Drink and be merry!

As we hit the busiest time of the year for the drink trade, both in the on and off trade, Drinks Industry Ireland has compiled a list of the must-have drinks to stock for the Christmas season ahead and included plenty of holiday drinks inspiration from the leading brands

Retail sales for alcoholic beverages typically peak in December, with significant spending in the weeks leading up to Christmas. In recent years, various sectors, such as craft beer and premium spirits, have seen notable growth.
From office parties to family gatherings to the annual meet-up with friends, Christmas is the one time of the year that Irish people make a special effort to socialise and touch base with those they deem important in their lives. With a cost of living crisis ongoing, people are tending to opt more often for drinks rather than dinner when meeting in larger groups but may splash out on more costly drinks for the occasion. We see the cocktail trend come to the fore at Christmas so having the right selection of liqueurs available is important. Irish consumers enjoy trying new flavours and products during the festive season, which may lead to increased sales of limited edition or seasonal products.
Popular choices around this time of the year include Irish whiskey, mulled and sparkling wines and hot beverages like Irish coffee and port. Also the traditional drinks such as Irish cream liqueurs and Irish whiskey brands often see increased sales around Christmas, as they are popular gifting items and staples at holiday celebrations.

Celebrate the season in style

As the winter chill sets in, there’s no better way to warm up than with a festive cocktail that embodies the spirit of the season. Introducing the Fercullen Spicy Sour, a delightful creation that combines the rich, smooth flavours of Fercullen Falls Irish Whiskey with a zesty twist, perfect for any holiday gathering.
Fercullen Irish Whiskey, renowned for its perfect blend of 50% malt and 50 % grain and smooth taste, serves as the heart of this cocktail.
The Fercullen Spicy Sour brings together the whiskey’s warm vanilla notes with a vibrant blend of fresh lemon juice, a hint of honey, and a dash of aromatic bitters. The magic ingredient? A touch of winter spice that adds a warming kick, making this drink an instant favourite for the colder months.
To prepare the Fercullen Spicy Sour, start by combining 50ml of Fercullen Irish Whiskey, 25ml of freshly squeezed lemon juice, and 15ml of honey syrup in a shaker with ice. Add a dash of bitters and a pinch of winter spice – think cinnamon or nutmeg. Shake well and strain into a chilled glass. Garnish with a lemon twist and a sprinkle of cinnamon for that extra festive touch.
Whether you’re hosting a Christmas party or enjoying a quiet evening by the fire, the Fercullen Spicy Sour is the perfect companion. Cheers to a warm and wonderful holiday season!

Taking the gold in Irish cream liqueur!

Create wholesome memories and rituals this Christmas with Five Farms Irish Cream Liqueur. Made with fresh Irish cream from five family-owned farms along the Wild Atlantic Way in West Cork, Five Farms is the first ‘farm to table’ Irish cream liqueur and prides itself on using fresh and local ingredients to create an indulgent and delicious drink, perfect to enjoy over ice.
Whether you’re hosting Christmas dinner or cozying up by the fire with friends over the festive season, Five Farms, which contains 10% premium Irish whiskey, is the ultimate after-dinner treat or gift this season, especially for whiskey lovers or supporters of Irish produce.
Crafted with passion and precision, Five Farms the superior Irish Cream Liqueur, features an array of comforting flavours such as butterscotch, caramel fondue and vanilla bean jumping after-dinner from the glass. This lush palate coats the mouth with flavours of coffee with fresh cream, dulce de leche, coconut, maple, and Belgian waffles. Use Five Farms to create delicious winter cocktails, ideal for elevating your holiday festivities.
Five Farms Irish Cream Liqueur was awarded the gold medal in the Cream Liqueur category in the 2024 Blás na hEireann Irish Food Awards.

