With less than ONE MONTH to go until the big day, M&S Food reveals the top 10 must-try drinks this Christmas – perfect for parties, gifts for loved ones, or for cosy winter nights in 😉
With less than 30 days to go until Christmas, the majority of the nation has already started planning their festive feast for the big day – however many leave the all-important drinks until the very last minute. Fortunately, our M&S experts are on hand with their top recommendations for the ten must-have tipples for all your Christmas parties and beyond! 🍷🍾🍹🍸
From five-star bar-quality cocktails and our first-ever tinnie selection pack, to the high-street’s first white mulled wine (yes you read that right!) and a liqueur that lights up without any buttons or switches, your local M&S Foodhall is THE place to go for showstopping seasonal drinks!
One of this year’s top tipples has been tipped by none other than acclaimed restaurateur and author Ottolenghi, whose recent video about the comeback of retro liqueur Advocaat has already racked up over 700,000 views and 13,000 likes, comments and shares on his Instagram.
Jenny Rea, Lead Product Developer for Spirits, Liqueurs & Cocktails at M&S, said: “As product developers we work closely with our in-house M&S trends experts to make sure we’re launching or relaunching drinks at the exact moment that shoppers are looking to rediscover old favourites or to try something fresh and exciting with a modern twist. We knew that Advocaat would be one of the retro classics that was ready for a comeback this year, and our predictions have been affirmed by Ottolenghi himself endorsing this fabulous festive liqueur. Our version is made exclusively with free-range eggs and is perfect for mixing into a retro Snowball, pouring over desserts, or simply enjoying on its own on ice!”
Another festive drink that is quickly becoming a firm favourite with customers is our White Mulled Wine, which is the first of its kind on the high street!
Maddie Love, Product Developer at M&S Food, said: “While shoppers will no doubt be more familiar with red mulled wine, our sales data shows white wine as a whole is definitely on the up – at the moment 60% of our customers’ wine purchases are white versus 40% red. So as white wine has grown in popularity, we’ve seen customers becoming more open to exploring new ways to enjoy it, like our new white mulled wine. It’s been great to see its lighter, fruitier notes appealing to those who prefer a more delicate flavour profile.”
Jenny and Maddie share their top 10 must-try drinks of the festive season.
🍹 CLASSY COCKTAILS 🍸
- M&S Christmas on the Beach, £6, 75cl
This festive tipple takes inspiration from our popular Peach on the Beach cocktail, combining vodka with cranberry, peach, orange juice and warming spices.
- M&S Christmas Cosmo, £6, 75cl
A delicious blend of cranberry and pomegranate juice with vodka, this is our wintry take on a classic Cosmopolitan!
- M&S The Marksologist Blood Orange Negroni, £18, 50cl
We’ve combined London dry gin, red vermouth and Italian bitter liqueur for a refreshing citrus twist on the classic bittersweet negroni.
- M&S The Marksologist Sloe Gin Sour, £18, 50cl
We’ve combined sloe gin, gin, lemon, sugar syrup and bitters for a delicious sweet and sour cocktail that’s perfect for winter.
- M&S Cocktail Party Pack, £19.50, 8 x 250ml
Our selection of eight perfectly mixed, ready-to-drink cocktails is perfect for all your Christmas parties! Each convenient box contains our passion star martini, pink passion star martini, piña colada, cosmo, whisky sour, mojito, strawberry daiquiri and margarita. Cheers!
🥃 LUXURIOUS LIQUEURS 🥃
- M&S 16 Acres Sloe Gin, £28, 70cl
We infuse seasonal sloe berries in gin to make this deliciously fruity small-batch liqueur. It’s ideal simply topped up with your favourite M&S tonic, or why not try it in cocktails like a Negroni – or a Sloe Royale with Champagne.
- M&S Mince Pie Liqueur, £20, 70cl
Our Mince Pie Liqueur is the spirit of Christmas in a glass. It has all the flavours of a mince pie – from buttery pastry to zesty fruit and rich, spiced mincemeat – in drinkable form. Enjoy it neat, served over ice, or pour over ice cream for a decadent, quick-and-easy dessert.
- M&S Clementine Gin Liqueur Snow Globe, £20, 70cl
Looking for a thoughtful Christmas spirit to bring as a gift? With shimmering edible 23-carat gold leaf and presented in a beautiful gift box, our Clementine Gin Liqueur Snow Globe is just the thing. It’s heaven topped up with tonic or prosecco, or enjoyed on its own.
✨ SEASONAL STUNNERS ✨
- M&S Advocaat, £13, 70cl
This is not just Advocaat… This is luxurious M&S Advocaat made using free-range eggs! This rich, creamy liqueur has Dutch origins and is velvety smooth, making it a versatile ingredient for cocktails like a classic Snowball – or pour over a warm mince pie or a slice of Christmas pudding!
- M&S White Mulled Wine, £6, 75cl
The first of its kind! This light, warming tipple has notes of pear, vanilla and a touch of cinnamon – perfect for anyone who prefers white wine to red, but still wants to enjoy a glass of warm, spiced comfort on a chilly evening!
