10 fabulous festive ways to say it with a bottle

With the holiday season coming into full swing and twinkling lights signalling it’s time to think about what to tuck under the tree, liquid gifts can be a lifesaver.

Especially if you’re pressie buying for that hard-to-please person, know they love all things wine, or like to dial up happy hour with a cheeky cocktail.

To put you on the right track, these gifting ideas will bring a smile to their face and hit the spot…

1. Maker’s Mark Christmas Whisky, Limited Edition Bottle, £38, 70cl, John Lewis

With its hand-dipped signature red wax seal and celebratory festive label adorned with fir branches and holly berries, this smooth Kentucky straight bourbon gives you the best bang for your buck – and classic whisky for an old-fashioned.

2. Sea Change Christmas Day Pack, £38.99, Sea Change Wine

Terrific trio…this eco-conscious wine brand has done all the hard work for you by sourcing two French wines – a zesty sauvignon blanc and violet-scented malbec – to make your meal memorable; and multi award-winning prosecco to pimp up the party.

3. Witchmark Wiltshire Single Origin English Gin, £41, 70cl, Witchmark

Cited as a ‘celebration of floral elegance and citrus brightness’, the juniper-rich profile is harmonised by other botanicals including coriander, cardamom, lime, lavender and orange blossom. Look forward to a fragrant complexity with a fresh and zesty palate, florals, herbaceous spice and lasting, citrusy finish. Refreshing and delicious, top with elderflower tonic or orange juice.

4. Portofino Dry Gin, £42.50, 50cl, Boutique Brands

A postcard from the Italian Riviera, this beautifully bottled gin looks as good as it tastes. With fragrant aromas reminiscent of coastal walks, olive groves and lavender fields, it’s aromatic with notes of lemon and juniper; rosemary, lavender and sage on the palate, alongside wild herbs. Top with Mediterranean tonic to drink in some winter sunshine.

5. Ron Santiago De Cuba 11 Year Old Extra Anejo, £42.50, 70cl, The Whisky Exchange

Think tropical drinking adventures or a winter-spiced daiquiri, this Cuban rum spends 11 years in oak for its ‘sweet, smooth, flavour profile’. Fruity and complex, expect hints of cinnamon, vanilla, almond, coconut, twist of black pepper and smooth, warming finish. Can also be enjoyed neat over ice.

6. Bollinger Special Cuvée 007 Limited Edition 2025 Release NV, France, £52, The Finest Bubble

Best bubbles for Bond fans… a special release celebrating more than 45 years as the official champagne of James Bond, 007 – Bollinger debuted in 1979 with Moonraker; although movie buffs may not know this star-studded sparkler was first mentioned in Ian Fleming’s 1956 spy novel, Diamonds are Forever. Housed in a black and gold collector’s box with celebrated 007 logo on the neck collar, it’s a golden ticket to pleasure.

7. Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel, Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky, £49.75, 70cl, The Whisky Exchange

Fondly regarded as the ‘Father of bourbon,’ Elijah Craig was the first distiller to age whiskey in new, charred oak barrels – and this latest addition gives their fully matured small batch an extra layer of sweet oak complexity. Described as ‘big, rich and complex’, spice and peppery notes make themselves known, hint of smoke, toasty sweetness, caramel, with touches of baking spice leading into the lingering finish.

8. The Black Pig Red Wine Trio with Glasses in Branded Gift Box, £65, Virgin Wines

For the enthusiastic wine lover who loves to swoon over a smooth shiraz, this gift box focuses on three bold reds from The Black Pig range – including their award-winning The Prize Shiraz. An added bonus, this Aussie A-lister comes with a pair of Dartington Crystal wine glasses and tasting notes for comparison.

9. Glenfiddich Limited Edition 16 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky, £75, 70cl, Waitrose

Put the Formula One fan in poll position with this special release celebrating Glenfiddich’s partnership with the Aston Martin Formula One Team. Crafted from a fusion of American oak barrels, oak wine casks and second-fill bourbon casks, think a rich and layered sweetness with aromas of maple syrup, full and fruity palate, Chantilly cream and toasted oak notes driving the finish.

10. Dom Pérignon Vintage 2015 Takashi Murakami Limited Edition, £230, Selfridges

While the most famous champagne house on the planet needs little introduction, this latest collaboration showcases a colourful flowered landscape by Japanese contemporary artist Takashi Murakami – sometimes likened to Andy Warhol; with DP’s shield framed by Murakami’s iconic vibrant, smiling flowers, ‘blooming in jubilant profusion’. Decorative and playful, this exclusive design is sure to turn heads – and the champagne? Out of this world.