With New Year's eve just around the corner, whether you're gearing up for a big night out, hosting a shindig or just cosying up for a chilled out evening at home, we've rounded up some of our favourite tipples to see you through into 2026 and beyond.
Independent UK brewer Vocation is known for its bold and flavourful beers; the 12-can festive mixed selection bot includes flavours like the Naughty & Nice Chocolate Orange Stout, a smooth stout inspired by the classic festive chocolate orange for a decadent and indulgent wintery twist and The Nutcracker Chestnut & Vanilla Winter Ale, a rich, full-bodied winter ale offering smooth notes of roasted chestnut and soft vanilla for a seasonal finish - comforting, slightly sweet and perfect for firesides and cold nights. We love the sound of the Whamageddon DDH IPA, a playful festive nod, with serious flavour credentials for beer lovers. Packed with tropical fruit and a touch of pine, this smooth and juicy IPA is made for the party season. www.vocationbrewery.com
Iconic British wine Lady A is now stocking its red wine in selected M&S Foodhalls. Crafted at the renowned Château La Coste in the South of France, Lady A Red features a variety of grenache, syrah, carignan and merlot grapes, grown on clay limestone soils and kept in cellars for three years for alcoholic short fermentation. The result is a fresh, fruity, crisp and round red wine, perfect for any occasion. www.drinkladya.com
Taittinger’s delicious Prestige Rosé NV (£48 from Morrisons) is resplendent with aromas of wild strawberries, cherries and blackcurrants. Its salmon pink shade is thanks to the addition of 15% still Pinot Noir from top vineyards in Montagne de Reims and Les Riceys while its high proportion of Chardonnay brings freshness. It’s a glorious accompaniment to dishes like lobster and prawns, though we’re partial to a glass solo.
For the Hogmanay-inclined a great Scotch whisky is a must. The Balvenie’s 12 year old Doublewood is matured in ex-bourbon casks and ex-sherry butts, making a sweet release with a full body, a warming spicy finish and vanilla palate. Available as a bottle by itself (£49.90) or in a gift set with glasses (£64.90) from The Whisky World.
Everyone knows English wine has been having a moment the last few years and none more so than Chapel Down. The Kent vineyard has produced a fantastic sparkling Brut - currently 25% with Nectar at Sainsbury’s - it’s a crisp, fresh and elegant English sparkling wine with notes of apple, citrus and strawberry. Perfect for any occasion.
Many a fantastic festive cocktail begins with a spiced rum, and the Kraken Black Cherry & Madagascar Vanilla (£26, or £20 with Clubcard at Tesco) is our top pick for a dark and delicious wintry flavour. Pair it with ginger ale for a fruity twist on a dark and stormy.
Expertly crafted in the Axe Valley, the Christmas Mead from Lyme Bay Winery (the UK’s largest producer as it happens) uses the finest honey gently blended with festive spices including cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and cardamom as well as lemon and orange zest to create a smooth and mellow Christmas tipple. Either serve neat either at room temperature, gently warmed, or added to festive cocktails. It’s the perfect pairing for festive cheeses and sweet treats; this is one we’ll be keeping sipping throughout January - it’s like a winter hug in a glass. £12.99 from www.lymebaywinery.co.uk.
Add Bellamie Cherry Liqueur (£37.50 from Tesco) to glass of fizz for a delicious take on a Kir Royale. The award-winning cherry aperitif, crafted in Kenya with its deep ruby colour and warming spiced cherry flavour, it recently won a Great Taste Award. Designed to be a modern take on the 17th century French Guignolet liqueur, it contains no artificial colouring or flavouring and uses only real fruits and natural ingredients.
No New Year’s Eve is complete without a perfectly mixed Martini. We’ve discovered a new favourite gin this year, Cygnet, the creation of Welsh songstress Katherine Jenkins. Distilled at the Copperworks Distillery in south Wales, her Cygnet 22 is created by an exquisitely balanced blend of 22 botanicals, with prominent juniper on the palette blending beautifully with gentle chamomile and caramelised honey, while the inclusion of Manuka honey in distillation delivers an unparalleled, velvety-smooth mouthfeel & lingering silky-smooth finish. £59.50 at Fortnum & Mason.
