Three drinks with a difference to celebrate Mother's Day

Sunday is Mother's Day, and what are you going to give her? You've guessed your way with mixed success in the past through perfume, books and music, including the huge bunch of arum lilies that it turns out she hates.

Men are especially bad at this. Mag wheels for the Yaris? Tickets to the fight? A T-shirt with a slogan you think is funny? Possibly not.

It's a cliche, but ask a bottleshop attendant what mothers like to drink and they'll say bubbly, rosé and New Zealand sauvignon blanc. The secret of getting it right is to know what the giftee will appreciate. This takes a little observation, but it's not rocket science. Here are some alternatives.

Four Pillars The Kyoto Distillery Changing Seasons Gin, $86-$99 (700ml)

Made with a mix of Japanese and Australian botanicals, including juniper, quandong, desert lime, lemon myrtle, yuzu, gyokuro and more. It has pungent exotic spice, pine-needle and citrus fruit aromas. It mixes well with Fevertree or Strangelove tonic waters for a good old-fashioned G&T. Synthetic stopper; 43.8 per cent alcohol.

Score: 95

Ageing? No.

Stockists include: Amato's Liquor Mart, Leichhardt & The Oak Barrel, Sydney; Nick's Wine Merchants, Doncaster (Vic); wine.com.au

Mount Horrocks Cordon Cut Riesling 2019, Clare Valley, $39 (375ml)

The aromas of candied peach and passionfruit are captivating, while the taste is quite sweet, the delicious tropical fruit flavours neatly harmonising with sweetness and acidity. Clean, refreshing finish. Great with fruit salad and ice-cream. Screw-cap; 11.5 per cent alcohol.

Score: 92

Ageing? Drink now and up to eight years.

Stockists include: Nick's Wine Merchants, Doncaster (Vic); Five Way Cellars, Paddington (NSW); mounthorrocks.com

Clover Hill Tasmanian Cuvee Rosé Methode Traditionnelle NV, $34

The colour is pale salmon-pink, and there's a big collar of bubbles. The bouquet is complex with nougat, toasted-nut, quince paste and strawberry notes. The taste is light and crisply dry, refreshingly so, the finish lingering with cleansing acidity. A lively, energetic, refreshing young bubbly at a great price. Diam cork; 12.5 per cent alcohol.

Score: 92

Ageing? Not necessary.

Stockists include: Huskisson Drive In Bottle Shop & IGA Plus Liquor, East Lindfield (NSW); Cellarbrations, Elwood & Gum Tree Good Food, Albert Park (Vic).