7*Life’s ultimate NYE luxury drinks guide

As the curtain falls on another year, there’s no better way to bid adieu to the past and welcome the future than with a glass of extravagance. Elevate your New Year’s Eve celebration with an ensemble of the world’s most exquisite libations, each bottle a joy to savour with your closest loved ones. From the rich, amber allure of Michter’s US1 Bourbon to the effervescent elegance of Bolney Bubbly, this curated selection promises an unforgettable journey through the merry realms of luxurious imbibing.

 

Michter’s US1 Bourbon

Begin your New Year’s Eve soiree with Michter’s US1 Bourbon, a small-batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon meticulously crafted in the heartland of American whiskey. Immerse your senses in a symphony of vanilla, cinnamon, stone fruits, and baking spices, each note a testament to the artistry within. With a “Cost be Damned” approach, Michter’s wood seasoning and low barrel entry proof deliver unparalleled quality. Named the ‘World’s Most Admired Whisk(e)y,’ this bourbon is the epitome of timeless tradition.

Camus VSOP

Elevate your palate with Camus VSOP, an intensely aromatic Cognac boasting carefully selected eaux-de-vie. Originating from the renowned Borderies cru, this elixir offers a perfect harmony of woody notes, tropical fruit, and a deep, floral character. Crafted by five generations of the Camus family since 1863, it is a celebration of heritage and a commitment to excellence. Aged in small, toasted oak barrels, Camus VSOP embodies the elegance that discerning palates crave.

X Muse Vodka

As the clock inches closer to midnight, unveil the X Muse Vodka—a masterpiece in both spirit and aesthetics. This blended barley vodka from Scotland is presented in a limited edition bottle inspired by Anglo-Argentinian artist Pablo Bronstein. With hand-painted gothic and chinoiserie motifs in rich amethyst and gold colors, it’s not just a libation but a work of art. Retailing at £299, this exclusive vodka, available via Hedonism Wines, adds an artful prelude to your New Year’s Eve countdown.

Pasqua Wine

For those seeking an adventurous dance of flavors, Pasqua Wine beckons. This historic Veronese winery introduces The Lui Cabernet Sauvignon, aged uniquely in cognac barrels. The Mai Dire Mai and Hey French! Bottles, available at Majestic Wines, promise a Venetian waltz on your palate. With a legacy dating back to 1925, Pasqua Wine invites you to savor the richness of Veneto wines in every drop.

Amarula Cream Liqueur

Step into the realm of conservation with Amarula, where every sip contributes to the well-being of elephants. The Amarula Cream Liqueur, aged in French oak and blended with velvety cream, provides a smooth texture that lingers. Think Baileys but way more fabulous and unique…. Find this delight at major UK supermarkets and online at Master of Malt, and revel in the spirit of conservation with each bottle. Also, make sure you try Amarula’s Gin for an exotically decadent take on this classic spirit.

Maestro DOBEL

As the night progresses, turn to the liquid gold that is Maestro DOBEL Añejo. This ultra-premium tequila, aged in select white oak barrels, promises a toast to tomorrow. With barrels roasted to accentuate aromas and flavors, Maestro DOBEL stands as a testament to Mexico’s tequila mastery. Priced at £66, it is available through House of Spirits, Amathus, and Hedonism Wines, inviting you to revel in the sophistication of aged tequila.

Bushmills Irish Whiskey

Take a journey through centuries of expertise with Bushmills Irish Whiskey, the world’s oldest licensed distillery. Unveiling the exquisite 25 Year Old Single Malt and 30 Year Old Single Malt, these rare additions represent some of the distillery’s oldest and rarest small batch whiskeys. Available at The Whisky Shop alongside the esteemed 10, 16, and 21-year-old single malts, they are a sip of history blended with innovation.

Bolney Bubbly

As the clock strikes twelve, let Bolney Bubbly be your companion for the midnight toast. Delightful floral and brioche notes combine with zesty citrus fruit, honeysuckle, and elderflower, creating a delicate and well-balanced Sussex sparkling wine. Finish the year on a sweet note, as Bolney Bubbly imparts a soft fresh hint of sweetness, making it the perfect English sparkling wine gift.

