

Ingredients
15ml lime cordial (Rose’s)
50ml Advocaat
40ml lemonade
15ml brandy
Maraschino cherry (optional garnish)

Method
Fill a glass with a large scoop of ice and add in your lime cordial (you could use juice, but cordial works better). Add Advocaat, then lemonade and stir gently until everything is chilled. Then add the cherry on the cake/cocktail!

British Christmas Punch

If you’re in one of those families that knocks up a Christmas Punch, then you’ll probably have your own recipes, whether that’s a ‘throw in anything we have’ philosophy, or a ‘refined through the generations’ masterpiece. There are endless directions you can take with this, but this recipe has warmth and spice from herbal liqueur, fresh rosemary, ginger syrup and cinnamon paired with bright fruit juices. People use red wine, white wine, sparkling wine or even no wine, but Prosecco or a crisp white work best here.

Ingredients (for a jug)
300ml cranberry juice
40ml ginger syrup
50ml herbal liqueur (Benedictine or Jägermeister)
750ml Prosecco/white wine
200ml apple juice
Sliced clementines
Sliced lemon
3-4 sprigs rosemary
2 cinnamon sticks
Fresh cranberries (optional garnish)

Method
Make sure everything is nicely chilled before use, and a few hours before you’re expecting to serve the punch, combine everything together in a punch bowl. There’s no need to be delicate, just add everything in and stir with a little ice. Give everything enough time to merge and infuse, and then serve! For the simple ginger syrup, go here.

Mulled Wine

The official smell of the Christmas market, mulled wine is an absolute staple of the winter months and many people’s all-time favourite Christmas drink. If we have one tip, it’s to dispel the myth that the cheapest wine is fine if you’re heating it through – you do notice the difference! Opt for a juicy, big, bold wine. Think Zinfandel, Grenache and Primitivo. You’ll get strong flavour and a silky-smooth mouthfeel. Avoid adding sugar in and include some fresh cranberries that beautifully soften when heated for added texture and a little acidic crunch.

Ingredients
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
Slowly pour the wine into a pan on a low heat, and begins stirring slowly as you add in your fruits and spices. It should never be boiling, and make sure to include the Grand Marnier towards the end (it’s optional, though we really recommend it). Let it all cool over 30 minutes whilst the flavours come together and it’s ready to go. Oh, and the honey is optional if it needs more sweetness – it’s better than sugar.

Mulled Cider

This is a delicious alternative to mulled wine and brings a hearty warmth to any festive occasion. The key here is, obviously, the cider so we would recommend trying it cold first and just making sure you like it before committing to the pan. This is for regular apple, but there are delicious, spiced ginger ciders and other seasonal flavours that would work a treat too. Here though, you’ve got hearty cider with the dry cider, rich apple with Calvados, and sweet apple with the juice, and they balance really nicely.

Ingredients
1L dry cider
100ml Calvados (brandy if not)
300ml apple juice
Orange slices
4 cloves
2 large cinnamon sticks
1tbsp all spice
50g sugar (optional)

Method
It’s similar to mulled wine really, just gently simmer and combine everything up to a simmer, at which point its gas right down to a very low heat for 20 more minutes before turning it off altogether. Let it cool and infuse before serving.

Bucks Fizz

A classic start to the Christmas morning, Bucks Fizz is nostalgic, fresh, and delicious. Cava, Prosecco, Crémant, and even Champagne – you can pick whichever poison to pair with your OJ. There is a load of nice, pre-made bottles (Sainsbury’s in particular), but as anyone who loves fresh OJ knows, the difference is substantial so if you want a work out, get squeezing those oranges.

Ingredients
50ml orange juice
100ml chilled sparkling wine

Method
It couldn’t be easier. Pour your orange juice into a glass, and slowly top up with your sparkling wine. Voila! Christmas has begun.

In terms of grown up coffee and hot chocolate recipes, we could be here all day and whist not all are traditional, they sure do hit the spot over the festivities so check out our Best Boozy Coffee and Hot Chocolate Recipes for more Christmas drinks ideas.

