If you're planning an al fresco date, fuss-free garden party or simply enjoying a lazy summer evening outdoors with friends, here is our guide to some top-class tipples you can pack and go - with some alcohol-free versions that won't make you feel you're missing out.
The Cocktail Co Selection Boxes
The Cocktail Co's Mixed Box includes a combination of 12 of The Cocktail Co’s most popular ready-to-drink cocktails; Passionfruit Martini, Cosmopolitan, Mojito, Apple of My Eye, Bramble, Espresso Martini, Solero Colada, and The Zombie. Meanwhile, the new Summer Selection Box contains a curated selection of six seasonal flavours designed to perfectly complement summer gatherings: Apple of My Eye, Cosmopolitan, Mojito, Passionfruit Martini, Solero Colada, and Zombie.
Price: The Mixed Box has an RRP of £54 for 12 cocktails, while the Summer Selection Box has an RRP of £27 for six cocktails.
Available here
The Cocktail Society Party Pouches
From a Salted Caramel Espresso Martini to a Smoked Old Fashioned, there's something for every party palate with these one litre pouches - although for summer, we particularly love the Coconut & Kaffir Lime Leaf Daiquiri. Each cocktail pouch contains 10-12 servings, meaning the cost of one drink starts at just over £3. Grab a bag of ice and your reusable cup of choice; bar quality cocktails on the go don't get easier or more affordable than this.
Price: RRP: £33.00 - £37.00 for 1 Litre Pouch
Available here
Sea Change Canned Wines
We love Sea Change; it is an award-winning ethically sourced, eco-friendly wine that directly supports global ocean conservation projects.
The feel-good brand has just introduced canned wines made from the Glera (Prosecco) grape: Italian Semi-Sparkling with hints of acacia flowers and fresh apple, and an alcohol-free version with notes of of elderflower, apple and summer mint. You need to order a case of 24 (either with/without alcohol, or a mixed case) which makes it a great option for a group.
Price: £4.50 per 250ml can
Available here.
Soho Street Cocktails
Soho Street Cocktails are a ready to serve cocktail brand offering five classic flavours in recyclable pouches.These cocktails have been handcrafted with a ‘taste-first’ approach, made with high-quality ingredients and no artificial flavours or colourings. The current Soho Street Cocktails range includes a Pornstar Martini, Espresso Martini, Strawberry Daiquiri, Cosmopolitan and a Piña Colada, which all come in quantities of 1.5 litres - that’s ten cocktails in just one pouch - and range from 9.5-12% ABV.
It's a lovely, summery collection, but for us there's not too many better ways to round off an evening than an Espresso Martini or several.
Price: £28.99
Available here.
Eden Mill
Champagne taste but lemonade income? Eden Mill's great value ready-to drink range has some great summer flavours: think a Berry Bramble & Love Gin or a Hop Gin & Watermelon cocktail, or perhaps a classic G&T with light tonic? Available in packs of 12, with non-alcoholic options.
Price: Hop Gin and watermelon or Love Gin and rose lemonade, both £22 for a 12 pack.
Available here.
Nohrlund
Danish cocktail brand Nohrlund was created by two bartenders whose vision was to simplify the art of mixology and elevate the cocktail experience for everyone, regardless of time, place and bartending skills. Turn your garden into a super-affordable cocktail bar with their range of award-winning pre-mixed organic cocktails, including a Passion Martini, Mojito, Espresso Martini and Bramble.
Price: £30.99 for 12 x 180ml
Available at selected retailers including Sainsbury's and Amazon.
Whitebox
Whitebox, the first cocktail factory run entirely by bartenders, makes fabulous ready-to-serve cocktails, with the freezer martinis ideal for a sunny summer outing. Close your eyes and you could be in a cool little cocktail bar - and as they are (practically) pure spirits, these small but mighty little cans win the award for the most portable.
Choose from the award-winning Pocket Negroni, Chipper’s Old Fashioned, Squeezy’s Margarita, Classic Cosmo, and Prêt À Boire Boulevardier, along with delicious long serves, including Disco Baby, Whisky Highball, and Hippy Fizz.
Price: £34.00 for the Classic Collection box, 6 x 100ml tins; available individually.
Available here.
Citizen Spritz
For an alcohol-free cocktail party on the go, we like these from Citizen Spritz. Whether your tipple of choice is a zesty Aperol spritz, a minty fresh mojito or a sweet and sharp pornstar martini, Citizen Spritz has an almost identical alcohol-free version to savour this summer. Simply take a couple of sips from a bottle of sparkling water and top up with your spritz of choice.
Price: £20 per 500ml bottle
Available here.
Kopparberg Ice Bucket Hat
If you really want to win at outdoor drinks, how about this? Swedish cider brand Kopparberg has worked with acclaimed designer Bernardo Henning to develop an iconic ‘ice bucket' hat, featuring a specially developed lining that keeps ice cold for up to 2.5 hours. A limited run of the hats will be available to win through a draw on Kopparberg’s social channels from July 3rd to August 16th.
[Items in this article may have been gifted to Chatting Food. No financial payment has been made to feature in this article, and entries to the feature are made independently by members of the Editorial Team. This page contains affiliate links and we may receive a small commission for purchases]
Deputy Editor, Chatting Food London: Amanda David
Amanda David is a freelance food writer specialising in London’s restaurants, bars, exhibitions and events. She is the Events Editor for London Cheapo and a regular contributor to Palate Magazine.
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