Christmas guides

What should I drink with Christmas pudding?

By the time everyone’s had a little rest and they’re ready for Christmas pudding, the big question is, what to drink with it?

Whether you fancy a serve as indulgent as the pud itself, or something to cut through all that richness so you can just about squeeze in the final decadent act of Christmas dinner, here are a few ideas to ponder.

I’ve looked at an array of aged spirits, wines, and liqueurs, with categories focussing on how their different flavour profiles and styles will work alongside the pudding.

Contributed by

Adam O'Connell, writer at Master of Malt

Emma Symons

Coffee

Coffee with dessert is a great place to start. Why not have a hot, boozy coffee to accompany the piping-hot pudding? Irish Coffee (made with Irish whiskey) is always a winner, layer some double cream on top, and a little grating of nutmeg – delicious! There just so happens to be a full recipe right here in our Christmas Cocktail guide.

Sheridan's Layered Coffee Liqueur

Mr. Black Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur

Redbreast Lustau Edition Whiskey

Limavady Single Barrel Irish Whiskey

Rum

You don’t have to stick to Irish whiskey though, in fact, almost all aged spirits work with a good strong coffee and a dollop of cream. How about a dash of whatever you use to light the Christmas pudding? Rum is pretty good for this job, and it also happens to work splendidly with coffee and cream (and nutmeg. If you’re making one for me, always remember the nutmeg).

Black Tot Rum

Project #173 Christmas Pudding Rum

Something Fruity

Well, the pudding is packed with fruit, so a fruity drink alongside ought to work!

A Kir Royale would make a fantastic accompaniment to Christmas pudding, layering the dark, sweet flavours of creme de cassis with the delicate effervescence of Champagne. This is one of those pairings that even people who ‘don’t really drink Champagne’ will get on board with. Top up a measure of Lejay Creme de Cassis with chilled Champagne or sparkling wine for this bright, characterful serve.

Lejay Crème De Cassis

Bollinger Special Cuvée

Port

Though it deserves our attention all year round, Christmas is Port’s time to shine, and a generous measure ought to help you wash down the final mouthfuls of Christmas pudding and see you through to the cheese board. It also adds an indulgent twist to classic cocktails – try adding a splash to a classic Old Fashioned! Check out our Port Guides to learn more.

Taylor’s Historical Collection - The Mallet

Taylor's Chip Dry White Port

Calvados

Calvados would make a great Christmas pudding companion, with its notes of cooked apples and cider, it’ll fit right in with all the dried, boozy fruit. Sip it neat and chilled over ice, or topped with warm spiced apple juice!

Sassy Calvados XO

A glass of sherry wine on a table laid out for Christmas dinner

Sherries and sweet wines

Harveys Amontillado Sherry

Henriques & Henriques 5 Year Old Medium Rich Madeira

There you have it, plenty of inspiration for a festive dessert, enjoy your Christmas pudding drinks!

Neat spirits – whisky and brandy

Pudding marks the end of dinner, which is an achievement in itself. Everyone can relax and digest, so maybe neat spirits like whisky and brandy in small volumes that you can top up as you need are the way to go.