Written by Menswear Style in Food & Drink on the 20th November 2023

With the festive season fast approaching, many people may be wondering how to serve up something extra special when it comes to drinks this Christmas. Whether you are hosting family or friends, or just looking to enjoy an indulgent drink at home, Glen Moray’s Twisted Vine whisky (RSP £29) is an ideal Christmas spirit, and surprisingly this single malt can be enjoyed in a multitude of ways. Many people enjoy single malts served as a dram, over ice or even in a hot toddy over the winter months. But Twisted Vine is a whisky that encourages drinkers to rip up the single malt rulebook! It's the perfect spirit for experimenting with creative new serves.

Perfect Christmas pairings 

Matured in ex-Cognac casks, from oak grown near Cognac's vineyards in France, Twisted Vine is the perfect marriage of spirit and cask wood: rich, sweet and woody with notes of dried fruit, nuts and spice. It’s flavours really lend themselves to winter and Christmas fayre in general, so why not serve up some delicious food pairings around the fireside. Roast chestnuts will complement the hazelnut flavour of the whisky perfectly, whilst mince pies bring out the spirit’s dried fruits notes. Gingerbread is also delicious and brings out Twisted Vine’s balanced spices. Remember that pairing and tasting whisky should be fun and experimental, so get friends and family involved with their own suggestions!

A Merry Berry Serve – The Whisky Smash 

There’s nothing better than a night with friends over the festive season and this delicious berry cocktail is a guaranteed crowd pleaser. Created by one of Scotland’s leading mixologists, Adrian Gomes from 10 Dollar Shake, it offers the perfect balance of sweet and sour. 

Ingredients 

- 3 fresh blackberries 

- 5 mint leaves 

- 15ml sugar syrup 

- 35 ml Twisted Vine 

- 15ml lemon juice 

- Mint leaf to garnish 

Method 

In a rocks glass muddle fruit, add in crushed ice, pour in sugar syrup, lemon juice and whisky. Garnish with mint sprigs.

Add a tropical twist with The Pineapple DiVine 

Created by the London-based duo behind the popular drinks magazine, website and podcast ‘The Cocktail Lovers’. This refreshing serve is inspired by the sweet, fruity notes in the whisky – and features a surprising ingredient that’s not typically associated with whisky-based drinks or winter: pineapple. 

Ingredients 

- 50ml Glen Moray Twisted Vine 

- 25ml homemade pineapple syrup (recipe below) 

- 20ml fresh lemon juice 

- 40ml Prosecco 

- Grape for garnish 

Method 

Shake the first three ingredients over ice and strain into a large wine glass filled with ice cubes. Top with the Prosecco and garnish with a grape. 

Homemade Pineapple Syrup 

Ingredients 

- ¼ fresh pineapple 

- 120ml brown sugar 

- 120ml water 

- ¼ teaspoon mixed spice 

Method 

Cut the pineapple into small chunks and add them, along with the sugar, mixed spice and water to a saucepan. Bring to the boil and simmer very gently for around 30 minutes, occasionally mashing down the pineapple to make a puree. Leave to cool and strain off the lovely pineapple syrup. (Don’t throw away the remaining puree, its great mixed with ice cream for dessert.) 

glenmoray.com

Perfect Christmas pairings, The Whisky Smash, The Pineapple DiVine, and Homemade Pineapple Syrup.