Elevate Your Dry January Experience with These 8 Alcohol Free Wines

More and more drinkers are doing Dry January, and the alternatives out there are better than they have ever been. Having said that, there are still plenty of No-Low drinks that will fool you into thinking they’re all just as dreary and nothing-y as that one was – particularly when it comes to wine.

Nonetheless, just as there are many underwhelming wines, there are some absolute gems at the other end of the spectrum. These wines are not in the business of compromise. And for well under £10, they’re also incredible value. In fact, they’re appealing enough to make Dry January a breeze.

The Best Non-Alcohol Rosé Wine

Not Guilty Alcohol Free Rosé Wine

This fun bottle doesn’t make the cardinal sin of being too sweet, which is something that seems to ruin some alcohol-free Rosés. There are subtle red berry flavours, tartness, and an alluring lightness that makes for relaxed easy drinking. It really is wonderful value for the runner up at the 2023 World Alcohol-Free Awards.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 0%
Find here: £4.50 (usually more!)

The Best Non-Alcohol Sparkling Rosé Wine

Oddbird Sparkling Rosé

If you’ve been into No-Lo wines for a while, then chances are you’ve heard of Oddbird. Their reputation for quality really does precede them, and they’re also making great strides towards sustainability. Their fizzing Rosé displays superb balance, blended from Chardonnay and aged Languedoc-Roussillon Pinot Noir. Gorgeous strawberries come through with lots of freshness, and the dry tang makes sure all that fruity sweetness doesn’t go overboard. If you’re missing Rosé over Dry Jan, then this is a must try.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 0%
Find here: £9.99

Kylie Minogue Sparkling Rosé Alcohol Free

This pink beauty is another hit for Kylie, delivering a harmonious balance of florality and juicy red fruits that linger longer than you’d expect. The fizz is gentle but lively and overall, it feels like really well made, light and refreshing Rosé. Great value too.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 0%
Find here: £6 (£4.50 Clubcard Price)

Thomson & Scott Skinny Noughty Organic Alcohol Free Sparkling Rosé

The entire Noughty range focuses on skipping over not only those unnatural inclusions, but also unnecessary sugars, meaning each glass has so few calories and feels clean. The grapes from southern Spain and give a seriously seductive shade of pink. The bubbles are there, the balance of acidity and sweetness is there, and the red berries share the lead role with the juicy grape flavour itself.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 0%
Find here: £9.50

The Best Non-Alcohol Sparkling Wine

McGuigan Zero Sparkling

As one of the biggest names in Australian wine, McGuigan have a robust choice in their Zero range these days. Thanks to their state-of-the-art tech, they’re able to remove all the alcohol from these bottles at lower temperatures than usual, retaining even more of the winey goodness. This fizz has an appealing dry bite, with sweetness comparable to Prosecco. Orchard fruits come through with a hit of a refreshment too. For pennies, it is tremendous.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 0%
Find here: £3£3.5050 (usually more!)

Freixenet 0.0 Alcohol Free Sparkling

Freixenet’s fizzy offering retains the character of the wine, avoiding the cloying sweetness that so many rivals fall prey to. The fruity nose is very welcoming, yet the first sip is surprisingly dry. It’s not going to blow you away with a myriad of different flavours and depth, but there is a reason so many return to this as their No-Lo sparkler – it’s reliable, quaffable and fools a lot of people into thinking it has booze in it.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 0%                    
Find here: £4.75

La Gioiosa Alcohol Free Vegan Sparkling

This lovely looking Italian No-Lo fizz knocks it out the park for around a fiver. Think fine bubbles, and signature Giera accents of pear, peach and apple, alongside lovely floral notes. Fruity, easy-drinking wine that we’d recommend serving chilled for added refreshment. Solid.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 0%
Find here: £4.99

Vintense Fine White Bubbles

Vintense take things in an elegant direction here, capturing the special feel and sophistication of the sparkling wine experience. A fruity bouquet is accompanied by subtle lemon and sun-kissed peach on the palate. This would be delicious with fish, shellfish, oysters and salads too – very food-friendly.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 0%
Find here: £8.78

Something you might not have considered as an alternative to wine is sparkling teas. They’re flourishing right now, so give something new a go!

One Drink, Three Ways: Cutty Sark Prohibition Whisky

One Drink, Three Ways is the signature feature by The Three Drinkers. Join us as we take one bottle and create a trio of phenomenal serves that you can enjoy anytime, anywhere. From rums and whiskies to gins and wine styles, we help you get the most out of your glass. It’s time to get liquid on lips.

Cutty Sark is an iconic whisky, from the stand-out yellow label (which was actually a printing error that’s stuck), to its Prohibition roots. Dreamt up in London in the 20s, it captured hearts over the Atlantic where speakeasy cocktails thrived and once it actually became legal, its popularity sky rocketed.