Supermarket Wine Bargains: Aldi Winter 2023

In Supermarket Wine Bargains, we go through the latest supermarket offerings and highlight any gems that are definitely worth picking up. These winter wine bottles aren’t necessarily on offer, but Aldi is such tremendous value for money that they’re still fantastic for the price. From juicy Italian reds to crisp Kiwi whites, the bottles below are absolute gems and will keep you merrily sipping all the way to Christmas, and mostly for under £10 too!

Aldi Red Wines Winter 2023

Castellore Primitivo

This is one of, if not the best Italian red for under a tenner at Aldi, with bold richness and concentrated flavours of dark berries. There is an earthy spice grounding it too, with a slight acidity cutting through and smooth, jammy finish. Top notch all rounder for midweek Italian dishes.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £6.29

Specially Selected Valpolicella Ripasso

This a loud wine for the price, boasting Ripasso structure and spicy intensity, with warm clove underpinning sweet cherry and a subtly nutty note to the finish. You get a generous amount of complexity and flavour without denting the wallet too much either.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £7.99

Specially Selected Amarone Della Valpolicella

This Venetian red costs a bit more but it’s worth it. You get all the stylistic hallmarks expected, with zippy acidity and rich, velvety mouthfeel. Toasty spicy oak sits underneath dark chocolatey cherries majestically for an exquisitely balanced wine you can explore all night.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14.5%
Find here: £16.99

Animus Douro Red

Animus Douro Red has been a reliable stalwart of Aldi’s core red range for a while, always shining with exceptional value for money. There are plenty of jammy red fruits and a splash of bright acidity keeping it fresh. Try it and find out why it’s so many customers’ go-to.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £6.49

Canyon Springs Californian Zinfandel

Simply superb Cali Zinfandel for the price. It doesn’t suffer from that overbearing sweetness some do, instead coming through with ripe blackcurrant and black cherry jam, a little oak, and dreamy vanilla notes. Dangerously drinkable.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £8.99

Specially Selected Kooliburra The Reprobates Red Wine

This is another red that just cannot be sniffed at for the money, this time from Australia. It’s packed with red berries that come through with great sweetness, and a smooth and silky mouthfeel with a touch of spice. Punchy with the alcohol too.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14.5%
Find here: £7.49

Aldi White Wines Winter 2023

Castellore Organic Pinot Grigio Delle Venezie

This is a classic Pinot Grigio expression with nice light dryness, sharp citrus and crisp green apple notes. You also get some delicate juicy peach through, and the £7 price tag makes it a complete must buy.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £6.99

Specially Selected New Zealand Pinot Gris

This is Aldi’s rock-solid introduction to Pinot Gris, hailing from New Zealand’s North Island. It’s utterly refreshing, with vivid grapefruit, ripe pears, and floral hints. It balances out with a welcome peppery warmth too. Like all the others, it’s very impressive for under £10 and would be delicious with salty seafood or pork.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £7.79

Specially Selected Austrian Grüner Veltliner

This is a nice representation of Austria’s flagship grape, carrying that trademark crisp freshness and minerality, all the way to the kick of spice at the end. Apple and pear come through, but the cool-climate is felt and this isn’t completely fruity, instead it has gentle florality and subtle grassy, celery notes. Easy to like.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £6.29 (usually more!)

Filos Estate Greek Chardonnay

This Greek Chardonnay takes the grape in a new and interesting direction. Think lively acidic lemon and lime, crunchy apples, and soft peach, and a clean, crispness throughout. The citrus bulking out the middle is particularly moreish, as is the slight creaminess.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £8.99

Specially Selected Muscadet Sèvre et Maine Sur Lie

Aldi do this lovely Loire Muscadet with upfront melon and zesty orange behind. The dry and light feel is typical of Muscadet, and the salinity and vanilla play off together nicely, settling out to be very well balanced indeed. Make it sing with seafood and you’re laughing.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £7.49

If you’ve got a different supermarket nearer to you, then check our website for our other Supermarket Bargains, like Waitrose’s November offers here.

