RAISE A GLASS
MY neighbour had new windows fitted the other day. I couldn’t help but peep in as I walked past with the dog. I was stunned to see they’d put up their Christmas tree. So early! Tut Tut I murmured to the dog.
So don’t call me a hypocrite as I begin with festive gift ideas.
Bring a shimmer of loveliness to the glass of someone you love with this sparkly gin.
Fox & Foreman Bramble Shimmer (£10, Tesco, pictured right)
is incredibly tempting, especially when shaking the glitter through the gin. It has a rich vibe of autumn fruit flavours.
The Pinkster Gin Home Tasting Kit (RRP £30, pinkstergin.com) includes five different serves of gin including a Pinkster Gimlet cocktail, plus Pinkster Gin Jam Cocktail Mix and a mini jar of Pinkster Gin Jam.
Cooper King Distillery has created a choice of two gin Sharing Selection Boxes (£25, Cooperkingdistillery.co.uk). They include the award-winning Dry Gin, Herb Gin and Berry & Basil Gin Liqueur. Very tasty. I love the Wild Liqueur Taster Pack (£11.95, aelderelixir.com) from Buck & Birch Ltd. The trio of sips are made from foraged wild ingredients in the Scottish Lothians. The pack includes 50ml each of Aelder Elixir elderberry liqueur; Amarosa, a rosehip rum liqueur and Ana, a caramel liqueur. The yummy Aelder is available separately from £12.95.
One of the world’s biggest whisky brands Johnnie Walker has special limited edition 200th anniversary releases. Push the boat out for a whisky lover with the Johnnie Walker Bicentenary Blend ( it’s a wow at £725, 70cl, The Whisky Exchange).
You may want to give a warm hug of a red wine gift box to a loved one in the form of a Rioja Gift Box (£25, Marks & Spencer). It includes both a crianza and an older reserva to toast
family and friends at Christmas. (Even if we can’t see them!) Bring some bubbles and a smile to the face of a
special person with a delicious Bellini Case (£22.50, The Wine Society).
This gift pack includes a bottle of the super-tasty The Society’s Prosecco and 250ml each of Van Nahmen Rhubarb Nectar and Van Nahmen White Peach Nectar. Mix and match them for a splendid festive celebration.
Finally, give yourself and your home a gift. After all, you deserve it after a crazy year. Bolney’s Boxing Day Hamper (£95, bolneywineestate.com) is a wind-down treat including the wines Lychgate Red and Lychgate Bacchus plus Sinodun Hill cheese, crackers and chutney.
Next week, Christmas wines!
Find Jane on social media and online as One Foot in the Grapes.