Of course there are the obvious vodka themed gifts like a bottle of premium vodka, or a selection of premixed vodka cocktails. But if you want to explore your options and gift your vodka-loving companion something different, why not take a look at our top 10 gifts for vodka lovers?
Every budding mixologist should have a cocktail recipe book in their collection. Whether it’s vodka or other spirits that they want to experiment with, a cocktail recipe book is the ideal gift to help them explore. They may even branch out and try some new recipes that they never even knew existed.
With a little bit of history included in most cocktail books, they’ll brush up on their trivia knowledge while creating delicious drinks. The Savoy Cocktail book is always a classic on any cocktail lover’s bookshelf, and has become the cocktail bible over the years. It was created by Harry Craddock - one of the most famous and celebrated American bartenders.
When it comes to creating amazing vodka cocktails, using the right type of cocktail glasses can make all the difference. From highball glasses to martini glasses and classic coupe glasses too, it helps to have a lovely set of cocktail glasses on hand to help your vodka-loving friend navigate whatever delicious cocktail they're making next.
If they really are the ultimate vodka lover and already have everything a cocktail connoisseur could need, then why not opt for an experience gift? You could take them on a surprise trip to a cocktail making class in a city near you.
Cocktail making experiences are everywhere, and for the person who has everything, a cocktail making masterclass will be ideal. This unique cocktail-themed gift offers a fun way to make some delicious drinks and learn some valuable skills when it comes to mixology.
Most cocktail lovers will have a cocktail shaker, but few will have a cocktail shaker that they absolutely love. From stainless steel to glass to graphite, there are plenty of cocktail shakers that will take their breath away and make the perfect gift for a vodka lover.
For an extra special touch, you can even consider adding a personalised engraving.
If your friend loves drinking vodka cocktails, what better way than to enjoy different vodka drinks with a premixed vodka cocktail set from NIO Cocktails. All are perfect single serves, crafted with quality ingredients only, meaning; no mess or waste, only truly bar-quality cocktails. There are so many options when it comes to vodka cocktails, but our sure-fire favourite gifts for vodka lovers are:
The Garden of Russia is an unusual and delicious take on the Vodka Sour created by NIO Cocktails Head Mixologist, Patrick Pitolesi, who was inspired by the colourful, perfumed and unforgettable Summer Gardens in St Petersburg. Blending vodka, citric acid and an elderflower twist, this cocktail is reminiscent of a magical flower garden in a glass.
One of the most loved cocktails on any menu, this premixed drink makes the perfect gift for any vodka lover. Our version of this delicious classic features Ketel One, the tangy-sweet orange of Cointreau, cranberry and lime. It won the Spirits Business Spring 2021 Silver Medal and is a firm favourite of our patrons.
Who can resist a vodka sour? With a refreshing blend of tangy lime, sugar syrup and Ketel One Vodka, this cocktail is a light and refreshing summer cocktail that makes the perfect gift.
Smooth and velvety, the Espresso Martini is a classic cocktail that requires little introduction. Blending together vodka, coffee liqueur and, you guessed it, a shot of espresso, this drink is a rich indulgence that every home bar needs.
This true Italian masterpiece of balance is neither too sweet nor too sour. It teases the palate with sweet, fragrant head notes of vanilla which sublimate the bitter apricot kernel heart notes.
If you can’t decide on just one premixed vodka cocktail set, why not opt for a cocktail making kit with a NIO Experience Box. This is the perfect gift for any vodka lover looking to expand their horizons and try some new combinations. The gift set features 2 glass tumblers, an ice mould to create four XL ice cubes and 5 ready-to-savour cocktails of your own choosing.
That means you could choose a selection of exciting vodka cocktails for your friend, and add in a couple of non vodka-based cocktails from our selection, so that they can explore new tastes and find new favourites. This is a great gift for someone who wants to experiment with different flavours.
Is your vodka loving friend missing that crucial drinks trolley in their home bar set up? If so, a glamorous vintage drinks trolley could be the touch of style and sophistication that they need.This glamorous addition to the home will make a bold statement and provide extra storage for more drinks.
There are so many amazing punch recipes that feature vodka, and if your friend likes to entertain you’ll be in their good books if you gift them a glass punch bowl. A punch bowl sounds pretty basic, but they can be really beautiful. From vintage to art deco there's plenty of choices so you can choose the bowl that will match their style perfectly. If you're feeling extra generous you can even throw a glass ladle in there too.
If you know your friend loves Vodka Sour cocktails, why not opt for the sour box as the perfect gift? With this gorgeous box, vodka lovers get to enjoy the sour family in all forms, experimenting with new spirits. This box is filled with some amazing drinks including Gin Sour, Whiskey Sour, Vodka Sour (of course), Brown Gold, Gin Proved and Garden of Russia.
If you’ve thought of every gift possible and nothing is giving you that “wow” feeling, then a gift card can be a great option. It is one of the best gifts for a vodka lover, as it gives them complete freedom to choose.
If you’re not sure what cocktail gift set they would want, or aren’t brave enough to get them something different, then why not let them choose? With a digital gift card you’ll get the gift card direct to your inbox ready for you to share with your vodka loving friend.
Have you found the perfect gift for your vodka loving friend? If not, why not take a look at our premium vodka based cocktails that would make ideal gifts for any vodka lover.
You could also brush up your hosting skills with our quick read on tips for hosting a garden party.
As the days get longer, we find ourselves looking forward to a delicious, stimulating drink to give us that little bit of extra energy to meet the demands of the day. Everyone deserves a delicious treat that makes meeting friends late evening after a long work day worth every minute.
If you’re looking for something different for your after-dinner other than your usual coffee, what if we told you that there are cocktails that are inter-seasonal and extremely versatile. Cool and energising for the summer, and vivacious and rich for the winter?
Our top mixologist Patrick Pistolesi has carefully studied the best recipes to reinterpret in order to obtain flavours that conquer the palate even in the hottest or coolest climatic conditions to sip in the city, garden, seaside, mountains or wherever you want.
The Espresso Martini is up there with the most incredibly aromatic coffee cocktails ideal for all coffee lovers. It is the must-have cocktail for your after-dinner drinks with friends. Intense, full-bodied, enveloping, incredibly complex from the first sip.
If you’re a coffee cocktail connoisseur, try our deliciously decadent Chocolate liqueur pralines and Coffee cocktails Box for an extra special night in with friends.
The classic Espresso Martini recipe
Bradsell's original Espresso Martini recipe calls for only 4 ingredients:
Vodka (an 80s must),
Coffee liqueur,
A cup of espresso
Sugar.
Simple, but effective: a concentration of strong flavours that, together, achieve perfect harmony for an aperitif or a refreshing after-dinner just like at the bar.
This iconic cocktail dates back to the 1980s, when English bartender Dick Bradsell created it for a famous model who desperately needed a pick-me-up during her gruelling schedule.
Originally Bradsell himself christened it the ‘Vodka Espresso’ going on to rename it 'The Pharmaceutical Stimulant', for many that remained too much of a mouthful and ‘the Espresso Martini’ we love was born.
Patrick Pistolesi decided to create the ready-to-drink Espresso Martini with two simple ingredients, both with an important history worthy of premium mixology:
Family Made Vodka Ketel One, in 2020, this spirit was named the world's best-selling vodka for the eighth year in a row, produced in the Netherlands in a copper still.
Fair Cafè Liqueur, made from Arabica coffee beans grown in the mountains of eastern Mexico by small producers in the Huatusco region, grouped in a Fairtrade certified cooperative.
Espresso Martini NIO Cocktails
How to enjoy our Espresso Martini at its best? Obviously with the addition of the garnish suggested by Patrick for a complete taste experience: just add 3 roasted coffee beans and you're done.
This cocktail is not only an invigorating aperitif, but also an ideal table companion: it is fantastic when paired with a rich tiramisu.
Build a box of either 3, 6 or 9 cocktails and pop in a couple of our premium Espresso Martinis to give your evening with friends a super delicious kick.
Looking for some gift ideas and last-minute bar-quality gifts? Check out our, Gin Cocktail Gift Boxes, Whiskey Gift Sets and Cocktail boxes and our Limited Edition Cocktail Gift Sets for all the inspiration you need. All our cocktails arrive at her door in 48 hours by tracked courier and if she’s in London, your cocktail gift box will arrive with same day delivery!]]>“A girl should be two things: who and what she wants.”
Coco Chanel
From the Suffragettes to US workers striking for better conditions, early feminism, the ‘UN Women’s Bill of Rights’ to the UN #Orange the World movement against gender violence, #International Women's Day is a worldwide event of great symbolic and social significance. This 8th of March, we remember all the women who have never stopped fighting for basic rights and all the sacrifices they’ve taken. We celebrate the strength, courage and genius of every girl and woman who makes this world a better place.
The great grandmother of Mixology, Ada Coleman, was head barman for 23 years at the Savoy Hotel in London and mixed her first signature cocktail the ‘Hanky Panky’ in 1903.
Often written out of the history of cocktails, in the world of Mixology today, women share equal footing with men and continue to invent some of the best known cocktails we know and love.
Thanks to social media, more and more women have a platform for visibility, and are stepping forward to claim the bar with their own signature cocktails. Take the White Lady by Feruzan Bilimoria for instance, the Cosmopolitan by Cheryl Cook, who mixed this famous pink cocktail for the first time at The Strand bar, South Beach in the 1980s, The Gin-Gin Mule by Audrey Saunders. In Singapore we have Korean Bannie Kang whose cocktail Jack Meets Sage is a hit on the drinks scene in Asia.
Norwegian born Monica Berg is the winner of the 2019 Bartender’s Bartender award at the World’s 50 Best Bar Awards and runs the acclaimed Tayer + Elementary bar in Shoreditch, London.
Chelsie Bailey is the manager of the Hoxton bar Happiness Forgets, in London, listed in The World’s 50 Best Bars for the last eight years.
Russian Olya Sabanina @olyasabanina, has won the Roadhouse World Tandem Champion twice in 2018 and 2019, she is a world class mixology content creator.
While flowers are great and all, when it comes to marking this moment, what about giving the important women in your life something premium and precious that she really loves and to share with whoever they choose?