The cornerstone of more than 350 internationally renowned cocktails

Cointreau has launched a redesigned version of its liqueur bottles, which are now made from “two-thirds recycled glass”. Describing the brand refresh as the “most momentous of its kind in 140 years”, both the bottle and the label have been altered.
As well as looking to boost its sustainability credentials by using recycled glass, convenience and practicality were also a consideration when redesigning the bottle. The bottle has been made “four millimetres taller to facilitate its grip” and make it “easier to hold”. Similarly, the newly textured cap “provides better grip for an easier twist-off” while simulating the skin of an orange.
However, the bottle still displays traditional design features such as the Cointreau medallion.
Spirit lovers, both past and present, recognise Cointreau as a core building block in premium cocktails creation. Cointreau is the cornerstone of more than 350 internationally renowned cocktails such as the Margarita, Sidecar and Cosmopolitan. It enhances your cocktails with its perfect balance. Check out cointrau.com for some cocktail ideas.
For more than 30 years, the finest orange peels are carefully selected by master distiller, Carole Quinton, to create the definitive orange liqueur. “A masterpiece crafted through the unique distillation of all-natural sweet and bitter orange peels, resulting in a crystal clear liqueur that strikes the perfect balance between sweetness and freshness,” says Quinton. Cointreau is distributed by Barry & Fitzwilliam.

A favourite for coffee cocktail lovers

The Tia Espresso Martini has been the classic evening pick-me-up since its creation in the 1980s. Tia Maria is the must-have ingredient for this classic cocktail. It’s as delicious today as it’s always been. Tia Maria has been a favourite for coffee cocktail lovers the world over and it was even used in the very first Espresso Martini recipe over 40 years ago, by creator Dick Bradsell.
The most recommended and liked by bartenders: Among top bartenders in the UK, 67% stated they would use Tia Maria in their bar if they had a choice, surpassing other coffee liqueurs. Furthermore, 63% of them greatly appreciated the taste of an espresso martini made with Tia Maria, a higher preference than competitors.
100% high-quality Arabica coffee beans, medium roasted, are coarsely ground to maximize extraction quality. This ground coffee is then filtered through the cold brew method. This process ensures the aromatic notes of coffee and provides balanced sweetness and smoothness with low acidity.
The premium quality of Tia Maria begins with selected and certified suppliers, ensuring an uncompromised vegan product. What sets Tia Maria apart is its commitment to offering a genuinely vegan product that meets the highest standards of quality. Tia Maria offers a real vegan coffee liqueur without compromise.
Thanks to the infusion of Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla, which is one of the world’s most prized vanillas, it contains less sugar than its main competitor but they keep a perfect velvety sweetness that harmonises impeccably with the coffee flavour.
See TiaMaria.com for more cocktail inspiration. Tia Maria is distributed by Barry & Fitzwilliam

The world’s favourite Italian liqueur

Disaronno is an Italian style icon: smooth taste, unmistakable aroma, unique and distinctive design of the bottle, original square cap and the golden label that adds a sense of contemporary elegance and style. With the cream liqueur category growing, Disaronno is ready to play, with the incredibly smooth Disaronno Velvet Cream Liqueur.
Disaronno is the proud ambassador of the endless Dolce Vita, telling a story through the iconic postcards of the Italian beauty, thanks to a new world of reference.
Disaronno captures the senses with its amber colour, rich aroma and incomparable taste which has made it the world’s favourite Italian liqueur. It has a sweet and fruity character, complemented by a warming sensation. The taste is intense, and has a persistent fragrance that remains unchanged even with the addition of ice.
Widely enjoyed with cola over ice and a slice of lemon, Disaronno is versatile and has an unmistakable taste when used as a key ingredient in cocktails. This Christmas, enjoy the iconic Disaronno Sour.
How to make a Disaronno Sour:
Disaronno Sour is a unique and refreshing drink in which the distinctive notes of Disaronno blend with the scent of freshly-squeezed lemons. All that’s required is 50ml Disaronno, 25ml fresh lemon juice, 5ml of sugar syrup and egg-white. You shake all the ingredients with ice and serve with a garnish of lemon for a beautiful cocktail.
The most popular Disaronno cocktails include the Disaronno Sour, the Irish Godfather and the Disaronno Fizz. For more cocktail ideas from Disaronno, check out Disaronno.com.
Disaronno is distributed by Barry & Fitzwilliam.

