If you fancy something with a little more of a kick than a chunk of chocolate these alcohol-infused Advent calendars might be the thing you’ve been looking for. With the season of festive feasting nearly upon us, now may be the time to start preparing for the big day.
Advent calendars were traditionally choc-full of sweet treats as they were gifted to children in the run-up to Christmas. These special calendars have reportedly been around since the 19th century when a little boy’s mum stuffed small sweets into a cardboard calendar. Advent calendar offerings have become a little more sophisticated since then.
With an alcohol Advent calendar, you can even discover your new favourite tipple. Here is our round-up of top boozy calendars that make excellent gifts to others, or even yourself (we won’t tell)…
World Whisky Advent Calendar from Drink by the Dram
Price: £129.95
If you fancy yourself a bit of a globetrotter, now you can count down to Christmas with whiskies from across the world thanks to Drinks by the Dram’s World Whisky Advent Calendar. Packing in 24 wax-sealed 30ml drams of whisky from quite literally across the globe, it’s a great way to expand your horizons and try an incredible range of flavour profiles, all while enjoying chosen whiskies from different producers.
Price: £80
Swap daily chocs for luxury cocktails this December. Best kept on the top shelf, it’s filled with 24 days of serves made with award-winning independent spirits. As strong as what you get at your fave bar. Ready to sip by the fairylights. Or go dancing with at the festive party. And for a Christmas bonus, there’s a golden MOTH hidden in 10 advent calendars. Find one? You get a very big present that will last you all year long: a year’s supply of MOTH.
BrewDog’s Distilling Co 12 Cocktails of Christmas
Price: £40
This pack features 12 Wonderland Cocktails, the ready-to-drink cocktail brand from BrewDog Distilling Co., inside you’ll find: Whisky Sour, Long Island Iced Tea, Cosmopolitan, Watermelon Margarita, Strawberry Daquiri, Classic Mojito, Classic Margarita, Espresso Martini, Passionfruit Martini, Cantarito Paloma, Old Fashioned and their brand new flavour, the Chocolate Orange Espresso Martini.
That Boutique-y Gin Company Advent Calendar
Price:£64.95
Known for their experimental flavours and commitment to craftsmanship, That Boutique-y Gin Company’s Advent Calendar is a gin lover’s dream with a flavorful delight hidden behind each window. Expect to discover flavours such as Neroli, Balsamic Strawberry, Spit-Roasted Pineapple and Rhubarb. The perfect way to jazz up your G&Ts this festive season.
Craft Gin Club’s 12 Days of Rum
Price:£49.99
New for Christmas 2024, this is Craft Gin Club’s first-ever Rum Advent Calendar, launched due to popular demand from their thousands of brand-new Rum Club members. Discover 12 new and premium spiced rums to enjoy in the build-up to Christmas. This handpicked selection of spiced rum contains a mix of exclusive rums and rums that have already proved a hit with thousands of rum lovers after they featured in the Rum of the Month boxes.
And if you want boozy crackers to share on the big day…
Price: £29
Six ready-to-serve cocktails all made with award-winning spirits. Twinkle up the tablescape and treat them to some at-seat deliciousness. Features fave festive facts. and a few wisecracks, too.
Price: £15
Bring a taste of the Sicilian sunshine to your celebrations with Vinca’s canned wines. Vinca’s Wine Tasting Cracker is filled with three award-winning pale rosé, white and red wines – great for decorating your festive table or giving as a stylish Secret Santa gift.
If you want something even more different..
America’s biggest selling ready to drink cocktail brand has landed in the UK, rolling into stores across the country, just in time for party season. BuzzBallz Cocktails are bar-strength and have arrived in flavours such as Pornstar Martini, Tequila ’Rita, Pina ‘Lotta’ Colada and Espresso Martini. You can grab BuzzBallz Cocktails in your local shop, in Lidl stores across the country or swing by your local Morrisons.