The Best No-Lo Alternatives To Enjoy This Winter

Dry January isn’t far away, but alcohol-free drinking is increasingly becoming much more than a one-month experiment. More and more people, especially under the age of 30, are cutting down on booze, which means better alternatives every year.

It is still an emerging area however, and there are loads of underwhelming No-Lo alternatives out there charging a lot of money for something not far off water. Fear not, because we’ve been on a scouting mission and found the best alternatives for pretty much whatever drink you like. Let’s dive in!

The Best Rum Alternative

Caleño Dark & Spicy

Caleño is inspired by the vibrance of Colombia, distilling a tropical smorgasbord including pineapple, coconut, ginger, vanilla, and kola nut, which come through vividly. You get the rich deliciousness of dark spice and the brightness of the tropical fruits, with a surprising sweetness considering no sugar or sweetener is added. It’s not so much a direct swap for dark rum, but a super tasty versatile rum alternative, that can be paired with ginger ale for a spiced mix, or white rum mixes like piña colada.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 0%
Find here: £13

The Best Tequila Alternative

CleanCo Clean T

This is CleanCo’s take on blanco tequila, and beautiful it is too, inside, and out. The fresh agave aromas are instant, and the first seep reveals subtle melon and hints of olive, before the signature peppery finish. They even manage a little tingle on the tongue. Everyone that tries this seems to love the taste, so see for yourself what all the fuss is about.

Size: 500ml
ABV: <0.5%
Find here: £16

The Best Gin Alternative

Salcombe New London Light First Light Alcohol Free Spirit

Gin is probably the best candidate for no-lo alternatives because it’s all about the botanicals, and First Light might just be the best of the best. Free from alcohol but full of flavour, 15 hand-picked botanicals such as orange, sage and lemongrass join juniper, ginger and habanero for a versatile, supremely well-rounded blend. The juniper and citrus are clear and bright, the floral wafts are inviting, and there is a gorgeous warmth with the ginger and pepper, as well as grassy freshness. Such an all-rounder, and comes to life with a little tonic and orange garnish.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 0%
Find here: £24

The Best Non-Alcoholic Cocktails

Savyll Collection

Mocktails are more plentiful than spirit, wine, and beer alternatives so it can be hard to pick out the best, but we love Savyll. Not only is the packaging on point, but the flavours inside match that sophistication, bringing the special elegance a good cocktail should always have. This includes their refreshing Bellini, clean-cut Mojito, tangy Paloma, and easy-drinking Moscow Mule, which has a delicious fiery ginger kick.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 0%
Find here: £9.99 for 4

The Best Beer Alternative

Adnams Southwold Ghost Ship 0.5%

This Citrus Pale Ale, mirroring their 4.5% beer of the same name (aside from most of the booze of course) is a very impressive effort indeed. It gets rave reviews, loved for its light freshness, zest and distinct hoppiness. The grapefruit and blood orange shines too.

Size: 330ml
ABV: 0.5%
Find here: £3.70 for 4

The Best Wine Alternative

Wednesdays Domaine ‘Sanguine’ Red

Conveying the lighter bodied reds, this expression begins with de-alcoholised Tempranillio from La Mancha in Spain, which is artfully intertwined with the dark fruity depths of plum and blackcurrant. Bad no-lo wines suffer form a lack of intensity and complexity – this does not. Plus, you wake up feeling hydrated and refreshed – a win win,

Size: 750ml
ABV: 0.18%
Find here: £14

The Best Champagne Alternative

Oddbird Blanc de Blancs

Oddbird started in Sweden and have made a name for themselves across Scandinavia for their top of the range alcohol-free sparkling wines. This is made from 100% Chardonnay in Languedoc-Roussilon, picked young to capture vibrant freshness, before a year of aging in oak imparting nutty richness. The difficult part comes with keeping the signature elegance and intensity when removing the alcohol, but they manage it, and there’s a bounty of crunchy Granny Smiths as well as notes of almond croissants and a delicious minerality.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 0%
Find here: £11.99

The Best Sparkling Tea

Saicho

Tastefully designed, this is a delicate Jasmine sparkler (though they do Darjelling and Hojicha too). They’re fairly new, and have a great, distinctive tea flavour that some sparklers miss out. Jasmine blossom registers with the nose, as does the Fujian province green tea’s gentle floral aroma. There’s apple sherbet, vanilla, and lychee to be enjoyed too, and it’s honestly a very interesting and refreshing experience that won’t be like anything you’ve tried before.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 0%
Find here: £17.99

If you’re new to the bubbly world of sparkling teas, then here are some others well worth trying!

