Aidy’s drinks cabinet: Seven boozy advent calendars to see you through December – Evening Standard

As such, it feels like the perfect time to have an after-work sip… straight from the advent calendar. It’s fascinating to see just how far drink-themed advent calendars have come over the past five years — and it looks such as there’s no slowing down.

From whiskey and wine in order to vodka , rum plus everything in between, it’s time to put the “merry” into Merry Christmas.

Fortnum & Mason’s spirits and liquers calendar

Fortnums has long already been known for its focus on quality. Over the years, the particular department store offers built up an impressive portfolio associated with own-brand British spirits, showcasing the best of what this country has to offer. This luxury advent offers 25 unique spirits and liqueurs from that very collection. It’s the perfect choice for those who’d like to dip their toes into a broad range associated with tipples: vodka, gin, whiskey, rum, scotch and more. Each door also contains a fun fact, recipe or serving suggestion, which lets drinkers get the very best out of the particular what’s behind the doors. Seasonal favourites include Figgy Pudding liqueur, marmalade vodka plus honey and violet gin.

£250, Fortnum & Mason

24 times of rum

Rum fans, rejoice: this is likely one of the most diverse representations of the spirit available. Twenty-four hand-picked rums showcase key regions such as Jamaica, Dominican Republic, Venezuela and Trinidad alongside less common treats from Australia, South Africa, Portugal plus even Scotland. This truly is a journey around the world. In terms of the styles, you’ll find everything from spiced and cask-finished variations in order to a range of vintages. They say the calendar is made to share, but having seen the particular rums inside… why would you?

£99, Harvey Nichols

Bourbon and American rum calendar

If there’s one thing America does well, it is whiskey. Sadly, due to the limited quantities making it into the country, it’s really hard to find the “good stuff”. This calendar, though, allows consumers to seek out some of the best creations from the particular country without having in order to search far and wide. You can expect twenty-four days of bourbon and American whiskey, highlighting a selection of award-winning styles plus representing everything from boutique bottlings to rare rye-rich rewards. In my opinion, this will be the best US-focused introduction calendar going.

£149. 95,   Drinks by the Dram 

The premium edition of the whisky advent work schedule

Scotch fans might want to sit down for this one. Expect to delve into 24 exceptional Scottish drams, with a few splashes associated with Irish Whiskey thrown in with regard to good measure. There’s a few serious stuff here through some of the majority of notable and iconic producers including The Dalmore, Balvenie, Jura, and Tallisker, just to name just a few. A treat.

£249. 95, Drinks by the Dram

Virgin Wines’ mixed calendar

Say hello to the particular original wine advent diary, perfected over the many years to offer several of the club’s many sought-after  bottles. Twenty-four mini bottles sit down within each door, every offering something a little different throughout the month. At just under 200ml per bottle, it is a pretty generous glass each night — and, come Christmas Day, there’s the full-size bottle to celebrate with.

£89, Virgin mobile Wines

St Austell’s beer calendar

Most ale calendars seem to showcase several of the same beers throughout the 30 days, but not this one. Traditional favourites, new highlights plus seasonal goodies await, one bottle at a time, incuding some extremely limited edition releases. Grab your pint glass and embrace the festive cheer within; as with the others, there is a full 24 drinks in order to enjoy.

£79. 99, St. Austell Brewery

NIO cocktails 12-day advent box

Through the years there’s been a gradual rise inside beer, spirits and wines calendars, yet one category that all too often seems to have been forgotten is cocktails. Thankfully, NIO have already been shaking and stirring up some creativity and has filled a major gap in the market. These professionally made serves, inspired and created by some of the top mixologists in the particular world offer 12 times of cocktail exploration — but the good news is, there are two cocktails per day, offering a total of twenty-four serves, ideal to share. Mixes consist of the Negroni, Manhattan, Margarita, Mai Tai, Cosmopolitan, Daiquiri, Old Fashioned, gin Sour, Brown Gold, Espresso Martini, Sidecar plus White Lady. Have a very Merry Christmas.

£115, NIO Cocktails

Aidy Smith is usually an award winning drinks expert, writer, and presenter associated with The Three Drinkers TV Series on Amazon Prime. Follow him @Sypped