Top Christmas Gift Ideas for Drinks Lovers 🎁🍾 | Champagne, Cocktails & More! (2026)

Struggling to find the perfect Christmas gift for the drink enthusiast in your life? It’s easier than you think! While alcohol is a staple of festive celebrations (for more tailored recommendations, check out my Christmas drinks guide from last week: [link]), sometimes a bottle deserves a spot under the tree, not just on the table—especially if it’s a surefire hit for that wine or cocktail lover on your list.

But here’s where it gets controversial: Last year, I argued against splurging on fancy wine gadgets and kits (read my take here: [link]). In my experience—and I’m speaking from personal frustration—most of these end up collecting dust in a kitchen drawer. That said, I’m always misplacing corkscrews. If you’re determined to go this route, consider something timeless, like the iconic monochrome corkscrew from St John [link] or a sleek silver option from Fortnum & Mason [link].

When it comes to gifting wine, this is the part most people miss: you don’t need to break the bank for something impressive. For sparkling lovers, crémant is a budget-friendly alternative that delivers on fizz without the champagne price tag. Speaking of champagne, prices hover around £50 these days, but some gift sets make the splurge worthwhile. Take Piper Heidsieck’s fire hydrant-shaped case [link]—it’s playful and perfect for the holidays. Or, for a touch of luxury, Veuve Cliquot’s puffy bottle holder [link] is a festive showstopper.

Now, here’s a bold statement: If choosing the right bottle feels like navigating a minefield (let’s face it, drink aficionados can be picky), consider gifting stemware instead. It’s thoughtful, versatile, and available at every price point. Plus, it lets the recipient elevate their wine-drinking experience. My top pick? Zara Home’s stemware [link]. Unlike most fashion-forward homeware, Zara strikes a balance between style and functionality. Their Bohemia crystal glass [link], for example, is just £4.99 and features a wide base for swirling and a narrow rim to capture aromas—a steal for any wine lover. You’ll also find matching tumblers and flutes online.

For the more adventurous, Maison Balzac’s quirky stemware [link] is a conversation starter. Picture blown-glass chillies adorning a tumbler—perfect for a spicy margarita. And if you’re feeling extravagant, Richard Brendon’s universal wine glass [link], designed in collaboration with Jancis Robinson, is a luxury option at £96 for two. Controversial opinion alert: Is it worth the price? Maybe not, but it’s a stunning gift—and if anyone’s buying, I’ve lost two to my clumsy housemate. Gift cards are also welcome!

Four gifts I’d be thrilled to receive:
1. Piper Heidsieck Code Rouge Gift Set (£65.99, Selfridges [link]): A champagne bottle disguised as a fire extinguisher? Yes, please.
2. Whitebox Cocktails Spicy Marg Cracker (£12, Whitebox Cocktails [link]): Two 100ml cans of spicy margarita—the ultimate stocking stuffer.
3. The King’s Ginger (£32.50, Berry Bros & Rudd [link]): A warming liqueur perfect for winter walks, even if you’re not into hunting.
4. Craft Beer Case (£39, The Wine Society [link]): A mix of IPAs, lagers, and porters for the beer lover in your life.

Thought-provoking question for you: Is it better to gift a bottle of something familiar or take a risk on a unique, quirky item? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear your thoughts!