‘Tis the season to be jolly… and who are we to argue?
Christmas is a time to indulge in festive spirits of every variety. In fact, to some, stocking the cellar is almost as important as stocking the pantry.
This year we’ve scoured the artisan shops and picked the brains of sommeliers, beer buffs and mixologists to compile the best list of goodies to enjoy à deux, pop open for a party or pair with a special dinner as well as the coolest accessories to have in your home bar.
Off the rack
Proudly display your wine with this Antique Brass Geo Wine Rack! We absolutely love this design and if (like us!) you like to keep the wine stocked up, the fabulous geometric, honeycomb design means that they look great next to each other. €28.14 here.
For white wine lovers
The Corkcicle Air is designed to keep your wine chilled from inside the bottle. The pour through spout contains a state-of-the-art aerator that instantly expands the aromatic profile of your wine as you pour. It even cools down wine to room temperature and maintains this perfect chill for up to an hour. €24, Available here.
Gin O’Clock!
Gin O’Clock Doormat €29.90 here.
Freshly squeezed…
The simplicity of this lemon reamer is what makes it so stunning – crafted from beech wood and dipped in white. Every kitchen needs one. Now just €5 here.
For party hosts
The Ballymaloe Cheese Box brings together three exceptional independently-owned Irish cheeses – Horgan’s Vintage Irish Cheddar and Cooleeney and Louis & Jane Grubb’s renowned Cashel Blue, – along with Sheridan’s excellent Irish Brown Bread Crackers and three different mini relishes from Ballymaloe. Tip: Pair the cheddar wit the Ballymaloe Jalapeno Pepper Relish! €19.99 in Supervalu and independent stores nationwide.
For craft beer buffs
In Belgium, each of the traditional beers is drank from its own style of glass to bring out their optimum flavours and aromas. Pauwel Kwak’s glass is spectacular – a round bottomed vessel which sits in a wooden holder. €15, TheBeerClub.ie
For the whisky connoisseur
The immense success of Dingle Original Gin has paved the way for a new whiskey. The Porterhouse Brewing Company puts out just two casks of Dingle Whiskey a day, making it a special gift for the fan in your life. Triple distilled using three individual copper pot stills, expect an aroma of vanilla, almonds and cereal sweetness with a clean, sweet flavour. €65 from leading off licences.
Stone Mad About You…
What about nine unique blocks of Connemara Marble for cooling their favourite tipple without watering it down? Just pop them in their cotton bag and into the freezer before use and they will be ready for that perfect glass of whiskey. €29, Makers and Brothers.
Cheers!
This handsome whiskey tumbler set comes with two gorgeous tumblers, two stainless steel stirrers and two black cocktail napkins – fancy! €22, April and the Bear
For Makers and Gourmands
The Homemade Gin Kit contains everything you need to transform a bottle of vodka into a unique and delicious home-blend of your very own gin! Comprising all the tools needed to bring the art of crafting small-batch gin out of the distillery and into your hands, including a hand-selected blend of juniper berries, botanicals, spices and aromatics, you’ll find it at Industry, €70.
For movers and shakers
Serve cocktails from your very own mini bar with the amazing Shoreditch Drinks Trolley in copper effect metal. €146.54, RockettStGeorge.
Got a new drink or bar accessory we should know about? Email katie.mythen@herfamily.ie.Â