How To Make Simple Homemade Cocktail Syrups

A simple syrup is an essential skill in mixology, sweetening chilled drinks easily and balancing out any bitterness, but not all drinkers seem keen on making and using them for some reason. They really take so many cocktails to that next level, and it’s so much cheaper than buying them.

They’re really, really simple to make, and the great thing is, you can easily experiment with extra ingredients to create flavoured syrups. You’ll probably have some of the ingredients already in your kitchen!  These are our best simple, easy-to-make cocktail syrups to elevate your cocktail game.

How long do homemade simple syrups last?

Once cooled, store your syrup in a sealable and sterilized glass bottled and refrigerate to slow the growth of bacteria. It is fine to keep at room temperature, especially if you’re using it imminently, but it won’t last quite as long.

In the fridge, a syrup should remain in perfect condition for 1-2 months, slowly degrading after that, though it may still be useable for longer. However, we recommend freezing it into large ice cube trays so you can pop them out in ready-to-go portions (recipes will usually call for 10ml-25ml of syrup). Also, this way it lasts forever. Well, not literally forever, but a hell of a long time. If you start seeing fuzzy sediment and bubbles, and of course if it smells, it’s going or gone off.

How long do homemade flavoured syrups last?

Generally, follow the same guidance as above. Get it in the freezer, and if not the fridge. When flavoured with fruits, herbs, and other ingredients, they will go off quicker, however. A refrigerated homemade flavoured syrup should be used within 2 weeks, but again, way, way more when frozen.

Simple syrup

Daiquiri, Mojito, Tom Collins and loads more, a simple sugar syrup is essential for balancing some of the world’s top cocktails. The mix is easy to remember too because it’s 1 part sugar to 1 part water. You pour both into a saucepan (making however much you want, but always in equal measures), and heat over a medium-low heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves and you can see through the mixture. Once the first simmers start, remove from heat, cover and cool completely. White sugar is most popular, but experiment with Demerara sugar for cocktails like the Old Fashioned.

Vanilla Syrup

Useful not just in cocktails like Espresso Martini, White Russian and Pornstar Martini, this can also be used to make Vanilla Latté at home. You can make it with vanilla pods, but extract works absolutely fine and is much easier. You simply follow the simple syrup recipe and add in your vanilla whilst it’s cooling. For 250ml of water, use ½ tbsp of vanilla extract.

Cinnamon Syrup

This beautiful autumnal sweetener smells absolutely divine. Knock up the simple syrup, and as you take it off the heat from the simmer, add in 2 decent sized cinnamon sticks (for 250ml) and let them infuse for at least 15 minutes. Keep stirring. It’s perfect for Apple Cider cocktails and of course, a Cinnamon Twist.

Winter Spice Syrup

Delicious in a Winter Spice Old Fashioned and Dark and Stormy, you can add in whatever you like with this spice mix. This is one where we would say brown sugar works better for that caramel feel. Make the simple syrup with that, and whilst it’s still simmering, stir in 1 tsp of cinnamon (or 1 small cinnamon stick), 1tsp of ground ginger, 2 cloves, ½tsp of ground nutmeg and a 2 cardamom pods. Once all the spices are added, take off the heat pretty much straight away and let them cool for at least 15 minutes. Strain out any solid spices and bottle!

Mint Syrup

From Mojitos to Juleps to Minty White Russians, the mint syrup brings a gorgeous, natural, fresh sweetness to cocktails. If you’re tired of muddling mint against sugar granules and trying to mix it into a chilled drink, then use a mint syrup instead. You can use peppermint extract, but the freshness comes from real mint. For 250ml water, simply add in 5 mint sprigs (about 50 leaves) to your cooling but still hot simple syrup and let it steep for 15 minutes (more for more intense flavour), before removing the leaves.

