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Category: Scotch Drinks

  • The 12 Wines of Christmas

    The 12 Wines of Christmas

    A Guide to Sipping Through the Season.

    The air is crisp, the carols are floating through grocery store speakers with unmistakable cheer, and your inner wine geek is itching for a holiday-themed deep dive. And right in the heart of December, there’s no better time to revisit one of the season’s most enduring traditions: The Twelve Days of Christmas.

    But where did this curious list of gifts—from partridges to leaping lords—actually come from? And how did it inspire our very own 12 Wines of Christmas, a tasting journey designed to guide your holiday sips from the first day straight through Epiphany?

    These traditions get mixed up like holiday ribbons, so let’s untangle them.

    Photo by Douglas Mendes on Pexels.com

    Where Did the 12 Days of Christmas Come From?

    Long before it was a catchy (and increasingly absurd) carol, The Twelve Days of Christmas was a meaningful Christian observance marking the timeframe between the birth of Christ (December 25th) and the arrival of the Magi (January 6th).

    These were days of celebration—feasts, merriment, reflection, and in some regions, gift-giving. The number twelve wasn’t random; it symbolized completeness, renewal, and spiritual wholeness. Each day carried its own significance, depending on cultural and religious tradition, and it all culminated with Epiphany, often considered the true finale of the holiday season.

    The song itself?
    It first appeared in print in England in 1780 as part of a children’s memory-and-forfeit game. No music. Just a chant-like verse meant to test how well you could recall the list in order. Over time, composers set it to the tune we know today—building a festive crescendo of gifts that get stranger and more lavish with each passing day.

    Photo by Pavel Danilyuk on Pexels.com

    12 Days of Christmas vs. the Advent Calendar

    Before we pour ahead, let’s clear up a classic Christmas confusion.

    Advent is the period before Christmas—a countdown of preparation, beginning on the fourth Sunday before December 25th. Advent calendars, whether filled with chocolates, toys, skincare samples, or tiny bottles of spirits (a favorite around here), are meant to help you anticipate the big day.

    The 12 Days of Christmas, on the other hand, begin on Christmas Day. It’s not a countdown. It’s a celebration.

    Think of Advent as the slow build-up…
    …and the Twelve Days as the extended after-party.

    Photo by Vladimir Konoplev on Pexels.com

    Introducing the 12 Wines of Christmas

    A Sommelier’s Day-by-Day Guide to Sipping Through the Season

    🎁 Day 1 (Dec 25) – A Partridge in a Pear Tree

    Wine: Vouvray Demi-Sec (Chenin Blanc)
    Why: Orchard fruit, honey, and that holiday-friendly acidity.
    Optional Cocktail: Pear French 75 – gin, lemon, pear liqueur, topped with sparkling Vouvray.

    🎁 Day 2 – Two Turtle Doves

    Wine: Côtes du Rhône Rouge
    Why: A blend built on harmony—two grapes (Grenache + Syrah) leading the dance.
    Optional Cocktail: Winter Kir Royale with crème de cassis and Rhône rosé bubbles.

    🎁 Day 3 – Three French Hens

    Wine: Beaujolais Cru (Morgon or Moulin-à-Vent)
    Why: French, festive, and an ideal pairing for leftover turkey sandwiches.

    🎁 Day 4 – Four Calling Birds

    Wine: Oaked Chardonnay from Sonoma or Burgundy
    Why: A nod to the “calling”—big flavors, toasty oak, buttered brioche vibes.
    Optional Cocktail: Chardonnay Hot Toddy (trust me, it works—gentle heat + spice).

    Chardonnay Hot Toddy

    • 4 oz lightly oaked Chardonnay (Sonoma Coast, Mâconnais, or similar)
    • ½ oz honey syrup (1:1 honey + water)
    • ½ oz fresh lemon juice
    • 1 cinnamon stick
    • 1 clove
    • Thin lemon wheel

    Instructions

    1. Warm the Chardonnay on low heat with the cinnamon stick and clove—do not boil.
    2. Remove from heat and stir in honey syrup and lemon juice.
    3. Pour into a heatproof mug.
    4. Garnish with a lemon wheel and the cinnamon stick.

    Flavor Profile: Gentle spice, soft oak, plush citrus, and comforting warmth.

    🎁 Day 5 – Five Golden Rings

    Wine: Champagne
    Why: Golden bubbles for the most iconic line in the song.
    Optional Cocktail: Gold Rush Royale – bourbon, lemon, honey, topped with brut Champagne.

    Gold Rush Royale

    • 1 oz bourbon
    • ¾ oz fresh lemon juice
    • ¾ oz honey syrup
    • 3 oz brut Champagne (or dry sparkling wine)
    • Lemon twist for garnish

    Instructions

    1. Shake bourbon, lemon juice, and honey syrup with ice.
    2. Strain into a chilled coupe.
    3. Top with Champagne.
    4. Express a lemon twist over the glass and drop it in.

