Holiday Booze Shopping with Courtney Brandt at The Bottle Store in Al Ghadeer

Picture this: a sunny December morning, carols playing on the radio, and a sleigh (well, SUV) cleared out for a festive booze run. I, Lindsay from The Tasting Class, teamed up with my fabulous friend Courtney Brandt, Dubai’s own foodie extraordinaire, for a merry mission to The Bottle Store in Al Ghadeer. It’s a half hour drive from my JVT stomping grounds, but for Courtney, who calls Dubai South home, it’s practically her local—less than 20 minutes away.

With Courtney’s carefully crafted wish list in hand, I donned my sommelier hat to help her check it twice. Her goal? Be the hostess with the mostest this holiday season. She needed:

1. A bottle to dazzle and delight the wine aficionados in her life.
2. Something playfully magical to wow her guests.
3. Affordable, crowd-pleasing gifts
4. Something to serve those inevitable holiday drop-ins, with the extra proviso that it be good to serve poolside.
5. Bonus points for supporting local businesses.

Here’s how we sleighed it:

The Crazy Tropez Rosé Magnum

First up, I knew just the thing to double-dip on Courtney’s wishlist: the Crazy Tropez Rosé Magnum. At just AED 110, this Provence-style rosé screams chic yet affordable. The magnum size is perfect for poolside hosting—because let’s face it, one bottle is never enough—and also makes a spectacular gift. “Go big or go home,” Courtney chimed in as she gleefully popped it into the cart.

White Claw Hard Seltzers

Courtney’s eyes lit up when she spotted White Claw Hard Seltzers. These iconic American favorites are now finally available in Dubai! Lightweight, canned, and pool-safe, they’re tailor-made for a day of lounging. Plus, with flavors like black cherry, raspberry, pink grapefruit, and Courtney’s top pick, lime, they’re perfect for a refreshing sip. At 95 calories per serving they might be the lightest thing you consume this holiday season. At AED 10 each or AED 110 for a 12-pack, they’re a steal—and no faffing with glassware required!

A Grand Cru Classé for a Wine Aficionados

For a touch of festive splurge, Courtney wanted a bougie bottle to impress a wine-loving family member. Enter the Château Lynch-Bages 2014, Pauillac (AED 1,400)—a Bordeaux beauty with “Grand Cru Classé” status. I gave Courtney my top tip for navigating fancy wine shelves: if it says “Grand Cru Classé,” you’ve got a winner. This wine’s pedigree dates back to the prestigious 1855 classification that has upheld its status over the years, so it’s a guaranteed showstopper under the tree.

The Magical Side Hustle Spectrum Gin

Now for the pièce de résistance: The Side Hustle Spectrum Gin, a locally owned, color-changing delight for AED 173. Infused with butterfly pea flower, this gin turns from purple to pink when a squeeze of citrus is added. It’s the ultimate conversation starter for holiday gatherings, and the herbaceous notes from the hop botanicals give it a unique, locally inspired twist, as Side Hustle’s first product (and love) is craft beer. Courtney loved that it’s a Dubai-owned gem, supporting small businesses while dazzling her guests.

The Merry Verdict

Cart brimming with festive finds, we jingled all the way back to Courtney’s to trail out the poolside options. From magnums to magical gins, she’s now set to sleigh this holiday season.

If you’re planning your own festive booze haul, The Bottle Store is worth the trip. Cheers to a very merry and boozy holiday season!