Cranberry Syrup

This method goes for strawberries and raspberries too. Heat a 1:1 ratio of berries to water in a pan until they gently simmer, and the berries break up. Sieve this, so you have your berry-flavoured water and heat this with the sugar until the two have combined like the simple syrup recipe. You can use a coffee filter for a clearer, completely smooth syrup if you wish. It’s perfect for a wintery Cranberry Mojito, or Pomegranate and Cranberry Punch.

Ginger Syrup

Tougher ingredients like ginger need something a bit different. Peel and chop into small pieces, and blend with boiling water and sugar in a 1:1:1 ratio e.g., 250g ginger, 250ml water, 250g sugar. Then pour the mix in a pan and take the heat up to a simmer, before straining, cooling, and bottling. It’s perfect to bring sweet spice to cold-season cocktails like Ginger Toddy and the Moscow Mule.

Jalapeño Syrup

Jalapeños crop up in more and more cocktail recipes, releasing spicy, fresh flavour into Spicy Margaritas and Spicy Gimlets. To make this kicking syrup, wash and slice two fresh jalapeños (for 250ml), taking out any seeds for milder spice levels. Create your simple syrup and stir in your peppers as soon as you take the heat off. Let them sit for 30 minutes for a good level of spice. The peppers should turn from a brighter green to a khaki colour. Once cooled, strain into your container and refrigerate.

Bitters are another cocktail elevating ingredient that are said to be the ‘salt and pepper’ of the cocktail world – check them out here!

The Best Boozy Coffee and Hot Chocolate Recipes

Is there anything better than a steaming hot drink when it’s cold outside? Well, maybe – booze! These grown up coffee, hot chocolate and tea cocktails are deliciously comforting, but also pack a punch, be that with Baileys, whisky, rum or whatever! Decadent, indulgent and utterly soothing – treat yourself to one of the beautiful recipes below.

Baileys Hot Choc

This is a classic, and of course you don’t have to use Baileys (find alternatives here), but it’s a winter favourite that lots of you will have in the cupboards. This recipe keeps it fairly simple because there’s already a lot of delicious flavours going on, but try including different creams, cinnamon, and/or coffee liqueurs if you fancy going all out. Rich whiskey undertones, a sweet hot chocolate hug and the soft texture of whipped cream – nom. We’d recommend making the hot choc with water but if you want it even thicker, then try a half and a half mix, or all milk – it’s up to you of course.

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

Method
Make your hot chocolate separately (try it so it’s just right) and pour it gently over your Baileys. That really is it, unless you top up with whipped cream and some grated chocolate for a special touch… which we always recommend.

Irish Coffee

One of the most indulgent and delightfully rich winter warmers, Irish Coffee is pretty much mandatory at this time of year. It’s so warming and velvety smooth, and if you’ve never clicked with it then try out all these subtle variations here. The fundamentals don’t change too much from Irish whiskey, black coffee, and cream, usually with some sugar too, but like any simple classic, adjust it to your preference. This original recipe is the one we recommend for waking you up and soothing the soul.

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 a little, and slowly add your favourite whiskey, sugar, and coffee. Once combined nicely, pour your cream over the back of a spoon (a valuable skill to learn), making an inviting and luxurious cream top. Slainte!

Hot Scotch Tea

At its essence, this is a Hot Toddy tea remix. In fact, some Hot Toddies are actually made with tea. For so many people, tea is the most comforting and familiar drink there is, so combining that with this sweet and warming tonic to battle the cold weather is magical. Combining different teas and whiskies for this is great fun, but regular English Breakfast, Earl Grey, Rooibos works a treat. Also, if you’re into Japanese whisky then try using that with green tea – it’s big over there as a chilled drink, but would work hot too.

Ingredients
1 clove
1 cinnamon stick
½ lemon juiced
1/2 tbsp honey
100ml-150ml tea
40ml Whisky
Lemon twist (garnish)

Method
Add your tea first, and then mix in the whisky, lemon juice and honey until it’s completely disappeared – it needs a good stir. Chuck in the clove and the cinnamon if you like it and let them infuse. There are no hard rules, so just add more whisky (oomph), or more lemon (less sweet), or more honey if needed (more sweet).

