The best boozy advent calendars of 2017

One of the best things about the festive countdown is waking up to surprise treat every day. But thanks to an impressive selection of alternative calendars, chocolate isn't the only thing you can count down to Christmas with. How about a calendar filled with your favourite type of booze?

This year’s offerings have all bases covered – think gin, prosecco and (more importantly) wine.

Most of these calendars come with a hefty price tag, but thankfully Aldi has recently jumped on board with its more affordable Wine Advent Calendar.

Whatever your tipple of choice, we’ve selected some of the best alcoholic advent calendars to keep you in high spirits over the holidays.

Drinks by the Dram Scotch Whisky Advent Calendar

Popular among drink enthusiasts, Drinks by the Dram is offering another impressive selection of sample-filled calendars this year. Explore the world of whisky with this countdown containing 24 different 3cl drams of Scotland’s finest single malts as well as some Irish and American expressions and world whiskies. From light and delicate to rich and peaty, there’s a generous variety of flavours to discover here. There’s also a tipple worth £600 per bottle inside that ought to really kick off the festivities.

£149.95, Master of Malt, Buy it now

The Ginvent Calendar

It’s all about the juniper. Drinks by the Dram has collaborated with Gin Foundry, the leading review site of all things gin, to bring us a spirited calendar full of juniper loveliness. Its diverse selection of mother’s ruin, including some award winners and new releases, means you’ll get to explore niche brands as well as big names. Among the 24 different varieties inside are Fifty Eight Navy Gin, Martin Miller's and Bathtub Gin. A real treat for any spirit lover, it’s a fun way to explore the different styles of gin and the huge range available.

£124.99, Firebox, Buy it now

Chase Distillery Advent Calendar

The one for variety. This seasonal selection of 5cl miniatures comes from the Chase distillery in Herefordshire, which has become known for its diverse range of top-notch gins, vodkas and liqueurs. And from rhubarb vodka and raspberry liqueur to marmalade vodka and pink grapefruit gin, there are plenty of fun flavours to explore here. It includes 14 drinks in total, so you’ll get the chance to sample some of the best ones twice. If you need some serving suggestions, turn to the back to find some helpful cocktail ideas including a Sweet Martini.

£130, 31 Dover, Buy it now

Honest Brew Craft Beer Advent Calendar

For a very hoppy Christmas, Honest Brew has curated a selection of “approachable craft beers from leading breweries”. You can expect a total of 19 styles – from IPAs and Pale Ales to Porters and Stouts – and a wide range of craft breweries including Beavertown, BrewDog and One Mile End. All of the 24 beers inside, which come in small-sized cans or bottles, have been approved by experts – so there’s plenty of good stuff here. If all that hoppy goodness doesn’t satisfy you, the online beer retailer has also packed a few bags of Propercorn inside.

£84.90, Notonthehighstreet, Buy it now

Aldi Wine Advent Calendar

Wine lovers, rejoice! Christmas is about to get even more indulgent, and at an affordable price too. Now you can countdown to the big day with Aldi’s calendar filled with 24 bottles of wine in 187ml or 200ml sizes. With plenty of styles from French brands like Calvet, the generous range boasts red, white, rosé and fizz. It’s currently sold out online but can be found at most Aldi stores.

£49.99, Aldi, Visit site

VERDICT:

With its great variety of gins, vodkas and liqueurs, the Chase Distillery Advent Calendar is our top choice for any alcohol aficionado that likes a selection of poison. It comes complete with cocktail inspiration to help you make the most of your countdown.