A good Christmas whisky guide doesn’t just tell you what bottles to gift or which dram would make the ideal after-dinner sipper. It prepares you for the inevitable.
The 12-hour marathon between Buck’s Fizz breakfast and Christmas pudding. The Christmas present your Aunt Sheila got you, which is somehow the one whisky you would never touch. Someone pouring Dr Pepper in the bottle of single malt you’ve saved for a nice occasion. This precious day is a social minefield.
But fear not. We’ve got your back. This is a whisky lover’s guide to surviving Christmas.
The Christmas whisky survival guide
Nobody does gifting like #WhiskySanta
How to politely re-gift a terrible bottle
It’s the thought that counts. Unless the thought was, “I got this at the petrol station.” Did they really think you wouldn’t be able to ascertain that this unlabelled “Highland Malt” that smells faintly of varnish was going to hoodwink you? Or that a liqueur that looks like it could strip paint off a wall was your thing? You hate to be that guy. It’s awkward when gifting goes wrong. But you always have the option of the graceful re-gift. Smile, thank the giver, then once they’re gone, do the following.:
Step 1: Remove any incriminating tags or handwritten notes.
Step 2: Pair it with a nice glass or box of truffles. Distraction is key.
Step 3: Re-gift in a different social circle. No paper trail.
Step 4: Don’t even save it for an occasion. Heading over to your friend’s house? “I thought you might like this”. Now you look super generous.
Just don’t give it to anyone who actually knows whisky. That’s how feuds start.
Don’t be afraid to mix. Just understand what you’re mixing.
How to deal with the dreaded family mixer
Every whisky lover faces this festive test of character. The cousin who sees your carefully curated collection and says, “Got any Coke?” Don’t panic. You have two choices here:
1. Pour them something less precious. A reliable blend or an easy sipper with enough sweetness to stand up to cola. Think Monkey Shoulder, Jameson, or even a highball-friendly bourbon.
2. Open your mind. Think of it not as an affront, but as a possibility. The Smoky Cokey proved that fine single malt and cola can make suitable bedfellows. Start small and slow, and if it doesn’t work, that’s okay. It’s Christmas. Hug it out.
Embrace the mixologist in you this Christmas!
How to pace yourself through the day
Christmas Day is a marathon, not a sprint. Start too strong, and by the King’s Speech (the broadcast, not the film), you’ll be horizontal. You want to be able to taste everything.
Remember: hydration is not cowardice. Water and snacks are essential. You don’t want to wake up the next day to people asking you if you remember what you said to Grandma.
Here’s the professional schedule if you’re going boozy:
Breakfast: Something sparkling or light. Swap Buck’s Fizz for a whisky highball to avoid citrusy heartburn. Go generous on the soda and ice.
Pre-the big meal: This is where a nice cocktail can set the stage. Just the one, make it with the best ingredients, make it count.
Post-the big meal: Something rich, sweet, and forgiving. Maybe a whisky liqueur, or a toffee-laden single malt. Think liquid pudding. Again, just the one. Don’t overwhelm the palate.
Evening wind-down: This is where you go for the special something you’ve got saved. Take your time, appreciate every sip.
A nice dram of whisky at Christmas is a fine thing indeed
Keep a Secret Stash
Speaking of which… Ensure that you hide one good bottle. It’s not selfish, it’s strategic. This is the one you open when the guests have gone home, the chaos has settled, and it’s just you, a fire (or a YouTube version of one), and peace. Maybe a single cask or a big age statement you’ve been saving. Christmas is for sharing. But not everything.
The Christmas whisky survival guide has your back
Bonus Tip: Don’t Overthink It
At the end of the day, whisky is about pleasure. If someone wants theirs with ice, cola, or cranberry juice, it’s fine. Pour your dram, smile, and remember: this is the one time of year you’re supposed to overindulge. Enjoy Christmas for what it is, as messy as it is merry.
That was a whisky lover’s guide to surviving Christmas. Need more inspiration? Head to our dedicated Christmas gifting shop. Or let us know what you’re looking for on our Instagram.