Indulge in some festive drinks
Christmas is just around the corner, it's time to get serious and think about the food and drink - if you haven't already.
If you have, we applaud you because you can guarantee that in the necxt couple of weeks that the supermarkets are going to go nuts with people stockpiling for their 'Christmas Cupboard'.
A shopping list is a must on one of these shopping trips, or you'll find yourself going to and from the shops more times than you have all year and this is only because you tell yourself that the day wouldn't be perfect or would completely crumble if you didn't have that extra packet of Pringles to snack on in the evening. Even though we really know that people are far too full and merry to be thinking of these things.
That said, we're here to provide you with some food - and drink - for thought, your shopping lists so to speak. We have Christmas Food, Christmas Drinks and Christmas Treats that you need to be considering this year - it just would be the same without them you know...
Christmas Drinks to buy: 
Why not treat someone, or yourself, to a bottle of award winning tequila Jose Cuervo, Platino. Made from 100 per cent blue agave, Platino boasts an exquisite flavour thanks to the Cuervo family’s secret recipe and unique handcrafted production process that has developed over 200 years at Casa Cuervo. (Available from Selfridges, RRP £55.44 - comes in a wooden presentation box) 
No. 3 London Dry Gin was created with the help of Dr. David Clutton - the world's only holder of a PHD in gin flavour. It was developed to be the 'last word in gin' in a dry martinit and as such as six botanicals - three fruits and three spices. Perfect for a classic Dry Martini or a G&T this Christmas. (Available from Waitrose stores nationwide, RRP £33.65)
Spain's favourite cava produce, Codorníu, is slipping 
some sparkle into you festive seaon with the release of Codorníu Reina Maria Blanc de Noirs 2008 (£14.99)- a white sparkling wine made from predominantly black grapes. Or why not try the Codorníu Selección Raventos (£9.99), the intense aromas of tropical fruit, citrus and apple guarantee this sparkilng trat to a delicate and refreshing accompaniment to your Christmas celebrations. (Available from Majestic) 
Magners have launched new flavours that are certain to get you in the festive spirit. Magners Specials feature the familiar tastes of both Magners Original cider and Magners Pear cider blended with unexpected yet inviting flavours like rhubarb, honey and infused spices, to create a completely new and indulgent cider drinking experience. (Available from Tesco, Sainsbury's and Waitrose, RRP £2.25)
A truly seasonal beer, Bath Ales' Festivity is an old-style, specially crafted porter which has hints of rum mingling with 
coffee and vanilla flavours to make it the perfect winter warmer. Brewed at 5 per cent and available in cask and bottle, Festivity can be teamed with shellfish dishes, chocolate, berry or coffee desserts, so it's ideal to serve at any time time. (Available from Waitrose and bathales.com.)
This drink has all of the taste, with a bargain price 
too. Lambrini Pink Bubbly boasts all the glamour and splendour of real champagne, but at a fraction of the price. Light and fruit in flavour, it offsets the richness of those delicious mince pies and Christmas pudding and is guaranteed to brighten any festive gathering. (Available from supermarkets, RRP £2.99)
Relax, unwind and celebrate the festive cheer with 
Accolade’s extensive range of wines this Christmas season. With a selection of full bodied reds, fruity rosés, not to mention crisp and light whites, there is something to suit every palate. Whether it’s extra sparkle to accompany Christmas canapés or winter warmers for cosy nights in front of the fire every festive frolic can be catered for. (Available from major supermarkets. Prices start from £5.45) 
Icons of Arran ‘The Westie’, named after the Master Distiller’s dog Ruaraidh, a golden-coloured, full-bodied malt which has, over the 12 years of maturation, developed rich and warming notes of toasted oak, treacle toffee and orange zest with hints of vanilla, cocoa powder and cardamom seeds that leaves a malty and smooth finish with voluptuous spice. The perfect accompanyment to Christmas festivities. (Available from arranwhisky.com, RRP £39.99)
If you're planning on giving a present to the Perry connoisseur, then look no further than this hamper. The large bottle of sparkling champagne style perry with two glasses will let them crack open the bottle wherever they open it. (Available to buy by calling the office on 01495 240983, or online via our Facebook shop. Priced at £20 including p&p)
Now, if you don't fancy an alcoholic beverage, or you're looking for something to put on the kids table, then we have the following non-alcoholic options:
The limited edition Berry Punch by Shloer is packed with blackberries and a warming hint of spice. Shloer uses only the best ingredients to create a delicious non-alcoholic sparkling juice drink. All varieties make a tasty-grape based alternative to alcohol, suitable for the family. Shloer’s new Berry Punch will add a little sparkle to any social gathering. (Available from all major supermarkets, RRP £2.29)
If you're looking for the sophisticated soft drink for grown-ups then you have to head for Luscombe; with flavours like hot ginger beer, wild elderflower bubbly and cranberry crush you're certain to find one to tickle your tastebuds. These drinks are natural and untouched, each one is gently pasteurised in-bottle to preserve the delicate character of the fruit. (Available from Harvey Nichols, Fortnum & Mason, Harrods and online at abelandcole.co.uk and riverford.co.uk, priced from £1.50)
Let us know which drinks you enjoyed most!
