olivemagazine
type: channel
link: https://www.olivemagazine.com
date: 2026-02-25T12:20:09.000Z
update period: hourly
update frequency: 1
update base: 2000-01-01T12:00+00:00
items: Best London wine bars
items: 16 easy mocktail recipes for every occasion
items: Best Chinese restaurants in London
items: Best cocktail bars in London
items: Añejo tequila old fashioned
items: Añejo amaretto alexander
items: Añejo tequila mule
items: 7 sherry cocktails
items: Sherry highball
items: Sherry whisky sour
items: 20 London hotel bars to visit
items: Sherry flip
items: 10 cocktails for a Christmas drinks party
items: 65 Christmas cocktails and drinks
items: Best UK gins to buy
items: 19 best vodkas to buy, tried and tested 2025
items: 20 best tequilas to try 2025
items: Best alcohol Advent calendars to buy 2025
items: Paloma champagne cocktail
items: Aperol spritz punch
items: Tiramisu martini
items: White Christmas colada
items: The World's 50 Best Bars 2025: the results
items: Spiced rum manhattan
items: Amaretto old fashioned

Best London wine bars
type: item
date: 2026-02-25T09:44:17.000Z
creator: Hannah Guinness
subject: Bar reviews
subject: Guides
subject: London
subject: Restaurants
subject: Drink
description: Some of the capital's best spots for a glass (or two) of wine, from cult natural wine bars to laidback neighbourhood joints
encoded: Looking for the best London wine bars? I've spent the past eight years writing about London's drinks scene for olive, and one of the things I'm most excited about is the explosion in new-wave wine bars across the capital. From trendy natural wine spots in Shoreditch to Gallic boltholes in Covent Garden and vermuterias in King's Cross, there's something to cater for every taste. So whether you're in the mood for a glass of funky orange wine, a fizzy pét nat or a big, bold Italian red, we've got you covered. Make sure you keep coming back here for updates, as I'll be refreshing this guide with the latest openings and discoveries. Next discover the best new restaurants in London, best dining experiences in London and best food and drink festivals to visit. Also discover some of our London food guides, including the best restaurants in Covent Garden, best restaurants in Kings Cross and best restaurants in Shoreditch. If you're partial to a cocktail served with stellar sound systems, discover our favourite listening bars in London. Best wine bars in London Passione Vino, Clerkenwell There’s something about the sight of a hefty wine menu that can induce a brain fog – too much choice can often be overwhelming. So, what if you got rid of it? Veronese Luca Dusi has been importing and selling Italian wine in London for more than 20 years, and he has no truck with wine lists. At his much-loved east London fixture, Passione Vino in Shoreditch, guests simply drink whatever Luca thinks they might enjoy. He’s brought the same idea to his new site on Exmouth Market, where you can tell staff what you’re in the mood for and they’ll make their own intuitive recommendations, bringing over a few bottles to try and talking passionately about different grapes, producers and regions. It’s a relaxed, interactive and inclusive way to choose wine, and you’re almost always guaranteed to discover something you really like. On to the bar itself, Passione Vino has taken over the digs of a family …

Bar-Levan-2db4cb6.jpg
width: 7863
height: 5494

16 easy mocktail recipes for every occasion
type: item
date: 2026-02-17T21:35:30.000Z
creator: Hannah Guinness
subject: Best ever
subject: Cocktails and drinks
subject: Collection
subject: Guides
subject: Recipes
subject: Drinks
subject: non-alcoholic
description: Want all the flavour with none of the hangover? From elderflower-flavoured sips to drinks that'll warm the cockles in winter, our non-alcoholic cocktails will do the trick
encoded: Looking for the best mocktails? Try our ideas below, including a refreshing virgin mojito and zesty non-alcoholic gimlet. Other mocktails recipes include passionfruit martinis, kombucha spritzes and mulled tea punch. Need ingredients for your cocktails? We've got lots of non-alcoholic spirits to try out, including plenty of non-alcoholic gins.

