Whether a celebratory drink with immediate family or a virtual cocktail party with friends around the globe, ’tis the season to imbibe. We’re happy for any excuse to indulge this year, and the impending holidays are quite a worthy cause. Some of our favourite restaurants have begun bottling ready-made cocktails, and we’ve selected a few versatile wines and champagne that can be enjoyed on their own or alongside a meal. Cheers!
Nathalie Falmet Terra Extra Brut Champagne 2012
Seek out the 2012 vintage of this ultra-dry champagne from female winemaker Nathalie Falmet. Initial fermentation in terra-cotta lends complexity to the bubbly not typically found in other champagnes; an accessible price point means you can pop bottle after bottle.
The Wolseley Collection Take Home Cocktails
Corbin & King have just launched this selection of handcrafted and bottled cocktails that are being delivered locally across London. Including a Margarita, Hemingway Daiquiri, English Rose, Negroni and Manhattan, the £15 two-serving bottles can be stylishly displayed in an ice bucket or poured into a pitcher for batched serving.
Top Cuvée Mulled Wine
Locally made in Top Cuvée’s Stoke Newington kitchen, this Rioja-based mulled wine features a myriad of spices, plus citrus and a bit of white wine. Slowly infused to retain freshness then rebottled with a custom label, it’s ready to be reheated on the stovetop then enjoyed with a cinnamon stick stirrer. Christmas in a mug!
Pitnus Etna Rosso
We recommend buying this versatile natural wine by the case. With balanced, rich fruit flavours and freshness, underscored by the pronounced mineral notes typical of Etna wines, it is enjoyable on its own or with most classic holiday foods. From I Custodi, the self-professed ‘guardians of Mt Etna’s vineyards,’ it is organic and created in the utmost respect of the landscape and terroir.
Three Sheets French 75
Ranked one of the World’s Best Bars, Dalston’s Three Sheets is one of our favourite haunts for a night out with their revolving menu of seasonal cocktails. In the meantime, until we’re able to visit again, they’re selling a bottled selection of their cocktails. The French 75 has a lower alcohol content, and a single bottle makes six cocktails – making a perfect aperitif for eventual entertaining.
A A Badenhorst Kelderblok Chenin Blanc 2018
The more decadent foods that oft accompany the festive season aren’t typically matched with white wine, but that doesn’t mean a pairing is impossible. Chenin Blanc is a great partner, and this South African vintage, available at Hedonism Wines, is a worthy match – the medium to full body has ‘pronounced aromas of white orchard fruits, citrus and cinnamon spice’ – as much of the food will, as well.
Hawksmoor At Home
The newest addition to Hawksmoor’s ‘At Home’ range are these cocktails. Featuring signature (secret) recipes and beautifully designed labels, each 200ml bottle serves two – or, order the set of canned cocktails for innovative takes on classic drinks, including the 20/20 Cosmo, an elevated iteration of the 1980s favourite.
Cazottes Liqueur Guignes et Guins NL
A digestif painstakingly made from entirely natural methods, this liqueur is crafted by hand from wild cherries. Retaining their flavour in full (the maker, Laurent Cazottes, is committed to fully expressing the very essence of each fruit he cultivates) this is an excellent after-dinner drink that marries bold richness with fresh acidity.
Eve Bar by Adam Handling
Each of these 500ml cocktails features premium ingredients, and are meant to be enjoyed straight out of the bottle. We’re particularly partial to the ‘No ‘X’ In Espresso’ which is intensified by caramelised white chocolate, and the ‘Maple Salted No-Groni’ for those who prefer an alcohol-free tipple.
For more info or to order any of the above, please contact your lifestyle manager.
