When it comes to the festive season, getting your Christmas drinks offering correct first time is really important. Whether that is wines, cocktails or coffees. Our teams at Coffee your way and Unity Wines, Beers and Spirits are here to help and below we go through some ideas and tips for making your drinks menu sing this festive season.

 

Festive coffees

The festive season is all about indulgence and consumers are often looking for festive and seasonal coffee flavours which are a little more special than their regular coffee order. Thankfully we have a fantastic range of coffee options to choose from, plus all the extras you need to elevate them!

Why not try a Tiramisu Latte or if you’re feeling adventurous why not make it boozy by adding a classic Festive Irish Coffee to your offering! To get even more inspired – check out our Christmas Coffee guide.

 

 

First class wine list

When it comes to choosing wine, consumers are drawn to menus with a strong, varied wine list. In terms of top preferences for the UK, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio lead the way for white, followed by Chardonnay. When it comes to reds, Merlot, Shiraz, and Malbec form the top three.*

As we’ve seen in recent years, people treat themselves at Christmas. What constitutes treating yourself from a wine perspective? At Christmas, customers often revert to ‘The Classics’; wines like Chablis, Sancerre, Bordeaux, as well as great options from New Zealand and Argentina. Chablis and Sancerre are both ideal with smoked salmon or rich terrines. Bordeaux is a wonderful match for red meat dishes and intense sauces and sides. Check out our full range here.

 

 

 

Cheers to the bubbly

Everyone like a glass of fizz at Christmas!

The sparkling wine market is dominated by the two ends of the spectrum. Prosecco continues to be the go to option at any time of year, with Champagne capturing the high end of the list. There are ways to spice things up however. Perhaps premiumise your Prosecco offering?

Go from a standard DOC Prosecco and introduce a Valdobbiadene DOCG; this is higher quality and allows for a more special offering. With Champagne, consumers tend to be very brand loyal so including something established like Laurent Perrier on the list always bodes well.

Alternatively you could step out of the mainstream and introduce an English sparkling wine. These wines have grown in both prominence and quality over the last two decades. Why not try Hattingley Valley’s Classic Cuvée; a bold and weighty English fizz!

 

 

Low alcohol

The low and no alcohol market has boomed in recent years and it’s set to grow even further over the next three years. Including low/ no alcohol options on menus is now no longer just an afterthought, but something businesses are actively looking to add to their bar menus.

Whilst Beer has lead the way in this category so far, wines and bubbly are following closely behind it. For a lovely Rosé option why not try the Artis Rosé Alc Free – a gorgeous fruity wine with a fresh and rounded palate with hints of wild strawberry and redcurrant flavours giving it a lovely violet pink colour. Or for a beer option check out the Lucky Saint Alcohol Free Beer for a smooth pallet and a citrusy finish.

 

Get ready for the festive season with the best Christmas drinks offering! Whether you’re looking to incorporate a festive latte to your menu, or you want only the best wines to choose from, Bidfood are here to make those choices a little easier!

Explore our full Christmas offering here: Wholesale Christmas Food & Drinks | Bidfood

 

Thirsty for more? Check out our other Christmas blogs:

How to have a stress free Christmas with Bidfood Direct

Top 5 meat free products for festive menus

5 new Christmas products you don’t want to miss

5 catering supplies you’ll need for Christmas

5 gluten free products to add to your festive menu