Femalefirst Taryn Davies
Christmas is just around the corner, it's time to get serious and think about the food and drink - if you haven't already.
If you have, we applaud you because you can guarantee that in the necxt couple of weeks that the supermarkets are going to go nuts with people stockpiling for their 'Christmas Cupboard'.
A shopping list is a must on one of these shopping trips, or you'll find yourself going to and from the shops more times than you have all year and this is only because you tell yourself that the day wouldn't be perfect or would completely crumble if you didn't have that extra packet of Pringles to snack on in the evening. Even though we really know that people are far too full and merry to be thinking of these things.
That said, we're here to provide you with some food - and drink - for thought, your shopping lists so to speak. We have Christmas Food, Christmas Drinks and Christmas Treats that you need to be considering this year - it just would be the same without them you know...
Christmas Drinks to buy:
Why not treat someone, or yourself, to a bottle of award winning tequila Jose Cuervo, Platino. Made from 100 per cent blue agave, Platino boasts an exquisite flavour thanks to the Cuervo family’s secret recipe and unique handcrafted production process that has developed over 200 years at Casa Cuervo. (Available from Selfridges, RRP £55.44 - comes in a wooden presentation box)
No. 3 London Dry Gin was created with the help of Dr. David Clutton - the world's only holder of a PHD in gin flavour. It was developed to be the 'last word in gin' in a dry martinit and as such as six botanicals - three fruits and three spices. Perfect for a classic Dry Martini or a G&T this Christmas. (Available from Waitrose stores nationwide, RRP £33.65)
Spain's favourite cava produce, Codorníu, is slipping some sparkle into you festive seaon with the release of Codorníu Reina Maria Blanc de Noirs 2008 (£14.99)- a white sparkling wine made from predominantly black grapes. Or why not try the Codorníu Selección Raventos (£9.99), the intense aromas of tropical fruit, citrus and apple guarantee this sparkilng trat to a delicate and refreshing accompaniment to your Christmas celebrations. (Available from Majestic)
Magners have launched new flavours that are certain to get you in the festive spirit. Magners Specials feature the familiar tastes of both Magners Original cider and Magners Pear cider blended with unexpected yet inviting flavours like rhubarb, honey and infused spices, to create a completely new and indulgent cider drinking experience. (Available from Tesco, Sainsbury's and Waitrose, RRP £2.25)
A truly seasonal beer, Bath Ales' Festivity is an old-style, specially crafted porter which has hints of rum mingling with coffee and vanilla flavours to make it the perfect winter warmer. Brewed at 5 per cent and available in cask and bottle, Festivity can be teamed with shellfish dishes, chocolate, berry or coffee desserts, so it's ideal to serve at any time time. (Available from Waitrose and bathales.com.)
This drink has all of the taste, with a bargain price too. Lambrini Pink Bubbly boasts all the glamour and splendour of real champagne, but at a fraction of the price. Light and fruit in flavour, it offsets the richness of those delicious mince pies and Christmas pudding and is guaranteed to brighten any festive gathering. (Available from supermarkets, RRP £2.99)
Relax, unwind and celebrate the festive cheer with Accolade’s extensive range of wines this Christmas season. With a selection of full bodied reds, fruity rosés, not to mention crisp and light whites, there is something to suit every palate. Whether it’s extra sparkle to accompany Christmas canapés or winter warmers for cosy nights in front of the fire every festive frolic can be catered for. (Available from major supermarkets. Prices start from £5.45)
Icons of Arran ‘The Westie’, named after the Master Distiller’s dog Ruaraidh, a golden-coloured, full-bodied malt which has, over the 12 years of maturation, developed rich and warming notes of toasted oak, treacle toffee and orange zest with hints of vanilla, cocoa powder and cardamom seeds that leaves a malty and smooth finish with voluptuous spice. The perfect accompanyment to Christmas festivities. (Available from arranwhisky.com, RRP £39.99)