Kombucha-Sprirz-c9cb90c.jpg
width: 7320
height: 5484

Best Chinese restaurants in London
type: item
date: 2026-02-15T16:11:36.000Z
creator: Hannah Guinness
subject: London
subject: Restaurants
subject: London area guides
description: From budget-friendly Szechuanese to sumptuous banquet dining and lesser-known-regional cuisines, check out our round-up of some of London’s best Chinese restaurants
encoded: Looking for a Chinese restaurant in London? Read on for our guide to some of the capital’s best spots, then check out our Chinese New Year guide and the 10 things we love about Hong Kong-style cuisine. Check out the best places to eat and drink in Chinatown London here (including Chinese dumplings, Szechuan food and up-market Chinese) Best Chinese restaurants in London Poons, Somerset House You should approach the Poon’s menu with a game plan in hand – pick wontons or claypot or chicken, or, if you are lunching, the daily congee or noodles and go all in, the rest of the menu can wait for another day. If you have a choice of seating then the bar will give you plenty to observe – but wherever you end up this is a cosseting, pretty, elegant space that manages not to be slightest bit stuffy. Amy Poon started her business with an online dumpling dispatch business she called a ‘wontoneria’ and the same silky wontons are available at Poon’s: order the whole menu of pork, prawn, chicken and veg all slicked with chilli oil and a side of crunchy house pickles, and you’ll die happy. For the next visit choose white-cut poussin with spring onion ginger and chilli oil, or the wind-dried meat claypot rice alongside boiled peanuts (yes, delicious) and silken tofu with avocado and diced century eggs, and you’ll have had a completely different style of meal. Drink delightful small-batch teas from China and Taiwan (worth it for the tabletop tea dispenser alone) and a truly lovely selection of wines both chosen by Amy’s husband Michael Mackenzie. poonslondon.com Dim Sum Library, Covent Garden Dim Sum Library brings a particular kind of Hong Kong polish to Covent Garden – somewhere you can drop in for lunch, stretch things into afternoon tea or head pre-theatre for tea-themed cocktails. We went in dim sum first. The signature wagyu beef puff is the dish to swoon over: crisp, flaky pastry with a rich black pepper filling that’s light yet indulgent. Dan dan xiao long bao comes with a litt…

DSL-Food-Shoot-202412602-ce83442.jpg
width: 7150
height: 4767

Best cocktail bars in London
type: item
date: 2026-02-10T11:00:24.000Z
creator: Hannah Guinness
subject: Bar reviews
subject: Drink
subject: Guides
description: From slinky, speakeasy-style dens to cutting-edge mixology, London's cocktail bars are world-class. Here's a taste of what to expect
encoded: Looking for the best cocktail bars in London? As olive’s drinks writer, I've spent the past eight years scouring the capital’s bar scene to keep up with the latest trends, openings and hot spots. London’s bar scene is one of the best in the world (including four of the World’s 50 Best Bars; see the full list here), buzzing with cutting-edge mixology, top-tier bartender talent and, most importantly, really delicious cocktails. Here’s my pick of the best at the moment – from a Latin American-inspired basement bar in Notting Hill to a Dalston agaveria and award-winning cocktail lounge in Soho. There's plenty to keep your Friday nights and weekends busy; make sure you check back for more as I'll be updating this guide with the best new cocktail bar openings. For more like this, check out the World's 50 Best Bars, the best London hotel bars to visit, the best listening bars in London and the best London pubs for food lovers. Also check out our London food guides, including the best restaurants in Fitzrovia, best restaurants in Shoreditch, best restaurants in Marylebone and best restaurants in Notting Hill. Best London cocktail bars Swift, Soho Swift has three different sites in London – its Borough and Shoreditch outposts are well worth a visit but we’ve always had a fondness for the original Soho bar on Old Compton Street. It’s a two-part affair, with a light and bright, more casual space on the ground floor that’s just for walk-ins (do try the signature sgroppino with lemon sorbet, prosecco and St-Germain) and a secluded, slinky downstairs lounge that remains one of our favourite places to get a cocktail in central London, all inky, shimmering surfaces and moody lighting. It feels properly grown-up and chic but – crucially – never pretentious or unapproachable. It’s a place to cloister oneself away from the hectic city above. In our opinion the two best places to sit are either at the bar, where you can watch the bartenders do their thing – just the ticket for a solo c…

Hacha-Dalston-1e284cd.jpg
width: 1000
height: 667

Añejo tequila old fashioned
type: item
creator: Hannah Guinness
subject: Cocktails and drinks
subject: Entertain
subject: Recipes
description: While an old fashioned is traditionally made with whisky it also works beautifully with any barrel-aged spirit – try doing the same with dark rum or cognac.
encoded: Try our añejo tequila old fashioned, then discover spicy margarita, frozen margarita and more tequila cocktail recipes. Find more refreshing drinks in our collection of summer cocktail recipes, including a long island iced tea, piña colada and mai tai. After, read how to elevate your cocktail skills with our best home bar hacks. Añejo tequila old fashioned recipe

