Great British Food Christmas 2024

A steamingmug of something comforting is the ultimate way towarmyour cockles when a chill is in the air WINTER WARMERS A great cup of coffee hits different at Christmas, when you’re sharing it with loved ones while luxuriating in the comfort of the season. Lost Sheep Coffee’s Brazil (£9.95, lostsheepcoffee.com ) is sure to be loved by all thanks to its cosy balance of nut and caramel notes brought to life with a subtle fruitiness. This small-batch roasted coffee is best enjoyed espresso- style, so fire up your milk frothers and prepare your favourite mug – it's going to be a special one. Searching for the ultimate tea to pair with your mince pie? Look no further. JING’s Red Dragon loose black tea (£17.90, jingtea.co ) brings the perfect blend of malt, ripe and tropical lychee, dark berry tartness and hints of milk chocolate for the ideal pairing for mince pies’ warming spices. Delicious on its own but best enjoyed on the sofa with a mince pie in-hand, this is what Christmas holidays were made for. Are you a tea obsessive, or do you know somebody who is? AVANTCHA’s Tea Advent Calendar (£62, ukavantcha. com) is the perfect way to indulge tea lovers this Christmas. Each of the 24 windows reveals a best-selling and exclusive silk teabag or loose leaf tea to get you in the festive spirit. We particularly love Midnight Chocolate Mint black tea – ideal for lingering over after an indulgent dinner. ‘Tis the season for ultra-luxe hot chocolates, and KNOOPS’ Festive Spice Hot Chocolate Set (£32, knoops.co.uk ) fits the bill perfectly. A warming blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, white pepper, cardamom and orange, the Festive Spice blend is the ultimate addition to KNOOPS’ 34% Milk Chocolate Flakes and 54% Dark Chocolate Flakes this Christmas. Just sprinkle it in, curl up in your comfiest chair and enjoy. With loved ones all around and some extra time to lavish on treats, Christmas offers the perfect opportunity to make an occasion of your hot drinks. OMGTEA AAA+ Grade Matcha Green Tea (£34.95, omgteas.co.uk ) is an award-winning ceremonial matcha made from the finest shade-grown leaves from Japan. While it can be used to add matcha’s distinct flavour and colour to elegant bakes, it’s at its most delicious relished as a tea. Christmas isn’t Christmas without indulging in a mulled drink (or three), and Belvoir Farm’s Mulled Winter Punch (£3.25, Sainsbury’s) is a joyful hug in a mug. By gently warming it through its notes of blackcurrant, orange and aromatic spices come to the fore, making it a delightfully cosy addition to your drinks arsenal this season. For a speedy alcoholic version, simply add a little red wine. greatbr i t i shfoodawards.com 50 SHOPP ING | HOT DRINKS