Pepsi Gingerbread (Tesco) By @Cinabar

I couldn’t resist picking up this festive little bottle of Pepsi Gingerbread during a quick Tesco run. The packaging immediately caught my eye: a cute wrapper patterned like a Christmas jumper, hinting at the seasonal treat inside. The flavour is clearly Gingerbread, though amusingly it’s written subtly to the side, and it’s part of Pepsi’s zero sugar range.

I popped the bottle open at lunchtime, and it greeted me with a hefty fizz. I had to open it slowly to avoid a mini cola explosion, which I suspect was due to the bottle having been dropped at some point. Once settled, it was time for a taste.

I adore Christmas spices, but I tend to favour cinnamon over ginger, so I wasn’t expecting to fall for this drink. Yet, it was a delightful surprise. The cola blended perfectly with the sweet, treacle-like gingerbread flavour. There was plenty of ginger, but without the sharp heat, and that wonderful treacle note really brought out the festive spices.

It’s a unique twist on a classic soft drink and genuinely captures the essence of gingerbread. I loved it so much I’m already thinking about getting more. If you enjoy festive flavours, this Pepsi is definitely worth a try.

Dunkin’ Doughnuts Pistachio - from Iceland UK [@NLi10]

 While doing the shopping in Iceland I spotted these lovely doughnuts- and figured they would be worth the risk.

I couldn’t imagine how a cardboard box would keep them fresh by the tills - but I like pistachios so figured let’s have a go.

Sounds good.

Looks great! Smells enticing too.

Luna thinks so too. She may have nabbed a bit of the fondant.

The inner was gooey and nice, and the doughnut was surprisingly fresh and soft! A very enjoyable snack and really high quality 

Luna didn’t agree that the rest was for me…

I enjoyed it and I think I’ll try some more flavours if they keep doing these.

Greene King Rocking Rudolph Ale (Morrisons) By @SpectreUK

I am keeping the Christmas Ales flowing with this Rocking Rudolph. Brewed by Greene King, in Bury St. Edmond's, this 4.2% in volume ruby ale is described as malty and fruity, with a refreshing finish.

We had a voucher through the door from Uber Eats for 40% off the next five takeaways until the 23rd of December (using the code DEC40EATUK). So, I have curry and chips tonight, and probably four other takeaways next week of varying kinds.

On opening the bottle there was a beautiful beery malted barley aroma from this ruby red ale. Rocking Rudolph had an initial sweet biscuit malted barley flavour with light refreshing bitterness from herbal hops, followed by more sweet malts into the aftertaste. Yum. 

Merry Christmas.

Festive Gingerbread Flavour Hot Chocolate (Asda) By @Cinabar

I could not decide what hot chocolate to open tonight. It took longer than it should have, and the result is that there will probably be several hot chocolate reviews appearing here over the next week. After all that faffing, I settled on the Festive Gingerbread Flavour Hot Chocolate from Asda. It is one of their own brand options and it is designed to be made with hot milk, which already makes it feel a bit more indulgent.

I used three heaped teaspoons, poured over the hot milk and was pleased to see it blended smoothly straight away. No lumps, no gritty texture, nothing to fight against with the spoon. The drink looked rich and inviting, so I took a first sip and found it instantly comforting. The base is a soothing milk chocolate flavour, but the gingerbread twist is what makes it feel seasonal. It brings a sweet, treacle like warmth with it. The ginger is present but not fierce, more like the soft spice you get in a gingerbread biscuit rather than anything fiery. It adds character without overpowering the chocolate.

The drink is definitely on the sweet side, which suits me completely. If you prefer a strong ginger kick, this will feel gentle, but if you enjoy a cosy, pudding like hot chocolate, this fits the bill.

Next time I make it I plan to go all in with whipped cream, a mini gingerbread figure and maybe a few sprinkles for good measure. It feels like the sort of drink that deserves a bit of decoration. It is an easy festive treat and one I will happily have again.

KFC Christmas Dinner Tower Burger [@NLi10]

It's allegedly the most wonderful time of the year - the tabs have been knocked in on the KFC tower burger meaning another special version! 

Also I got a free wrap on the spin thing, but it was an odd small thing with plastic cheese and very little salad so I can see why people wouldn't claim those.

Chips still good though.

And here we have the main event, a lovingly over-cooked chicken and stuffing Christmas Dinner Tower burger!  One of the rare occasions I should have gone for the KFC gravy, but overall they tasted like they were supposed to - and the giant Lipton tea made up for the dryness.

Surprisingly I'd have this again, but I think there might be other festive things with the stuffing added to try instead.