Christmas drinks are one of life’s genuine pleasures — the whole world seems to narrow down to a warm pub, good company, and something in a glass that tastes unmistakably of the season. Whether it’s a warming spiced stout, a glass of something fizzy, or a dram of whisky by the fire, there’s a ritual to festive drinking that’s worth paying attention to.
What Makes a Great Christmas Drink
The best Christmas beers lean into warmth and richness — think dark ales, stouts, and porters with notes of chocolate, dried fruit, vanilla, and spice. Winter warmers from breweries like Wychwood, St Austell, and Williams Bros tend to nail this perfectly. On the spirits side, a good blended Scotch or a warming rum is hard to beat alongside the usual festivities. And of course, there’s mulled wine — underrated when made properly with real spices and a decent bottle rather than a carton.
A Few Recommendations
If you’re building a festive drinks shelf, stock a seasonal ale or two alongside your go-to everyday beer — you’ll be glad you did when the evenings get dark early and the fire’s on. Pair heavier stouts with cheese boards and charcuterie, and save the lighter golden ales for Christmas Day when you need something sessionable to get through the afternoon. Most importantly, drink what you enjoy rather than what you feel you’re supposed to enjoy. Christmas comes once a year — make the drinks count.
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