A precious gift box filled with delicious cocktails made and mixed in Italy with premium ingredients by top award-winning Mixologist, Patrick Pistolesi. will ensure she has all the cocktails she enjoys to hand.
Women's Day is also the perfect occasion to get together with your girlfriends and a personalised box of pre-mixed NIO Cocktails that will arrive directly to your door..
We recommend the 6 best gift sets and 5 cocktails starting with 2 classic choices, then moving on to 3 more innovative alternatives with floral flavours.
1. Cosmopolitan, is a popular cocktail with the glamorous woman-about-town, the cocktail must-have to add to your box dedicated to women. Elegant and refined, a cocktail for all the fashionistas and urbanites everywhere.
Its flavour is sweet, with a hint of spiciness from the Cointreau orange. Fragrant, delicate, but with character.
It became famous for its bright pink colour and for its numerous appearances in Sex and the City, the TV series that made millions of women around the world dream of New York. It certainly doesn’t lack in elegance especially when served in our tumbler or a traditional martini glass.
For NIO Cocktails, Patrick Pistolesi offers us his version of the most glamorous cocktail with Ketel One Family Made Vodka, Cointreau. Cranberry syrup and Organic citric acid.
Add the Cosmopolitan to your personalised box
2. Old Fashioned without doubt, is another pillar of mixology.The Old Fashioned is characterised by its bitter notes given thanks to Angostura Aromatic and Orange Bitters. The body is full given its rich Bulleit Bourbon Whiskey, its extraordinary base spirit and star ingredient and Toschi Liquid Sugar round out this sophisticated taste profile.
This is a timeless and iconic cocktail for a strong, vivacious woman.
The Old Fashioned, a cocktail as enduring as it is iconic, also enjoys great fame in novels and on-screen: in the 1954 novel 'Live and Let Die', the secret agent James Bond sips an Old Fashioned while travelling by train. Did this cocktail serve as inspiration to solve his cases? Later on, this cocktail became the co-star in the series 'Mad Men', alongside Don Draper. In short, a best-selling drink that to be added to a top mixology box.
Add the Old Fashioned cocktail to her box
3. Gin Proved, is top Mixologist Patrick Pistolesi’s brainchild that wins over every woman at the first sip. Its secret ingredient? Violet liqueur, a really gorgeous bouquet of violets in a glass.
The recipe is reminiscent of a classic gin sour, which is enhanced by the violet liqueur with its bright purple colour and fresh flowery scent. Its classic Tanqueray London Dry gin, Monin violet liqueur, Organic Citric Acid and Liquid Sugar make this a very classy drink to share with friends.
A twist on a classic that combines two opposite flavours: the bitterness typical of juniper and sweet violets. The unmistakable floral notes of the buds and petals of the violet blend with the gin’s dry notes with a balanced result that makes this cocktail a dream for any occasion.
This cocktail is ideal for long, cold winter months to bring an air of spring and at the same time refreshing when seeking relief during hot summer evenings.
An unusual, sophisticated must-have to pop into a gin-lover's box:
Add a Gin Proved to your personalised box.
4. Garden of Russia, another floral cocktail; this time the star of the bouquet are elderflower blossoms, which give this fresh and unusual version of the Vodka Sour a fragrant and perfumed touch, making it a brand new recipe by Patrick Pistolesi. Silky Ketel One Family Made Vodka.
Bols Elderflower Liqueur, Organic Citric Acid and Liquid Sugar complete its flavour profile.
Freshness is already evoked by the name, as refreshing as a walk in a Russian garden. Perfect for summer and the first days of spring to dream of trips out and lunches in the open air.
The recipe is this:
Add a Garden of Russia to your cart or box
Tommy's Margarita, will whisk you straight to Mexico. The classic margarita ingredients are enriched with agave syrup to accentuate the typical flavours and aromas of its country of origin. The main ingredient? The one and only, Jose Cuervo Tequila. Not forgetting the Organic agave syrup which makes it so original and Organic citric acid.
Perfect to accompany spicy dishes, typical of Mexican cuisine, but also to refresh the palate after a rich meal or fry-up. Or simply to enjoy a refreshing and rejuvenating aperitif. With NIO Cocktails all you have to do is add ice!
Add Tommy's Margarita to her cocktail box.
Violet Vamp Although alcohol free, this cocktail is not just a pretty face. The Tanqueray 0,0% Alcohol Free sublimates this beautiful purple-hued cocktail to make it the perfect taste experience for the unconventional cocktail drinker.
The four Tanqueray botanicals of juniper, coriander seed, liquorice and angelica root are softened by notes of almond, rose and spring meadows on the palate, brimming with sweet violets and…ninjas.
Ninjas? Well we did say a cocktail with a dash of attitude. Don’t forget to add her to your box.
1. Chocolates and Coffee Cocktails Box
This decadent gift box includes 16 luscious liqueur pralines and 2 XO Cold Brew coffee cocktails. Chocolate and coffee lovers can kick back and enjoy these luxurious Italian chocolate liqueur pralines lovingly hand-made by renowned Chocolatier Guido Castagna in his Turin laboratory.
These silky smooth chocolate pralines are paired with our hand-mixed coffee cocktails featuring St. Remy XO Brandy and coffee liqueur, by our award-winning Mixologist Patrick Pistolesi.
These Postcards from Boxes are the perfect reminder of the cultures and flavours she loves. Each cocktail is lovingly made with premium spirits and exquisite ingredients in Italy by our top award-winning Mixologist, Patrick Pistolesi, owner of Drink Kong in Rome ranked in the World’s 50 Best Bars list. And if she's choosing to relax on a staycation, even better, she can enjoy them in her chosen company without having to set foot on a plane and wherever she likes.
For her own home bar, she can choose from:
Our beautifully packaged Box offers you a home bar experience without any of the fuss. No bottles, no glasses, no extra presentation, just everything she needs to share premium taste profiles with friends. The NIO Experience Cocktail Box includes 6 premixed drinks, 2 cut-glass tumblers, our XL square ice mould plus a refill of 3 cocktails- all wrapped up in a stylish gift experience set.All our cocktails are crafted with premium spirits by Patrick Pistolesi of award-winning Drink Kong bar fame and ready to serve in our gorgeous cut-glass tumblers with XL ice cube for perfect cooling. This Experience Box is the gift they can really use to organise an evening without having to dedicate too much time or what you need to make your evening extra special.Just shake, tear, pour and cheers!
4 . The Experience Bar Cabinet
Your best girlfriend might be a bit of a cocktail connoisseur, and if so there’s nothing she’d appreciate more than an elegant, essentially designed tray to carry her cocktails and ice holder. The tray has 6 slots to stack her cocktails and central space for the ice holder. This is a great way to set up her own home bar that tidily fits into a small space and is an impressive way to present and serve delicious premium cocktails.
Choose up to 6 NIO Cocktails to add to her tray, great for serving cocktail lovers everywhere.
We are raising the bar (ahem) with the Deluxe Bar Cabinet. This elegant tray comes with 6 tumblers and an ice holder meaning that not only are there 6 cocktails to share but 6 exclusive NIO Cocktails Italian cut-glass tumblers to drink from too. This is the premium way to show appreciation for your bestie this Women’s Day as she only needs to organise appetisers. As the tray is beautifully minimal it can stay on display wherever she likes around the house.
Just add 6 NIO Cocktails to the tray that your best friends might enjoy.
Looking for some more Women’s Day gift ideas and last-minute bar-quality gifts? Check out our, Gin Cocktail Gift Boxes, Whiskey Gift Sets and Cocktail boxes and our Limited Edition Cocktail Gift Sets for all the inspiration you need. All our cocktails arrive at her door in 48 hours by tracked courier and if she’s in London, her cocktail gift box will arrive with same day delivery!
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Christina Rossetti
She wants the best for you, gives on-point advice and there’s literally nothing she doesn’t know about changing temperatures. In Italy she’s an absolute institution and not to be trifled with. Mum. That’s why we’ve chosen seven ideal Mother’s Day gifts fit for the first and most important woman in your life. Whether she’s the sophisticated Mother-about-town, a world-adventurer, athlete, career-orientated or life and soul of the party, ensure her gifts are:
We’ve put together a tasty list of Mother's Day gifts so you don’t have to waste time hunting online.
If your mum’s social life makes yours pale in comparison, her every day pencilled in with friends dropping in, and shopping trips, try gifting her our first suggestion, the Experience Box. This box offer her a personal bar space to share with a friend and give her a chance to wind down after a heavy day on the high street. It comprises an elegantly designed gift box and tray with slots to place her 6 premixed cocktails, two Made in Italy tumblers and one XL ice Cube mould, so she can enjoy a high mixology experience in great style and with her chosen company.
For a mother with serious wanderlust who never never misses a travel op regardless of distance, our second suggestion, the Limited Edition Postcards are the perfect reminder of the cultures and flavours she loves. Each cocktail is lovingly made with premium spirits and exquisite ingredients in Italy by our top award-winning Mixologist, Patrick Pistolesi, owner of Drink Kong in Rome ranked in the World’s 50 Best Bars list. And if she's choosing to relax on a staycation, even better, she can enjoy them in her chosen company without having to set foot on a plane and wherever she likes.
She’s a mover and a shaker so hasn’t that much time for domesticity. She loves her runs, eating healthily, keeping her alcohol intake low but loves a get-together with friends and delicious cocktails. However, she would rather settle for water than compromise on her favourite cocktail flavours and that’s why our third suggestion, the No-alcohol and Low-alcohol cocktails are the ideal options for her lifestyle choice. We use premium alcohol-free distilled spirits such as Italian-made MeMento alcohol free, Seedlip Grove 42 non-alcoholic spirit and Tanqueray 0.0%. Each one is bursting with herbal botanicals and aromatics that make her cocktail experience lighter without missing out on any of the original flavours.
A lover of the finer things in life: silk, cashmere, a top class cruise, traditional cuisine, a night at the opera, creamy truffle liqueurs. Your mum appreciates precious objects that stand the test of time and flavours with ingredients associated with age-old traditions. That’s why she’ll love our four rich and sophisticated cocktails made with premium Bulleit Bourbon Frontier Whiskey.