Spanish Coffee

Carajilo, popular in Spain and Mexico, is the combination of fresh coffee, sugar and liqueur or spirits, and this showy variation on it, more popular stateside, is delicious. Brandy is common, but dark rum is gorgeous, bringing together a rich, caramelly flavour that pairs with the orange liqueur, coffee liqueur and coffee for a dessert style hot cocktail with intense flavour and kick. It can also be set alight if you wish! (see the method below).

Ingredients
25ml dark rum
35ml coffee liqueur (Kahlua)
25ml Triple Sec or Grand Marnier
90ml strong coffee
Whipped cream (or 25ml heavy cream)
Granulated sugar (for rim)
Orange/lemon wedge (garnish)

Method
Rub the lemon or orange wedge around the rim of your glass and roll it in sugar (make sure it’s super fine and shake off any excess bits). Now, once you’ve poured in your rum and orange liqueur, you have a choice. You can dazzle guests and set them alight, thereby caramelizing the sugar rim before extinguishing it with the coffee liqueur. Or, you can just add the coffee liqueur and do without the flames. Depends how brave you’re feeling! Top up with hot coffee and float the cream using the back of a spoon.

Vert Chaud

The Vert Chaud, or Chaud Vert, is a classic après ski drink popular in the French Alps, and no wonder because not everyone has chartreuse lying around. But, even though is a bit pricey it’s adored by so many, and here the powerful, herbaceous, peppery notes and fresh palate combine gloriously with hot chocolate. The minty flavours in particular come out with the heat, creating a mint-chocolate paradise.

Ingredients
40ml green chartreuse
120ml hot chocolate
Whipped cream (optional garnish)

Method
Super simple pouring of both into a handled glass or mug, stirring to combine. The whipped cream tempers the intensity of the chartreuse nicely and puts a cap on the boozy aroma for the first sip, but it’s up to you as always.

Hot ‘n’ Minty White Russian

This warm twist on the classic offsets silky sweet white-hot chocolate against hearty vodka, rich espresso and distinctly, a cooling, flavoursome peppermint syrup. It’s thick and full-bodied, with that lush chocolate and lively espresso, packs a vodka punch, and the peppermint touches the lighter side of the palate.

Ingredients
25ml vodka
25ml espresso shot
80ml white hot chocolate
15ml peppermint syrup
Whipped cream (optional garnish)

Method
You could combine everything in a saucepan so it’s nice and hot, but if the espresso and white-hot chocolate are nice and hot, then simply combining and pouring in vodka and peppermint syrup should come out at a drinkable temp. Whipped cream if you like to finish!

It’s easy to look at something like peppermint syrup and think that it needs buying or is complicated, but syrups are actually some of the easiest things to make and can completely elevate your cocktails. For more syrup recipes, go here!

Supermarket Wine Bargains: Waitrose November 2023

In Supermarket Wine Bargains, we scout the latest supermarket gems that we love, and list them when they’re on offer – simple. You can find the Waitrose bargains below, but you can check out Morrisons and Sainsburys too. Every single pick is a wine that is great value even at its regular price, so with the discount they’re absolute must tries… and they’re pretty much all under £10 too!

*Updated: 13/11/2023*

Waitrose Red Wine Discounts November 2023

Terre di Faiano Primitivo Organico Puglia

A rich blackcurrant aroma welcomes you into this delicious, organic, full-bodied Italian red, with a mellow softness to a palate that’s bursting with dark fruits and berries. There’s a rounded touch of oaky vanilla and chocolate too. Perfect for sharing with friends over pizza or pasta.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £8.99 (usually £10.99)

Montidori Sangiovese

This is so good that we recommended it as a secret santa gift. The partially dried grapes deliver a captivating richness and superb intensity of flavour for the money, and the touches of soft spice and subtle dryness are welcome additions. Dark berries galore.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £8.99 (usually £10.00)

