What Your Christmas Drink Says About You (and Who You Should Buy It For)
There’s a certain logic to gifting alcohol. It’s personal without needing to know shoe sizes, and it tells you a lot about a person, far more than a scented candle ever could. This year, skip the gift cards and read the room. Whether your recipient’s the life of the party, the moody brooder, or the self-proclaimed mixologist, there’s a bottle with their name (and personality) written all over it.
Here’s your guide to choosing the right drink for the right character. A spirit horoscope for the season of giving, drinking, and regretting your life choices in January.
For the Summer Socialite
Edinburgh Gin Watermelon & Lime
They own a portable speaker, wear linen unironically, and use the word “vibe” as punctuation. Their Christmas is spent outdoors, glass in hand, pretending not to notice the flies. Edinburgh’s Watermelon & Lime Gin suits them perfectly. Bright, juicy, refreshing, and just the right amount of showy. Best poured over ice with tonic and a lime slice, ideally while debating if Aperol is over.
RRP: $77.99 at Dan Murphy’s & BWS.
For the Nostalgic Traditionalist
Cockburn’s Tawny Eyes Port
They still send Christmas cards and insist the Queen’s Speech (or the King’s, now) was “better back then.” They like things aged, rich, and full of character just like this port. Barrel-aged with notes of honey, caramel and vanilla, Tawny Eyes is warm, comforting and a little sentimental. Serve it beside the pudding or over ice as the afternoon turns into story time.
RRP: $34.99 at Dan Murphy’s.
For the Young-at-Heart Party Starter
Cockburn’s Ruby Soho Port
They’re the first to open the dance floor and the last to leave the group chat. Ruby Soho is their match — lively, red-fruited and a bit cheeky. This ruby port bursts with berries, spice and festive flair, made for mixing into cocktails or splashing over ice when the night inevitably goes off-script.
RRP: $34.99 at Dan Murphy’s.
For the Design-Conscious Minimalist
Cockburn’s White Heights Port
They’re the kind of person who wraps gifts in brown paper and calls it “aesthetic.” Their playlists are full of remixes you’ve never heard of. White Heights Port suits their clean, understated style — bright, floral and crisp with tropical fruit notes. It’s best served over ice with tonic and a twist of orange, ideally on a terrace with good lighting.
RRP: $38.99 at Dan Murphy’s.
For the Cool Operator
Savage Rabbit Vodka
This is for the friend who drinks martinis like water and has a wardrobe that’s 90 percent black. Savage Rabbit Vodka is smooth, sharp and effortlessly polished, crafted from winter wheat, rye, and Slovakian glacial spring water. Expect subtle notes of apple, pecan and white pepper, and a finish so clean it could file your taxes. Sip neat or stir into something dangerously chic.
RRP: $69 from Savage Rabbit.
For the Thoughtful Philosopher
Glengoyne 15 Year Old Highland Single Malt Scotch
They’re the one who quietly disappears from the table to “reflect.” You’ll find them by the fire, glass in hand, pondering the meaning of life or why pavlova causes so much drama. Glengoyne 15 is their companion: smooth, balanced and mature, with fruit, spice and a gentle warmth that lingers longer than your New Year’s resolutions.
RRP: $158.99 at Dan Murphy’s.
For the Rebel with a Rocks Glass
Smokehead Islay Single Malt Scotch
They wear leather, prefer the night to the day, and think ice is optional. Smokehead is their drink because it's big, bold and unapologetically smoky, with sea salt, peat and a touch of toffee sweetness. It’s not for everyone, but neither are they. Pour it, light something (a candle, ideally), and watch them grin at the chaos of Christmas.
RRP: $123.99 at Dan Murphy’s & BWS.
The Wrap-Up
Picking the right bottle is less about price and more about personality. A gin for the sunshine-chaser, a port for the sentimental, a whisky for the deep thinker. It’s all a subtle form of astrology for grown-ups. So read your friends like a drinks list and gift accordingly. After all, the best presents don’t gather dust; they disappear by Boxing Day.
