The Rocketeer’s guide to festive drinking

We cannot deny that we are true Christmas elves at Rocket. The yuletide is a happy time for our team of eventers, and from kitchen to warehouse, the scent of mince pies and pine is palpable.

Being the gluttonous set that we are, it’s no surprise that our perfect Christmas is filled with mountains of delicious food and well-matched alcohol. So before you start stocking up your drinks cabinet, check out Michael’s festive guide to top tipples and ensure yours is the ultimate Christmas selection.

The perfect aperitif

Nothing says celebration like a grand Champagne. Something like Pol Roger Brut Reserve is everything Champagne should be and more, and makes for a real treat. Then as you delve into the kitchen and begin the essential task of Christmas dinner prep, a glass of sherry is a happy companion (the Valdespino Manzanilla fits the bill perfectly).

Fine wines for the turkey

Turkey is a versatile meat for wine pairing, so for something white try the Domaine de la Mordorée Condrieu ‘Christophe Delorme’ 2017 or if you fancy a red, the Volnay 1er Cru Les Pitures 2013 from Domaine Dublère is well worth its price tag.

For that mince pie “moment”

If you’re feeling particularly indulgent, then a glass of Henriques and Henriques Malvasia, 10 years old paired with a crumbly, buttery mince pie is simply blissful. But for a lighter (at 5.5%, almost guilt free…) option, then the Vajra Moscato d’Asti 2018 is another fabulous pairing.

A unique gift idea

Capreolus Distillery’s Quince Eau de Vie is made in the Cotswolds and is a rare and memorable gift that any gourmand would be happy to receive, especially when you consider that there were only 107 bottles of the current edition made. While delicious served straight or with a drop of water, adding a splash into traditional method sparkling wine is sheer heaven.

Something for the designated driver

Just because you’re off alcohol doesn’t mean you should be denied a glorious drink. Mix up a NOgroni with plenty of Seedlip, Aecorn alcohol free aromatics and bitters to tide you over.

So there is our festive drinking digest, we hope you have a wonderfully merry Christmas and happy new year.