    Flavor Profile: Bright, honeyed, gently herbal, and celebration-ready.

    🎁 Day 6 – Six Geese a-Laying

    Wine: Gewürztraminer
    Why: A playful nod to the aromas—rose, lychee, spice—perfect with rich holiday brunches.

    🎁 Day 7 – Seven Swans a-Swimming

    Wine: Albariño
    Why: Aquatic theme + saline, refreshing acidity = a perfect mid-festivity reset.

    🎁 Day 8 – Eight Maids a-Milking

    Wine: Cream Sherry (Amontillado or Medium)
    Why: Nutty, silky, slightly creamy—holiday perfection.
    Optional Cocktail: Sherry Flip – elegant, old-school, and oh-so-seasonal.

    🎁 Day 9 – Nine Ladies Dancing

    Wine: Lambrusco (Dry)
    Why: Effervescence + vibrant fruit = a wine that practically twirls in your glass.

    🎁 Day 10 – Ten Lords a-Leaping

    Wine: Brunello di Montalcino
    Why: Structured, noble, full of energy—this wine leaps with aristocratic swagger.

    🎁 Day 11 – Eleven Pipers Piping

    Wine: Islay Scotch-Cask Finished Red Wine (or simply: enjoy the Scotch!)
    Why: Smoky, spicy, bold—perfect for the pipers’ dramatic flair.
    Optional Cocktail: Smoked New York Sour – red wine float + peated whisky.

    Smoked New York Sour

    • 2 oz peated Scotch (lightly peated works best)
    • 1 oz fresh lemon juice
    • ¾ oz simple syrup
    • ½ oz dry red wine (Malbec or Syrah works beautifully)
    • Lemon peel

    Instructions

    1. Shake Scotch, lemon juice, and simple syrup with ice.
    2. Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice.
    3. Gently float the red wine over the back of a spoon.
    4. Garnish with lemon peel.

    Flavor Profile: Smoky, tart, layered, and visually stunning.

    🎁 Day 12 – Twelve Drummers Drumming

    Wine: Port (Vintage or LBV)
    Why: Big, bold, booming flavor—an appropriate finale to the holiday symphony.
    Optional Cocktail: Ruby Port Espresso Martini – a surprisingly spectacular twist.

    Ruby Port Espresso Martini

    • 1 oz Ruby Port
    • 1 oz vodka
    • 1 oz fresh espresso (or cold brew concentrate)
    • ½ oz coffee liqueur
    • Optional: ¼ oz simple syrup for sweetness
    • Coffee beans for garnish

    Instructions

    1. Shake all liquid ingredients vigorously with ice.
    2. Strain into a chilled martini glass.
    3. Garnish with three coffee beans.

    Flavor Profile: Balanced between fruity and roasty, with a velvety richness

    Photo by Nadin Sh on Pexels.com

    A Festive Finale

    As the last notes of the carol fade and the final drops in each glass give way to a new year, the 12 Wines of Christmas remind us that the joy of the season isn’t found in extravagance—it’s found in the small, thoughtful rituals we savor along the way.

    Whether you follow the list sip by sip, swap in your own favorites, or shake up a festive cocktail instead, each day offers a moment to pause, celebrate, and connect.

    Here’s to raising a glass to tradition, to curiosity, and to the simple magic that happens when wine, story, and season all come together.

    May your holidays be bright, your cellar well-stocked, and your spirit joyfully lifted—one delicious day at a time. Cheers 🍷

    Cover Photo by Arjunn. la on Pexels.com

    You may also like these holiday articles from SOMM&SOMM:

    Perfect Pairings: Exploring Holiday Traditions and Wine

    The Festive Twilight – A Week in Limbo Between Christmas and New Year

  • The Rise of Irish Whiskey Cocktails

    The Rise of Irish Whiskey Cocktails

    Irish whiskey has been experiencing a renaissance, reclaiming its place among the world’s finest spirits. Once the most popular whiskey in the world before the decline of the 20th century, Irish whiskey has made a stunning comeback, thanks to a new generation of distillers reviving traditional methods while embracing modern innovation. This resurgence has sparked a renewed interest in Irish whiskey cocktails, going far beyond the beloved Irish Coffee and introducing a diverse array of sophisticated and creative drinks.

    Photo by The OurWhisky Foundation ud83eudd43 on Pexels.com

    The History and Styles of Irish Whiskey

    Irish whiskey dates back to at least the 12th century, when monks first began distilling a spirit they called uisce beatha, or “water of life.” By the 18th and 19th centuries, Ireland had hundreds of distilleries producing smooth, triple-distilled whiskey, setting it apart from the bolder, often smokier Scotch whisky. However, political and economic struggles, including Prohibition in the U.S. and trade wars with Britain, led to a dramatic decline, leaving only a handful of distilleries operational by the mid-20th century.

