While it may be a joy to dabble in some mixology, there’s nothing quite like getting a cocktail that has been perfectly crafted by a pro. Sadly, in the age of bar closures, getting your hands on a perfectly refreshing and explosive cocktail has become quite a hefty task. But, thankfully, readymade cocktail delivery services have you covered.
Whether you’re longing for a bar-worthy cocktail, or simply want to spend a classy night in, these services deliver pre-mixed cocktails right to your door; leaving you with only the best step of the whole cocktail process to worry about—drinking it.
Here we’re going to run down ten of our favourites, tried and tested providers of readymade cocktails to help you find your perfect mix. What’s more is that after our top picks we’ll equip you with the tools necessary to differentiate a quality punch service from the rest. Let’s dive in.
Can Cocktails be Delivered?
While most see cocktails as exclusive to bars and classy establishments, cocktail delivery services make it easier than ever to indulge in the perfect drink. Amid the wealth of services you will find many, many options of preened recipes that will be delivered as ready-to-drink, bottled or the correct proportions to mix at home. Of course, perishables are separated or removed to ensure maximum longevity.
In this review, we discuss;
Why Get Ready Made Cocktails Delivered?
They’re Ready to Drink
Sidestepping the need for cocktail-making kits, accessories of expensive and hard to obtain ingredients, readymade cocktails provide cocktails that are ready to drink. That means if you want to avoid the hassle of putting together your own cocktails, then such deliveries may be for you.
You Don’t Need to Leave Home
Whether you can’t leave the house or simply want a classy night in, readymade cocktail delivery services mean that you’ll be able to indulge in top-quality drinks without ever leaving the comfort of your home.
Great Taste and Great Value
If you’re used to drinking cocktails at bars, then you’ll be acutely aware of the price tag that most cocktails hold. However, ready to drink cocktails delivered directly to your door are often far cheaper than their establishment-bound alternatives. This means that you may, in fact, experience the same great taste for a fraction of the price.
Top 10 Ready Made Cocktail Delivery Services
1. Kocktail
Although Kocktail offer a handful of standalone boxes for sale, the heart of their service lies in their £29 per month subscription which will net you 4 fresh cocktails curated by award-wining mixologists. You’ll be able to choose between “light” and “dark” boxes, or a mix of the two, which provide you with fresh or bitter-sweet cocktails respectively.
What’s more is that Kocktail have taken it upon themselves to be market-leading in the eco-friendly department, using responsibly sourced and recyclable components for each and every delivery.
- Trustpilot reviews: N/A
- Delivery: Free.
- Cocktail Subscription: Yes
- Type of cocktails: Rotating Variety (based on Subscription)
- Price: ££
2. The Cocktail Delivery Company
Brimming with variety, The Cocktail Delivery Company certainly lives up to their name offering one of the widest ranges of cocktails at a relatively affordable price point. From cocktails to mocktails, their entire range is suitable for vegetarians and vegans, with the price of each cocktail averaging between £5-10. They also offer larger boxes for parties tailored for a variety of preferences and party sizes.
The Cocktail Delivery Company may lack a subscription model, which some may seek, but that doesn’t tarnish its reputation as one of the best single-purchase delivery services on this list.
- Trustpilot reviews: 4.7/5 (267 reviews)
- Delivery: Free (over £35.99), otherwise £4.50. Mainland UK only.
- Cocktail Subscription: No
- Type of cocktails: Classic Cocktails, Club Signatures, Club Mocktails, Martinis, Mojitos.
- Price: ££
3. Cocktail Delivery
With skilled mixologists specialising in a range of martinis, alongside a wide range of other classics and a few wild cards, Cocktail Delivery does exactly what it says on the tin—delivers quality cocktails. Their service specialises in cocktail kits which offer up around 10 cocktails per kit, making them an incredibly affordable solution due to bulk-buying.
They also offer the opportunity to order party boxes or craft unique gift boxes. Alongside their online cocktail masterclass, this can see you, and your loved ones, getting familiar with a wide range of cocktails without breaking the bank.
- Trustpilot reviews: 4.7/5 (267 Reviews)
- Delivery: Free (Except for 70cl+). Nationwide.
- Cocktail Subscription: No.
- Type of cocktails: Classic Cocktails, Virgin Cocktails; Specialising in Martinis and Gin cocktails.
