The holiday season has ushered in a delightful tradition: Straightaway Cocktails’ 12 Nights of Cocktails advent calendar. This year’s calendar continues to charm, proving itself to be a versatile gift that suits any occasion. Why should only those celebrating Christmas have the joy of opening a daily surprise?
Straightaway’s 2025 edition of the advent calendar features some exciting new flavors, with three originally exclusive to the calendar now available for purchase in four-packs. Each cocktail can pack quite a punch, making moderation key. Below is a ranked review of the notable selections from this year’s calendar:
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Thai Gimlet
A standout offering that infuses vodka with spiciness, combining flavors like bird’s eye chili, ginger, and citrus. The addition of light coconut enhances its depth. -
Paper Plane
This cocktail, made with whiskey, lemon juice, and Accompani Mari Gold Amaro, balances pleasant bitterness with tangy notes, making it a refreshing classic. -
Last Word
A refreshing gin-based drink, it excels with its citrusy lime and herbaceous elements provided by Accompani Flora Green Liqueur. -
Blanco Margarita
Perfect for summertime vibes, this cocktail showcases the pure flavor of blanco tequila with delightful lime notes. -
Oregon Old Fashioned
Featuring whiskey paired with filbert and fir bitters, this Oregon twist on a classic is smoky yet refreshing. -
Cosmos
The hibiscus syrup in this version of the cosmopolitan offers a delightful floral bouquet, complemented by its ginger and lime components. -
Negroni
A reliable classic, this drink wraps bitter and sweet flavors smoothly, pleasing to a broad audience. -
Nitro Espresso Martini
Combining caffeine and alcohol, this drink is rich and aromatic, making for an intriguing experience. -
Mai Tai
A candy-like blend of rums paired beautifully with lime, resulting in a well-balanced treat. -
Manhattan
A quintessential cocktail, though not a personal favorite, it commands respect for its smooth whiskey foundation and mild sweetness. -
Margarita
Similar to the Blanco but saltier; not the author’s go-to choice. -
Bee’s Knees
Although it arrived with high expectations, the combination of flavors in this gin drink felt overly sour, lacking the promised floral notes.
For those interested in a delightful, festive experience, the Straightaway Cocktails Tasting Room offers the full lineup and is running special holiday hours. For further details, you can visit Straightaway Cocktails’ website.