Combing traditional brewing with modern techniques

The carefully crafted selections from Boann Distillery in Drogheda offer something special for every whiskey connoisseur and gin lover on your Christmas shopping list.
Boann Single Pot Still Irish Whiskeys (Marsala, Madeira, P.X.): Boann Distillery combines traditional brewing and distilling methods with modern techniques to create its distinctive whiskeys. In June 2024, the distillery released its first Single Pot Still Irish Whiskeys to the global market, offering three exceptional expressions: Marsala, Madeira, and P.X. Each whiskey was matured in a variety of casks, giving each its own unique flavour profile.
Crafted using Boyne Valley well water and local grains, these whiskeys were made with the same spirit that won Best New Make and Young Spirit at the World Whiskies Awards in 2021. Bottled at 47% ABV with no added colour, each expression is presented in a bespoke package—an ideal gift for whiskey aficionados.
Available for €69.95 per 700ml bottle at Celtic Whiskey Shop, Molloys, McHughs, Sweeneys, Martins, Irish Malts, and other independent retailers, or directly from boanndistillery.ie/

A great stocking filler

Looking for a great stocking filler? The Whistler Trilogy Mini Pack is an ideal introduction to Boann Distillery’s Whistler range. This set includes three 50ml bottles: The Whistler Double Oaked Irish Whiskey, The Whistler Irish Honey Liqueur, and The Whistler Irish Cream Liqueur. Each has been expertly crafted by Boann’s head distiller, family beekeeper, and blender, celebrating the finest Irish whiskey, honey, and cream.
Beautifully packaged and ready for gifting, this trio is available for €20 from boanndistillery.ie

P.X. I Love You

For the whiskey enthusiast on your list, Boann Distillery offers The Whistler P.X. I Love You Single Malt, a memorable gift aged in Pedro Ximenez (PX) sherry casks. This 100% malted barley whiskey is rich with notes of sherry, dried fruits, and brown sugar after its nine months of aging. The full Whistler range, including this expression, is available for purchase from boanndistillery.ie R.R.P. €61.

A family affair

Silks Irish Gin, crafted in small batches by Boann Distillery, offers a contemporary twist on classic gin. Created by mother-and-daughter beekeepers Sally-Anne and Marie Cooney, the gin features botanicals such as honey, apple blossom, and elderflower, all foraged from Boann’s own orchards. This results in a crisp gin with bright citrus notes and delicate floral aromas.
For the holiday season, a gift pack (€50) includes a 70cl bottle of Silks Irish Gin, two branded gin glasses, and a jigger, making it a perfect present for gin lovers. You can also purchase a single 70cl bottle for €42.95. Both are available for domestic and international shipping from boanndistillery.ie.

The perfect tequila

Casamigos’ Blanco has a smooth flavour profile that is both crisp and clean with hints of citrus, vanilla and agave, which makes it the perfect tequila for sipping neat or enjoyed in a range of exciting and premium cocktail serves.
Casamigos Tequila was always intended to be shared with family and friends, old and new. It is recommend to enjoy this tequila by trying a Paloma. The Paloma cocktail serve is made by adding 35ml of Casamigos Blanco with 120ml of grapefruit soda and 10ml of lime juice to a highball glass over ice, garnised with a grapefruit wedge.