Cutty Sark Prohibition Edition was released in 2013 as an ode to these origins, and Captain Bill McCoy (AKA The Real McCoy), who shipped it nearly a century before. It’s a small batch blend of the finest single malts and quality grain whiskies, using carefully chosen American Sherry oak casks. At 50%, it packs a bigger punch than the original, with the signature vanilla and spice coming through as well as crushed nuts, dark chocolate and caramel, before a stunningly smooth finish.

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Pear Cooler

Ingredients:
50ml Cutty Sark Prohibition
20ml fresh lemon juice
20ml ginger syrup
1tsp honey
ginger ale
pear slices

The Prohibition Pear Cooler marries the whisky spice with beautiful ginger syrup for sweetness, and ginger ale for refreshment. Silky honey brings its own aromatic sweetness and texture, and the lemon cuts through nicely before a hit of fresh pear. Method: Muddle the pear, lemon, honey and ginger syrup, and add in your Prohibition. Strain it well (that’s important), before topping up with ginger ale, and a leftover pear slice. Cheers!

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The Rob Roy

Ingredients:
50ml Cutty Sark Prohibition
20ml sweet vermouth
dash of orange bitters
orange peel

Prohibition absolutely makes this 19th century classic sing. Malty, smooth, fantastically sweet and with just a little spice on the finish, this whiskey is ideal. Method: Famously simple, all you need to do is shake everything and pour into your cocktail glass, over large ice cubes. A little garnish of orange peel and you’re sorted.

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The Godfather

Ingredients:
40ml Cutty Sark Prohibiton
20ml amaretto liqueur
ice

This one is perfect for winter, really bringing out those nutty notes with sweet, luxurious almond flavoured amaretto. Everything is so silky it’s heaven. The sweetness is perfectly poised, and it feels indulgent yet sophisticated. Method: Add some big ice cubes into a glass, and pour in, first your Prohibition, and then the amaretto of your choice (Disaronno is hard to beat). Stir gently, and enjoy.

Like this? Check our our other One Drink, Three Ways pieces here

What is Plaimont and Which Bottles Should I Try?

What And Where Is Plaimont?

Plaimont is one of France’s most highly regarded cooperatives, occupying vineyards with rich terroir from Gascony to the Pyrénées foothills. It was founded back in the 1970s by Andre Dubosc, and since then it has changed the viticultural landscape of the region, reigniting its past as one of the countries’ most prized winemaking areas. It’s taken old, abandoned vines, revived them to excellence, and is now releasing plenty of great value wines… many of which can be found in your local supermarket. Cheers to that.

Why Is Plaimont Important?

Well, firstly they represent a staggering amount of wine in the South-West. 98% of the Saint Mont appellation, with red, white, and rosé all produced, as well as over half of the Madiran and AOC Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh appellations, and a third of the Cotes-de-Gascogne.

Plaimont is all about preserving indigenous varietals and therefore maintaining their distinct Pyrénéan identity. They also, however, fully embrace the evolution of wine and an expansive range of grapes that are popular worldwide – your Cabernet Sauvignon and your Merlot.

They’ve come so far by taking an unparalleled interest and care for the terroir. The number of vines HEV certified (High Environment Value) has grown and grown, and they are well on their way to full certification. The same goes for organic wine, with a mission to reduce the use of chemicals in winemaking.

They also take pride in their ampelographic research (basically everything to do with identifying, naming, and classifying grape varieties). For decades, ampelographers have been painstakingly analysing Plaimont’s land, discovering a rich history and a total collection of 37 varieties, 12 of which are unique and previously unknown. The heritage is so significant, it even has its own ‘living library’. These varieties have been carefully monitored and developed, like the Manseng Noir, of which just a single vine was found. Now, it is grown across several hectares. Research is fundamental to what Plaimont do, and they have regular meetings with industry leading experts to keep ploughing forward and deliver more for this exciting region.

What Is Wine From Plaimont Like?

Saint Mont

This is Plaimont’s key appellation for its research, and home to the first Historical Monument vineyard. It covers an area along the Adour River equidistant between the Atlantic and the Pyrénées that has been home to wine since medieval times. It’s a diverse area from East to West, producing full-bodied elegant reds, fresh, mineral leaning whites, and lively rosés, with varied grapes such as Merlot, Petit Courbu, Tannat and Pinenc.

Cotes de Gascogne

Once upon a time, this area was dedicated to Armagnac brandy. That was until Plaimont discovered the potential of the French Colombard grape over in America, sparking a revival in the region as they set about optimising this varietal. As a result, it’s now grown here displaying diversity not normally associated with the grape, alongside Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Gros Maseng – covering a wide spectrum of dry and sweet wines.

Pacherenc Du Vic-Bilh

This translates roughly to ‘wine from vines on stilts in the Old Land’ and was the area most in need of Plaimont’s help after being essentially abandoned in the 70s. Nowadays, vineyards stretch out over the rolling hills, with warm days and cold nights making late harvest possible… meaning tremendous sweetness. Age-old varieties dominate her, like Petit Mansang (floral and fruity), Gros Manseng (vigorous and lively), Petit Courbu (aromatic and lush), and Arrufiac (characterful and elegant).

