THE key to marital bliss in our house is ensuring that Mrs Ray is kept topped up with tea and Sauvignon Blanc. That’s Earl Grey in the morning (two mugs, skimmed milk) and Lapsang Souchong in the afternoon (one mug, semi-skimmed). Come 6pm, it’s well-chilled New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, at which point, who’s counting?
At Christmas, however, it’s imperative that Mrs R’s Winter Fuel Payment includes gin, and lots of it. I get stuck in, too, of course, and our current favourite is the Mirabeau Dry Rosé Gin (£35, Waitrose) from Provence. A gorgeous pale pink, it comes in a scent-like bottle and is a necessity rather than a luxury. For vodka, look no further than the whistleclean, plough to bottle, Colwith Farm Aval Dor Cornish Vodka (£35.99, Virgin Wines).…