Let her sip a culturally rich Boulevardier , a cocktail that tastes of Manhattan, the drink with a chequered past the Whiskey Sour and the classic Old Fashioned. Our fourth suggestion, the Whiskey cocktail boxes offer a selection of the best whiskey - based cocktails delivered straight to her door in an elegant gift box. For a decadent evening of rich flavours and prestigious ingredients, send her our fifth suggestion, the Chocolates and Coffee Cocktails Box with 16 delicious chocolates associated with the gods of love by Chocolatier Guido Castagna and two coffee cocktails made with Fair Cafè Liqueur.
This decadent gift box includes 16 luscious liqueur pralines and 2 XO Cold Brew coffee cocktails. Chocolate and coffee loving mums can kick back and enjoy these luxurious Italian chocolate liqueur pralines lovingly hand-made by renowned Chocolatier Guido Castagna in his Turin laboratory.
These silky smooth chocolate pralines are paired with our hand-mixed coffee cocktails featuring St. Remy XO Brandy and coffee liqueur, by our award-winning Mixologist Patrick Pistolesi.
She just loves a sunset garden party with family and friends any time of year. Her favourite cocktail flavours range from sour to fruity so she usually chooses a crisp vodka-based cocktail to get the party started. Have a look at our delicious Ketel One cocktails.
She's often rushed off her feet and has little time to prepare cocktails from scratch so our sixth suggestion of Vodka cocktail gift boxes are spot on for an impromptu party. You can also build her a box of either 3, 6 or 9 favourite letterbox cocktails to include the ever chic pink Cosmopolitan with Cranberry; our fabulously sophisticated Espresso Martini, the gorgeous Garden of Russia and the vivacious Vodka Sour.
All our core cocktails are made with silky smooth Ketel One Family Made Vodka. All she needs to do is shake, tear and pour over ice.
She’s busy busy busy. Not only is she a breadwinner but she takes great pride in her professional skills and years of hard graft. Despite being so dedicated to her job she has also been a great mum, standing by you not only at all your milestones and achievements but through the tough times too.
An absolute multi-tasker. As gin is her favourite tipple, our seventh suggestion, Gin Cocktail Gift sets are made for her. With tasty cocktails such as our premium Negroni and Low Alcohol sister the Negroni Next, Gin Proved, Gimlet, ,Gin Sour , White Lady, and the all time double agent classic, the Dry Martini. she is spoiled for choice. Our gin cocktails are made with Tanqueray London Dry gin With its four base botanicals of juniper, coriander, angelica root and liquorice, blended with bittersweet Seville oranges and orange blossom flavours, our five cocktails are a luxury she can't afford not to sip.
8.. Moments cocktail Kits
We've created three NIO Cocktails Moments gift kits for your mum with the free accessories he needs for a quality cocktail experience.
If she likes to unwind with a delicious cocktail but has no intention of fiddling with bottles, ice or even glasses, she can choose from one of three kits with free tumblers and ice mould to cover those moments.
'Taste the Moment' with 3 cocktails and 1 free tumbler.
Bring the art of high mixology to your mum with 3 best selling cocktails to taste as if he were at a high-end cocktail bar. From the stylish Italian aperitivo, and glamourous pink vodka-based classic to the coolest recipe of the moment, she can enjoy three premium tasting moments all to himself.
'Share the Moment' with 6 cocktails and 2 free tumblers.
Our Share the Moment Box with 2 tumblers offers your mum and whoever she chooses to share them, with delicious cocktails. From low alcohol, and fruity to dry, suave and sophisticated there is plenty of great flavour to go around.
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'Serve the Moment' with 9 cocktails, 2 free tumblers and spherical ice mould.
This kit has all the flavours your mum and her best mates need for a bar-quality moment together: rich whiskey and rum, sprightly vodka and complex gin-based cocktails, not forgetting of course a great tequila party classic, taste of the exotic and even a low alcohol twist. They only need to pop the ice sphere into the free tumblers, then tear, shake and pour!
Now that we’ve given you a few solutions for the perfect Mother's Day gift, she needs to get it in time! Nio Cocktails sends her cocktail box with tracked courier delivery in just 48 hours, with free delivery for purchases of £25 and over! And if she happens to be in London, you can leave it till the last minute to order as she can get them delivered the same day. Now all she has to do is enjoy a gift from her favourite child!
Just shake, tear and pour over ice!
That winter break you’re looking forward to is nearly here and there is so much to do in the lead up to Christmas day. It's easy to forget that a comforting, spicy festive ambience is a winter mindset you can foster for the entire month of December and beyond. While serving up those delicious limited edition Christmas cocktails, a selection of innovative, delicate and zesty garnish ideas add a whole host of flavours and aesthetic appeal.
An easy way to get that RSVP is to offer a full sensorial experience at your cocktail party. By adding gorgeous garnishes, you show your guests that your cocktail party is a festive feast for the eyes and palate you’ve put great preparation into.
Whether garnishing for effect or flavour, have a look at our Christmas-themed cocktail garnishes that anybody can have a go at making.
This deliciously sweet and tart ruby red fruit is perfectly in keeping with the rich colour themes of Christmas and can be added as a playful touch of colour to any gin, vodka or tequila based cocktails. Enjoy making some pomegranate margaritas by adding fresh pomegranate juice to our classic margarita and garnish with a few seeds..
Both are bright blood red and ideal for garnishes but add fresh cranberries and juice to our already gorgeously pink cosmopolitan. Try rolling fresh cranberries in sugar and spearing them with a cocktail stick or drop them into your drink directly. Red currants are bigger and more translucent than cranberries, and have extra nutritional clout being higher in minerals and vitamins per gram.
Push some cloves into Apple and pear slices and place on the rim or float on the top of a hot toddy. Leave them soak for a minute before drinking to let the fruit flavour infuse. They are the ideal succulent accompaniment for our festive Spiced Apple Rum Punch which you can find in our limited edition Christmas cocktail box. For hot toddy inspiration, you can even top up our Old-Fashioned whiskey cocktail with a little hot water, add a little brown sugar and a slice of juicy red apple or crisp pear to infuse it with extra flavour.
A really fun festive garnish is crushed candy cane which you can add to the rim of your glass. Simply crush the candy cane in a tea towel with a rolling pin, dip the rim of the glass into a little water then dip again into the finely crushed stripey sweet. This will add a crunchy, minty texture to your cocktail as well as some colour to your candy cane twist on our Dry Martini. If you add a dash of peppermint Schnapps and white chocolate liqueur, you have a sweet, candy cane cocktail that looks the part on your Christmas table.
Sweet red dessert gooseberries, blue fraughan berries (if you’re lucky enough to find them in the hedgerows before harvest), red lingonberries or dried red mulberries are beautifully plump, bursting with sour-sweetness and colourful enough to add drinkability to a classic vodka or gin-based cocktail such as our White Lady.
The Original Maraschino Cherries made by Luxardo in Padua, Italy are the darlings of the cocktail bar owing to their rich, sweet and vibrant flavour that is second to none. Candied in Sangue Morlacco Cherry Liqueur, it’s hard to keep hands off them before they even reach the cocktails. Rich, deep and delicious, spear these dark cherries and pour your Old Fashioned over them as they rest on the rim of the glass. You can also drizzle a bar spoon of syrup directly into the drink and drop a cherry directly in to add more nuance.
The Boulevardier cocktail is a rich warming winter cocktail that benefits from an artfully twisted piece of lemon peel or a slice of flamed orange peel. Push a couple of cloves into a slice to add that festive spiciness or use a cooking torch to lightly flame a thin strip of peel before adding to the top of your drink. Home dried slices are really easy to make and add extra better sweet notes and texture to your cocktail. Simply remove as much moisture as you can from two thinly sliced oranges and lemons between two tea towels then place on baking paper in a very low oven or drier. For more orange garnish inspiration have a look over here..
One of the prettiest garnishes by far is the dragon fruit. Its white flesh dotted by small seeds in a fragrant pink skin is the favourite garnish for all sorts of cocktails. Use half slices to make a fan shape, spear it and rest in or on the edge of your drink, or make a slit in whole slices and slot onto the side of the glass. You can also use them dried and place a round on the top of your vodka sour
Make sure you get them ripe and sweet. Sliced or whole strawberry is one of the sweetest and most aesthetically appealing garnishes that never disappoints. Its succulent juiciness is the making of the Strawberry Margarita and can even be paired nicely with a daiquiri. It can be muddled and shaken with crushed ice, strained and poured directly into your cocktail to deepen the flavour profile. Catch eyes and hearts at your next soirèe with everyone’s favourite fruit.
You can use dried or fresh elderflower when in season. Its floral, sweet, fruity and even crisp tasting florets can be distilled or added to a sugar syrup solution to make your own elderflower cordial which can be added to Elderflower Collins or to our own fragrant elderflower infused Garden of Russia. The florets are perfumed and are also an inviting garnish for an English garden cocktail.
The most wonderful time of the year is fast approaching, which means, aside from cosying up by the fire and watching our favourite festive movies, it’s time to start thinking about those all-important Christmas gifts.
While friends and family may be your priority, it’s important to not forget about your coworkers and stakeholders. Whether you manage a team of 10 or 100, it’s important to show just how much their hard work has meant to you.
If you’re struggling to think of the perfect gift for your employees that won’t end up being re-gifted, we’ve curated a list of 14 fabulous corporate gifts that are sure to be loved.
Strengthen relationships, increase employee engagement, and reward customer loyalty with corporate gifts that will be remembered.
1. The NIO Experience Christmas Bar Cabinet
Our exclusive NIO Experience Christmas Bar Cabinet includes everything needed to enjoy bar-quality cocktails outside of a bar. Featuring your selection of 6 Limited Edition Christmas cocktails, 2 Made in Italy custom-designed NIO tumblers, and one ice cube mould, designed to create 4XL ice cubes, employees will easily be able to enjoy a premium cocktail from the comfort of their own home over the holidays, or even at the office Christmas party.
