Cocktails are a fabulous choice for party drinks or pre-dinner aperitifs, especially around Christmas or New Year’s Eve, but they can be a bit of a faff to make, especially if you’re catering to a crowd with varied tastes; not to mention the need for a well-stocked liquor cabinet for all the necessary ingredients. This is where pre-mixed cocktails become your best friend. Over recent years, we’ve seen a massive surge in single serve, ready-made cocktails gracing the drinks aisles; far removed from the overly sweet alcopops we may recall from our younger days, these are refined beverages that wouldn’t look out of place in an upscale bar, offering bartender-quality classics like margaritas, espresso martinis and negronis in convenient little cans or bottles. They’re perfect for parties, dinners and even festivals, and many can also be delivered in gift sets or letterbox-friendly packaging, making them an excellent gift idea for the foodie and drink lover in your life. We’ve tried them out, and here are our top picks… READ MORE: When the Christmas sales start and best early deals including Apple and Marc Jacobs READ MORE: 11 best cosy Christmas candles including Yankee Candles for £4 and NEOM favourites 8 best pre-mixed cocktails to buy in 2024 Kocktail Gingerbread Espresso Martini, £27 from Kocktail
Kocktail has a range of different sized bottles
(Image: Laura Mulley)
Kocktail offers a variety of bottle sizes, from 500ml bottles that’ll serve five to single-serve measures in letterbox packaging (currently out of stock, but worth keeping an eye on; I love that they include garnishes and recipe cards too). Alongside the classics, there are also a few seasonal flavours that make fantastic gifts, including Gingerbread Espresso Martini, Mince Pie Old Fashioned and Winter Spiced Negroni. NIO Christmas Cocktail Gift Box of 6, £39 from NIO
In unique tear-to-open square packets
(Image: Laura Mulley)
NIO is a standout in the cocktails-by-post market, delivering its concoctions in unique square packets. Not only do they nail the classics (which are quite potent), but NIO also shines with limited-edition collections, including destination-based selections like Postcards from Japan, and festive blends, reports the Mirror. For those looking to get the most bang for their buck, the Nio Advent Calendar is still up for grabs, packed with 24 festive drinks in 12 drawers. Boxtails Party Piece: Cocktail Collection of 6 for £38.99
Perfect party flavours
(Image: Boxtails)
Boxtails’ could be the most ‘party suitable’ option. These cocktails are easy to drink and not too strong – perfect if you don’t want your party guests to peak too soon. The measures are also slightly larger than most others on this list. For the best value for money for parties, opt for the Mystery Bundle, which gives you 24 cocktails for £119.99 – that’s £4.99 per drink. Moth Moth: Taster Pack, from £26 for 8 from Moth
Moth canned cocktails are really popular
(Image: Laura Mulley)
You might have seen Moth’s canned cocktails in supermarkets, or being enjoyed by the trendy crowd at Glastonbury this year. They’re loved for their convenience (you can sip them straight from the can), stylish packaging and excellent renditions of classic cocktails, including favourites like margaritas, palomas and negronis. Moth offers various gift sets during this season, and the Taster Pack is a fantastic choice if you want to sample a bit of everything. Plus, they’re one of the most affordable options, at £3.25 per can. Lockdown Liquor and Co Petite Liquor Box, £36 for 6 from Lockdown Liquor
Lockdown Liquor’s Mezcal Picante is a favourite
(Image: Laura Mulley)
As the name suggests, Lockdown Liquor was born during the pandemic when professionally mixed cocktails were out of reach. Since then, it has become one of the trendiest pre-mixed cocktail brands to stock in your home bar. The taste is top-notch too; while Lockdown Liquor’s Picante is a fan favourite, I’m partial to this mezcal version. They also offer crackers, subscriptions and barware. Pimentae Tommy’s Margarita Cans, now £28.80 for 8 from Pimentae (was £32)
One for marg fans
(Image: Laura Mulley)
If you’re a margarita lover, whether you like them spicy or not, you need to check out Pimentae. This brand specialises in this particular cocktail – with a few variations – and they do it exceptionally well. These vibrant cans are a hit. You’ll find plenty of options on their website, including 50cl bottles, large bag-in-a-boxes and gift sets. Edmunds Build a Box, from £34.95 for 6 from Edmunds
Made in Suffolk
(Image: Laura Mulley)
I have a soft spot for Edmunds cocktails as they hail from my home county of Suffolk, and I suspect the name is a nod to Bury St Edmunds, where I grew up. I adore the individual bottles with stoppers, and the taste doesn’t disappoint either. You can customise your own boxes, choosing from 11 different recipes, or purchase pre-curated collections. Picante Original Picante Spicy Margarita Fridge Pack, £32 for 6 from Picante
An iconic spicy marg
(Image: Laura Mulley)
Trendy London fashion and lifestyle brand Picante has just dropped the second release of its namesake spicy margs (the cocktail of choice for the cool kids), and they taste as good as they look, made with fresh serrano chilli in with tequila, lime juice and agave.