Anejo-Old-Fashionedpreview-631ec2c.jpg
width: 1395
height: 2000

Añejo amaretto alexander
type: item
creator: Hannah Guinness
subject: Cocktails and drinks
subject: Entertain
subject: Recipes
description: Tequila and cream sounds like a rogue combination but using aged añejo tequila works really well in this nutty pudding cocktail.
encoded: Try our añejo amaretto alexander, then discover spicy margarita, frozen margarita and more tequila cocktail recipes. Find more refreshing drinks in our collection of summer cocktail recipes, including a long island iced tea, piña colada and mai tai. After, read how to elevate your cocktail skills with our best home bar hacks. Añejo amaretto alexander recipe

Anejo-Amaretto-Alexanderpreview-ea3922a.jpg
width: 1333
height: 2000

Añejo tequila mule
type: item
creator: Hannah Guinness
subject: Cocktails and drinks
subject: Entertain
subject: Recipes
description: We’ve taken a classic moscow mule and replaced the vodka with aged tequila, which adds a lovely complexity to this easy highball.
encoded: Try our añejo tequila mule, then discover spicy margarita, frozen margarita and more tequila cocktail recipes. Find more refreshing drinks in our collection of summer cocktail recipes, including a long island iced tea, piña colada and mai tai. After, read how to elevate your cocktail skills with our best home bar hacks. Añejo tequila mule recipe

Anejo-Mulepreview-323ff0e.jpg
width: 1418
height: 2000

7 sherry cocktails
type: item
date: 2025-12-12T12:04:32.000Z
creator: Hannah Guinness
subject: Drink
subject: Guides
description: Discover why cream sherry makes such a versatile cocktail ingredient and the best recipes to try, including ideas for fino and manzanilla sherry
encoded: Read our guide to the best sherry cocktails, then explore the best sherries to drink this Christmas, the best ports to buy and our collection of 64 Christmas cocktails. What is cream sherry? Cream sherry is a style of sweet sherry that's usually made by blending a dry wine, like oloroso, with sweet wines like pedro ximénez. It was once hugely popular (especially Harveys Bristol Cream, which in its early 1970s heyday sold a million cases a year in the UK) but this has waned thanks to the mass production of sickly-sweet, low-quality sherries and, more recently, the changing tastes of drinkers as they seek out dry styles like fino and manzanilla. This is rather a shame because a good cream sherry from a quality producer is a lovely thing: sweet but not cloying and full of the beautiful festive flavours of dried fruit, caramel and nuts that make it a perfect match for desserts and cheeseboards (try it with blue cheese). While it’s delicious sipped neat (always drink it chilled – on the rocks with an orange slice is particularly good), the complexity of flavours in a good cream sherry make it a surprisingly versatile cocktail ingredient. Plus it lasts for ages in the fridge once opened – for weeks and even up to months. Sherry cocktail recipes Cream sherry cocktails Sherry flip Velvety and nutty, this sherry flip makes an excellent alternative to eggnog during the festive season. Sherry highball Inspired by the sherry colada at New York bar Sip & Guzzle, this drink mixes cream sherry with pineapple soda for a fresh, tropical, highly gluggable highball. Sherry whisky sour A Christmassy spin on a classic whisky cocktail, the cream sherry adds extra festive flavours to the drink. Manzanilla sherry cocktails Seabreeze cocktail You'll need cranberry vodka, two types of sherry and grapefruit juice for this zesty, tart cocktail, from Manzi's seafood restaurant in Soho. Olive martini Add a touch of sophistication to your next martini with guindilla pepper brine and manzanilla sh…

CreamSherryHighballpreview-25c61b1.jpg
width: 1333
height: 2000

Sherry highball
type: item
creator: Hannah Guinness
subject: Cocktails and drinks
subject: Entertain
subject: Recipes
description: Inspired by the sherry colada at New York bar Sip & Guzzle, we’ve mixed cream sherry with pineapple soda for this fresh, tropical, highly gluggable highball
encoded: Try our sherry highball, then discover our sherry sour, Tiojito sherry cocktail and frozen sherry cobbler cocktail. Also, try more Christmas cocktails. Sherry highball recipe

Sherry whisky sour
type: item
date: 2025-12-09T10:37:29.000Z
creator: Hannah Guinness
subject: Cocktails and drinks
subject: Entertain
subject: Recipes
description: A Christmassy spin on a classic whisky cocktail, the cream sherry adds extra festive flavours to the drink
encoded: Try our sherry whisky sour, then discover our old fashioned, Manhattan, whisky highball, sazerac and more whisky cocktails. Sherry whisky sour recipe

