Gone are the days when a ready-made cocktail meant syrupy sweetness and dubious aftertastes. Today, the pre-mixed variety are all about craftsmanship, often concocted by expert mixologists with premium spirits and balanced flavours that are primed to impress even the most discerning of guests. All you have to do is pop the cap, pour over ice, and maybe add a garnish if you’re feeling extra fancy.
Here’s our roundup of the very best pre-mixed cocktails to serve this Christmas, ensuring your festive gatherings are both merry and stress-free.
MOTH Drinks
Short for Mix of Total Happiness (and rightly so), the B-Corp certified MOTH Drinks has revolutionised the art of the pre-mixed cocktail. Its range is compact but mighty, offering classic concoctions that hit all the right notes. Try the Espresso Martini for an after-dinner pick-me-up, or the Old Fashioned, a smoky delight perfect for fireside sipping. Each can is a symphony of flavour, crafted with premium ingredients and zero fuss. Plus, their minimalist packaging looks chic on any drinks trolley.
Black Lines
If you’re looking for cocktails with a modern twist, Black Lines is your go-to. We love their Negroni, while the Oatnog puts a dairy-free spin on the Christmassy American classic, with notes of warming cinnamon and nutmeg that evoke all the festive feels. Designed to be shared, these cocktails come in striking 750ml bottles, making them ideal for pouring rounds with minimal effort.
Tipplesworth
If your drinks trolley is, in fact, groaning with spirits and it’s the mixers you need help with, Tipplesworth’s Festive Punch Cockatil Mixer is an absolute treat. With fruity flavours of apple, oranges and sloes and extracts of lapsang souchong tea, tangerine and ginger, just add gin for a bright, celebratory sip that’s perfect for toasts and cheers. Beautifully bottled, it also doubles as a thoughtful hostess gift should you be visiting someone else’s festivities.
World of Zing
When it comes to adventurous flavour profiles, World of Zing is hard to beat. Their Passionfruit Martini brings a tropical flair to winter evenings, while the Spiced Pineapple Mai Tai tipple delivers the taste of the Caribbean in a glass – just what many of us are craving at the chilliest time of the year.
Whitebox Cocktails
A newer name on the block, Whitebox Cocktails delivers bar-quality drinks in irresistibly fun packaging. Their Pocket Negroni is as punchy as you’d hope, while the Spicy Marg is playful and features a good kick of chilli to warm the cockles. Perfectly portioned, these cocktails are a must for smaller gatherings or stocking fillers.