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Everyone deserves a break and to take some much-needed time for themselves. And there’s no better time for self-care than the festive holidays. Creating a self-care package for everyone on your team will show them that you care about their mental and physical well-being. Include items such as bath products, fluffy socks, nibbles, hot tea or drink mixes, skincare, a book or DVD and other things that will help them to relax and feel good.
This precious reusable NIO Cocktails Advent Calendar features 12 drawers each containing two cocktails of each type. So 24 cocktails to share during the 12 days leading up to Christmas. Open each little drawer and discover the cocktails of the day: you might find two classics or signatures waiting to be tasted. The element of surprise is part of the fun. This stylish black box will become their NIO Cocktails home bar
‘Tis the season to be merry and our new Christmas Collection Box includes 6 unique cocktails which introduce festive flavours such as cinnamon or ginger, to classic drinks to bring the cocktail and the holiday season to life. From a Snowy Daiquiri to a Spiced Negroni, this box offers a range of drinks to suit everyone’s taste. Plus, the fun, holographic packaging will bring further surprise and delight to your employees.
Put together a basket of gourmet treats like artisanal chocolates, cheeses, Italian Panettone and a bottle of vino or try this Organic Vegan Prosecco and Panettone Gift Box from Italian Hampers by Vorrei with Organic Vintage Prosecco Ca' del Colle and Organic Vegan Panettone handmade in Milan. Offer everyone something they can enjoy this Christmas with a taste of Italy.
For the employee who seemingly has everything, give them something they’ll really enjoy with an experience day. Treat the whole team to something adventurous. From go-karting and rock-climbing to spa days and animal experiences, the opportunities are endless and your team will have a great time bonding and making memories together. Go local and choose from plenty of options from the Team Building Company.
If you’re looking for a gift for a gin lover, our curated gin-based cocktail boxes are the answer! Partnering with award-winning gin brands, we created a selection of pre-made cocktail gift sets that feature unique, themed cocktails to immerse in. You can also add a gift note to let your employees know just how much you appreciate them.
A good Christmas gift can also include something for the office that everyone would benefit from such as an office drinks trolley. If you have a very sociable team, an office drinks trolley is an ideal party butler and will keep your drinks organised and ready for whenever your team needs, while still being very stylish and aesthetically pleasing. Have a look at these gorgeous options from daals.
While it may seem like a simple gift, a gift card will never go to waste. If several of your employees have an obsession with coffee, then a gift card to their most frequented coffee shop will go down a treat. Charity gift cards are a great way to do good and your employee will feel all the better knowing that you’re thinking of the big picture. These Oxfam Bog Standard gift cards guarantee clean drinking water in emergency camps in the Democratic Republic of Congo charity cards or help empower women all over the world to live their lives with Oxfam Way to Grow cards. If you have any gamers, fashionistas, or foodies in the team, get them a gift card to spend at their favourite store. We also have a digital NIO Cocktails Merry Christmas gift card available so your employees can treat themselves to a selection box of delicious cocktails.
If you know a whiskey lover in the office, what better way to deliver something they’ll savour than with some delicious premixed whiskey-based cocktails? Our boxes feature cocktails made with award-winning whiskey that’s perfect to enjoy during the colder months. You can also build your own box of 3,6 or 9 whiskey cocktails that you know your employee loves.
Nothing beats a refreshing rum-based cocktail, whether it’s spiced rum, white rum, dark rum and everything else in between, any rum-lover will be ecstatic to receive a box full of their favourite tipples. As one of the most popular spirits around, we’re willing to bet you’ll have a few rum-enthusiasts within your team. So, build them a box of 3, 6 or 9 pre-made rum cocktails to surprise them with this Christmas.
Your employees work hard to ensure your company remains a success all year long, but it's important to recognise their life outside of work too. Everyone values their time and wants to create a healthy work-life balance to spend time with their friends, family and to do the things that they love. Extra holiday days throughout the year will make for a happy healthy team.
We also supply our award-winning, pre-mixed cocktails across retail, hospitality and event partners to help enhance your events.
If you’re a classic Margarita fan it’s time to get spicy! The summertime favourite comes in many guises including Strawberry and Tommy’s or even the low alcohol twist Margarita Next coming in at only 10.8% . This refreshingly spicy take is for adventurers who love to meet a challenge palate-on. You can use fresh jalapeños or go to the end of the article to make our jalapeño cordial from scratch, which only takes a total of half an hour to prepare.
The Spicy Margarita cocktail is made with Tequila, Triple Sec, fresh lime juice, orange juice, egg white and slices of jalapeño. We recommend using Tequila Exotico Blanco 100% Blue Agave produced in the Highlands of Jalisco as it is famed for its crisp herbal aroma with spicy base and fresh agave with hints of pepper and herbal notes. Good quality ingredients are the key to this punchy cocktail so make sure your juice is freshly squeezed, your chillies top-notch and even though the egg white is optional, don’t leave it out as it adds that gorgeous top to give it a smooth creamy texture.
Before we add our ingredients to the shaker let’s not forget to pay tribute to the small and dangerous chilli pepper itself. There are different types of jalapeño that you can experiment with depending on you and your guests’ taste for spiciness.
The jalapeño was traditionally cultivated in Xalapa, the capital of Veracruz, Mexico, hence its name meaning “from Xalapa”. Did you know that there are also red jalapenos? Here we have prepared a list of varieties and each one has a 🌶️ which represents 1k SHU on the Scoville scale for heat.
Goliath Jalapeños 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Early Jalapeños 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Jaloro Jalapeños 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Jalafuego Jalapeños 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ – 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ Medium hot
El Jefe Jalapeños 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Jedi Jalapeños 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶🌶🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶 Medium low
TAM Jalapeño (Low Heat)🌶️ – 🌶️🌶🌶 Low
Purple Jalapeños 🌶️🌶️🌶️ – 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ sweet and spicy
1
Mix your salt and chilli flakes together and place on a plate. Pour a small amount of syrup or lime juice on another plate. Dip the rims of your tumblers in your chilli syrup then go to the other plate and place down in the dry ingredients.
2
Put all the ingredients in a large cocktail shaker or mixer and shake until the outside of the shaker is cold. Strain through a mesh strainer if you choose to muddle the chillies instead of using the syrup.
3
Strain the cocktail into your tumblers with XL ice cubes, and serve with extra Jalapeños, lime wedges or slices and if you like to add an extra taste dimension you can also try Tajin seasoning on the rim.
Ingredients
1
Heat water and sugar until the sugar dissolves. Stir intermittently. Add the jalapeno slices to the pan or if you want a milder syrup, place the whole unsliced chillies .
2
Bring the pan of syrup to the boil, turn off the heat. Leave the mixture to infuse for 30 minutes or 24 hrs if you like a serious kick.
3
Strain through a fine mesh strainer to remove all the chilli peppers and seeds. then pour into sterilised bottles. Keep in the fridge for a month or one year stored in freezer bags in the freezer.
Lastly, serve your Spicy Margarita with delicious, spicy Tex Mex such as Burritos, Fajitas and nachos with freshly made guacamole. These have all the complementary flavours and textures of Mexico necessary to bring out all the notes of your cocktail to perfection.
The event is fast approaching and you’re still not sure what to get them. Gifting is a tricky one especially when your host/ess already has it all. Be it a dinner party, a gourmet tasting buffet, a cocktail party with DJ, an elegant do, or just an informal get together just for the fun of it, you don’t want either over/underwhelm them with a donum non grata. No point giving a pair of oven gloves to someone who has no time to cook or the same old tired bottle of wine and flowers to friends who are anything but conventional. Maybe it is the thought that counts, but being original counts more. Whatever the occasion, nailing the right gift can really put a smile of appreciation on their face and that definitely sets the scene for a great evening.
Let’s take a look at twelve original gift suggestions with something for everyone’s taste and pocket. Whether you’ve got that special invitation or are simply visiting friends for a serious catch-up, these gifts are definite host pleasers. From big to small gift sets ideal for themed dinner parties or no fuss ready- to-serve cocktails, these gifts cover useful, thoughtful, delicious and pampering depending on your host/ess’ taste.
The sky’s the limit for our top host/ess gift recommendations with plenty of choices starting from £50 and under to the big spender’s category. The trick is to gift something your host/ess can actually use and appreciate.
A beautiful serving tray makes a practical and stylish gift for hosts who love to entertain but don't want to risk spilling the drinks when they have to carry more than two. Try one of these chic trays from Pavilion Broadway, especially the mirrored one, a nod to Bauhaus chic.
Put together a basket of gourmet treats like artisanal chocolates, cheeses, nuts, or a selection of exotic jams and spreads or try The ultimate Irish Afternoon Tea Hamper from Gifts Direct with a selection of delicious Jams, Bewleys tea, cakes, biscuits and chocolates. Offer them an afternoon tea experience they can share over local gossip while sipping a classic tea and nibbling on homemade cake.
Personalise a chopping board with their name or a special message. It's both functional and sentimental. These G&T chopping boards from The Oak Chopping Board Co are perfect for cocktail party garnish preparation and showing those perfectly sliced lemons, oranges and limes in all their style.
A Waterstones book token spans from £5 to £100, is really pretty and can be bought as either an e-card redeemable online or as a physical token you can use in-shop. This is the you-can’t-go-wrong with this gift that can be easily recycled if the host turns out more addicted to Netflix than Nietzsche.
Bake or prepare homemade cookies, brownies, or other treats and present them in a decorative tin or box or give them this homemade macaron kit from Mademoiselle Macaron, which turns out excellent French delicacies using their foolproof recipes. It comes equipped with an apron, spatula and recipe book for flawless mignon goodies.
Coming in at only £39 for 6 delicious premium classic cocktails in a designer box containing Negroni, Cosmopolitan, Old Fashioned,, Tommy's Margarita Cocktail, Gimlet Cocktail, Manhattan, this is an excellent party starter kit that goes down a treat with everyone. Save your host/ess the trouble of preparing drinks when you can bring them yourself! Arriving with a fully stocked home bar or premixed cocktail gift sets and some juicy news is just the thing to kick off a party.
Gift an incredibly nourishing organic vegan skincare set from Botanicals to pamper your hostess with a selection of trial sizes in the Nourishing range, a great idea to try out and if they like them they can can go for the bundles such as the Nourishing Bundle, which will make their skin so soft, they’ll be offering tutorials on Tik Tok in no time.
