The festive season demands something special, and there is no better way to upgrade your drinks trolley than by supporting the incredible craft distillers right here in Yorkshire. Forget generic gifts – these five premium brands, from smooth vodka to cutting-edge tequila, prove that the North is at the forefront of the global spirits industry.
1. Hacien Tequila
Hacien Tequila has firmly established itself as a disruptive force in the market, proving that world-class tequila can be conceived and championed right here in Yorkshire. The brand focuses on delivering a smooth, high-quality spirit perfect for sipping or elevating cocktails beyond the traditional Margarita. Hacien’s appeal lies in its modern, minimalist aesthetic and its dedication to the pure, refined flavours of the agave plant. Offering a vibrant alternative to the usual festive spirits, this brand is the perfect choice for the drinks aficionado looking to introduce something exciting and unexpected to the Christmas Day lineup.
Our Pick: Hacien Coffee Tequila
Perfect for the ultimate Christmas Espresso Martini, this blend offers a rich, aromatic twist on the classic tequila profile, blending the finest agave spirit with deep coffee notes. It’s an essential after-dinner pour.
2. Dutch Barn Vodka
Dutch Barn is a testament to the purity and quality of ingredients sourced from the Yorkshire landscape. This vodka is known for its exceptionally clean, smooth finish, a result of its unique production process. Distilled from British potatoes and pure water, Dutch Barn offers a premium, flavour-neutral base that is ideal for crafting any festive cocktail. For the host prioritising a high-quality mixer that lets the other ingredients shine through, or for the minimalist seeking a sophisticated, unflavored spirit, Dutch Barn is the definitive Yorkshire choice.
Our Pick: The Original Dutch Barn Vodka
You can’t beat the original. Its exceptional purity makes it the perfect utility spirit for Christmas, guaranteeing that every mixed drink, from a simple tonic to a complex festive punch, is clean and crisp.
3. Filey Bay Single Malt Whisky
As one of the pioneering names in the emerging English whisky scene, Spirit of Yorkshire Distillery, based at Filey Bay, adds an element of prestige and local history to your Christmas bar. Their single malt whiskies offer a depth of flavour that reflects their coastal location, often featuring notes of spice, vanilla, and a subtle salinity. Perfect for slow, contemplative sipping on a cold Christmas evening, or for upgrading a classic hot toddy, Filey Bay provides the traditional warmth and complexity that is essential for the festive season. Bringing this bottle to the table is a clear statement that you appreciate both local craft and exceptional quality.
Our Pick: Filey Bay Flagship Single Malt
This is the bottle that started it all. It’s an easy-drinking, accessible malt that is still rich and warming enough for the colder months, making it ideal for sharing with guests who might be new to English whisky.
4. Cooper King Dry Gin
Based near York, Cooper King has quickly built a reputation for its commitment to sustainability and flavour innovation. Their Dry Gin is meticulously crafted and often features botanicals inspired by the surrounding Yorkshire terroir, resulting in a crisp, balanced spirit that stands up beautifully in a G&T or a complex festive cocktail. Cooper King’s focus on environmentally conscious production means that when you gift or serve this gin, you are not only offering an excellent spirit but also supporting a company dedicated to leaving a positive impact, making it a thoughtful choice for Christmas entertaining.
Our Pick: Cooper King Dry Gin
The original Dry Gin remains the benchmark. Its classic, well-rounded flavour profile makes it versatile for a Christmas Day Negroni or a refreshing festive G&T topped with cranberry.
5. Two Lasses Rum
Rounding out the collection is Two Lasses Rum, which brings the unexpected tropical warmth of rum right to the heart of Yorkshire. This brand excels at creating nuanced, often spiced or flavoured, rums that are perfect for winter mixing. Rum is a non-negotiable for Christmas cocktails—think warming Spiced Rum punches, Rum Sours, or simply sipping over ice. Two Lasses offers a locally crafted alternative to major imports, providing a unique narrative that appeals to those who seek out authentic, locally produced spirits with a distinct, often female-led, entrepreneurial spirit.
Our Pick: Two Lasses Spiced Rum
For Christmas, nothing beats a quality spiced rum. This is perfect for pouring over ice, mixing with ginger ale, or using as the base for a warming winter punch.
