The New Rules 2025 drinks guide
Drinks to fill your fridge and cocktail cabinet.
The holiday season approaches, which means it’s time to stock up on snacks and beverages. We can’t advise you on the first bit, but the second part? That we can help with.
We had a look back through the interviews we shared on The New Rules this year, the news stories we bookmarked, and the bev/alc brands we saved to buy later, and we’ve put together a quick guide.
Craving bitter flavors? There’s a section for you. Mad about tequila? There’s something for you too. Not drinking? We’ve got suggestions.
It’s not an exhaustive list, but we hope it comes in handy. Happy festive season and happy drinking, however it is you like to drink.
And by the way, come back in the new year when we’ll be publishing our major new 2026 report, which will delve into some of the most-admired brands in the bev/alc space (including some featured here). Subscribe below to be the first to receive.
Ghia: Shark Tank said no, but a lot of drinkers have since said yes.
Faccia Brutto: Delicious, Italian-style spirits, and the branding’s pretty great too.
Iessi: Great branding, great tasting, totally alcohol-free.
Mother Root: Founder Bethan told us the taste is potentially ‘divisive’, but said that’s ok.
Non: The flavors really are the thing here.
The Pathfinder: Come for the culty branding, stay for the taste.
The Original Southside: It’s an American cocktail with 100 years of history. And it’s now available in a can.
Casalú: A rum-based RTD that speaks straight from its own culture, no apologies.
The Original Pickle Shot: Sometimes you want a pickleback, and you don’t want to have to go to a bar to get one.
Spearhead Spirits: They’ve got gin, they’ve got whiskey, they’ve got vodka, all infused with wonderful African flavors.
Mario’s Hard Espresso: Based on a time-honored family recipe, so you know it’s going to be good.
Vigie: “Citrusy, bright and it doesn’t have a bitter edge,” says founder Samaria.
Wild Mannered: No artifical colors, flavors or sweeteners, just very drinkable soju.
Esther: Rum is back, and it’s better than ever. Now available for pre-orders.
SAG: For a spirit you’re less familiar with. Made using Cali raisins and distilled in Yonkers.
La Gritona: The bottle is everything.
Madre Mezcal: Artisanal mezcal made in Oaxaca, and could the label be any more charming?
Olujo: Drink it now, save the bottle for later.
Living Roots: A brand whose legacy goes back six generations.
Gratsi: Boxed wine has never been so appealing.
Ami Ami: One you won’t mind leaving out on the countertop.
BRĒZ: A tonic for every frame of mind. “Choose your state, without the trade-offs,” says their founder
Recess: Festive season is stressful. Recess is all about calm.
Fabric: Get your THC, CBG and CBD in one, hoppy can.
GinZoil: A bottle that’s crying out to be held (the gin inside is “a little tart, a little bitter and totally delicious”).
Hoste Cocktails: For when you want an extra-big serving of ready-to-serve cocktail (complete with citrus atomizer).
Sylva: A supremely minimal exterior that belies a complex making process.
Love the curatorial approach here, breaking things down by mood and occasion rather than just category. The section on bitters especially caught my eye since it really highlights how the aperitivo wave is finally catching on outside major cities. I ended up trying Faccia Brutto after a frend recommended it last year, and that balance of complexity with approachability is kinda rare in the amaro space.