CreamSherryWhiskySourpreview-cb56262.jpg
width: 1333
height: 2000

20 London hotel bars to visit
type: item
date: 2025-12-08T15:13:20.000Z
creator: Hannah Guinness
subject: Drink
subject: Guides
description: Discover our favourite London hotel bars, from contemporary drinking dens to venues that exude old-school glamour
encoded: Looking for the best London hotel bars? I've been olive's drinks writer for the past eight years, and trust me when I say that London has some of the best hotel bars in the world. With cutting-edge mixology, iconic cocktails and opulent environments, many have become destinations in their own right. And with that in mind, I've curated a list of the best ones to visit right now, from sleek Mayfair outfits to funky Shoreditch drinking dens. You'll be spoilt for choice when it comes to seeking out a classy drink or two. Don't forget to check this guide for updates, as I'll be refreshing it with new openings and must-visit favourites. Now, find out the best dining experiences in London, best restaurants in London with a view and the best food and drink festivals to visit. We also have our round-up of the best London pubs for food lovers. If you like your cocktail served with stellar sound systems, discover our favourite listening bars in London. The best London hotel bars to visit Vesper Bar at The Dorchester, Mayfair The vesper martini first appeared in James Bond’s debut, Ian Fleming’s Casino Royale, a potent mix of gin, vodka and Lillet Blanc. The drink – and Fleming’s frequent patronage of the hotel – provided inspiration for when The Dorchester revamped its own longstanding bar into a destination venue. Vesper Bar is a thirties-inspired golden, glimmering confection, with polished wood and shimmering surfaces, plump blue armchairs, racing green bar stools and a beautiful 1930s palladium leaf ceiling. It’s plush, luxe and comfortable, with seamless service. The latest menu, Eterna, explores the golden ratio, a mathematical ratio seen throughout nature and art, and expressed in the menu through different flavour profiles – from savoury to herbaceous, floral and smoky. The Venus Observed, with coconut pisco, Seatrus gin, Italicus, tomato and caperberry, is a savoury delight, while Thunderball’s combination of Enemigo blanco tequila, pineapple and sage sauvignon blanc …

The-Coral-Room-3-8842844.jpg
width: 2001
height: 1500

Sherry flip
type: item
creator: Hannah Guinness
subject: Cocktails and drinks
subject: Entertain
subject: Recipes
subject: cocktail
subject: sherry
description: Velvety, nutty and low-ABV, this sherry flip makes an excellent alternative to eggnog during the festive season
encoded: Try our sherry flip, then discover our sherry sour, Tiojito sherry cocktail and frozen sherry cobbler cocktail. Also, try more Christmas cocktails. Sherry flip cocktail

SherryFlip-1-5b4da75.gif
width: 990
height: 900

10 cocktails for a Christmas drinks party
type: item
date: 2025-12-03T11:36:04.000Z
creator: Hannah Guinness
subject: Drink
subject: Guides
description: From Friendsmas and family gatherings to Christmas Day fizz and New Year's Eve cocktails – check out our guide to the best festive party drinks and which snacks to serve alongside
encoded: Our Christmas drinks party guide has everything you need for a next-level celebration, including twists on classic drinks (hello, Christmas spritz), sharing cocktails and plenty of festive fizz. Alongside this we've also got plenty of snack and canapé ideas for you to try. If you're short on time it's easy to give even simple drinks a festive makeover by using the right garnishes – we love using citrus wheels, whole spices such as cinnamon sticks and star anise and seasonal fruits like cranberries and pomegranates. For extra visual Christmassy appeal, try garnishing drinks with rosemary or mint dusted with icing sugar. For more festive cocktail inspiration explore our collection of 62 Christmas cocktails, 38 winter cocktails and our favourite Christmas mocktails, plus, check out the best Christmas canapé recipes. Best Christmas party cocktails Aperol spritz punch Punches are perfect for parties and this crowd-pleasing recipe uses all the components of a classic Aperol spritz plus other festive ingredients like cranberry, ginger and pomegranate. Serve alongside Italian-inspired nibbles like crostini, tarrallini and green olives. Christmas spiced negroni A negroni lends itself well to a festive makeover as all its component parts – gin, Campari and sweet vermouth – are bold enough to take extra flavourings. The homemade spiced gin in this recipe makes 500ml, so if you also scale up the Campari and sweet vermouth you can save on time and make up a big batch to serve at parties. Serve with our mozzarella sticks with spicy dipping sauce or chunks of good-quality parmesan. Paloma champagne cocktails It turns out herbaceous tequila, biscuity champagne and tart grapefruit are a match made in heaven in this easy fizzy aperitif – serve with our spicy jalapeño poppers or roasted chilli corn. Christmas mojito A summery mojito gets a Christmas makeover thanks to the addition of cranberry juice, which nicely complements the fragrant mint in the drink. The ingredients are easy to …