Add a touch of elegance to every occasion

Celebrate this festive season with the unmistakable sophistication of Tanqueray No.Ten—a brand with nearly two centuries of craftsmanship and the iconic choice for those seeking premium gin. Whether enjoying Christmas Day at home with family or gathering with friends for a stylish toast, Tanqueray No. Ten adds a touch of elegance to every occasion.
Tanqueray No.Ten sets the standard as the first ultra-premium gin. Distilled in small batches with the four original botanicals of Tanqueray London Dry and the addition of fresh whole grapefruits, oranges, limes and chamomile flowers, Tanqueray No.Ten brings an explosion of fresh citrus with every sip. Tanqueray No.Ten has been granted several industry accolades and is the only gin and white spirit that has been awarded a place in the Hall of Fame at the San Francisco Spirits Awards. The smooth taste of Tanqueray No.Ten makes it the unmistakable premium choice of the Tanqueray range, an absolute staple this festive season for those looking for an elevated serve and something extra special.
For a festive treat, indulge in a Tanqueray Tiny Ten cocktail. Combine 30ml of Tanqueray No. Ten with 30ml of grapefruit cordial in a mixing glass, fill with ice, and stir to chill. Strain into a coupette glass, top with 50ml of sparkling wine for an effervescent finish, and garnish with a grapefruit peel to release its fresh citrus oil. Oozing with freshness, rounded essential oils and deliciously bittersweet with a deep citrus heart, this simple but sophisticated martini cocktail is the perfect serve for hosting at home.
This holiday season, Tanqueray No. Ten makes hosting effortless, creating an elevated experience for those seeking something truly special. Available in stores and select locations nationwide, visit www.tanqueray.com to learn more.

Celebrate with “The world’s best Irish vodka”

Since launching in May 2022, the team at i-Stil 38 Premium Irish Vodka have built up an impressive amount of accolades. To begin with, it is now one of the biggest-selling premium Irish vodka in the country and i-Stil 38 just won best Vodka at The World Drinks Awards. Such recognition is testimony to the hard work and dedication of i-Stil 38’s founders, one of whom is lifestyle entrepreneur Pippa O’Connor Ormond. She says, “The World Drink Awards have celebrated and showcased some of the best and well-known brands on the planet. As a partner and i-Stil 38’s creative director, it’s very humbling to see us now sitting amongst such international giants. Irish spirits are now in massive global demand and I love being a part of it all.”
Oisin Davis of Great Irish Beverages consulted on a cocktail creation for the Ballymaloe cranberry sauce, a simple drink to mix up either at home or in a bar.
“With the holiday season nearly upon us, no dinner table is complete without a jar of cranberry sauce – whether it’s destined for the plate or lovingly dressed onto a sandwich, it is the perfect accompaniment to so many Christmas meals. I have also taken great pleasure in mixing our Ballymaloe & i-Stil 38 Vodka cranberry sauce into some very tasty cocktails, an ideal way to celebrate some Christmas cheer!” says Davis.

 

Cranberry Christmas Royale
Ingredients:
35 ml i-Stil 38 pink berries vodka, 1 teaspoon Ballymaloe & i-Stil 38 vodka cranberry sauce, 1 teaspoon of lemon juice, 100 ml of dry prosecco and a lemon twist to garnish.

From the coast to the foothills of the Andes

Santa Rita 120 Deep Red is a warming blend of 65% Cabernet Franc, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Carmenère, sourced from vineyards in both coastal ranges and the foothills of the Andes. The wine is deep ruby red in colour, with flavours of blueberry, plum and cassis on the palate. 20% of the wine spent four months in French oak, enhancing the final sweetness and complexity.

Recent Red C Consumer Research indicates that 81% of the wine-drinking population in Ireland is choosing white wines over red wines, with Sauvignon Blanc being the most common choice. With this in mind, Santa Rita is in the process of launching into the market (due on shelf in the next month or so) a new Santa Rita 120 Coastal Sauvignon Blanc. 85% of the grapes are sourced from Casablanca, with the remaining 15% from Leyda. The wine is fresh and herbaceous in style, with attractive citrus notes.

Crafted in America

Tito’s Handmade Vodka, America’s Original Craft Vodka, has quickly become one of Ireland’s favourite imported spirits. This holiday season, shake up a decadent after-dinner drink that adds a jolt of bold espresso and little sweetness to your smooth Tito’s. The “Tito’s Espresso Martini” combines 60ml of Tito’s Handmade Vodka, 30ml of coffee liqueur, 30ml of espresso, 15ml of simple syrup, and 15ml of creamer (optional). Just add all those ingredients in a shaker with ice, then shake and strain into a martini glass, and garnish with espresso beans. Couldn’t be easier!

