Frank Sinatra and Destiny’s Child households unite! There’s a drink (and playlist) for everyone.
The holidays are nearly here. That means more sun, less emails and a jam-packed schedule of friends, family and feasting. But there's more to it than just your Christmas Day lunch. The peripheral parties are just as important at this time of year, so nailing the drinks (and the entertainment) isn't something you should approach with indifference.
From the family feast to the Friendsmas fiesta, set the scene with our selection of the season's essential sips and the soundtracks to go with them.
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Friendsmas
Drink: White Claw Hard Seltzer Variety 10 Pack
Listen to: House Party Classics
Stuff the laundry sink with a variety pack of White Claw and get your Christopher Walken dance moves on because the first real toast to your out-of-office is here. Friendsmas is sort of like a work Christmas party, only your boss couldn't make it, and there's nobody from HR telling you to "give someone else a go on the karaoke machine". It's that glorious moment when the daily grind stops and the d-floor grinding begins, and that can only mean one thing: bangers. This playlist has you covered with the sort of jams everyone knows the words to, from N.E.R.D. to Fatboy Slim and everything in between, while a mixed pack of White Claw keeps everyone’s tastebuds happy. Pick from watermelon, mango, lime or ruby grapefruit – you can’t go wrong with the king of hard seltzer.
The Family Feast
Drink: Joseph Perrier Cuvee Royale Brut Champagne NV
Listen to: Christmas Crooners
The festive season's marquee moment is always Christmas lunch. Secret Santa is out of the way and you're ready to load up your plate. But before your aunt can serve up her famous (unsolicited) life advice, take a moment to savour an ice-cold flute of Joseph Perrier and a side of Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald and Tony Martin. After all, it wouldn't be Christmas without Champagne, a generous helping of prawns and the gentle hum of these iconic crooner carols in the background. And this is proper celebration bubbly, with a slew of shining reviews from top-tier wine aficionados to go with it.
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The Moment Of Indulgence
Drink: Chapel Hill Vinedresser Shiraz Indulgence pack
Listen to: 70s Soul Classics
The festive season isn't all fun and games. Between the last-minute gift shopping and meticulous party planning, who could blame you for feeling a little overwhelmed? Luckily, Chapel Hill's Vinedresser Shiraz Indulgence pack has everything you need to share a small moment of indulgence with that someone special. Throw on some old-school soul, pour yourself a glass of wine and find your zen in a block of chocolate – you've earned it. While the crackers, shortbread, and choccies are a welcome bonus, it’s the legendary bottle of shiraz that really seals the deal. It’s a robust red that smells like blueberry, boysenberry and baking spices and just screams “I’m as smooth as Marvin Gaye”.
The Barbecue
Drink: Byron Bay Brewery Premium Lager
Listen to: Aussie BBQ Classics
With the formalities done and dusted, the summer barbecue is a great way to lean into the spirit of the season. This is your chance to let your hair down, burn a few snags and catch up with your closest of kin while the sun still shines. Beer reigns supreme here, and nothing beats Byron Bay Brewery's easy-drinking lager for crowd-pleasing Esky stuffing. Your playlist should echo that sentiment, so a mix of songs that embody a safe sense of familiarity is essential. From classic hits by Hunters & Collectors to more recent radio-friendly fodder (think Tame Impala and The Avalanches), we couldn't think of a better soundtrack for your Aussie summer sizzle.
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The Post-dinner Chill
Drink: Wild Turkey Longbranch Bourbon Whiskey Gift Pack
Listen to: Electronica Romantica
It's getting late. The conversation is flowing and everybody has that post-dinner glow about them. It'd be rude to wind things up already. Instead, push the evening along with a good spirit and some sultry summertime sounds. The playlist? Something relaxed yet contemporary. Think Sampha, James Blake and the like. The whisky? Wild Turkey Longbranch Bourbon Whiskey is a refined choice (rare, small-batch, eight-year-old bourbon always is) and will work well with the grazing platter that just made its encore appearance. These are the nights that the festive season is famous for.
