The 12 DRINKS
of Christmas
The 12 DRINKS
of Christmas
The 12 DRINKS
of Christmas
From the perfect fizz to pop on the morning of the 25 December to a bottle of something special to serve with the turkey, our experts share their personal recommendations for the big day –
and they're all under £15!
Our EXPERTS
Joanna Simon
Award-winning wine writer and editor of Waitrose Drinks magazine
Pierpaolo Petrassi Master of Wine
Partner and head of drinks buying
Charlotte Kissane
Partner and beers & spirits buyer
Alexandra Mawson
Partner and wine buyer
BECKY Hull Master of Wine
Partner and wine buyer
Victoria Mason
Partner and wine buyer
Jamie Matthewson
Partner and buying manager for wines
1.
Christmas MORNING drinks
La Gioiosa Prosecco Superiore Valdobbiadene DOCG
Alexandra: An outstanding top-quality Prosecco from a family-run winery dedicated to sustainability and maintaining biodiversity in their vineyards. Pop a cork for the perfect start to your Christmas Day.
Drinks for CHRISTMAS Canapés & starters
2. Cava
No.1 Castillo Perelada Cava Brut
Alexandra: We are proud to work with top producer Castillo Perelada to craft this beautiful Cava brimming with citrus aromas and a savoury, nutty edge that partners perfectly with smoked salmon blinis and canapes.
3. Sparkling wine
Cuvée Royale Brut Crémant de Limoux
Alexandra: From Limoux in France but without the price tag of Champagne, this crowd-pleaser ticks every box for the big day. Elegant and fresh with a lemon and brioche finish. A customer favourite for a reason, and one of mine too!
4. Alcohol-free beer
Erdinger Weissbräu Alkohol Frei
Joanna: The refreshment factor and spectrum of flavours in wheat beers and Czech and German pilsners make them a great match for smoked salmon. And the best non-alcoholic versions have the body to take on the mantle just as confidently.
Drinks for your Christmas MAIN COURSE
5. Turkey
Victoria: Sourced from organically-farmed vineyards in the beautiful Western Cape, Reyneke Organic Chenin has vibrant acidity combined with mid-palate richness, and flavours of apricot, orange zest and honeycomb. It works brilliantly alongside roast poultry and all of the accompaniments - with enough zip to match even the tang of cranberry sauce.
6. Turkey/trimmings
Torres Celeste Crianza Ribera del Duero
Joanna: Avoid tannic heavyweights and the lightweights that would be overwhelmed by the festoon of flavours, and there’s an array of friendly reds for turkey, from Argentine Malbec to Châteauneuf-du-Pape to this sandalwood-scented, plummy, oak-matured silky Tempranillo.
7. Meat-free dishes
Becky: Thistledown makes exquisite small batch wines from parcels of really old vines. This Grenache is packed with ripe, jammy strawberry flavours, with a touch of peppery spice on the finish.
"Trying different wines that have much in common with ones you already love may well lead to new favourites for years to come."
Joanna Simon
Christmas DESSERT drinks
8.
Joanna: With its streak of orange zest, this floral-perfumed Muscat of Alexandria will counterbalance a magisterial Christmas pudding (or mince pies).
9.
Jamie: This wine comes from the prestigiuos Chateau Bastor Lamontagne and delivers apricots and pineapples covered in honey on the palate and finishes with sweet orange. Indulgent, but perfectly balanced. Not only that, it's organic, too.
Drinks for a Christmas CHEESEBOARD
10.
Joanna: Apple-based drinks are good with cheese. They’re often made in the same regions – Camembert and cider in Normandy, Cheddar and cider in Somerset. This sparkling, dry Breton cider with bittersweet apple flavours and hints of lime and spice will work well with most cheeses.
11.
Cave de Turkheim Crémant d'Alsace Cuvée Brut
Alexandra: Add some fizzy celebration into the final course of your meal with this delicious Crémant from Alsace. Made from a blend of local star grapes – Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris – it’s lightly floral with a touch of nectarine and will pair perfectly with your cheese plate.
Leftovers
12.
Pierpaolo: A sustainable choice, this ale is brewed using surplus fresh bread and British hops, with all profits going to charities including anti-food-waste organisation Feedback. Balancing bitter and rich flavours, it pairs well with many foods and can cope with spicy fare such as this turkey ramen.
View more turkey leftover recipes
"Keep some interesting craft beers and cider on hand; even if you generally prefer wine, they make a fantastic accompaniment to that all-important cheeseboard."
Pierpaolo Petrassi MW
