For someone that always has room for a bit of ‘pud
When we think Christmas sips, we think of plum pudding. We also think of Four Pillars. Every year the esteemed distillery concocts a Christmas gin, which has become as synonymous with the festive season as bon-bons. This year’s Four Pillars Christmas Gin has been made in honour of distiller Cameron Mackenzie’s mum Wilma, who would make a plum pudding every year using a recipe from a 1968 edition of Women’s Weekly. Cameron and his kids use the same recipe to make their own plum puddings at Christmas time, but now he’s steaming them in Wilma’s still, drawing out the flavours of the mixed peel, oranges, dried fruit into a gin that’s then aged in Rutherglen Muscat barrels for a year. Finally, a dash of Rutherglen Classic Muscat to add a touch of extra richness to the juniper-led Christmas tree notes, resulting in a gin that tastes like, well, Christmas! You can order a bottle of Four Pillars Christmas Gin (as well as some other festive treats) via the Four Pillars website.

For a peat-positive pal
We all know a whiskey drinker. If you’ve got a friend or family member whose liquor cabinet is looking a bit bare, slide them a bottle of Westward Whiskey Original, a rich and brazen single-malt American Whiskey that is made with some seriously creative craftsmanship. This sip is made from malted barley and matured lovingly in heavily toasted and lightly charred American oak barrels made in Oregon. With notes of orange peel, caramel and toasted nut on the nose, honey, stone fruit and coconut on the tongue, and a hint of toffee to finish, Westward Whiskey Original is a top drop anyone would be thrilled to find under their tree. You’ll find it stocked locally at Dan Murphy’s and at Sense of Taste.

An agave lover’s dream drop
Summer is prime for margaritas, so it makes sense to have a terrific tequila on hand in case you get the urge to shake up a couple on Christmas Day. Patrón Tequila has added a prestige option to its portfolio of agave-based liquors called Patrón El Cielo, a premium drop that sees Silver tequila (made with Weber Blue agave) expertly put it through a fourth distillation. What results is a bright and citrusy sip with a super-smooth finish – it can be enjoyed over ice with a slice of orange or as part of a cocktail. You can grab a bottle of Patrón El Cielo at Dan Murphy’s and Vintage Cellars Australia-wide.

For lovers of traditional Italian dessert
Savour the iconic flavours of Tiramisu in liquid form with this exciting new launch from Baileys. Fusing the velvety yumminess of Baileys Irish Cream with notes of espresso and hints of chocolate, this decadent drink is sure to elevate your dessert game or up the ante on your at-home cocktail-making this festive season. Baileys tiramisu-flavoured liqueur is only available for a limited time at bottle shops nationwide at Dan Murphy’s and BWS, so we suggest you get your hands on this bad boy as soon as you can. 

A negroni lover’s dream drop
In other tiramisu-related news, Never Never Distilling Co has collaborated with Italian mixology maestro Lorenzo Antinori to create a one-of-a-kind gin that captures flavours of roasted coffee beans, cacao nib, cacao butter and bergamot peel. Never Never’s Coffee and Cacao Gin is its first gin specifically crafted to make exceptional negronis. Each salivation-inducing sip will transport you to Rome, sipping an espresso with a sfogliatelle (Italian pastry) in hand. Sound like a dream? Make it a reality by heading nabbing a bottle via the Never Never Distilling website.

To welcome the year of the dragon
Despite this being a Christmas booze round-up, with the new year making a speedy approach we thought we’d make an exception for this limited-edition drop from Beenleigh Distillery. Next year (that’s 2024, for those that forgot) marks the year of the dragon and to celebrate, Beenleigh Distillery has unveiled a zodiac-inspired Dragon Rum that features rich, buttery and spice-wood flavours that provide a smooth taste, perfect for sipping neat. If you want another option, Beenleigh’s award-winning Double Cask Rum, which is aged for five year and boasts a full-bodied flavour with notes of spiced oak and scorched toffee, is also a sensational pick. Get your hands on a bottle by heading to Beenleigh Distillery’s website.

Remember to drink responsibly this festive season!