Tito’s Handmade Vodka, now available in over 140 markets across the world, is distilled and bottled in Austin, Texas, on the very same plot of land where it all started more than 25 years ago when sixth-generation Texan Bert “Tito” Beveridge built a small shack, rigged a pot still with spare parts and batch distilled his corn-based, naturally gluten-free vodka. In Ireland, Tito’s is available through Comans Beverages Ltd.

Making cocktails Irish

Anna and Orla Snook O’Carroll were thrilled to be announced as Best Artisan Producer in Ireland, Best in Kerry and Gold for their Valentia Island Vermouth in the recent Blas na hEireann Awards. Bartenders and home cocktail enthusiasts are delighted they can now use this award-winning vermouth to make all Irish Martinis, all Irish Manhattans and all Irish Negroni’s. And for any spritz aficionados – Valentia Island Vermouth is delicious served with Prosecco and a slice of orange as a Valentia Spritz or with tonic as a V&T.

It’s a vibe

WKD introduces its new range of 15% ABV vodka-based liqueurs just in time for the holiday season. WKD Vibe, available in 500ml bottles, offers a lineup of innovative creamy and clear flavours to cater to varied consumer tastes. This versatile range can be enjoyed straight, layered for unique shot creations, or added to cocktails to elevate festive recipes.

The WKD Vibe lineup includes Baby G Creamy, Pina Colada Creamy, Strawberry Creamy, Blue Raspberry Creamy, Blue Raspberry Clear, and Tropical Clear. In addition, WKD’s classic core range continues to deliver with six fruity flavours. Available in 250ml cans, 275ml and 700ml bottles, the core flavour lineup consists of WKD Blue, WKD Iron Brew, WKD Ice, WKD Berry Blast, WKD Purple Grape and WKD Orange and Passionfruit. These sparkling vodka-based drinks are ideal for festive-themed sharing cocktails or as a stand-alone refreshment.

Recognised as Ireland’s leading RTD, WKD brings a vibrant touch to every holiday gathering. For sales enquiries, please contact SHS Sales & Marketing at +353 (1) 401 6200 or info@shs-sales.ie

Quality shines through with every sip

Experience the legacy and quality that defines Stoli Vodka, a brand rooted in tradition and committed to the craft of creating a vodka like no other. Every bottle of Stoli is meticulously crafted from natural grain and undergoes a rigorous triple filtration process—first through quartz sand and then through birch-activated charcoal. This unique approach ensures Stoli’s signature purity, exceptional smoothness, and clean taste, qualities that have earned it over 100 awards worldwide.

For those who appreciate both heritage and innovation in their spirits, Stoli stands as a symbol of distinction. Its versatile, balanced flavor profile makes it an ideal choice for both classic cocktails and adventurous new mixes. Whether served straight up, on the rocks, or as the foundation for your favorite drinks, Stoli’s commitment to quality shines through with every sip.

Distributed in the Republic of Ireland by DrinksGenius, Stoli continues to be a leading choice for discerning vodka lovers. Discover Stoli and elevate your vodka experience.

Good whiskey, hard fought

West Cork Whiskey began when three lifelong friends who took a chance and worked hard at it. They didn’t stop till they had built one of Ireland’s largest distilleries making some of Ireland’s best whiskey. It started in 2003 in the back room of one of the lads’ houses in Union Hall and now they have a team of 140 people from around the local area working with them.

It’s important to them that what they’re doing helps their community and leaves something for West Cork. They’re fiercely independent and have fought to stay that way. Fought hard to keep the lights on too at times. In more ways than one, they’re out on the edge there in West Cork, just south of the Golden Vale, they use only Irish barley, delivered everyday.

Maritime aging… yeah they’ve a bit of that going on. For them it’s about taste. There are times when all you want is a glass of good whiskey. That’s the whiskey they make. They’re not like the big brands or the small crafty ones. They’ve gotten to a place where it’s just about what goes in the bottle. And people are starting to pick that up. They’d never say they’re a better whiskey than anyone else’s. But they’re as good as the best of them. The core range is made up of West Cork Bourbon Cask matured, Black cask and the new exciting Maritime range which sells out in outlets across the country especially for gifting because of its unique packaging.