Christmas-Aperol-Punch-2preview-da0a52b.jpg
width: 2986
height: 4000

65 Christmas cocktails and drinks
type: item
creator: Hannah Guinness
subject: Collection
subject: Drink
subject: Recipes
subject: Drinks
description: Indulge at home this winter with our Christmas cocktails. Try twists on mulled wine, spiced negronis, warming chai cocktails and plenty of festive fizz
encoded: Looking for Christmas cocktails? Make your festive evenings extra special with our easy Christmas cocktail ideas including festive martini recipes, mulled wine and Christmas gin cocktails. Next, try our prosecco cocktails and champagne cocktails. Whether it's breakfast fizz for Christmas Day, party cocktails for New Year's Eve or warming mulled drinks for frosty winter walks, our collection of Christmas cocktails has everything you need for a jolly festive season. Find recipes for classic festive drinks including eggnog and glühwein, plus lots of fun ideas to try out, including vibrant Aperol spritz punch, zingy paloma champagne cocktails, kitsch white Christmas coladas and a dessert-worthy tiramisu martini. For more quick and easy festive entertaining, check out our no-cook Christmas entertaining ideas and our Christmas mash-up recipes. Best Christmas cocktails recipes The olive festive cocktail The ultimate Christmas cocktail from the olive magazine team. Make this easy spiced cocktail recipe with tequila and elderflower for a festive drink to serve friends and family over the Christmas season. Look for vintage bottles and add a pretty ribbon and label to complete the look. Click here for more exciting edible Christmas gifts... Sloe gin fizz Although you can buy shop-bought (see our picks of the best sloe gin to buy), you could make your own sloe gin in this festive twist on a classic gin fizz. Aperol spritz punch Aperol spritz isn’t just for summer – this festive punch version adds cranberry juice and ginger ale, then gets dressed up with pomegranate, rosemary, star anise and cinnamon. Ready in five minutes, it’s an easy crowd-pleaser for up to eight. Sherry flip Velvety, nutty and low-ABV, this sherry flip is a clever alternative to eggnog for the festive season. Smooth and sippable, it keeps the celebrations bright without overdoing it. Christmas spiced negroni Take your favourite cocktail and give it a festive makeover with homemade spiced gin. Why not make ou…

Christmas-cocktail-recipes-14f3475.jpg
width: 1200
height: 1320

Best UK gins to buy
type: item
date: 2025-11-25T12:05:24.000Z
creator: Hannah Guinness
subject: Drink
subject: Reviews
subject: Gin
subject: Products
description: From using native botanicals to being inspired by local history, explore the vibrant best British gins that celebrate a sense of place
encoded: The gin boom in recent years has seen gin distilleries spring up the length and breadth of the British Isles, and it's likely that wherever you go in the UK you'll discover a locally made gin, often using botanicals and ingredients from the surrounding area, whether that's wheat grown on Salisbury plain, Yorkshire gooseberries or foraged sea vegetables in Suffolk. Here are some of the best gins that make the most of where they come from. Want to discover more unique gins? Try our favourite Scottish gins, Welsh gins and flavoured gins, or travel the world from your home with our unusual international gins. Looking to really impress fellow gin lovers? Bring the bar to your home with our best drinks trolley ideas, and buy from one of our favourite online bottle shops. Best UK gins to buy at a glance Ludlow: Pink Ludlow gin, £42.91 The Cotswolds: Cotswolds Distillery No.2 wildflower gin, £38.50 Northumberland: Hepple Gin, £39.99 Ayrshire: Hendrick's Flora Adora gin, £34.12 Norfolk: Bullards Coastal gin, £45 Suffolk: Fishers gin, £40 Yorkshire: Slingsby gooseberry gin, £32.99 Northamptonshire: Warner's London dry gin, £31 Lanarkshire: Biggar gin, £38.81 Devon: Salcombe Start Point London dry gin, £41.99 Wiltshire: Ramsbury lemon balm gin, £36 Cornwall: Tarquin's gin, £38.50, Aureus Vita gin, £175 Cambridge: Cambridge Distillery Three Seasons gin, £90 The Cairngorms: Caorunn gin, £31.50 Thurso: Rock Rose Scottish gin, £33.39 Surrey: Silent Pool gin, £40.13, Magna Carta gin, £40, Brockman's Intensely Smooth, £36 Wales: Aber Falls small batch gin, £28.93 London: Sipsmith chilli and lime gin, £30 Swansea: Cygnet 77, £130 Northern Ireland: Boatyard Double gin, £39.58 Best UK gins to buy 2025 Ludlow: Pink Ludlow gin Available from Master of Malt (£42.91) A rich and complex pink gin, with floral notes from hibiscus, warmth from pink peppercorns and zesty orange notes to round everything off. Flavour profile: citrus Botanicals: Juniper, coriander, orange, angelica, orris, hibisc…