Give them something they can use almost immediately if it’s a dinner party invitation. Try these absolutely gorgeous artisanal spice or salt and pepper mills from Chiarugi in Florence. Chiarugi know a thing or two about design objects that are also functional having been in the business since 1952. Each mill is crafted with that Made in Italy flair and the colours will blend in well with your host’s kitchen.
This set of four delicate agate coasters from Krsitalglobe on Etsy are works of art in themselves. Choose your colours based on the cocktails being served or just go for a random selection of four or six that guests will spend admiring every time they lift up their glass.
10. NIO Cocktails Experience Box for Cocktail Lovers
Try NIO Cocktails Experience Box, which comes with your choice of 6 premixed drinks, 2 beautiful cut-glass tumblers, and our XL square ice mould - all wrapped up in a stylish gift box. But even then, you might not be really sure about which cocktail boxes to order, that’s why we have this handy quiz you can take to help move along your choices.
This natural cross-back linen Apron from The White Company will catapult your host/ess straight to a Mediaeval kitchen with its natural ecru hue. Before you know it, she’ll be waxing lyrical about escaping the plague, grinding her own wheat
If your host is a food enthusiast, consider giving them a cooking class or culinary experience. Nominated for the British Travel Awards 2023, Flavours Holidays gift an authentic Italian cookery course in Italy. And if your host/ess is interested in learning Italian before they go, they can sign up for that online too. Meanwhile, the Chef & the Dish have live 2/2.5 hour cookery courses online if your host/ess would like to try their hand at the Italian classics without having to leave home at all.
Let your gift make a difference, with 10 New Little Good Gifts from Good Gifts. Your £100 will go toward survival blankets, hot drinks for the homeless, milk for families, blanket and a teddy for children in a women's refuge, peanuts for undernourished children, 2 pairs of socks, a visit to the theatre, 30 school dinners, lentils for children in Africa, fresh fruit and vegetables.
We have every confidence that our gift suggestions will genuinely impress and satisfy your host/ess and maybe even get other guests thinking. In the meantime, if you’d like a fast and easy way to delight a host/ess who loves the idea of a bar-quality experience with classic cocktails but isn’t averse to moving out of their comfort zone, have a look at the NIO Cocktails menu and the great selection of gin gift sets available. Meanwhile, for whiskey connoisseurs the whiskey gift sets, are a great solution for after-dinner luxury or Vodka Gift Sets for fans of delicious core and signature cocktails.
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]]>You could also be adventurous and try the French Gin G'vine Floraison with botanicals of Cardamom, Cassia, Coriander, Cubeb Pepper, Ginger, Grape Flowers, Juniper, Licorice, Lime, Nutmeg or Citadelle original Dry Gin.
These 10 easy gin cocktails are a mix of classic cocktails and contemporary twists with a dash of fizz or fruitiness depending on your taste.
Find out how to make two important cordials that add an essentially fruity or sweet note to your cocktails. You’ll find them at the end of this article.
Let’s start off with your own elderflower flavoured gin using Tanqueray as the base, which you can use in any of your cocktails.
I know we said a maximum of 5 ingredients but this deliciously sweet, floral infused gin is still easy to make and well worth the bit of extra effort.
Ingredients
Thyme Sprig to garnish.
1
Shake the elderflower heads to get rid of any insects then rinse and dry carefully. Place In a large jug and add the lemon peel, caster sugar. Pour over the gin then cover and leave to infuse for 24hrs.
2
Strain through coffee filter paper or 2 sheets of kitchen paper into a clean bottle. It keeps for up to 1 month but you can keep it for much longer by adding more gin and sugar. Serve with tonic water and plenty of ice..
And now to our easy gin cocktails that will delight your friends.
The elderflower Collins cocktail is a really simple gin cocktail and riff on the classic Tom Collins . You can use Toschi Fiori di Sambuco syrup or Monin Elderflower syrup, both delicately floral but there is nothing quite like your own elderflower cordial and it’s not hard to make.
Ingredients
Herb sprigs, to garnish.
Shake the gin, lemon juice, sugar and a dash of elderflower cordial in a cocktail shaker. Pour over ice and top up with soda water. Garnish with a sprig of herb and lemon slices to garnish.
A favourite of our screen double agent James Bond, either Vesper or Dry, it is the natural progression of the Martinez cocktail from the American gold rush in 1850. It saw Vermouth and gin mixed together.
Ingredients
Fill a tumbler or martini glass with ice, pour in the Vermouth and gin, then stir gently. Add a lemon twist or 1 or 3 olives, to garnish.
As drunk by the famous detective Philip Marlowe, the original citrus forward Gimlet cocktail is listed in The Savoy Cocktail Book of 1930.
Ingredients
Fill a shaker with ice, pour the gin and lime cordial and shake for 12 seconds. Throw the ice out of the glass and filter the Gimlet through the sieve into the glass.
Garnish with a lime wedge and serve. The Richmond Gimlet adds a mint leaf before shaking.
Ingredients
Pour the gin and lime juice into the glass and top with sparkling water, add lime and
garnish with a lime wheel or wedge.
Allegedly Al Capone’s favourite drink, it was either named after the South Side district of Chicago, Illinois, or from the Southside Sportsmen's Club on Long Island.
Ingredients:
Shake the gin, lime juice, sugar syrup and the mint then strain into a chilled tumbler and garnish with mint leaves.
In 1862 Jerry Thomas published The Bar-Tender’s Guide, an authentic bible of good drinking and the reissue of 1876 contains the first official recipe of Tom Collins. Sharp and summery, this American classic Tom Collins is full of tangy citrus.
Ingredients
Shake together until chilled, then serve on the rocks.
Officially popping up around the 1880s, it had probably been in existence since around the 1500s for medicinal purposes.
Ingredients
10 ml egg white (optional)
Maraschino cherry or lemon slice, for garnish
Shake the gin, fresh lemon juice, egg white and sugar syrup without ice cubes for at least 15 seconds, (a "dry shake" ) to create a froth. Add ice cubes to the cocktail shaker and shake well again until chilled. Strain over ice.
Garnish with a maraschino cherry and a slice of lemon.
Concocted by Henry C. Ramos in 1888 at his bar in the Meyer's Table D'Hotel Internationale in New Orleans.
Ingredients
Maraschino cherry or lemon slice, to garnish
Shake the gin, lemon juice and sugar syrup with plenty of ice. Strain into a tumbler and top up with sparkling water. Garnish with a lemon slice and maraschino cherry.
In 1919 at Ciro's Club in London, Harry MacElhone invented the White Lady and in 1929, he swapped the Crème de Menthe for gin at Harry's New York Bar in Paris, however the the American Bar at the Savoy Hotel doesn’t agree as it claims Harry Craddock invented it there.
Ingredients
Egg white (optional)
Shake all the ingredients with ice then shake without ice. Add lemon zest.
This delicious blackberry drink was invented by Dick Bradsell in 1980s London.
Ingredients
50ml Tanqueray London Dry gin
25 ml lemon juice
12.5ml sugar syrup
12.5ml Monin Blackberry Syrup
Blackberries to serve.
Shake the gin, lemon juice and sugar syrup with ice and strain into a glass filled with crushed ice. Drizzle the Monin Blackberry Syrup over the ice so that it bleeds through. Serve with a lemon wedge and blackberries.
If you are already exhausted just reading about how to make these cocktails, why not try our 6 premium premixed gin cocktails ready to tear, pour over ice and sip without bothering with bottles or shaking.
Ingredients
1
Gently heat sugar and 1.5 litres of water in a large saucepan until the sugar dissolves. Stir intermittently. Zest the lemons with a peeler, then slice lemons into rounds.
2
Bring the pan of syrup to the boil, turn off the heat. Wash the flower heads gently and shake. Add them to the syrup along with the lemons, zest and citric acid, then stir. Leave the mixture to infuse for 24 hrs.
3
Ladle the syrup into a lined colander then place it over a large bowl or pan and let it drip slowly through. With a funnel and ladle, fill sterilised bottles. Rinse, then leave to dry in a low oven.
If you don’t want to make this from scratch like the elderflower cordial, you can cheat a bit with pre-made sugar syrup.
Ingredients
300 g of sugar syrup
300 g of lime juice,
Lime peel.
Mix them all together. You can keep the cordial for a week or longer, use double the sugar syrup before flavouring with the skins then add more lime juice to taste before serving.
Looking for cocktails delivered straight to your door? Try our gift box collections:
The best inventions are always discovered by accident. Take Penicillin, Coca-Cola, tea-bags, the microwave, matches, vaseline and gunpowder (oops) among many others. We can also add the vast majority of cocktails to this list but none more so than the Negroni cocktail itself, the result of a happy whim which luckily didn’t start with a bang. When Prosecco was added to the Vermouth, Campari and Bitters instead of the ubiquitous gin, it became the famous Negroni Sbagliato. The trick to this sparkling cocktail is the equal parts of its spirits and choice of premium ingredients which makes it stand out as a classic.
The bitter Negroni, crafted with equal parts gin, Vermouth, Campari and a splash of Angostura Aromatic Bitters, has become a mainstay of the classic Italian Aperitivo scene. On a typical evening in Milan, groups of friends gather at their favourite bar and choose from a delicious selection of appetisers to have along with their Negroni or Negroni sbagliato. You’ll see the barista prepare a tumbler with ice, then pour in gin, vermouth and Angostura Bitters, mix and serve. But what’s the difference between the classic Negroni and the Sbagliato? For a Sbagliato, the barista will crack open a bottle maybe of Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore Dry or the fresh and bubbly Pasqua Prosecco Treviso Doc Brut PassioneSentimento and use it to top up the Vermouth, Campari and Bitters. The Bar Basso also has its own Negroni Sbagliato glass, The result is a beautifully red, fragrant, bubbly drink rich in aromatics and vivaciousness.