Madiran

Nearest to the Pyrénées mountains, this is perhaps the most varied terroir. From high altitude Nappede Maucor with rounded sweetness, to gravelly sunrise facing slopes, to clay-limestone slopes bringing vibrancy, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet France and the indigenous Tannat thrive here.

Which Plaimont Wines Should I Try?

ASDA Extra Special Côtes de Gascogne

Grown in the cooling Atlantic breeze, Colombard, Sauvignon Blanc and Gros Manseng combine for a beautifully crisp and dry wine, with bright lemon citrus and fantastically fresh fruits.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11.5%
Find here: £7.25

Pujalet Cotes de Gascogne

This is a great party wine with moreish zest and crispness from Colombard and Ugni Blanc grapes. Exotic grapefruit and guava keep each other company, and there’s surprising flavour considering the low ABV.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 10.5%
Find here: £7.49 

Elia Côtes De Gascogne

Again, bringing the aromatic Colombard grape to life, this vibrant white is reminiscent of great New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, with tropical hints supporting refreshing orchard fruits and citrus, and a floral grassy note. Wonderfully light and fresh.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 9%
Find here: £8.50 (currently £7 on offer)

Plaimont Côtes De Gascogne Colombard Sauvignon Blanc

We featured this in our Supermarket Wine Bargains Sainsbury’s guide in October, because it packs a hell of a punch for the price. The sunny slopes of Côtes De Gascogne deliver a perfect easy-drinking Sauvignon Blanc with plenty of surgical acidity to cut through mid-week meals. The Colombard softens it nicely, resulting in a vividly refreshing wine indeed.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11.5%
Find here: £9

Plaimont Saint Mont Grande Cuvee

The end product of the historically rare grapes of the Sant Mont vineyard, Gros Manseng, Petit Courbu and Arrufiac are selected from some of the cooler vineyards to make an invitingly floral wine, opening up with a citrussy, stone-fruit palate. Tangy acidity races through it, as does subtle creaminess from 5 months ageing on lees.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11.5%
Find here: £9.50

If you want to learn more about French wine in general, then we’ve put together a Beginner’s Guide!

Celebrate The New Year in Style With These Champagne Cocktails

Yes, there are alternatives, and yes, it’s more expensive than other sparklers, but Champagne will always be the ultimate glass of elegance and celebration. It’s a classic way to ring in the new year, and such a big day requires the special feeling that cocktails bring to an occasion, so why not combine the two?

Champagne is perfect for keeping cocktails light and refreshing, as well as bringing a bit of fruity crispness to robust mixes. Start the year as you mean to go on with these memorable Champagne cocktails.

Kir Royale

This wonderful cocktail goes back to 19th century France and makes full use of the gorgeous blackcurrant liqueur Crème de Cassis. Elegant bubbly bite with silky, juicy sweetness – simple but delicious. Also, it pairs perfectly with berry and meringue desserts like Eton mess and pavlova if you’re having a New Year feast.

Ingredients
1 tbsp crème de cassis
Champagne
Blackberry or raspberry (optional garnish)

 Method
Crème de cassis first, poured into a Champagne flute before topping up with Champagne. A blackberry or raspberry tops it up nicely, and if it’s frozen you can use it to chill the cocktail too.

Black Velvet

These two might seem like a slightly odd match at first, but it’s actually a cocktail steeped in history. As the legend has it, a London steward was inspired to come up with it following the nation’s mourning of Prince Albert in 1861. The crisp Champagne takes the robust heaviness away from the Guiness, and you get a fruit dipped in dark chocolate kind of profile. Rich, lively and interesting to try if you never have before.

Ingredients
100ml Guinness
100ml Champagne

Method
Two ingredients with equal measures, how’s that for simple? Go for Champagne first, and then pour the Guinness in over the back of a spoon for some lovely layering.

Champagne Bowler

This wine heavy classic dates back to the 30s and brings a splash of summer to the New Year celebrations. The foundation of three grapes compliments the fresh, natural flavour of those sweet strawberries, and the result feels clean and crisp, with a hint of richness.

Ingredients
3 chopped strawberries
20ml brandy (preferably Cognac)
30ml dry white wine (like Chardonnay)
60ml champagne
Dash of syrup (optional)

Method
Muddle your chopped strawberries in a shaker, and add the brandy, white wine, a little ice and shake well. Unusually, we don’t recommend straining here because we want all that strawberry goodness and flavour, so just top up with Champagne and toast to the warmer weather ahead.

Poinsettia

This is essentially a cranberry mimosa, and it’s delicious. The ruby red hue and rosemary garnish keep the festive theme, and the flavours are citrusy, tart and refreshing. The orange liqueur gives a little weight and sweetness, the cranberry juice gives that bittersweet fruit, and of course, the fizz is there with its fine bubbles to lighten the mood. It just works so well.

Ingredients
25ml orange liqueur
50ml cranberry juice
75ml champagne
1 rosemary sprig to garnish

Method
Chill everything beforehand for this one, it makes all the difference. Pour the orange liqueur and cranberry juice into a chilled glass, and very gently top up with champagne before finishing with a rosemary sprig for aesthetics and faint whiff of herby goodness.

