9 favourite holiday drinks to put under the tree this year

If there’s anything we’re looking forward to during the holidays, it’s celebrating.

We’ll have to safely do so in our own homes, but that comes with its own set of perks. We get to put on classic records, break out the board games, dust off our holiday recipes, and rediscover some of our favourite sips of the season (Baileys, we see you).

BC Liquor Stores have a wide selection of holiday favourites to celebrate with this season. Whether you’re looking forward to a favourite bottle you haven’t had in a long time, hoping to make a new tradition, or planning to surprise someone with the perfect gift under the tree (or at their doorstep), BCL has you covered.

Here are our nine favourite picks to enjoy this season — before or after Christmas.

Hennessy VS Cognac

Hennessy VS Cognac/BC Liquor Stores

Hennessy VS Cognac feels like a Christmas spirit all on its own. We suggest enjoying this rich, full bodied cognac after dinner next to a fire or by the lit-up tree. A snifter of Hennessy, neat or on ice, offers aromas of roasted almond, brown sugar, and vine fruits. Sounds perfect with some ginger cookies or a slice of pecan pie.

Lamarca Prosecco

Lamarca Prosecco/BC Liquor Stores

After this gets unwrapped, it isn’t going to stay corked very long. Prosecco is delicious with appetizers, fun in breakfast mimosas, and the best for celebrating. Say cheers with Lamarca Prosecco, a perennial favourite bubbly with notes of ripe lemon, green apple, stone fruit, white flowers, and hints of honey.

Baileys Original Irish Cream

Baileys Original Irish Cream/BC Liquor Stores

While Baileys Original Irish Cream might be most famous as an addition to your coffee, it can be enjoyed in so many ways: in cocktails, on the rocks, you name it. This perfect marriage of Irish whiskey and Irish dairy cream is a holiday classic for a reason — and a great addition to your winter at-home bar.

Steamworks 12 Beers of Christmas

Steamworks 12 Beers of Christmas/BC Liquor Stores

Variety is the spice of life, and this holiday mixer pack from Steamworks takes that message to heart. It contains 12 different kinds of beer from the famous Steamworks Taproom (including some unique holiday brews): Heroica Red Ale, Black Angel IPA, Nitro Stout, Hazy Pale Ale, Battleship DIPA, North by Northwest IPA, Flagship IPA, Kolsch, Pilsner, Lions Gate Lager, Blitzen, and Winter Lager. There’s definitely something for everybody inside.

Jackson Triggs Proprietor’s Selection Cabernet Sauvignon

Jackson Triggs Proprietor’s Selection Cabernet Sauvignon/BC Liquor Stores

Red wine is an absolute must-have during the holidays. We think this medium-bodied Cab-Sav pairs with traditional foods of the season beautifully. Revealing aromas of ripe plum, black pepper, black cherry, raspberry, and vanilla, the wine will go oh so well with roasted vegetables, gravy, and of course, turkey.

Buffalo Trace Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey

Buffalo Trace Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey/BC Liquor Stores

For many, this spirit (a favourite among whiskey drinkers) is iconic to the Christmas season. The decadent drink coats your mouth with flavours of toffee, caramel, orange marmalade, and cinnamon. Sip this mellow whiskey all on its own or make some fun cocktails. It’s perfect for it — think Manhattans, Whiskey Sours, and Old Fashioneds.

Osoyoos Larose Le Grand Vin

Osoyoos Larose Le Grand Vin/BC Liquor Stores

The Larose Le Grand Vin, a bold and generous Bordeaux-style premium red, is a favourite bottle especially around the holidays. Notes of cassis, black cherry, and blackberry are accented by dark chocolate and tobacco, all flavours we love to enjoy during this time of year. Even better, there’s 1.5L in this premium bottle, so you can enjoy it over and over again this season.

Aperol Aperitivo

Aperol Aperitivo/BC Liquor Stores

Aperol is our favourite Italian aperitif for experimenting with. Made by infusing oranges, rhubarb, cinchona, gentian, and other herbs, Aperol tastes delicious and is also low in alcohol. Make stirred drinks like Negronis or add to bubbles for a refreshing spritz. Or, just shake it up with the flavours you have on hand — it goes with basically everything!

White Claw Variety Pack

White Claw Variety Pack/BC Liquor Stores

Our favourite drink of the summer is now one of our favourite holiday traditions. And why not? It’s a lighter option at only 100 calories and one gram of sugar in each can. Choose from natural fruit flavours like Mango, Black Cherry, and Ruby Grapefruit.

For fast, friendly, and safe service, plus the best holiday drink recommendations, the experts at your neighbourhood BC Liquor Store have your back. You can also follow them on Instagram or Facebook for product recommendations, recipes, new releases, and more.

Stay safe this holiday season and please drink responsibly.