Festive Fizz 2025, UK style

Few things are as reliably British as talking about the weather or raising a glass of bubbles at Christmas. And for hospitality operators, that’s excellent news. Despite inflation, rising duties, and a squeeze on household budgets, Champagne and sparkling wine remain non-negotiables on the festive drinks list. This year, the opportunity lies in how hotels, bars, and restaurants position their offer to capture both the “splasher-outers” and the savvy deal-hunters.

The economy may still feel shaky, but food and drink inflation reached 4.2% this autumn, and unemployment is edging upward; nonetheless, guests are determined to celebrate. What we’re seeing is polarized behaviour: some customers trading up to prestige labels, while others look for value but are unwilling to compromise on quality. For operators, the message is clear: build a drinks list that speaks to both ends of the market.

What’s Pouring This Season

Sparkling remains firmly in the spotlight. Champagne sales rose by over 4% last year, and with a strong French harvest behind it, supply should be plentiful. Guests will be looking for both affordable glasses of fizz to start the evening and premium bottles to mark big occasions. Prosecco continues to perform well with casual groups, while English sparkling is increasingly positioned as a sustainable and homegrown alternative that delivers quality on par with Champagne.

Still wines tell a more complex story. Premium French and Italian bottles continue to find a market, particularly for gifting and Christmas Day dining. However, mid-range offerings risk being overlooked, especially with duty changes placing additional strain on popular 12.5–14.5% ABV wines. Operators may want to streamline their selections, offering clear entry-level value alongside luxury options for guests looking to trade up.

Low- and no-alcohol sparkling wines are also carving out space on festive menus. Once seen as an afterthought, these are now viewed as celebratory in their own right, particularly appealing to health-conscious diners or corporate parties where not everyone is drinking. Including them prominently signals inclusivity and broadens the occasion.

Pairing Food and Fizz

Christmas dining provides a perfect canvas for sparkling pairings. Champagne remains the ideal aperitif, its acidity lifting smoked salmon, oysters, or even simple festive canapés. Prosecco’s softer style works well with sharing boards and lighter party platters, while English sparkling shows its strength alongside roast turkey, where its crispness cuts through the richness of the trimmings. Premium reds such as Barolo or Bordeaux blends continue to have their place with indulgent mains like beef Wellington, while alcohol-free sparkling rosé offers a natural match with berry pavlovas or panettone—ensuring everyone at the table can take part in the final toast.

Sparkling Cocktails: Seasonal Upsell Stars

Beyond the bottle, cocktails offer another profitable avenue. A festive Champagne cocktail with a dash of bitters and sugar cube adds theatre to premium pours, while a Prosecco spritz, brightened with winter citrus or cranberry, provides an approachable, Instagram-worthy serve for parties. English sparkling wine works beautifully in seasonal twists on classics like the French 75, swapping gin for sloe or damson spirits to create a distinctly British signature. Even alcohol-free sparklers can be turned into elegant mocktails with spiced syrups, herbal garnishes, or festive fruits. Featuring these options on menus encourages guests to start with a cocktail before moving to a bottle, creating a natural path to higher spend per head.

Seizing the Opportunity

For hospitality venues, success this season lies in smart positioning and confident upselling. Tiered menu options allow guests to trade up naturally: a house Prosecco by the glass, English sparkling as the mid-tier, and Champagne for those celebrating in style. Storytelling around provenance or sustainability provides staff with reasons to recommend beyond price alone, while packaging drinks into festive menus, afternoon teas, or New Year’s Eve celebrations can encourage higher spend. Staff training will also be crucial, well-briefed teams who can talk knowledgeably about food pairings, seasonal highlights, and sparkling cocktails will unlock more premium sales.

Christmas 2025 is shaping up to be a season of contrasts, with some guests indulging in prestige and others chasing value. But one constant remains: bubbles dominate. Operators who balance luxury with accessibility, curate thoughtful pairings, and bring creativity to their cocktail menus will reap the rewards. Whether it’s a vintage Champagne, an award-winning English sparkling, or a festive spritz, the pop of a cork will once again be the soundtrack to the British festive season.