Classic Champagne Cocktail

This old-school classic is what started it all, and though it’s as simple as a cocktail can get, it is definitely worth including if you’re looking to retain all the star power and complexity of your champagne. The Angostura-soaked sugar cube gives a little sweet spice to liven up a straight serving of fizz.

 Ingredients
1 sugar cube
4 dashes of Angostura bitters
200ml champagne
Lemon or orange slice to garnish

Method
Drop the sugar into the bottom of the flute and soak for a few minutes with Angostura. Then top up with Champagne and finally, garnish with a little citrus. Simple excellence.

Champagne Punch

Something slightly different here, because if you’re seeing in the New Year with a big group, then a punch is always handy. It’s quite an extravagant way to use champagne, but if you can’t do that at New Years then when can you? Like any punch, there aren’t many hard and fast rules, but we think this run down works a treat. The fresh lemon, lime, and citrus cut through nicely, there’s plenty of crisp wine, fruity sweetness and gentle warmth from Cognac and ginger.

 Ingredients (for 8)
1 bottle of champagne
250ml grapefruit juice
200ml ginger ale
200ml dry white wine
100ml orange liqueur
100ml pineapple juice
1 sliced lemon
1 sliced lime
1 sliced orange
40ml Cognac/brandy
70ml simple syrup
Handful of mint leaves
Handful of cranberries
Ice

Method
The only important thing here is to leave the Champagne till last. We want to retain all those bubbles, so combine everything else and chill for an hour (at least). When guests arrive, pour in the bubbly, and make sure it’s drunk first so the effervescence hasn’t faded.

If these have caught your eye, then you just need one thing... that all important Champagne. Let’s be honest, if you’re mixing it then there’s no need to splash out on a super expensive bottle, and there are plenty of fantastic Champagnes at in the mid-range area that are perfect for cocktails. Take a look here!

Umeshu: Your ABC Guide to Japan’s ‘other’ drinks jewel

When we think of alcoholic, Japanese drinks, sake often takes centre stage but there's another, less obvious drinky gem that deserves the spotlight: Umeshu. This sweet elixir, made from plump ume fruit, sugar and alcohol, has been a beloved part of Japanese culture for centuries. Here’s a simple, beginner’s guide to this traditional, Eastern tipple with some styles you should try from the iconic Japanese Umeshu producer, Choya.

What is ume fruit?

Ume is often translated as a Japanese plum or Japanese apricot. It's actually neither but it is very closely related to both. Ume fruit is typically small, round and green when unripe, turning yellow or reddish as it ripens. It has a unique flavour that combines tartness, sweetness and a slight floral aroma, making it a distinctive and much-loved ingredient in Japanese cuisine.

Umeshu, also known as plum wine, is the name of the alcoholic drink made with ume; a tradition that dates back to the Nara period (710-794 AD), when ume trees were first introduced to the country.

How is Umeshu made?

The basic process of making Umeshu is relatively simple, but it does require patience: Ume fruit is steeped in alcohol and sugar before being aged. Over time, the flavours meld and mature, creating a sweet, fruity and slightly tart alcoholic drink.

The Ume fruit is pricked, then layered with sugar in a large glass jar or bottle before alcohol is poured in, covering the ume fruit completely. The alcohol (often shochu but sake and brandy can be used) extracts flavours from the fruit but also acts as a preservative. The container is then sealed tightly to ensure no exposure to air, before being left to age for several months to a year or more, depending on the desired flavour profile and complexity. When the Umeshu has reached the desired flavour and colour, it is strained to remove the fruit solids. The liquid is then bottled and stored for further ageing or immediate consumption.

About Choya

Nestled in the heart of Japan's Osaka Prefecture and established in 1914, Choya has emerged as a revered and global leader in the world of Umeshu plum liqueurs. Their extensive range caters to a spectrum of palates, from the classic to the innovative and their dedication to sustainability, along with their emphasis on craftsmanship and attention to detail, have earned them a well-deserved reputation as one of Japan's finest Umeshu producers.

Styles of Choya Umeshu to try

Umeshu is far from a one-size-fits-all drink. There are various styles and flavours to explore, each with a unique character, Sip these straight, over ice or in simple cocktails. It’s a whole new drinks world to explore!

Classic Umeshu

Try: Choya Single Year Umeshu, £19.99 from Drinksupermarket.com

A traditional style of Umeshu made from a blend of three batches and aged for up to two years. Sweet, very tart but beautifully balanced with natural plum essence. Great alone or to add zing to cocktails.

Honey Umeshu

Try: The Choya Royal Honey Umeshu, £34.99 from Master of Malt

For those who prefer a touch of sweetness, honey Umeshu is a delightful choice. It combines the natural sweetness of honey with the fruity notes of ume, resulting in a balanced and luscious flavour.

Shiso Umeshu

Try: The Choya Extra Shiso, £27.99 from Amazon

Shiso leaves, also known as perilla leaves, add an earthy, herby and slightly spicy kick to Umeshu, which complements the sweet and tangy ume fruit beautifully.

