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 Japanese whiskies and craft ciders, so get sampling!
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Best booze advent calendars
24 Days of Rum Advent Calendar, £79.95, The Whisky Exchange
We often think of rum as a spirit just for cocktails but the best ones are designed to be sipped and savoured like you would a fine wine or whisky. This calendar offers rums from an impressive 24 different countries, plus tasting notes and two glasses.
Laithewaite’s Wine Advent Calendar, £69.99, Laithwaite’s
We were impressed with the value for money that this calendar offers, with 23 different 187ml bottles – from rioja to Kiwi sauvignon blanc – plus a half bottle of champagne to open up on Christmas Day. What’s not to love?
The HonestBrew Craft Beer Advent Calendar, £64.90, HonestBrew
Variety is the name of the game here, with 24 different indie beers (from Siren to Basqueland – you won’t find the same brewer twice) in 13 different styles from across Europe, with plenty exclusive to this calendar. Get chugging.
Japanese Whisky Advent Calendar, £199.95, Master of Malt
Japanese whiskies are rightly held in high esteem and this luxe calendar would make a special treat for a dedicated whisky connoisseur. You’ll find 24 different wax-sealed drams from some of the country’s best producers, including Yamazaki, Nikka, Hibiki and more.
Port Advent Calendar, £99.95, Vintage Wine & Port
Port and Christmas are natural bedfellows and this is a great chance to explore produces from Douro Valley port producer Quevedo, with 24 x 50ml bottles of their best offerings, including tawny, white, ruby, rose and late bottled vintage varieties.
Ultimate Craft Cider Advent Calendar, £75, Crafty Nectar
24 bottles from some of the UK’s best premium cider producers including Tom Oliver, The Newt in Somerset and Dunkertons. Expect nothing but 100% apple juice ciders (a sign of a quality product) as well as some quirky numbers – blackberry and hibiscus cider, anyone?
Fever Tree The Ultimate Gin & Tonic Advent Calendar, £60, Waitrose
Posh tonic water experts Fever Tree have supplied everything you need for as G&T-fuelled December, with 12 x 50mls of craft gin (think the likes Cotswold Dry Gin, Chase and Silent Pool) and 12 cans of Fever Tree tonic.
12 Gins of Christmas, £39.99, ocado.com
Here at olive HQ we’re big fans of flavoured gins and how versatile they are – perfect in G&Ts, cocktails or even just sipped neat over ice. This advent calendar comes with 12 x 50ml bottles of Whitley Neill and JJ Whitley gins with flavours including blood orange, rhubarb and ginger, raspberry, violet, quince and more.
Beer Hawk 2020 Advent Calendar, £85, beerhawk.co.uk
24 beers from 14 different countries, including the likes of Wild Beer Co, Mikkeller and Thornbridge. We liked the fact that all of the beers featured are exclusive to the calendar, so you won’t be able to find them anywhere else.
Gins of Christmas Advent Calendar, £100, Marks & Spencer
The sweet-toothed will love these 26 festively flavoured gin liqueurs, from apple and spice to clementine and plum and vanilla. Sip them with a mince pie, wedge of Christmas cake or pud.
