With one month to go until Christmas, ‘tis the time to start the official countdown with the exciting daily surprises of an advent calendar. A ritual that is made all the more interesting if behind each door you find a delicious tipple. Spirit and wine-filled versions have already become a tradition in their own right, creating almost as much anticipation as the big festive day itself.
These collections of small daily joys are also great ways to explore new wine and spirits regions, styles, and trial edgy food pairings.
Treat yourself to one of the calendars below and welcome Christmas through an adventurous, hedonistic and fun tasting journey.
Wine Advent Calendars:
John Lewis Fizz Advent Calendar
John Lewis Fizz Advent Calendar
John Lewis’ boozy advent calendars have become a tradition in their own right. With the still wine iteration already sold out online, there’s still time to grab the sparkling countdown selection. It includes an interesting line up of Champagne, Prosecco and Cava, for a daily dose of festive sparkle. Also worth checking the beer and cocktail versions.
£140 from John Lewis
Aldi Wine Advent Calendar
Always a consumer favourite, Aldi’s Advent wine selection offers great value and simple, guaranteed satisfaction. The selection of 24 mini bottles of white, rose, red and sparkling wine is a great option for those on a tighter budget.
£59.99 from Aldi
Laithwaites Mix Advent Calendar
Laithwaites wine Advent calendar was a big hit in previous seasons. This year, the retailer introduced a Fine Wine version which is now sold out so act fast to grab the classic mixed version. It includes a mix of classic customer favourites and more adventurous labels, and (spoiler alert) a half-bottle of Champagne tucked in the roof for a special treat on Christmas Eve.
£79.99 from Laithwaites
Virgin Wines Mixed and Red Advent Calendars
With Virgin Wines’ advent calendars the countdown culminates with a full-size 0.75cl bottle for the Big Day itself. Before then there’s the option to taste either 25 bold reds or a variety of red, white, rosé and sparkling wine, from a crispy Sauvignon Blanc to a juicy Shiraz.
£89.99 from Slurp
Spirits Advent Calendars:
The Whisky Exchange Spirits Advent Calendar
A unique line up of 24 fine spirits from iconic distilleries curated by The Whisky Exchange for a truly special festive season. It includes both household and under-the-radar names and offers a great opportunity to explore a wide range of drinks from around the globe.
£150 from The Whisky Exchange
Drinks by the Dram Rum Advent Calendar
Drinks by the Dram’s Christmas range creates much anticipation in itself, with an impressive number of different Advent calendars focused on even the most specific of spirits categories. Among them is this voyage through the world of Rum, with 24 examples from around the world and across styles.
It’s also worth checking out some of the other calendars in the range for those who are seriously into their spirits. Highlights include the Craft Gin edition (£69.95), or the mind-blowing Very Old and Rare Whisky iteration (a whopping £9,999.95).
£149.95 from Master of Malt
That Boutique-y Gin Company Advent Calendar
That Boutique-y Gin Company and Drinks by the Dram have teamed up again to create a lip-smacking Christmas countdown for gin enthusiasts. Inside are 24 different 30ml wax-sealed sample drams of inventive gin crafted by the Boutique-y team.
£69.95 from Drinks by the Dram
The Tequila & Mezcal Advent Calendar
24 days of proper fiesta with a carefully curated selection of fresh tequilas and smoky mezcals. A great option both for lovers of teh Mexican concoctions and newbies, wanting to discover the world of agave spirits.
£124.95 from The Spirit Co.
Fortnum & Mason Spirits & Liqueurs Advent Calendar
A very classy design with a premium selection of spirits – including Gin, Vodka, Whisky and Rum – and liqueurs from the Fortnum’s Collection, alongside some special collaborations. Behind many of the advent doors there are also fun facts, recipes and serving suggestions for each boozy beverage.
£250 from Fortnum & Mason
NIO Cocktails 12-day Advent Cocktail Box
NIO stands for ‘Needs Ice Only’ and ice is all one needs to enjoy the 24 cocktails inside this 12-day countdown tipsy journey. Each day is an invitation to try two mixes, prepared with the best spirits and complete with the corresponding dried garnish. Negroni, Manhattan, Cosmopolitan, Espresso Martini, Old Fashioned…these and other classics to enjoy and share in the run up to Christmas.
£115 from NIO Cocktails