Extra Years Umeshu

The Choya Extra Years Umeshu, £26.99 from  Drinksupermarket.com

Complex and sweet, this Umeshu is matured for longer than usual, giving it complex aromas and flavours of plum, dried apricot and gentle spice.

Simple Umeshu Cocktails

Umeshu makes a fantastic base for highballs and more complex cocktails. Try an Umehsu spritz with a splash of soda water or replace the whisky with the Choya honey Umeshu for a delicious hot toddy with cinnamon and lemon juice. It could even make a great old fashioned or Martini. Here’s a tried and tested recipe:

The Choya Martini

Ingredients

15ml Choya Extra Years Umeshu
45ml London Dry Gin
30ml Lillet Rose or Blanc
1 dash bitters
1 dash absinthe

Method

Chill a martini glass or coup. Combine all the wet ingredients into a mixing glass over ice and stir for thirty seconds. Strain and pour into the Martini glass then serve. Garnish with a cherry.

Kanpai!

The Best Sparkling Wines for New Years, Whatever Your Budget

New Years is the biggest celebration of them all, and sparkling wine is the drink most synonymous with celebrating, so getting the right bottle in is of the utmost importance.

There are hefty price tags floating around in the world of bubbles, so you want to be sure that you’re getting great value and not buying an overpriced bottle. We’ve been investigating Champagne, English Fizz, Prosecco, and Cava to find three different options for each, whatever your budget is. These bottles all give one hell of a bang for their buck and deliver a better drinking experience of bottles twice the price. So, without further ado... let’s pop the cork on the best sparkling wines for New Years!

The Best Champagne to Drink At New Year

Veuve Monsigny Champagne Brut

This is a fantastic value Champagne in the dry style that’s available at Aldi, hence the exceptional price. Of course, there isn’t the complexity of the top-end bubbly, but this is really well-made wine all the same, with loveable apple crumble character – think Granny Smiths, slightly spiced biscuits, nuts, and brioche. It’s one of the UK’s best sellers for a reason, and would raise many an eyebrow in blind tastings with far more expensive bottles.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £14.99

Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut Non Vintage Champagne

Backed up so many awards, this is everything great Champagne should be. It screams (or gently whispers) elegance and carries a fragrant, inviting bouquet. In the mouth, the bubbles are persistent and lively, delivering soft, creamy fruits and a finish that stretches off into 2025, let alone 2024.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £42.99 (usually more!)

Champagne de Saint-Gall Orpale

This is fine Grand Cru Champagne aged on its lees for 12 years, and that beautiful deep golden hue hides so much depth. Delicate citrus hits the nose, rich, toasted brioche and minerality play off in the mouth, and all that racy power lingers too, with grapefruit appearing towards the end. Magical.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £94.95

The Best English Sparkling Wine to Drink At New Year

Morrisons The Best English Sparkling Brut Vintage 2010

The price of this used to be higher, and it was well worth trying then, so you just have to now. English fizz has come so far in the last two decades, now going toe-to-toe and even surpassing some fine French Champagnes. This is great way to experience all that improvement, without breaking the bank. 8 years of ageing brings beautifully deep biscuity notes, but the crispness of those British orchards holds strong.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11.5%
Find here: £18

Hattingley Valley Blanc de Blancs 2015

The 2015 harvest started cool but finished with heaps of sun, resulting in the intense flavours and crisp flavours you find here. The creamy feel coats the mouth and the citrus glimmers, throwing up images of lemon mousse, buttery shortbread, and crisp green apples. Vibrance and elegance is what this English bubbly is all about, and it’s no surprise to see it feature in so many top restaurants.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £44

Nyetimber 1086 Prestige Cuvee 2010

Another restaurateur’s favourite, Nyetimber are one of the leading lights in English sparkling wine. Creamy, nougat deliciousness fills out the palate, blanketing vibrant fruits. Those beautiful mineral tones begin to intertwine as it goes on, joined by crushed, toasted nuts. The structure is so strong, with everything in its place, and the only reaction is to be impressed.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £129.95

The Best Prosecco & Cava to Drink At New Year

Pasqua 'Romeo & Juliet' Brut Prosecco DOC

The nose on this romantic Prosecco is seductively intense, with a touch of citrus and a lot of fruit which, after the first sip, reveals itself to carry a tonne of freshness. It feels aromatic throughout, with a gentle tang and tartness that brings harmony. Light, aromatic, full of fruit and softly moussed – tremendous value Prosecco at this price.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11%
Find here: £12.99

La Gioiosa Prosecco Brut

£7.50 for this is just superb. It’s a dry Prosecco brimming with sunshine lemons, almond undertones and lightness that is to die for. It’s less sweet than most Prosecco, focusing instead on crisp refreshment and would be a lovely wine to sip on when welcoming in the New Year.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11%
Find here: £7.50

Pere Ventura Cavas Cava Vintage Brut Gran Reserva 2015

This is a benchmark in premium Cava, something some people disregard at these prices for some reason. The nose is full of orchard fruits, and tasteful acidity slices through the creamy palate. The mouse is stand out, delicate freshness is never far away, and it shows excellent finesse from start to finish. A masterful expression of the style.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £36

Christmas Leftovers Made Fun: Festive Afternoon Tea

Be it making too much or receiving loads of foody presents, you’re bound to have lots of leftovers and little bites in the days after Christmas.