Everything about the Negroni cocktail is spontaneous. It was aperitif time one evening in 1919 and Count Camillo Negroni of Florence asked for a splash of gin instead of soda water in his Americano cocktail at Caffè Casoni now known as the Giacosa. He drank it then quickly hightailed it to Canada to become a cowboy, his way of dealing with his ‘accidentally’ ever-burgeoning family. Just like that, the Negroni cocktail was born. Then, on a particular night in 1972, Mirko Stocchetto of the famous Bar Basso in Milan did something else unprecedented: as he reached for the gin, he grabbed a bottle of Prosecco by accident and as it was warm outside, went with it, introducing it as a lighter spin on the original. In those years, so many professional women in Milan also started dropping in to drink after work on their own, and they wanted something sparkling and lighter. This addition to the usual Negroni mix of Martini Rosso and Bitter Campari, was a very welcome mistake.
This delicious cocktail with bitter, aromatic top notes and sparkling lift, was baptised the Negroni Sbagliato or ‘wrong/accidental Negroni’ at the Bar Basso and we have Mirko to thank for this happy accident that has been a hit ever since. If this is your new favourite drink, take a look at how to pronounce it correctly!
If you’re looking forward to your aperitivo on your trip to Italy, and even better you’ve arrived specially at Bar Basso in Milan, where it was invented, why not impress your friends with your Italian aperitivo know-how and pass on your love for this famous cocktail? Ask for it with the right pronunciation even though Maurizio Stoccetto, Mirko’s son and team will understand what you mean but it’s better if you get a handle on how to blend right in with the Milanese nightlife! Sbagliato meaning ‘wrong’ or ‘by accident’ In Italian, is pronounced neˈɡro.ni SBAL YATO (IPA /zbaʎˈʎa.to/), so that ‘G’ stays silent. Practise saying it to yourself or with Italian friends before the big day and maybe steer clear of adding that ‘G’ , especially if you’re talking about it in a podcast or interview in the public eye.
Also, if you love the taste of The Negroni Sbagliato, you might also like to try these other Prosecco-based cocktails.
As we’ve seen, the authentic Negroni Sbagliato uses Prosecco and not Spumante as many would like to claim. You can also opt for the dry version if you prefer a slightly sweeter drink. The whole concept behind this cocktail is that it replaces the gin, so any recipes you find containing gin are also…wrong! Mirko’s mistake became the accepted formula for this bitter, bubbly drink and the trick to the Negroni is the equal parts of its ingredients. This may change slightly with the Sbagliato if you are topping up a little more with the Prosecco and your tumbler is a bit bigger. Also remember to chill your tumbler beforehand, that way the ice won’t melt as fast and dilute your drink.
To make it according to Mirko’s original recipe, you’ll need just 5 ingredients:
To get the right balance, the order you add the ingredients is important. The bitterness of the Campari should be the base so as not to override the aromatics of the Vermouth. Add our XL ice cube or sphere and your orange slice to your chilled cut glass tumbler. Then pour in your measure of Campari followed by the Vermouth Rosso. Top up with the Prosecco, leave to stand for a second or two, then enjoy!
Our delicious Negroni Sbagliato cocktail kit, with bitter, aromatic top notes and sparkling lift is crafted in Italy by leading Mixologist, Patrick Pistolesi of Drink Kong, Rome, ranked 16th in the World’s 50 Best Bars. Our premium, carefully balanced ingredients are accompanied by select Pasqua Prosecco to offer you the right amount of sparkle for a cocktail that will satisfy your taste buds from the first sip. All you have to do is shake your premixed cocktail pack containing premium Cocchi Storico Vermouth di Torino, Campari and Angostura Bitters, pour into a tumbler and top up with the Prosecco. This bar-quality cocktail kit saves you from having to select and mix ingredients or start fiddling with bottle,. so you can spend more quality time with your guests. Our kit is available in the Duty Free at an airport near you.
Classic Negroni lovers might also enjoy our gin cocktail gift sets with all our great core cocktails and some innovative spins on classics or If you’re also looking to add to your home bar, take a peek at our menu and let us inspire you for your weekend with friends. Cheers!]]>“When life hands you lemons, make whisky sours.”
Life isn’t always rosy but as long as there are good whiskey cocktails and great company, there is a silver lining. What could be better than delicious home-made whiskey cocktails to pour over ice and share for a great evening of chat in the garden as the sun goes down? After all, the passion that goes into the making of each one is what makes these moments so special.
We recommend using Bulleit Bourbon Frontier Whiskey with its “unique blend of rye, corn, and barley malt, along with special strains of yeast and pure Kentucky limestone filtered water.”
These 10 easy whiskey cocktails are a mix of classic whiskey cocktails and contemporary twists with a dash of fruitiness or spice depending on your taste. There’s no better way to enjoy your summer than with some sophisticated cocktails with whiskey, great company and somewhere scenic to watch the sun go down after a hot day.
Timeless and on-point, this is one for when an old friend calls and some style is in order. Pair its nuanced bitter orangey notes with charcuterie, blue cheese and a hearty meal with all the trimmings.
Ingredients
soda water (optional)
Orange slice or maraschino cherry to garnish.
Add the sugar syrup , bitters and water in a tumbler and mix. Put the XL ice cube in the glass and stir in the whiskey. Add a splash of soda water and mix.
2. Sweet Manhattan
Invented by Iain Marshall at the Manhattan Club in New York City in the mid-1870s, this deliciously sweet twist on the classic whiskey cocktail uses maraschino cherry syrup. Pair with Italian Pizzette, Pastasciutta, Grissini (breadsticks) and Po Boys Sandwiches. Infuse your simple syrup with maraschino cherries to get the full-bodied sweetness.
Ingredients
Stir the ingredients with ice in a mixing glass, then strain into a tumbler with our XL ice cube. Garnish with a cherry and serve.
Although this cocktail originated at the 1937 British Industries Fair, it wasn’t a hit until the 1950s reintroduced by Club 21 in New York and adored by the iconic Rat Pack. Our Rusty nail uses Irish Whiskey & Honey Liqueur instead of Drambuie to give it a smooth richness.
Ingredients
Twist of lemon peel.
Place your XL ice sphere in a tumbler and add the whiskey and whiskey liqueur and stir gently. Add the lemon twist to garnish.
From the Spanish Arabic, "julepe", and the Persian word گلاب (Golâb) meaning rosewater, the ‘Julep’ cocktail was a concoction first mentioned in 1770. Originally, English juleps were mildly alcoholic and medicinal with the addition of camphor before American counterparts later added mint to become the minty cocktail we love today.
Ingredients
Mint sprig to garnish
Shake the ingredients with ice and strain into a mint julep cup filled with crushed ice. Churn with a long-handled spoon and top with more crushed ice.
First heard of in the 17th Century, there are two disputed origins for this drink: India (from the Hindi, ‘Taddy’ meaning a drink with fermented palm sap, and Ireland (named after Doctor Robert Bentley Todd who recommended the hot. spiced alcoholic drink as a cold cure). Either way, the hot whiskey is a restorative winter classic that warms the cockles of your heart. Great on a skiing trip or when you need a quick and tasty warming up.
Ingredients
If it’s a non heat proof glass, pre-heat the glass by putting a metal spoon in it and pouring in boiling water, after it's heated, throw out the water. You can also use a glass still hot from the dishwasher. Cut a slice of lemon and push the cloves into it.
Put a teaspoon of honey into the glass followed by a shot of Irish whiskey or Bulleit Bourbon, stir until smooth. Add the cinnamon and lemon with cloves, top up with boiling water and stir. Wrap the glass in a linen serviette and leave to infuse for a minute, gently sip.
This classic whiskey cocktail was invented by the writer Erskine Gwynne, founder of Boulevardier magazine in Paris from 1927 to 1932. A twist on the Negroni, it replaces gin with whiskey.
Ingredients
Orange twist, to garnish
Mix the Bulleit Bourbon Whiskey, Campari and sweet vermouth in a mixing glass with ice and stir until well-chilled. Strain into a tumbler over our XL ice cube.
First mentioned in the Wisconsin newspaper, Waukesha Plain Dealer, in 1870, Elliott Stubb apparently created the "whisky sour" in Iquique in 1872.
This cocktail has most likely been imbibed for hundreds of years as the base alcohols gin and whiskey alongwith lemon were used as the cure for a common mariner's affliction at the time, scurvy.
Ingredients
XL ice cube
Lemon spiral to garnish
Fill a shaker with ice, add Bulleit Bourbon Whiskey, lemon juice, sugar syrup, egg white and 3 dashes of Angostura bitters.
Shake and strain into a tumbler with an XL ice cube.
Made popular in the 1970s when cocktails were sweeter and reputedly named after the screen character played Marlon Brando, this smooth, rich cocktail is fiendishly easy to make with only two ingredients. This is a sophisticated after-dinner cocktail with hints of almond.
Ingredients
Ice
XL ice cube
Orange spiral to garnish
Pour the whisky and amaretto into a mixing glass or jug and add ice, stir until the outside of the glass is chilled. Place your XL ice cube in a tumbler and strain into the glass.
This contemporary cocktail, created by the Australian Sam Ross in the mid-2000s, at the legendary Milk & Honey bar, New York is a deliciously sweet and spicy riff on the Whiskey Sour. Ours is made with a Bourbon twist rather than Scotch.
Ingredients
Candied ginger to garnish
Shake all ingredients with ice and strain over our XL ice cube in a tumbler
Float the bar spoon of Islay on top and garnish with candied ginger.
This deliciously rich and sweet citrus forward cocktail is a twist on the classic Sour with the addition of orange and sugar to taste. Although great in winter it can actually be enjoyed any time.
Ingredients
2 slices of orange to garnish.
Brush the rim of your tumblers with honey and add our XL ice cube. Shake the whiskey with the lemon juice, orange juice and sugar syrup.
Try our premium pre-mixed cocktails
If you are already exhausted just reading about how to make these cocktails, why not go to our menu and try our 6 premium premixed whiskey cocktails: Whiskey Sour, Boulevardier, Old Fashioned, Manhattan. Brown Gold and Kurayoshi Heritage. ready to tear, pour over ice and sip without having to bother with buying ingredients and all the preparation.
Cheers and remember to drink your whiskey cocktails responsibly!
]]>While everyone enjoys a picnic in the sun, full of delicious food and cooling sweet treats, the occasion is made extra special by indulging in a refreshing cocktail or two.