    Today, Irish whiskey is thriving again, with a variety of styles that offer versatility in cocktails:

    • Single Malt: Made from 100% malted barley and distilled in pot stills, offering rich and complex flavors.
    • Pot Still: Unique to Ireland, this style combines malted and unmalted barley for a creamy, spicy character.
    • Blended: A mix of different styles, offering balance and approachability.
    • Grain: Typically lighter and used in blends, but increasingly bottled on its own for a delicate, smooth profile.
    • Peated Irish Whiskey: While not as common as in Scotland, some distilleries are experimenting with peat for a smoky twist.

    With this diversity, Irish whiskey is becoming a staple in craft cocktail culture. Let’s explore some of the exciting drinks making waves today.

    Trendy Irish Whiskey Cocktails (Beyond Irish Coffee)

    The Tipperary

    A classic yet underappreciated Irish whiskey cocktail, the Tipperary is a beautifully balanced drink that combines the herbal complexity of Green Chartreuse with the sweetness of vermouth.

    Recipe:

    • 1.5 oz Irish whiskey (try Redbreast 12-Year)
    • 0.75 oz sweet vermouth
    • 0.5 oz Green Chartreuse
    • 2 dashes orange bitters
    • Stir with ice and strain into a chilled coupe glass.
    • Garnish with an orange twist.

    Food Pairing: Serve with a charcuterie board featuring aged cheddar, dried fruits, and dark chocolate.

    The Emerald

    Often called the “Irish Manhattan,” the Emerald swaps rye or bourbon for Irish whiskey, creating a softer, more floral version of the classic cocktail.

    Recipe:

    • 2 oz Irish whiskey (try Powers Gold Label)
    • 1 oz sweet vermouth
    • 2 dashes Angostura bitters
    • Stir with ice and strain into a coupe glass.
    • Garnish with a cherry or orange peel.

    Food Pairing: This cocktail pairs beautifully with beef stew or shepherd’s pie, complementing rich, savory flavors.

    Photo by The OurWhisky Foundation ud83eudd43 on Pexels.com

    Irish Old Fashioned

    A simple yet effective twist on the traditional Old Fashioned, this cocktail brings out the vanilla, honey, and spice notes in Irish whiskey.

    Recipe:

    • 2 oz Irish whiskey (try Jameson Black Barrel or Teeling Small Batch)
    • 0.25 oz simple syrup (or 1 sugar cube)
    • 2 dashes Angostura bitters
    • 1 dash orange bitters
    • Stir with ice and strain over a large ice cube in a rocks glass.
    • Garnish with an orange twist.

    Food Pairing: The rich yet smooth character of this cocktail complements roasted pork, glazed carrots, and nutty desserts like pecan pie.

    The Shamrock Sour

    A creative riff on the Whiskey Sour, this green-hued drink adds herbal complexity with a touch of basil.

    Recipe:

    • 2 oz Irish whiskey (try Bushmills 10-Year Single Malt)
    • 0.75 oz fresh lemon juice
    • 0.5 oz simple syrup
    • 0.5 oz green Chartreuse
    • 1 egg white (optional, for texture)
    • Dry shake (without ice), then shake again with ice and strain into a coupe glass.
    • Garnish with a basil leaf or lemon twist.

    Food Pairing: Serve with light seafood dishes like grilled shrimp or smoked salmon crostini.

    Irish Gold Rush

    A honey-forward cocktail that highlights the smoothness of Irish whiskey while adding a citrusy zing.

    Recipe:

    • 2 oz Irish whiskey (try Tullamore D.E.W.)
    • 0.75 oz honey syrup (equal parts honey and warm water)
    • 0.75 oz fresh lemon juice
    • Shake with ice and strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice.
    • Garnish with a lemon wedge.

    Food Pairing: Perfect with fried chicken, honey-glazed ham, or buttermilk biscuits.

    The Future of Irish Whiskey in Cocktails

    As bartenders and home mixologists continue to explore Irish whiskey, the spirit is finding its way into an ever-expanding repertoire of drinks. From herbal and floral-infused creations to bold, spirit-forward twists on classics, Irish whiskey cocktails are proving that the category is far more than just Irish Coffee. Whether you’re a seasoned whiskey drinker or a newcomer looking for something fresh, these cocktails invite you to explore the rich flavors of Ireland’s finest spirit.

    So, grab your favorite bottle of Irish whiskey, shake (or stir) up something new, and toast to the exciting future of Irish whiskey cocktails. Sláinte!