It could be instead of the traditional Boxing Day cold buffet, or just as a replacement for weeks of turkey soup, but a Festive Afternoon Tea is a great way to get all those spare bits together and assemble them into something special.  We’ve got a handy guide below for ideas of what foods to include and the drinks that perfectly accompany them!

The Perfect Food for a Festive Afternoon Tea

First Course

First up, those festive finger sandwiches. Turkey and cranberry sauce are a must, but brie or camembert with cranberry would also be a lovely twist if you’re willing to include some toasted elements.  Smoked salmon, avocado and cream cheese is also a winner.

If you have any spare from the Christmas dinner (not likely as they’re many people’s favourite bit), then pigs in blankets are perfect bite sized foods for the savoury rung. The same goes for any mini sausage rolls, which is also great excuse to get any festive chutneys involved (spiced, cranberry, apple etc.)

A nice festive quiche with winter vegetables and thyme would make a great vegetarian option here, or a slice of the nut roast from Christmas Dinner if there’s leftovers.

Second Course

It’s not really an afternoon tea without scones, jam and cream occupying that middle rung, is it? For a festive twist, cranberry scones are delicious, especially with orange and cinnamon.

Chances are there will be a few preserves given as gifts, so it’s time to crack them open. If you didn’t get any, then any flavour will do, but focus on berries. Strawberry and champagne jam is perfect for the occasion. Keep the clotted cream simple.

Third Course

It goes without saying that there will probably be plenty of sweet treats to use up here.

Get those slices of leftover Christmas cake up on the top rung, and you have to include a few mince pies if they’re still going strong.

There’s no reason not to include traditional afternoon tea favourites like macarons, profiteroles, fruit tartes or Victoria sponges either.

We think some liquor chocolates are gorgeous peppered in and out of bigger sweet treats too, so it’s time to make a dent in those boxes if you haven’t already.

The Perfect Drinks for a Festive Afternoon Tea

Champagne

When Champagne is enjoyed alongside Afternoon Tea, it becomes a Royal Afternoon Tea, so I guess this would be a Royal Festive Afternoon Tea. Far from being just an extravagance, it is actually ideal for the bites above. A gorgeous Brut Champagne is a great all-rounder, because the gentle fizz and delicate fruitiness soothes throughout. Creamy, brioche and nutty notes pair well with the sweets as well as clotted cream and cheeses, and there’s enough acidity to cut through fatty oils in the pigs in blankets, sausage rolls and pastries. Every sip feels special too, which helps the festive celebrations along.

Moscato d’Asti

Moscato d’Asti isn’t the one if you’re looking for something to pair with every level of the Afternoon Tea, but it does absolutely shine with the sweeter bites. It’s so refreshing, with delicate bubbles, low alcohol and an ideal balance of acidity and sweetness. Cakes, sponges, and anything citrus – this is delightful.

Prosecco

Similar to Moscato d’Asti above, Prosecco is a companion that shines with the sweeter dishes. It’s light and fruity, and as long as you get one with a bit of intensity and complexity, it shouldn’t be overwhelmed by the flavours in the food. There’s enough fruity sweetness to avoid becoming horribly bitter and acidic, and the effervescence clears everything between bites nicely.

Riesling

Riesling has a fantastic food-friendly reputation, being armed to deal with all sorts of textures and flavours. Sharp acidity cuts through any fats and grease in meats, with residual sugar to deal with sweeter finishes. It’s fresh and lively to give a break from any overwhelming richness too.

Festive tea

We had to include tea of course. Why not fully embrace the season with a Christmas tea blend? There are lots out there, but you’ll usually find winter spices, citrus and orchard fruits – so expect cinnamon, clove, cardamom, orange and alike. It’ll throw up lots of complimentary flavours with other seasonal flavours in the food, and high heat is surprising in its ability to refresh the palate.

Sherry

A sure-fire way to put an Afternoon Tea through the Christmas transformation machine, we’re looking at sherry for those puddings. More precisely, Pedro Ximenez or Oloroso, with good sweetness and those delicious notes of dried fruits, nutsy and rich chocolates.

Pinot Noir

There’s no need for anything as heavy as a Barolo with light and varied bites like this, but a light Pinot Noir with tonnes of those soft red fruits is perfect. New Zealand Pinot is often the vibrant, fruity character we’re after, and they also happen to be rich and structured too, so can handle a little sweet spice. It’s absolutely delicious with cranberry sauce too. It’s a favourite for those Boxing Day cold spreads, so why not an Afternoon Tea twist?

If you’ve still got loads of Christmas Cake, Christmas Pudding and Mince Pies to chomp through, then we’ve got a detailed guide on drinks that marry them deliciously.