Fishers-gin-by-@lateef-photography-d6e9eea.jpg
width: 7270
height: 4847

19 best vodkas to buy, tried and tested 2025
type: item
date: 2025-11-25T11:55:22.000Z
creator: Hannah Guinness
subject: Drink
subject: Reviews
subject: review
subject: Vodka
description: Drinks expert Hannah Guinness has tested the best vodka to buy so you'll be ready to make a whole range of classic cocktails at home
encoded: Looking for the best vodka to try? Read our guide then check out our vodka cocktail recipes, then check out our alternative spirits and best sustainable spirits to try. This clear spirit is an essential ingredient for any drinks cupboard. Vodka has always been celebrated for its versatility as a cocktail ingredient, and in recent years the launches of new artisan brands have meant that it’s also seen as a premium spirit that can be sipped and savoured. In places such as Russia and Poland, it’s a spirit usually drunk neat, ice-cold and in shots, and with two things – company, and food (especially pickles and salty snacks). It’s vodka’s versatility as a drinks base, however, that saw it soar in popularity in countries including the US in the 20th century, with vodka cocktails such as the moscow mule and cosmopolitan ensuring that sales boomed. Recent years have seen vodka’s crown slip a little, with sales dented by the boom in ‘craft’ spirits, especially gin (interestingly, gin is effectively made from vodka, with extra flavourings added). This status quo is shifting, however, with the emergence of new vodkas that champion their raw ingredients and position themselves as premium artisan products. Because while it’s popularly seen as a ‘flavourless’ spirit, the best expressions will have subtle differences – potato vodkas will have a creamier texture, while a rye-based spirit can have nutty notes. This can be especially appreciated in classic, spirit-forward cocktails such as a vodka martini. The UK has witnessed its own mini-boom in premium English vodkas, made with anything from potato and grains (the traditional base ingredients for vodka) to grapes and even milk. Here are a few of our favourite vodkas to buy from the UK and beyond. 19 best vodkas to buy at a glance Best herbal vodka: Colwith Distillery Aval Dor Cornish Rosemary and Bay Vodka, £39.25 Best vodka for gifting: Sapling vodka, £31.25 Best floral vodka: Jo Vodka 103 – The Artist, £49.99 Best full-bodied v…

Best-vodka-2025-3887093.jpg
width: 620
height: 413

20 best tequilas to try 2025
type: item
date: 2025-11-21T00:00:13.000Z
creator: Hannah Guinness
subject: Drink
subject: Guides
subject: Reviews
description: We’ve found the best tequilas to buy, from silver varieties for cocktails to rich aged spirits perfect for sipping
encoded: Looking for the best tequila to buy? Want to try new varieties of the popular agave spirit? Check out our round up of the best tequilas brands to try this summer... For more drinks inspiration, check out our expert guides to the best mezcal to buy or best premium rum to try. Best tequilas at a glance Blanco tequilas Best tequila for easy drinking: Espolòn Blanco Tequila, £30.50 Best pink tequila: Código 1530 Rosa Blanco, £49.99 Best smooth blanco tequila: 1800 Blanco Tequila, £34.20 Best tequila for beginners: Cazcabel Honey Tequila, £32.18 Best silver tequila: Don Fulano Blanco Tequila, £45.50 Best flavoured tequila: Beeble Honey Tequila, £35 Best coffee tequila: Hacien Coffee Tequila Blanco, £37.50 Añejo tequila Best value añejo tequila: El Mayor Añejo Tequila, £41.75 Best tequila with a whisky twist: Storywood Tequila Speyside 14 Añejo, £56.95 Best tequila for sipping: VIVIR Tequila Añejo, £69 Best tequila for a Manhattan: Código 1530 Añejo, £112 Best herbaceous tequila: Tapatio Añejo Tequila, £32.89 Best añejo for special occasions: Komos Anejo Reserva, £184.62 Reposado tequila Best reposado tequila: Casa Noble Reposado, £65.90 Best delicate tequila: Mijenta Reposado Tequila, £60.49 Best blow out tequila: Komos Reposado Rosa Tequila, £139 Best mellow tequila: Herradura Reposado Tequila, £42.70 Best single-estate tequila: Ocho 8 Resposado Tequila, £29.50 Best reposado for sipping: Codigo 1530 Reposado Tequila, £51.75 Other tequilas Best charcoal-filtered tequila: Maestro DOBEL Diamante, £61.50 What is tequila? Tequila is a distilled spirit made from the cooked and fermented juice of blue agave. Most tequilas fall into three categories. Blanco tequila is unaged and bottled within two months, and is typically used in cocktails. It usually has strong agave and earthy flavours. Reposado tequilas have been aged in wooden casks for at least two months – which mellows the spirit and imparts oaky notes. Try them in cocktails like margaritas, or drink them neat. Añejo teq…