At NIO, our ready-to-drink premium cocktails are made to be enjoyed on a relaxing Saturday afternoon surrounded by your favourite people. So, we decided to find out where the top 20 best picnic spots are in the UK for an al fresco drinking experience, to complement the scenery, facilities and location each spot has to offer. To do this, we collected a list of public parks in the top 100 cities in the UK and filtered them down by removing any parks below 4 stars and had less than 250 reviews, with the best park ranked based on facilities and walking distance. Keep reading to find out the results
The beautiful Peace Gardens in Sheffield came out on top of our list of the 20 best picnic spots in the UK. With a 4.5 rating, 10 public toilets nearby and 15 shops within walking distance, it has plenty of comfortable amenities while being extremely picturesque. This serene and natural setting is the perfect place to enjoy a bite to eat and a cocktail.
As one of the Royal Parks of London, Regent's Park is a popular location with 410 acres of grounds - meaning you'll easily find an excellent picnic spot for a leisurely afternoon. With a lake, tennis courts, playground, cricket ground, rose gardens and wildlife, there's plenty to do and see.
St George Park in Bristol is a large suburban park featuring plenty of green areas for al fresco dining and drinking, a peaceful pond to walk around, a children's playground and many architectural features. This park has a rating of 4.5 and has 17 shops and 2 public toilets nearby.
Wimborne Model Town and Gardens in Bournemouth is a fascinating scale model of how the town looked in the 1950s. While you do need to pay to get in, it offers a fun day out for the family and plenty of picnic spots, plus a cafe of its own.
Queen's Park in Glasgow is a beautiful green space that spans 148 acres and offers something for everyone, from walks to spot wildlife, gardens and perfectly manicured lawns to enjoy a picnic and some drinks. A popular and busy spot, it has a rating of 4.5 and is a favourite among locals.
Dean's Park is one of York's most loved places due to its outstanding views and peaceful escape from the city centre. The perfect place to relax and enjoy some food and cocktails, this park has a rating of 4.6 and has 12 shops and 5 public toilets nearby.
Queen's Park is a historic and award-winning park that is beautifully maintained and wonderful to walk around and relax in as you connect with nature while enjoying a delicious cocktail. With a 4.6 rating, this park offers plenty of things to do and see with friends and family.
Myrtle Park in Bradford is a huge green space with plenty of wildlife and a peaceful meadow that's perfect for an afternoon picnic. With a ranking of 4.4, this park also hosts a variety of events, such as art shows.
Ormeau Park in Belfast is the oldest park and one of the largest parks in the city and a popular spot for locals and tourists. With a wide variety of wildlife, horticulture, woodlands, sports facilities and spaces for concerts, it's perfect for a brisk walk or a relaxing picnic before enjoying the nightlife.
Large and well-maintained, the Forest Recreation Ground in Nottingham is a popular place for friends to play sports, go for a walk or enjoy a picnic in the warmer weather. With a rating of 4.4 and with 15 shops nearby, this park is a peaceful getaway to relax and unwind.
Regency Square is a small green square in Brighton that was built between 1818 and 1824, so it holds a lot of history. Located by the seafront, enjoy a stroll on the beach and browse the 10 nearby shops before stopping for a picnic lunch and an invigorating cocktail with friends.
Located in the Oswestry town centre, Cae Glas Park is a lovely open green space that's popular with dog walkers and features facilities such as beautiful flower beds, a crazy golf course and a children's playground. A fun space for the whole family to enjoy a picnic while the adults sip on cocktails.
Grange Gardens is a small yet beautiful park in the heart of Grangetown, Cardiff. Originally opened over 120 years ago, this park retains many of its historic features and is a great place for both tourists and locals to visit and enjoy a lunchtime picnic before hitting the shops.
Imperial Gardens, which can be found at the back of the Cheltenham town hall, features plenty of flower beds, making it a lovely spot for a picnic in the spring and summer months. There's also an orangery to walk around, many paths to explore, and an outdoor bar where you can sit and enjoy the views with drinks, but feel free to bring your own ready-to-drink cocktails too.
Queen Square in Bath is a tranquil and well-kept small park with a 4.4 rating that's lovely to walk or run through. You can enjoy a quick bite to eat and a refreshing cocktail after a busy day exploring the city and all the wonderful historic shops and attractions it has to offer.
Bakewell Recreation Ground, located in the heart of the quaint market town of Bakewell, offers 12 acres of gorgeous open green space and is a very popular picnic spot among families. With a rating of 4.5 and plenty of amenities around, this park is definitely worth a visit.
Shirley Park in Birmingham can be found in the middle of a busy shopping area, offering a serene escape from the town for a picnic with friends. This park has been greatly improved over the years, earning itself a rating of 4.4, with ornamental gardens, summer events to check out, sports facilities and a secure dog agility course.
With a wealth of activities and attractions, Carlisle Park, Morpeth, has a rating of 4.7 and is a lovely spot for a picnic. Explore the beautiful formal gardens, aviary, ancient woodlands and sports recreation areas with friends or family and enjoy a day soaking up the sun in nature with a delicious cocktail.
Southampton's busy Guildhall Square is well-known for being at the heart of the city's Cultural Quarter, surrounded by live music venues, museums and art galleries. While not a green space, this iconic square is very popular with locals, with plenty of resting spots to enjoy some food and a cocktail before heading out to see a live performance. Take a look at our range of premium, ready-made gin-based cocktails, including favourites such as Gimlets and Negronis. Simply tear off the corner, pour in a glass and enjoy!
Methodology: NIO Cocktails curated a list of public parks in the top 100 cities in the UK, and then ranked them across several criteria including proximity of toilets, variety of shops within walking distance and public ratings of the parks. The total volume of data collated included 4,000 parks, 30,000 grocery and supermarket outlets and 5,000 public toilets. We immediately removed 2,000 parks that had fewer than 4* average ratings or less than 250 reviews We also removed 25,000 grocery and supermarket outlets and 3,600 public toilets that were not within walking distance of the parks. NIO Cocktails then used this data to rank the best park by calculating the most amount of facilities near each one.
]]>Added value for your cocktail, a garnish elevates any profile whether bitter, sweet or dry, making your drink prettier...
One of the best loved and most flexible garnishes for all seasons is the classic, deliciously tangy orange. Recommended by Patrick and suggested on our packaging it can turn a cocktail into a toptail in moments! But how do we make that special orange garnish? Get a sharp knife, a perfectly fresh, washed room-temperature organic orange, and let the orange garnish games begin
You don't have to be an expert bartender to prepare an incredible garnish, or go out and buy any expensive specialist tools. Take a look at Patrick's tips for a high-end garnish at home using things you already have. You’ll need Only 4 things to prepare your orange cocktail garnish:
Not all oranges are the same. A fresh, washed organic orange is always the best choice; the release of essential oils is crucial to enhancing the flavours of your cocktail and there is nothing better than one grown and picked from on a tree that only nature raised. Now you have the right tools, let's get down to the preparation:
The simplest of decorations, quick to prepare even for the most inexperienced, all you need to do is cut the ends off and then, with a normal serrated knife, cut a round slice the same width as the top of the glass. If you prefer it on the glass, cut a small slit in the pulp and the peel and slot onto the edge.
The most common garnish is a smallish slice of orange that you can get by cutting the round slice in half. You can play a bit with the thickness: if you prefer more flavour, leave it thicker or for a more subtle stay on a thin cut.
Very aromatic and fragrant, orange zest is a thin strip of orange peel, you cut easily without having to dig too far into the skin. It is a great garnish for many cocktails thanks to its essential oils, but getting the orange zest is easier than you think. How to make the classic orange zest:garnish in 4 easy steps:
This is the start of a garnish adventure and although we’re getting fancy, this is an easy way to prepare a pretty garnish without getting too technical..
How to make an orange peel twist in 3 easy steps
The spiral is a fun variant on the spiral and has great visual appeal and although slightly more fiddly to make, the finished product is so pretty that you’ll be impressing your friends in no time.
How to make an orange peel spiral in 5 easy steps:
To that end, we’ve rounded up a list of some of our favourite liqueur drinks to enjoy this season. Whether you’re hosting a festive party or want some ideas for Christmas liqueurs to give as gifts for loved ones, we’ve got you covered. And while playing mixologist is fun, we understand that during this busy time of year, time is of the essence. So, alongside our recipe suggestions, look out for our selection of seasonal premixed cocktails.
NIO Cocktails’ award-winning cocktails are produced with top spirit brands like Tanqueray London Dry Gin, Ketel One Family Owned Vodka, Tequila Exotico 100% Blue Agave and premium Ron Santiago de Cuba. Not only are they expertly crafted, but they’re also easy to enjoy. Just rip open, mix and sip.
A liqueur is a product of distilled spirits with added fruits, sugar, herbs or spices. Originally invented and used for their medicinal properties, today, we use them to add bold flavour to drinks. The versatility of liqueur means there’s bound to be a taste for every palate—from light and herbal to rich and nutty.
There are also whiskey liqueurs (sweetened or flavoured spirits that start with a whiskey base) and liqueurs designed to be enjoyed on their own pre- or post-mealtime. So if you’re on the hunt for liqueur Christmas gifts, you’ve got plenty of choices.
Now you know more about this popular type of spirit, let’s jump into our roundup of the best liqueur-based cocktails for Christmas.
A renowned Italian cocktail and predecessor to the Negroni, the Milano Torino uses Campari as its liqueur and is a popular aperitif. While its fruitiness may seem ideal for summer, this drink’s sweet-sour taste is well-suited for spicing up winter evenings.
Ingredients:
Try this on-trend cocktail in seconds with our premixed Milano Torino.
The rich taste of a Boulevardier makes it a winter favourite. With warm bourbon, sweet vermouth and bitter Campari, this simple cocktail is the ideal post-dinner drink on chilly nights.
Ingredients:
Gift your loved one with a cold weather pick-me-up they can enjoy in seconds with our Boulevardier premixed cocktail.
The Amaretto Sour cocktail is named for the almond-flavoured Italian liqueur it contains, as well as its distinctly tangy taste. A few dashes of bitters helps create a cocktail that’s perfect as a Disaronno Christmas cocktail and is highly recommended for those who like old-school drinks.