The Best Last Minute Boozy Gifts for All Drinks Lovers

It is the last week before Christmas, and if you’re anything like me, there are still presents to buy and bottles to bring to parties. There are plenty of new releases of spirits before Christmas and I’ve had a chance to try a few which are becoming new favourites. I have a few old favourites too. Below is a list of great spirits to suit all pockets should you need to buy something late before Christmas or are thinking of taking something different to a New Year party. Always make sure of the delivery times when it is this close to Christmas and look out for these if you’re in your favourite specialist retailer. I’m giving ideas from brandy to tequila, so I hope you find something you think you or a loved one might like.

Whisky

Dalmore 2005 and 2008 2023 Editions

The vintage releases from Dalmore are always very sought after. With Dalmore’s expert use of multiple types of sherry casks, their whiskies are known for complexity and depth of flavour and these two expressions are no different. They have slightly different profiles with the 2005 having a little more punch and the 2008 being more luxuriant, they are both worth seeking out and any whisky love would be more than pleased have either of them.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 49.3% & 45.8%
Find them here: £375 & £155

Busker Single Pot Still

Busker is new to the UK market and it’s about time this delicious whiskey has come to our shores. Beyond their Triple Cask range, the Royal Oak distillery as their Single Collection and my favourite is this Single Pot Still whiskey. Quintessentially Irish, this is made with both malted and unmalted barley which is unlike single malt whisky and gives the whisky a unique flavour profile of fruits and spices. It’s a great all-rounder with a difference.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 44.3%
Find them here: £29.95

Meikle Tòir The Sherry One

The Meikle Tòir whiskies have been created by Billy Walker at Glenallachie distillery. He set out to make the perfect peated whisky from Speyside, and in doing so has created four of them, The Original, The Sherry one, The Chinquapin One and The Turbo. No guessing what The Turbo is all about! The others have a ppm count of 35, and the Turbo is 71 ppm. My favourite was The Sherry One, with all its fruitcake and spice with an oily peaty smoke running though the core of the dram.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 48%
Find them here: £52

Table Whisky 

I love this idea of crossing the wine world with the whisky world. Table whisky is a single grain whisky, traditionally a poorer cousin to single malt, but in this case that’s certainly not true. Distilled in Edinburgh, matured in virgin oak and sherry casks it tastes of popcorn, toffee and raspberry jam and I loved it! And at £35 it is certainly an affordable whisky.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find them here: £35

The Long & Short of it WS:02

This great new blend hails from the new Boarders distillery. They mix fermentation times which are both long and short to give a complex flavour profile whilst remaining well balanced and fruity. It’s matured in first fill ex bourbon barrels giving plenty of sweetness and is so well integrated with the grain whisky. I’m a fan of blends and this one is yummy. And right now they are giving away glasses with every bottle.

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

Turntable Paradise Funk

Turntable are a new blending house in Scotland that have now produced a core range. There are six whiskies which are both peated and un-peated. My favourite was Paradise Funk which has flavours of caramelised pineapple, toffee and lots of vanilla. What I also really like about these whiskies is that they give the precise breakdown of the blend. This one is: - 30% unnamed Speyside whisky aged in a virgin oak barrel. - 20% Benrinnes matured in a Chinkapin oak barrel.- 18% Invergordon single grain aged in a Cognac cask.- 13% Knockdhu matured in a virgin oak barrel.- 11% North British single grain matured in a virgin oak barrel.- 8% Blair Athol aged in a first-fill bourbon cask. This openness gives a new way to discover flavour.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 46%
Find them here: £52.95

Glendronach 12 Year Old

This is an absolute classic sherry styled 12 year old whisky. Full of fruitcake flavours and spice with sweetness and a plentiful mix of dried and fresh orchard fruits. There are a few contenders for a classic sherry style whisky, and most of them are 15 years old and more expensive. This is great value for what you get. 

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find them here: £45.50

Glenglassaugh 12 Year Old

This year saw the long-awaited new core range from Glenglassaugh, and I was blown away by the 12 year old. Of the three whiskies released, two were non age statement whiskies and were very good, this one was the least expensive and I though the most accomplished. The packaging is well thought out with lighter glass for sustainability and is stunning. The whisky has great depth of flavour, beyond its 12 years and there are also vibrant fruity notes too. For value versus flavour this is my whisky of the year. 