- Price: £
4. Cocktail Life
Like many of these services, Cocktail Life’s delivery service comes in two flavours: subscription or one off purchases. Their £29 per month subscription box sees you receive unique cocktails each month, providing you with the instructions about how to craft and enjoy your cocktails—alongside a tasty snack to boot. These cocktails aren’t pre-mixed but have the charm and extra flavour of being mixed by you on the spot. While this may seem like a little effort to some, it will have you learning how to make a wide variety of top-quality cocktails along the way—so that is most definitely a perk for enthusiasts.
Their one-off purchases are also delivered in this format, however, are slightly more expensive per kit.
- Trustpilot reviews: 4.7 (28 reviews)
- Delivery: Free over £50, otherwise paid. Mainland UK only.
- Cocktail Subscription: Yes,
- Type of cocktails: Classic Cocktails; Martinis, Mojito, Negroni Margarita, Cosmopolitan, etc.. With additional caribbean speciality.
- Price: £££
5. Nio Cocktails
While Nio Cocktail’s website has an incredibly premium feel, their delivery method may not be for everyone—with the cocktails arriving pre-mixed in square carton containers. That said, for their price, Nio’s cocktails offer a formable range of options. Their prime options come in the form of their collection boxes, which house a wide range of varied, tailor made selections for specific taste profiles.
- Trustpilot reviews: 3.0 (14 reviews)
- Delivery: £3.00 or Free over £39. Nationwide.
- Cocktail Subscription: No.
- Type of cocktails: Classic Cocktails.
- Price: ££
6. The Bottled Bartender
At time of writing, the whole catalogue of The Bottled Bartender has been entirely sold out—a clear testament to their quality and affordability. While they sell singular bottles of excellently crafted classic cocktails at very affordable prices (around £7 each), The Bottled Bartender really thrives in its various cocktail packs—offering up a range of classic or more nuanced cocktails. And for those looking for adventure, the Mystery Pack will see them craft six delicious cocktails for around £5 a pop!
- Trustpilot reviews: N/A
- Delivery: £4.99, Free over £35. Nationwide.e
- Cocktail Subscription: No.
- Type of cocktails: Classic Cocktails.
- Price: £
7. The Handmade Cocktail Company (via Amazon)
While The Handmade Cocktail Company are not a cocktail delivery service, per se, they do offer some of the best, and most unique, pre-mixed cocktails you can enjoy at home. Ranging from traditional offerings, such as the Manhattan and Negroni, to specialist mixes like The Hanky Panky and The Vieux Carre, these mixes generally come in 50cl bottles ready for a handful of servings. They also specialise in a bunch of vintage cocktails whose flavours have been enhanced by age, however these come with a clear price premium.
- Trustpilot reviews: N/A
- Delivery: Item-dependent (Free or approx. £5), Nationwide.
- Cocktail Subscription: No
- Type of cocktails: Classic Cocktails and Specialist Unique Mixes.
- Price: £££
8. Send a Negroni
Send a Negroni specialises in, well, sending Negronis. They are a service which specialises in Negroni gift boxes at a sweet £10 price point. These gift boxes contain a Negroni, personalised postcard and include the delivery fee. This solidifies Send a Negroni as one of the best cocktail delivery services for gifts. Alongside these gift deliveries you can also purchase a case of 6 Negronis, if their unique flavours take your fancy!
- Trustpilot reviews: N/A
- Delivery: Included, Nationwide.
- Cocktail Subscription: No.
- Type of cocktails: Negroni (duh!).
- Price: ££
9. The Bottle Club
The Bottle Club is a one-stop-shop for drinks. Wines, beers, whiskies, spirits, mixers and barware are all on offer. This, of course, means that if you’re looking for cocktails you will need to have a little knowhow to purchase the right constituents and mix them yourselves. However, in doing so, you can save yourself a pretty penny—especially if you keep an eye out in their ever-changing offers section. One of their range that we have our eye on is the Buveur Espresso Martini Premixed Cocktail. Delicious!
In short, this may not be a cocktail delivery service, but with a little time, energy and knowhow you can turn it into one of the cheapest ways to get your favourite cocktails.
That said, The Bottle Club also offers a variety of ready-mixed cocktails to buy.
- Trustpilot reviews: 4.2 (9,007 reviews)
- Delivery: £4.99 for Mainland UK, £20.00 for Northern Island, £10.00 for The Isle of Man and £25.00 for The Channel Islands.
