Over the last few years, Gin has become a really big deal. We attended the Gin Festival in Newcastle last year and this year celebrated National Gin Day as well as heading to a Gin Masterclass. Yes, it’s a real celebration. Pretty cool huh? With hundreds of small distilleries popping up across the land it’s clear to see that Gin is big business.
Not just Gins but with micro-breweries popping up all over the place. With £30,000 being spent on alcohol every 60 seconds in the UK the drinks industry is big business. We’ve taken a whistle-stop tour through the drinks aisles to help you when it comes to buying for the Gin lover in your life.
Christmas Gift Guide: 6 Amazing Gifts For An Alcohol Lover
Heston from Waitrose Earl Grey & Lemon Gin – (£16.50)
You know when you wander through Waitrose and you see anything my legend celebrity chef Heston Blumenthal it’s going to be pretty spectacular. With a keen interest in all things weird and wonderful, this scientific chef has created some of the greatest wizardry in food known to man.
His named Gins, a quirky twist on traditional favourites are a sure winner for anybody interested n blending traditional Gins with a mixed-up crazy flavour.
The Earl Grey and Lemon Gin that was spotted in the luxury Gin aisle was a must-have. With a focus on tea flavourings, and Earl Grey having a Newcastle heritage this certainly is an ideal choice for the Gin lover of our family.
This Gin is distilled with traditional botanicals with the added addition of Earl Grey tea and lemon peel. With a delicate aroma, notes of bergamot are balanced by subtle citrus and jumpier berries. This Waitrose exclusive has a lovely texture with earthy tea notes with a finishing of black pepper and floral lavender
You can shop the Heston Gin here exclusively at Waitrose.
Ophir Oriental Spiced Gin – (£23.00)
If you read any Gin guides or even head to Instagram you’ll see that Ophir is the Gin in everybody’s glass at the moment. If you’re wondering how to pronounce it at the bar it’s O-peer. Thank me later for saving you the embarrassment!
If you’re not familiar with Ophir Gin it’s an oriental spiced Gin which takes its name from the legendary region with the same name. Famed for its wealth and riches which prospered during the reign of King Solomon.
Whilst the exact location remains a mystery, Ophir is thought to have been in the Orient along the Spice Route. The King would often receive cargos of gold, silver and spices from Ophir regularly which makes this the perfect choice of name for this opulent Gin.
The tasting notes have bursts of Citrus which are balanced with rich earthy aromas and soft spice to epitomise the exotic intensity to give you a taste of the Orient. Enjoy Ophir and awaken your senses to this new style of Gin.
The nose of the Gin is a rich spice with a smooth aroma and again sharp bursts of Citrus. Take a moment to absorb the keynotes of cumin and cardamom which provide a warm and earthy balanced background which is complemented by the grapefruit peel.
Serve this as a long drink with black peppercorns to bring out the Orient.
Ophir is available to purchase from all major supermarkets or shop online at 31Dover, Sainsbury’s & Waitrose,
Fever-Tree Tonic Waters & Mixers – (from £1.69)
If you’re buying for a gin lover this Christmas, make sure that you don’t forget this added extra. It always has to be Fever-Tree. A relatively new company, established in 2005, Fever-Tree has forged its way in a short space of time as the front-runner and go-to tonic for pairing with spirits. If
“3/4 of your Gin & Tonic is the tonic, make sure you use the best – Tim Warrillow”
Founded with this ethos in mind Fever-Tree offers an impressive selection of over 15 different spirit mixers, the newest of them being the Connoisseur’s Tonic Water, a selection of gins and accompanying royalty tonics is certainly the perfect Christmas gift this holiday season.
You can shop Fever-Tree from hundreds of locations. Here are our favourites stores. Click to be taken directly to their site: Waitrose, Morrisons & Harvey Nichols.
Hofmeister Beer (from £16.00)*
If you’re new to the world of lagers and beers then Hofmeister is a great gift. The slow-brewed Bavarian Helles lager has been claimed to be second to none. Having recently won the best lager of 2017 in the prestigious IWSC Beer Awards, the team at Hofmeister are doing something right!
The independently owned company has a small team of beer enthusiasts. Brewed in the heart of Bavaria by a 4th generation family brewery, Hofmeister can proudly claim that they are one of only four certified slow brewers in this historical brewing region.
The beer is brewed according to the Reinheitsgebot German beer purity law and uses only three ingredients: mineral water, locally grown barley and Hallertau Hops for that deliciously smooth flavour. The 5% ABV beer is lagered slower at zero degrees, to produce a fresh, crisp, award-winning Helles Lager.
Available by the case on Amazon or in special edition festive packs from Moonpig you can purchase the 2 pack selection which comes with a glass for £16 or the 5 pack selection with glass for £22.
For the discerning beer lover in your life, give them the gift of Bavarian discovery this Christmas
Personalised Wine Bottles (from £15.00)*
Nothing says Christmas cheer than a festive bottle of wine. Cheers to 2017 and an even better 2018 with a personalised bottle from Bottle Bazaar. Simply choose your poison, are you a red, a white or a rose drinker? Then select from the label templates. Add your own text and submit.
Alternatively, you can upload your own design, including an image. These bottles are great for table presents, Secret Santa gifts and for all special occasions.
With a quick turnaround time and beautiful packaging, you’ll not be disappointed with your order. You can purchase on Bottle Bazaar’s website or alternatively from Not on the High Street here.
SodaStream (from £49.99)*
All of my life my Mum has nostalgically talked to me about the SodaStream they used to own. Back in the 60s you really were the family in the spotlight if you owned one of these machines. With the ability to turn water into wine (not quite, but fizzy drinks is just as good right?) these machines were really a unique point in homes up and down the country.
50 years on and the SodaStream is still going strong. With a range of 3 different styles to choose from, there’s no denying that adding a SodaStream to your home is always going to be a good choice. Available in both black and white and with dishwasher safe, glass bottles. Making your own carbonated drinks this festive period has never been as fun.
What’s even better is that SodaStream helps to add that je ne sais quoi to your Christmas Cocktails. There’s a whole site dedicated to SodaStream recipes and includes cocktails and mocktails, you must check it out!
You can shop on SodaStream’s online store, alternatively you can purchase from Amazon
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What’s your thoughts?
I’d love to hear your thoughts on these gifts, perhaps you can suggest some others for the alcohol lover in your life? As always, drop a comment below.
Catch up with our other gift guides:
The Christmas Gift Guide: What to buy the man who needs no more socks
A Christmas Gift Guide: What to buy the one who has everything
Her Christmas Gift Guide: What to buy the Glam-ma
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Disclaimer: Items marked with an asterisk in this post have been provided complimentary, all views are our own. Read more about disclosure here.