Little Giant Barossa Shiraz

Don’t tell Waitrose but this wine should really cost more than it does, especially with this discount. Plush with dark fruits and spice before an alluring smooth finish, it’s the ‘giant’ body of this Shiraz that keeps you coming back. The Christmas pudding note is perfect for festivities too.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14.5%
Find here: £9.99 (usually £12.99)

ColleMassari Montecucco Rosso Riserva DOC

With £6 off, there’s no better time to try this memorable Italian red. The warmth of Sangiovese with the structure of Cab, it’s punchy with raspberry and blackcurrant, and a year in oak brings through a marzipan, vanilla richness.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £9.99 (usually £15.99)

American Gothic Lodi Zinfandel

Adorned with the iconic American Gothic painting, this California Zinfandel hits with rich and robust flavours – think ripe plums and smooth blackberries. Smooth everything in fact. It’s wonderfully easy drinking with oaky tobacco notes for added depth.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £8.99 (usually £9.99)

Waitrose White Wine Discounts November 2023

Zenato Villa Flora Lugana Veneto

From the beautiful shores of Lake Garda comes this Italian white with Turbiana grapes. Known for their acidity, that certainly shines through with vivid citrus and lofty stone fruits. Intriguingly, there are earth undertones and floral notes, making a smooth, fresh, and delicious wine with a growing reputation.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £10.99 (usually £12.99)

Seifried Estate Sauvignon Blanc

What an offer this is for a really high-quality Sauvignon Blanc. There’s so much elegance and crunchy acidity for under £10, with that delicious mineral tang too. The nose is curiously herby, before opening up into grapefruit and tropical citrus flavours and an almost creamy mouthfeel. Beautifully balanced.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £9.99 (usually £14.99)

Yealands Reserve Sauvignon Blanc

A real crowd-pleaser of a Marlborough Sauvignon, we highlighted this when it was on offer at Sainsbury’s, and now it’s Waitrose’s turn. The famously biodiverse Awatere Valley is the home of this tropical expression, carrying vibrant acidity and tastefully put together minerality. For the money, it’s superbly rounded.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £8.99 (usually £11.99)

Springfield Estate Special Cuvée Sauvignon Blanc

The feeling of instant crispness and zingy refreshment is bold with this one, and it would really sing alongside fish dishes. It’s light and low intervention, so becomes a characterful expression and although the acidity is intense, there is lots to love with vegetal, stone notes as well as lofty tropical flavours.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £9.99 (usually £14.99)

Pinot Gris Urmeer Löss

The story of this wine begins a long, long time ago, when the Urmeer sea covered the Rhinehessen region of Germany. When this dried up, it left mineral rich soil with a whole host of benefits, which with the dry climate contributes to top notch wines. Zingy pear, razor citrus, delicate florality and a eyebrow raising light freshness that is crying out for spicy food like Thai.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £7.49 (usually £9.49)

Waitrose Rosé Wine Discounts November 2023

Champteloup Rosé d'Anjou Loire

The key to all Rosé is the sweetness balance, and this perfects that (depending slightly on your personal preference of course). The freshness of flavour is preserved, with strawberry, cherry and melon jostling for position and drinkable lightness that’s a dream.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11%
Find here: £7.99 (usually £8.99)

Le Grand Ballon Sélection Touraine Rose

Reliable, pale Loire Rosé with tonnes of fresh fruit and a moreish lightness finishing with a dry and defined finish that brings the crispness. If you’re fond of more acidic leaning Rosé, then you’ll love it.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £8.99 (usually £10.99)

La Cerisa Rosa Pinot Grigio Rosé

A lovely price for a lovely Rosé, La Cerisa Rosa from just south of Milan has that inviting coral colouring and delicate fragrance you want, followed by a dry, crisp profile with gentle berries and a smooth lightness. There’s a decent whack of an acidity too.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £7.49 (usually £8.99)

We keep our eyes peeled on the supermarkets for the best wines and let you know when they’re put on sale. If you’re a Waitrose shopper, then keep coming back here for updates! Morrisons? Go here. Sainsbury’s? Go here.