- Cocktail Subscription: No
- Type of cocktails: Stock-dependent Selection and Cocktail Components (Spirits, Wines, Mixers)
- Price: £
10. The Cocktail Man
Focused on offering the cocktail-lounge experience within the comfort of your own home, The Cocktail Man offers some of the most premium cocktails out for delivery. Although their singular cocktails may seem quite expensive, these costs are quickly reduced with their subscriptions—especially when caught during their frequent event-driven reductions.
Alongside their premium, traditional offerings The Cocktail Man also specialises in limited edition cocktails, such as a variety of “Choctails” for Easter which are sure to inject a touch of variety into any cocktail-lover’s palette.
- Trustpilot reviews: 4.4 (340 reviews)
- Delivery: Free, Nationwide
- Cocktail Subscription: Yes.
- Type of cocktails: Classic Cocktails, Mocktails, Limited Edition Treats.
- Price: ££££
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Buying Guide
While choosing the best service for you, either for a one-off purchase or for a long-term subscription, it’s important to settle on something that’ll deliver the flavours, quality and experience you are looking for. This buying guide should equip you with some key questions to have in your mind to ensure you choose wisely.
What types of cocktail?
Most services will offer a range of classic cocktails, but most services will also have their specialities. That may come in the form of a wide variety of takes upon a single cocktail—such as an array of martinis—or it may come in a specialist constituent—such as rum or vodka. Do a little research to figure out the specialities offered by your service. The easiest way to figure this out is a quick search around existing reviews.
Once you've landed on your short-list of favourites, it's always great to match them with the cocktail glasses they were intended to be drunk in! Not only do they look better, they're sure to taste better too. Take a look at our article on the very best cocktail glasses complete with an explanation of what each shape and style is for, and why it brings out those amazingly unique flavours of every drink.
How often do you drink?
Subscription boxes are obviously a great call for those who love to enjoy cocktails on a frequent basis, with the benefit of rarely running out (when consumed responsibly). But, of course, if you’re an occasional drinker you may be better off buying more selectively.
Are you interested in mixology?
While the majority of services out there offer ready-mixed cocktails, you may want to ask yourself whether you’re interested in developing some mixology skills along the way. Some services are tailored to this, sending constituent components alongside instructions.
That said, if you’re just wanting to enjoy cocktails without any hassle, you are most certainly covered.
Are they for you or for others?
Are you looking for a casual cocktail in, or perhaps you want a more premium-feeling gift box? If you’re buying for others, the latter is of course the way to go. While most services offer tailor-made gift boxes, or gift packaging, it’s important to make sure your gift will feel like a gift upon arrival!
Your budget
Just like bars, or any purchases for that matter, there are a wide variety of prices to choose from. Ensure to set yourself a reasonable budget for your cocktails, so that you don’t go over budget—so both you and your bank balance can have a great time.
FAQs
What are ready to drink cocktails?
Also referred to as RTD cocktails, readymade cocktails, pre-mixed cocktails or bottled cocktails, these are cocktails which come pre-mixed, using stable ingredients that offer some shelf-life. This means that they arrive on your doorstep ready to drink, so there’s no fuss or mixology involved on your end.
What are the 6 basic cocktails?
In his book The Fine Art of Mixing Drinks, David A. Embruy defines the six basic cocktails as the: Daiquiri, Jack Rose, Manhattan, Martini, Old Fashioned and Sidecar. However, as you’re likely well aware, there are far, far more cocktails available.
Conclusion
Ensuring you get a great drink can be a hard task—finding a good bar in any town is certainly an art unto itself. However, with the ability to have cocktails delivered to your doorstep, this needn’t be an issue any longer. Equipped with our buying guide and top ten picks, you should be able to make a strong, informed decision to find the right readymade cocktails for you.
But if we were going to recommend one single service from our top ten, it would certainly be The Cocktail Delivery Company. Their wide variety of cocktails, great taste, up-to 7-day shelf life and array of garnishes certainly enlivened our palette.
Affiliate disclaimer: on some or all of the products above, we receive a small commission if you make a purchase via our site. This does not impact the price you pay, but it allows us to keep helping people by writing these reviews, so thank you!
Co-founder at Mancaves HQ
A true man cave enthusiast. When he isn't trawling through Instagram looking for new ideas, you can find him navigating through the streets of London.