Champagne Castelnau Brut

Crafted with a rich, illustrious history spanning over a century, Champagne Castelnau Brut is a timeless elixir for the countdown to the New Year. With a minimum of five years in the cellars, it exemplifies prolonged aging on-lees, defining the House’s signature style. Presented in new, extra-special gift packaging adorned with classic gold and premium cues, it is the must-have gift of the season, oozing opulence and sophistication.

Kava Estate Vodka

Launch your New Year’s Eve revelry with Kava Estate Vodka—a true symphony of rye and wheat spirits, complemented by apple and plum fruit notes. The crisp acidity from the apple and the natural sweetness and depth from the plum create a classic yet bold and versatile vodka. Whether enjoyed as a shot, with a mixer, or in a fabulous martini, Kava Estate Vodka sets the stage for a night of refined indulgence.

Cotswolds Dry Gin

Embrace the botanical wonders of the Cotswolds with Cotswolds Dry Gin, a harmonious blend of nine botanicals. The festive core of clementine and piney juniper, coupled with the likes of cardamom, lavender, grapefruit, bay leaf, black pepper, coriander, and angelica, creates a gin that is both complex and inviting. With an abundance of botanical oils, this gin turns wonderfully cloudy when mixed, offering a sensory experience that’s as delightful as it is sophisticated.

Mr Black’s Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur

For those who revel in the rich allure of coffee, Mr Black’s Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur is a bittersweet masterpiece. This liqueur transforms the iconic espresso martini into a bold awakening. With big flavour, balanced sweetness, and an enduring coffee kick, it’s the perfect libation for coffee connoisseurs. The ready-to-gift box, complete with a 50cl bottle, branded cocktail coupe glass, and a cocktail recipe booklet, invites you to explore the broader spectrum of coffee cocktails.

Micil Irish Gin

Winner of the World Gin Awards, Micil Irish Gin is a superb balance of citrus, spice, and rich floral flavors. The fragrant citrus nose, hints of heather, and bog-myrtle lead to classic juniper and sweet liquorice notes, concluding with warm spice and a silky lasting finish. Crafted with a nod to tradition and a dash of innovation, Micil Irish Gin is a testament to the rich heritage of Irish distillation.

Duppy White Rum

Transport yourself to the vibrant streets of Jamaica with Duppy White Rum, a 100% Jamaican white rum co-founded with UK musical pioneer Kano. Born from five years of meticulous crafting, this rum captures the essence of Jamaican culture. The bright notes of banana, mango, and green thyme on the nose give way to smooth caramel sweetness on the palate. Lively tropical fruits make a grand entrance, leading to pimento spice and a vivacious pot still rum finish.

Mermaid Miniature Gin Gift Set

For a touch of whimsy and a miniature delight, the Mermaid Miniature Gin Gift Set is your go-to choice. Following the popular release of Mermaid Zest Gin, this set introduces you to Mermaid Gin, Mermaid Pink Gin, and Mermaid Zest in 5cl bottles. A perfect gift for the mermaid lover on your list, this oceanic trio promises a journey into the depths of exquisite flavours and artful packaging, making it a charming addition to your NYE festivities.

And if you want to make your own alcoholic creations….

Signature Cocktails by Phaidon

Embark on a sensory journey with this captivating volume of 200 historic cocktails curated by New York-based drinks expert Amanda Schuster. Each cocktail is a time capsule, expressing the essence of its era, creator, and origin. This compendium, spanning over 500 years, offers a fascinating blend of classics like the timeless Mimosa and the modern Hit Me Baby One Mai Tai inspired by Brittany Spears. Delve into the rich tapestry of mixology history, with detailed recipes and evocative imagery accompanying every entry. Why not elevate your mixology game at your NYE party by recreating the iconic 1884-born cocktail Adonis which was a firm staple at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York;

  • 45ml dry sherry
  • 45ml sweet vermouth
  • 2 dashes orange bitters
  • Garnish: orange peel

Stir all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice until well chilled. Strain into a Nick and Nora style cocktail glass, express the orange peel, skin side down into the glass, then garnish with the peel twist.

Mitra Msaad

Editor in Chief