tequila-250aa7b.jpg
width: 11102
height: 4772

Best alcohol Advent calendars to buy 2025
type: item
date: 2025-11-10T11:37:36.000Z
creator: Hannah Guinness
subject: Drink
subject: Guides
subject: Reviews
subject: Products
description: From high-end whiskies to exclusive craft beers, the countdown to Christmas has never been more fun. Here are our best alcohol Advent calendars to buy this year
encoded: The beauty of a boozy Advent calendar (aside from the obvious) is that it’s a great way to try lots of different drinks without having to commit to the expense of larger bottles. We’ve got all bases covered here – from flavoured G&Ts to spiced rum and craft beers, so get sampling! Still looking for Advent calendar inspiration? Check out our picks of the best coffee Advent calendars, best tea Advent calendars and best Advent calendars for foodies for plenty more ideas. Best alcohol Advent calendars to buy 2025 Craft Gin Advent calendar Available from Craft Gin Club (£95) Craft Gin Club's calendar features 25 different double measure servings to open all month long, including seven mystery spirits. It's impressively compact and although the cardboard design doesn't feel excessively luxe, you could definitely refill the satisfying-to-open boxes year after year. Alongside larger brands such as Salcombe, it's a great way to discover small craft distilleries from across the UK, with unique gins without novelty flavours. Available from: Craft Gin Club (£89.99) MOTH cocktail Advent calendar Available from MOTH (£79) If a well-mixed cocktail is your drink order of choice, then this is the alcohol Advent calendar for you. The design is minimalist monochrome on the outside but each door hides a colourful cocktail can. The calendar contains nine of MOTH's most popular flavours, so there's enough variety to not feel repetitive, while still getting a couple of each of your favourites. Cocktails include a negroni, margarita and paloma. Available from: MOTH (£79) Drinks by the Dram rum Advent calendar Available from Master of Malt (£124.95) An alcohol Advent calendar is a great way to explore the complexities of a single spirit – and this rum calendar from Drinks by the Dram does just that. Any rum lover will enjoy the chance to deep dive into this journey of discovery of 25 different wax-sealed rums sourced from around the world. For an even more specific experience, a spiced rum …

Boutique-y-Gin-calendar-9b84934.jpg
width: 3494
height: 2329

Paloma champagne cocktail
type: item
creator: Hannah Guinness
subject: Cocktails and drinks
subject: Entertain
subject: Recipes
description: Kick Christmas Day morning off with a vibrant blend of champagne, pink grapefruit juice and blanco tequila
encoded: Try our Paloma champagne cocktail, then discover homemade grenadine, bucks fizz, kir royale, French 75 and more champagne cocktails. Paloma champagne cocktail recipe

PALOMA-CHAMPAGNE-COCKTAILpreview-71b0eac.jpg
width: 3025
height: 4000

Aperol spritz punch
type: item
creator: Hannah Guinness
subject: Cocktails and drinks
subject: Entertain
subject: Recipes
description: We’ve used Aperol here but you could swap with another Italian aperitif like Campari or Select Aperitivo for a more bittersweet flavour
encoded: Try our Aperol spritz punch, then discover sloe gin fizz, Christmas spiced negroni and more Christmas cocktails. Aperol spritz punch recipe

Tiramisu martini
type: item
creator: Hannah Guinness
subject: Cocktails and drinks
subject: Entertain
subject: Recipes
description: Feeling too stuffed for dessert after a big dinner? Enter the pudding cocktail: sweet, creamy and boozy, it’s the perfect end to a meal. Here we’ve used the flavours of a classic Italian dessert to make a decadent treat
encoded: Try our tiramisu martini, then discover our passion fruit martini, French martini, vesper martini and more easy martini recipes. Also try our recipes for homemade coffee syrup and other coffee cocktails such as our revolver cocktail. If you are entertaining, our espresso martini cheesecake makes for an impressive dinner party dessert, or make our fun espresso martini cake pops for a grown-up treat. Tiramisu martini recipe

