FESTIVAL BOOZE

Show me a Christmas without liquid refreshment and I will show you a festivity that isn’t festive. Of course, we must remain sensible – no good using booze to curb the sadness of not seeing loved ones this one crazy year. But, we need liquid refreshment whether it contains alcohol or not – so here’s a shortlist of Westcountry based drinks that reaches parts that others might not…

Cove Vodka

Made from 100% King Edwards potatoes grown on a family farm overlooking beautiful Hope Cove in South Devon. Apart from the pure vodka, the company produces delicious Damson Liqueur and cocktail making kits which are ideal for drinks parties over zoom or great gifts for any drinks lovers.

Luscombe Drinks

The ultimate in non-alcoholic treats – organic vegan soft drinks and mixers. Hot Ginger Beer is a wonderful alternative to ale, while pale pink Damascene Rose Bubbly is a refreshing champagne substitute for the non-drinkers. Luscombe has just launched a Ginger Beer presentation pack (£12.99) a great stocking filler for the non- drinker.

Sharpham Wine

With almost more prestigious awards than can be counted, one of the Westcountry’s best known wineries has been making the good stuff for more than 35 years. Ideal for those special Christmas occasions – Sharpham Pinot Noir or zesty new Sharpham Pinot Gris Wild Ferment. The company is selling cheese and wine hampers with neighbouring Sharpham Cheese.

Two Drifters Rum

From the world’s first carbon negative rum distillery (in Devon) delicious Spiced Rum is the perfect festive tipple with Luscombe Cool Ginger Beer, ice and a squeeze of lime. (RRP £40). Miniature Rum gift sets are available. Two Drifters is now listed in John Lewis, Virgin Wines and all products available for nationwide delivery from their website.

Salcombe Gin

The South Devon company’s gins have won some of the biggest awards on the international scene – and they’ve just launched an extraordinary product called Seamist, which is “a liquid garnish” – literally puff a couple of squirts of it across your glass of G&T and prepare to be wowed. For non-drinkers the company also makes New London Light – a 0% spirit which has the hit and mouthfeel of the real thing.

Salcombe Brewery

Among its many excellent ales the brewery is now selling its Island Street Porter… “An award winning, hand crafted, rich, velvety porter created from a blend of eight malts which produce hints of dark chocolate, coffee and black cherry which combined with British hops, create an aroma reminiscent of Black Forest gateaux.”

Skinner’s Brewery

I’ll be trying a bottle or two of Penny Come Quick – a Cornish milk stout brewed seasonally using a fine combination of Cornish water; whole flower Northdown hops; Mount Hood hop; pale malt; crystal malt; and chocolate malt.

Otter Brewery

I always have a few bottles of Otter Ale around – the Blackdown Hill company’s premium ale full of body and flavour.

Blue Goose Coffee

The Exeter-based company prides itself on producing some of the most sustainable, eco-friendly and delicious coffees you can buy. You can buy the speciality, single- origin coffees loose or in certified plastic-free and compostable pods which are compatible with Nespresso® original domestic drop-through coffee machines.