The Ultimate Guide to Festive Drinks for Every Occasion

So, you’ve got a party coming up and you’re wondering what drinks to serve, right? Well, I’ve got you covered! I’ve put together a list of drinks for different occasions and budgets, and my best advice is to keep it simple. Most people tend to go for sparkling wine, so if you’re serving it, stock up on that and go easy on the still reds and whites.

A friend of mine recently hosted a big event and didn’t even open a second bottle of red wine. But in a home setting, especially in winter, more people tend to reach for a glass of red, especially if there’s food involved.

When it comes to glassware, don’t stress about having the perfect glass for each drink. I use stemless water glasses for almost everything – champagne, wine, beer, cocktails, soft drinks – but you can use whatever glasses you have on hand. At the end of the day, it’s the drinks and the company that matter most at these parties.

Now, let’s talk about the different occasions and the drinks to serve:

1. The Hipster House Party
For this vibe, you’ll want to have a range of drinks like fizz, cocktails, rosé, and beer. You might also want to consider some no-and-low options. If you need cocktail inspiration, I recommend checking out The Cocktail Edit by Alice Lascelles. It’s a great book with advice on choosing party cocktails and some fantastic recipes.

2. The Big Bash on a Budget
You can still serve good-quality bubbles on a budget. There are plenty of impressive options to choose from, like the Vilarnau ‘Gaudi’ Organic Cava Brut Reserva from Spain. And don’t forget to check out the Finest 1531 Blanquette de Limoux from Tesco – it’s been beautifully repackaged!

3. Open House for Friends and Neighbours
When hosting an open house, you don’t need to buy champagne just for the sake of it. There are plenty of delicious sparkling wines to choose from, like Les Pionniers Brut Champagne from the Co-op. And if you’re looking for a non-alcoholic option, consider the REAL Dry Dragon Sparkling Tea.

4. The Gourmet Crowd
This crowd cares a lot about what they eat and drink, so they’ll appreciate some slightly more expensive options. Consider serving the Waitrose Blanc de Noirs Brut Champagne or the Famille Lieubeau La Fruitière Vignes Blanches from Loire, France.

5. The Full-On Family Get-Together
For a big family gathering, you’ll want a variety of drinks to cater to different tastes. Consider serving Hayman’s Sloe Gin for some festive cocktails, and the Best Gran Montana Uco Valley Malbec from Argentina for a satisfying red wine option.

So, there you have it – a range of drinks for every festive occasion. Remember, the most important thing is to enjoy the drinks and the company. Cheers to a great party!