TIRAMISU-MARTINIpreview-7125192.jpg
width: 2734
height: 4000

White Christmas colada
type: item
creator: Hannah Guinness
subject: Cocktails and drinks
subject: Entertain
subject: Recipes
description: The coconut cream might separate a little in the glass but just give it a quick stir if it does. If you don’t like rum then swapping for blanco tequila turns this into an equally delicious coconut margarita
encoded: Try our white Christmas colada, then discover our virgin piña colada, classic piña colada and pineapple mezcal margarita. Plus, discover dry gin martini and more martini recipes. White Christmas colada recipe

WHITE-CHRISTMAS-COLADApreview-d3fe796.jpg
width: 2966
height: 4000

The World's 50 Best Bars 2025: the results
type: item
date: 2025-10-09T11:49:18.000Z
creator: Hannah Guinness
subject: Bar reviews
subject: Drink
subject: Guides
description: Find out which UK and London bars made the list of these prestigious awards, held in Hong Kong, as well as the top 50 winners
encoded: The World's 50 Best Bars is an internationally acclaimed annual list that celebrates the best in the bar industry, ranking destinations across the globe, from London to New York, Tokyo to Mexico City. Hotly anticipated each year, 2025's results include both established favourites and newcomers. Bar Leone in Hong Kong took the No.1 spot, winning World's Best Bar. This is the first time that a bar in Asia has gained the top spot in the awards. London led Europe in the top 50, with four bars making the list, including two in the top 10 – Tayēr + Elementary at No.5 and Connaught Bar at No.6. Satan's Whiskers came in at No.21 and Scarfes Bar at No.31. Panda & Sons in Edinburgh also made the list, ranking at No.34. Explore our guides to the best London cocktail bars, listening bars and wine bars. Check out the top 50 list below The World's 50 Best Bars – the top 50 1. Bar Leone, Hong Kong 2. Handshake Speakeasy, Mexico City 3. Sips, Barcelona 4. Paradiso, Barcelona 5. Tayēr + Elementary, London 6. Connaught Bar, London 7. Moebius Milano, Milan 8. Line, Athens 9. Jigger & Pony, Singapore 10. Tres Monos, Buenos Aires 11. Alquímico, Cartagena 12. Superbueno, New York 13. Lady Bee, Lima 14. Himkok, Oslo 15. Bar Us, Bangkok 16. Zest, Seoul 17. Bar Nouveau, Paris 18. Bar Benfiddich, Tokyo 19. Caretaker's Cottage, Melbourne 20. The Cambridge Public House, Paris 21. Satan's Whiskers, London 22. Locale Firenze, Florence 23. Tlecān, Mexico City 24. Tan Tan, São Paulo 25. Mirror Bar, Bratislava 26. CoChinChina, Buenos Aires 27. Baba au Rum, Athens 28. Nouvelle Vague, Tirana 29. Hope & Sesame, Guangzhou 30. Danico, Paris 31. Scarfes Bar, London 32. Svanen, Oslo 33. Sastrería Martinez, Lima 34. Panda & Sons, Edinburgh 35. Röda Huset, Stockholm 36. Mimi Kakushi, Dubai 37. Salmon Guru, Madrid 38. Coa, Hong Kong 39. Sip & Guzzle, New York 40. Drink Kong, Rome 41. Double Chicken Please, New York 42. Maybe Sammy, Sydney 43. 1930, Milan 44. Jewel of the South, New Orleans 45. Virtù, Tokyo …

W50BB25-Group-shothigh-res-620e2e2.jpg
width: 4000
height: 2250

Spiced rum manhattan
type: item
creator: Hannah Guinness
subject: Cocktails and drinks
subject: Entertain
subject: Recipes
description: Using spiced rum instead of whisky in a manhattan adds a warming richness and smoothness to this classic cocktail
encoded: Try our spiced rum manhattan, then discover our negroni, dirty martini, Americano cocktail, sherry Manhattan and more vermouth cocktail recipes. We prefer using a drier variety like Black Tears dry spiced rum but if you don’t have this you could use a 50/50 mixture of traditional spiced rum and aged dark rum. Spiced rum manhattan recipe

SpicedRumManhattanpreview-0461775.jpg
width: 2667
height: 4000

Amaretto old fashioned
type: item
creator: Hannah Guinness
subject: Cocktails and drinks
subject: Recipes
description: Add amaretto to an old fashioned for a lush, nutty tinge that makes it perfect for sipping after dinner
encoded: Try our amaretto old fashioned, then discover gingerbread old fashioned, chocolate old fashioned or monkey old fashioned. Amaretto is a sweet, almond-flavoured Italian liqueur that is most famously used in an amaretto sour but also pairs really well with dark spirits like whisky. Amaretto old fashioned recipe

AmarettoOldFashionedpreview-6623552.jpg
width: 2667
height: 4000