Eight of the best Scottish tipples to stock up on for Christmas
If you’re hosting a party or two during the festive season, here’s Hood’s handy guide to the best drinks to fill up your bar cart with - and they’re all produced here in Scotland…
Magnum Cream Liqueur
For a twist on the traditional Irish cream, why not serve your guests a splash of this deliciously warming whisky cream liqueur instead? An award-winning fusion of Speyside single malt scotch whisky and cream, this is a smooth, creamy drink that beautifully balances the warmth of caramel and whisky. We think this is bound to be popular during the festive season!
From £14.95, magnumcreamliqueur.co.uk
Oro Gin
Gin connoisseurs will love the clarity and smoothness of this scientifically-distilled gin, direct from Dumfries and Galloway. Silky enough to be sipped neat, but we love Oro best in a twist on an espresso martini, in place of vodka. The perfect digestif for any festive soiree!
£38, orogin.co.uk
Dark Matter Spiced Rum
A spiced rum is a bar cart staple, and we love nothing more than Dark Matter’s richly-flavoured offering. A grown-up take on a spiced rum, Dark Matter is peppery and sweet, with notes of biscuit and ginger. Use this in your favourite Dark’n’Stormy recipe to impress your guests.
£25, darkmatterdistillers.com
Garden Shed Drinks Co. Bramble Peach Gin
Glasgow-based Garden Shed Drinks Co. have come up with a winner, with this lightly fruity gin, flavoured with sweet peach and bramble. Delicate and delicious, this is best served with prosecco for a sparkling cocktail.
£32.50, thegardensheddrinksco.com
Genius Craft Lager
You should always have some lager stocked up for guests to enjoy if cocktails aren’t their thing, and Genius’ low-calorie, lower-alcohol offering is ideal for those who aren’t looking to go wild. This is the perfect option for guests who aren’t big drinkers, or who are curious to try something new.
£15 (case of 6), geniusbrewing.com
Ogilvy Scottish Potato Vodka
A smooth vodka is the ideal foundation to many of your favourite cocktails, and Ogilvy’s offering is perfect. Warm, smooth and sweet, but still neutral in flavour, this homegrown vodka comes straight from Forfar and would be an in-demand addition to your bar cart this Christmas.
£35, ogilvyspirits.com
Johnnie Walker Black Label Blended Scotch Whisky
A whisky is a non-negotiable on any Scot’s bar cart, and if you’re searching for one which will appeal to your guests without breaking the bank, Johnnie Walker Black Label is a solid choice. With notes of vanilla and allspice, along with a rich peatiness and a smoky edge, it’s no wonder that this is the world’s best-selling whisky!
£30.25, johnniewalker.com
Cross Brew Coffee Liqueur
The ideal finishing touch, and a crowd-pleaser to boot, is a coffee liqueur. Cross Brew is a great choice for the discerning drinker - a rich, full-bodied coffee liqueur that uses darkly roasted coffee, sugar and Scottish water. The best way to make espresso martinis.