Size: 700ml
ABV: 45%
Find them here: £49.95

Kavalan Vinho Barrique

This is a whisky which covers the exotic side of things. Hailing from Taiwan, it has a maturation which firstly doesn’t have to be as long as in Scotland as the climate in Taiwan is sub-tropical, but that climate also turbo charges the whisky with flavour. This Vinho Barrique matured expression has so much red fruit and spice it has become unctuous and decadent. With flavours of dark chocolate, plumbs, kiwi, orange, raspberries and red apples this is, like so many whiskies from Kavalan an expressive, exciting whisky. All this complexity and development, and the fact it’s a single cask at cask strength, completely justifies spending more on that special person for Christmas.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 56.3%
Find them here: £198

Yellow Rose Outlaw

Moving over to the other side of the world, I was excited to try some American whiskies from Texas. Made from Texan yellow corn, this is rich and sweet and having been matured in smaller than normal barrels in Houston, the flavours are intense and rich. If you wanted to take a huge step up from drinking bourbons which are readily available in our supermarkets, then this would be a great place to start.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 46%
Find them here: £63.70

Gin

Melifera Gin

This is an organically produced Gin from France with many different hand-picked botanicals and preserves the biodiversity of the area and supporting the Black Bee Conservatory in Oléron. It is a very herbal gin with floral aromas and flavours mixing in well too. If you like a dry gin without much sweetness, this is certainly going to be up your street.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find them here: £39.75

Nordés Gin

Occationally I come across a gin which manages to hit all the bases. A great cocktail base, a good gin for a martini, and fabulous in a gin and tonic. Nordes does exactly that. It comes from Galicia in northwest Spain and is made from Albariño-grape-based spirit. It has great balance of floral, herbal, juniper and also has just the right amount of sweetness in its fruit profile to make this one of best contemporary gins I have tasted in a long while. And you can find it in 3 Litre bottles! Bravo Nordes.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find them here: £31.99

Micil Irish Poitín

This is something a little different from Ireland. Made in Galway from grain, it is flavoured with bogbean which gives a spicy kick, and some softer floral notes. It’s super over ice and makes great cocktails. If you’d like to try something a little different, or don’t need yet another bottle of gin on your drinks table, then this is definitely worth trying.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 44%
Find them here: £33.94

Vodka

Nine Tines

Nine Tines is an English vodka made in Yorkshire. The potatoes it’s made from come from their own farm and from within nine miles of where it is made and bottled. 20 varieties of potato give a rich viscous vodka which has nice sweetness and balance. A great addition to the world of vodka.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find them here: £39

Dima’s Vodka

Here at The Three Drinkers, we are a huge fan of Dima’s Vodka. If you buy vodka, then this is the one we would advocate every time. Apart from being delicious, viscous, and versatile, it is made in the Ukraine and owned by Ukrainian Dima. From every bottle bought, Dima donates £5 to the plight of Ukraine. What more reason do you need to buy a bottle!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find them here: £35

Brandy

Bardinet Inspirations

A new brandy from Bardinet! This is made with mixing in mind, and it is a great brandy for mixing. There is plenty of flavour to stand up to all sorts of mixers and other spirits. Drink it long with ginger ale or lemonade, in a Sidecar or Brandy Alexander. This brandy handles them all, it’s amazing value and can easily be found in most supermarkets. Perfect for Christmas, and adding a little to mulled wine.

 Size: 700ml
ABV: 36%
Find them here: £17

Frapin Chateau de Fontpinot XO

For something more upmarket, I would always trust in Frapin. The Cognac they produce is refined and delicate in flavour. There are signature floral and orange aromas and flavours which will please anyone who is a Cognac lover. The Chateau de Fontpinot XO is my favourite, but their VSOP at under half the price is also excellent. This is a Cognac for beginners and connoisseurs alike.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 41%
Find them here: £135

Tequila

For my last suggestions, I wanted to come to the world of aged Tequila. In our youth, I am sure we all remember salt on our hands and lemon segments in our teeth, but as we move on we sought out Tequila which was smooth, flavoursome and deserving of our cocktails. From there, is the world of sipping Tequila which has been aged in barrels and has extra flavour and sweetness. These Tequilas may not be the cheapest in the world, but they are definitely worth seeking out if you haven’t tried one before.

Volcan De Mi Tierra XA 

If a whole bottle is a little too much to stomach on your budget at the moment, then this will be found in nightclubs and bars. The elegant bottle has a little party trick. The base which is shaped like a volcano lights up and will certainly be noticed. I’d try it neat before mixing it to experience the full flavour. After that, mix away or put it over ice and enjoy.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find them here: £196

Enemigo 00 Zero Zero

Aged for three years in oak, this looks like a rum or whisky in the glass. It is fruity with lots of agave flavour, but also sweet and incredibly well balanced. Superb over ice, it is a great entry into the super-premium world of oak aged Tequila. Flavours of Vanilla, charred oak, green apple and nuttiness mix with plentiful vanilla and honey.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find them here: £137.70

Mijenta Anejo

This tequila is aged for eighteen months in oak and is created in small batches., The wood used for aging is French oak, French acacia and cherry wood which gives a great deal of complexity to the tequila with fruits, spices and sweet notes of butterscotch and butter mixing with tobacco and nuts. A great all-round aged tequila which if you’ve not tried, but have tried aged Tequila before, I would seek out.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find them here: £152

And there we have it. My suggestions for a very merry Christmas and new year. It’s great time of year to experiment and try something you’ve not had before. I always find the best times to do that, are times I’m with others, and this is a time of year where we get together and share. I always feel drinks are to be shared.

For more last minute gift guides, check out these distillery and winery tours!