Christmas 2012: Susy Atkins' ports and liqueurs for Christmas lunch The image of fine port remains just a bit masculine. There's a faint cigary whiff of the gentlemen's club about it, as there is about cognac and claret, though I know plenty of women who love its strong, red-fruited, deeply aromatic qualities. And who'd rather drink port on Christmas Day than sweet cream liqueurs. Not that there's anything inherently wrong with cream liqueurs, but they can feel too cloying and sweet after so much festive feasting. Port, on the other hand, cuts its sugar with fresh acidity and a peppery twist. The classic red ports work well, too, with the final flourish - a nub of cheese, nuts and dried fruits, Christmas cake or pudding. Tawny port (the more mellow, toffeed style) keeps better company with creamy cakes and chocolate desserts, or just a box of chocs. Liqueurs and spirit infusions especially welcome at Christmas include the orange-laden Cointreau, Grand Marnier and Chase's Marmalade Vodka (Waitrose, £35.50). Of course, there's sloe gin (try Sipsmith's; Majestic, £24) and its juicier cousin, damson gin or vodka. And it's easy to make your own 'spiced schnapps' by steeping three broken-up short cinnamon sticks and two cloves in 500ml plain vodka for a few days (with a little sugar to taste). Serve it cold in shot glasses. Best of all, invest in a bottle of the remarkable King's Ginger Liqueur, a powerful (41 per cent!), hugely warming hit of sweet, spicy, fresh ginger. A teeny sip, beside the fire, is immensely soothing. Sandeman Twenty Years Old Tawny Port, Douro, Portugal (leaandsandeman.co.uk, £29.95; selected Waitrose, £35.49) A proper treat, or a gift for someone much loved, this wonderful tawny is nutty, soft and mellow, with an orangey note. Blissful sipped with chocolate truffles. The King's Ginger, Holland (Berry Bros & Rudd, £21 for 50cl; Wine Rack, £22.99, down to £19.99 until 7 January) Sip this strong, sweet elixir of ginger at room temperature with Christmas cake or sticky ginger cake, and use in desserts and whisky cocktails, too. Quinta do Noval 2005 Late Bottled Vintage Port, Douro, Portugal (Ocado, £14.90; leaandsandeman.co.uk, £19.50) Great value for a wonderfully ripe and rounded, richly fruity red port with blackberry and chocolate flavours. Decant to serve. TIPPLE TIP stocking thrillers... Tanners in Shrewsbury has an excellent range of classic wines in 20cl to 50cl bottles, great for "grown-up" stockings or table presents. Chablis, prosecco, sauternes and port all feature. Order by 19 December for delivery by Christmas Day. 01743 234455; tanners-wines.co.uk