What you’ll be drinking this festive season
Don’t get stuck bringing a boring beverage to your Christmas celebrations. These winners have you covered — and some would make perfect gifts.
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There’s nothing better than celebrating the year that was with a cold drink during the festive season — whether it’s at a backyard barbecue, Christmas party or over a nice meal.
Here’s my picks of drinks to order on your next outing, or to pick up from the bottle shop on your way home.
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— IF YOU’RE IN THE MOOD FOR A REFRESHING BEER:
Brewmanity Tango and Splash Juicy Lager
It’s the easy-drinking beer to whip out while manning the barbecue this summer. For something so easy to knock back, it has a lot of hoppy-flavour (minus the bitterness) with subtle hints of fruit. Think melon, peach and pineapple.
Cost: $24 per six pack, $72 a case.
— IF YOU’RE AFTER A WHITE NOT SHORT OF FLAVOUR:
The Botham 76 Series Margaret River Chardonnay 2017
This really is an all-rounder. If you’re not bowled-over by chardonnay, you won’t be offended by this creamy oak and fruit driven wine. For a complex wine, the low price tag will hit you for six.
Price: From $17.99 per bottle Stockist: Cellarmasters.com.au
www.bothamwines.com
—IF YOU WON’T GIVE UP RED DESPITE IT BEING 40C:
This medium bodied red is a treat no matter the weather. It’s full-flavoured, savoury with notes of chocolate and leather, but smells like cherry and spiced plums. The drop is named after winemaker Alfred Pizzini’s grandmother. A warm and humble wine.
Cost: $21.50 per bottle.
— IF YOU WANT BUBBLES ON A BUDGET:
Brown Brothers prosecco
Prosecco has made its resurgence on Melbourne’s drinks scene over the last few years — it’s lighter in alcohol, has less sugar than champagne or sparkling and is low in calories. This bottle is both gentle, crisp with delicate lemon-pear flavours.
Cost: RRP $18.80 per bottle
— IF YOU FEEL LIKE SPLURGING:
Piper-Heidsieck Cuvée Brut
Indulge a little this festive season and celebrate the official champagne of the Oscars. Closer to home Piper is the drop of the Aus Open. This luxe tipple, with notes of citrus, white pear, almond and hazelnut, is best enjoyed with seafood (served at 8-10C alone or a notch higher at 10-12.5C with food). Saving for later? Store it laying down to preserve the cork.
Cost: RRP $50 per bottle (limited edition Aus Open tennis tin) or $300 Piper-Heidsieck Rare 2002.
— IF YOU’RE IN THE MOOD FOR A THEMED COCKTAIL:
Rudolph’s Elixir at The Langham
There’s plenty of Melbourne venues doing their take on a Christmas cocktail, but a must is Rudolph’s Elixir at The Langham. The pretty concoction is made with Absolut vodka, grapefruit juice, Chamboard, raspberry Christmas syrup (blended fresh raspberries, cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon and rosemary), mint leaves, egg white and finish with a rosemary sprig.
Cost: $19
www.langhamhotels.com/en/the-langham/melbourne
— IF YOU’RE HOSTING A DINNER PARTY:
PORD
Businesswomen Chloe Oestreich has reinvented the way we look at cask wine with PORD. Inside the small barrel is a premium wine from Mitchelton (either rose, shiraz or pinot gris). On the outside, drinkers can choose from a selection of designs created by three female artists Evi O, Hannah Nowlan and Filippa Edghill. Perfect for repurposing around the home.
Cost: $160 for 3 litres of wine.
— IF YOU LOVE GIN
Little Lon Distilling Co Little Miss Yoko
Tucked away in a part of the CBD you wouldn’t normally venture is small-batch gin distillery and bar Little Lon. But don’t judge this venue by its size — the gin is thought-provokingly different. The lychee-infused Little Miss Yoko is the perfect addition to any summer cocktail. Get creative.
Cost: $80 for 500ml
— IF YOU DON’T DRINK BOOZE:
Seedlip Grove42.
Hot on the heels of low-cal wine and zero booze beer is Seedlip’s new non-alcoholic spirit: Grove 42. This drop celebrates all things citrus, including bitter and blood orange, lemongrass, ginger and lemon and mandarin. The perfect mixer or on its own, if you’re deso, pregnant or just don’t drink.
Cost: $49.95 from David Jones
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