Ingredients:
Now we move from Italian liqueur to French with the Bramble. Fueled by crème de mûre, a rich purple liqueur made from juicy blackberries, this fruity gin cocktail provides the perfect finishing touch for any holiday meal.
Ingredients:
Add a fresh, fruity flavour to your Christmas liqueur lineup with a Cosmopolitan. Made with citrusy triple sec, vodka and cranberry juice, this pale pink cocktail is perfect for cosy catch-ups with friends in the comfort of your home.
Ingredients:
For a tangy-sweet cocktail you can sip on in seconds, try our premixed Cosmopolitan instead.
The full-bodied and sophisticated Espresso Martini is sure to be one of the most popular coffee liqueur cocktails this Christmas - it’s even been named the United Kingdom’s favourite cocktail. A blend of coffee liqueur, bold espresso and vodka, this simple cocktail is the ultimate party drink.
Ingredients:
If you’re keen to relax with your drink quickly and easily at home, try our premixed Espresso Martini cocktail, a smooth classic made with Ketel One Vodka and FAIR Cafe Liqueur.
The best Christmas liqueurs are ones you can share, and with only two ingredients, a Black Russian is incredibly easy to make for a crowd. This cocktail combines vodka and Kahlúa, a coffee liqueur made with rum, sugar and arabica coffee. The Black Russian also forms the basis of its well-known successor…
White Russian variant
Created simply by adding cream to the Black Russian, the White Russian is another candidate for easy (and indulgent) homemade Christmas liqueur cocktail drinks. Whip it up in no time to impress guests at a festive dinner party or even for a casual Christmas get-together with friends.
Ingredients:
NIO Cocktails has a range of classic and signature cocktails all crafted by Master Mixologist Patrick Pistolesi, owner of Drink Kong (the 16th best bar in the world according to Top Best Bars 2022). This Pistolesi exclusive gives you two liqueurs in one glass. Bourbon, vanilla, coffee and sugar syrup are the key ingredients in this warm, enveloping ready-to-drink cocktail.
Those are eight tasty suggestions for how you can enjoy liqueurs in your cocktails this holiday. In addition to making for delicious drinks, Christmas liqueurs make great stocking fillers for friends, loved ones or colleagues for Secret Santa gift swaps. Another way to share great festive tastes is by gifting a Christmas Cocktail Gift Box. NIO Cocktails has a cocktail for every home occasion and every palate, so spread the love this season!
]]>And because we believe enjoying cocktails with friends shouldn’t have to mean being stuck in the kitchen, we’ve included NIO Cocktails premixed suggestions so you can be in the moment while entertaining at home. NIO Cocktails is not just a great way to enjoy top mixology at home. It’s a flatpack which makes it easy to have a sleek home bar in the most unexpected places. From your kitchen to your living room, it becomes a talking point at every gathering.
Discover our top 10 cocktails with a Christmas twist, ahead.
A delicious addition to festive gatherings large and small, this classic cocktail boasts a splash of cranberry juice for a festive twist. Try it out and discover why our Christmas Margarita is one of our favourite Christmas flavoured drinks.
Ingredients:
Want to taste a hint of Christmas even faster? Our premixed Christmas Margarita brings winter warmth to a quintessential cocktail with its notes of spiced ginger and crisp apple.
Update your classic sidecar by swapping regular cognac for a winter-spiced version. You can also use bourbon if you prefer it to cognac—either way, this warm cocktail is the perfect remedy for cold, dreary weather.
Ingredients:
For Spiced Cognac:
Another Sidecar variation, this time with a subtle tropical twist. Warm cinnamon paired with sweet clementine makes for one of the more memorable tropical Christmas drinks.
Ingredients:
Want a version you can sip in seconds? Try our premixed Winter Sidecar.
Take the signature warmth of an Old Fashioned and make it even warmer by pairing it with mulled wine. This updated yet traditional spicy Christmas drink is ideal for sipping by the fire after dinner — or anytime the mood strikes.
Ingredients:
Mulled Syrup (makes 450ml):
Old Fashioned:
Cranberries put a fun (and delicious) holiday spin on the classic Manhattan. Sipping it under the mistletoe is optional — savouring it with loved ones, however, is a must.
Ingredients:
Chocolate is another flavour we love to indulge in at Christmas time. Satisfy your sweet tooth with Christmas in Manhattan, a twist on the classic Manhattan that contains silky crème de cacao liqueur for a hint of chocolatey warmth.
A Daiquiri with spice is extra nice. Darker spirits and bitters create complex flavours designed for slower sipping. Don’t be surprised if this quickly becomes one of your favourite spiced rum Christmas cocktails.
Ingredients:
Fancy adding even more tropical flavour to your drink? Try our premixed Snow Daiquiri, which pairs sweet pineapple with spicy ginger for an added kick. Or, blend your drink with ice to create festive frozen Christmas cocktails that your guests will love.
This velvety-smooth Gingerbread Espresso Martini is one of the more savoury Christmas cocktails you’ll find this season. It’s the ideal pick-me-up for chilly days — or as a cheeky, alcoholic alternative to pudding.
Ingredients:
Get merry with a mocktail by blending winter fruits with warm cinnamon spice. This non-alcoholic option is an ideal offering for guests who may be driving. It’s also a useful way to avoid a sore head the next morning!
Ingredients:
If you’re hosting a dinner party or having a few friends round, this spicy Christmas cocktail is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
Serve guests at Christmas or New Year's parties even faster with our Apple Rum Punch Cocktail. A delicious combination of apple cider Calvados, dark rum, red vermouth and sour apple liqueur, this drink will become your ultimate winter cocktail sour.
A list of Christmas spiced cocktails isn’t complete without the Spiced Negroni. This drink blends a summertime classic with distinct festive flavours, giving you the best of both seasons all in one satisfying sip.
Ingredients:
The addition of Pimento Dram in our premixed Spiced Negroni entices with spicy hints of cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg.
For more festive favourites to enjoy all season long, take a look at our Christmas cocktail gift box. Looking for stocking fillers for the cocktail lover in your life? Give them 12 days of discovery with our 12-day Advent Cocktail Box.
]]>We’ll take you through well-known classics, as well as a few new favourites for you to fall in love with. So throw on the match, round up some company and let us take you on our tour of the best international cocktail recipes.
The Caipirinha serves as the national cocktail of Brazil. Its key ingredient is cachaça; a spirit distilled from fermented sugarcane juice; this can be consumed on its own, on the rocks, or as a rum substitute in many cocktails including — the Cuba Libre, Mojito and Daiquiri. Histories of the origin of the Caipirinha differ, but what’s undeniable is its sweet lime-driven flavour.
Ingredients:
The Mojito is a simple blend of rum, mint, lime, sugar, and club soda. The mint and lime give it a cool, refreshing flavour, and the soda lightens it up with a fizzy crispness. One of the best-known cocktails from around the world, it’s highly favoured for its adaptability. Add fruit to create different variations, such as strawberry, mango or passion fruit.
Ingredients:
A traditional punch from the island of Madeira, the simplest Poncha is made with just sugar cane brandy (Madeiran rum), sugar and lemon juice. This cocktail is often called the fisherman's Poncha - named for the seafaring residents of Câmara de Lobos where the drink was created. A versatile drink, using fruits such as tangerine and passion fruit helps soften the kick of the brandy - but it’s no less intoxicating, so do drink responsibly if enjoying it as part of a world cup drinking game.
Ingredients:
Created in the late 1940s in Brussels, the Black Russian combines vodka and Kahlúa, a coffee liqueur made with rum, sugar and arabica coffee. This bold coffee vodka cocktail bears its mysterious name as a reference to the ingredients - Kahlúa is black, and vodka is commonly associated with Russia.
Ingredients:
Sangria has grown to become a popular party drink around the world and is great for making large quantities to serve at a gathering. Typically created from red wine, fruit juices, soda water, fruit and brandy, when making your own Sangria, use a good quality wine, and try to let it chill overnight. This lets the fruit flavours blend into the drink.
Ingredients:
Another cocktail with multiple accounts of origin, among the many explanations for the name and the origins of the Margarita is the fact that “margarita” is the word for “daisy” in Spanish. Daisy cocktails included a spirit, a liqueur, and some form of citrus. So the Margarita’s use of tequila, an orange liqueur, and lime juice causes it to bear a close resemblance. What we can all agree on is the overwhelming popularity of the Margarita since its inception and its status as one of the signature cocktails from around the world.
Ingredients:
Want to enjoy this tangy classic even faster? Try our premixed Margarita now. Or try a citrus-driven twist with our Tommy’s Margarita.
Created as a Japanese version of the classic Bloody Mary cocktail, it’s believed this cocktail was named after Ginza, a trendy nightlife area in Tokyo. Blending vodka with sake, an alcoholic beverage made from fermented rice, the Ginza Mary is a great way to try new flavours couched in familiar drinks.
Ingredients:
Try another twist on the Bloody Mary with our premixed Ghost of Mary Tudor cocktail.
Thought to have been invented in New York at the Manhattan Club in the mid-1870s, the Manhattan is a classic cocktail of choice for whiskey lovers. This delightful mix of rye or bourbon whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters has been adored for hundreds of years because of its subtle bitterness and herbal undertones.
Ingredients:
Looking for more US classics? Try our Mai Tai.
Relatively modern in comparison to some of the cocktails on our list, this gin cocktail was created in the 1980s by legendary Fred’s Club bartender Dick Bradsell - who also happens to be credited with creating the Espresso Martini. Said to be named for Dick’s memories of blackberry picking, the Bramble is full of tangy, fruity and sophisticated flavours.
Ingredients:
Unfortunately, Italy didn’t qualify for the World Cup this year… but what’s a cocktail trip around the world without visiting the home of countless classic drinks, including the Milano-Torino?
Said to be invented in Florence, the Negroni is known as the king of Italian Campari cocktails. Vibrant red in colour, this cocktail is refreshingly bitter and will evoke the taste of summer even on a winter night.
Ingredients:
Taste this Italian delight even faster with our premixed Negroni cocktail.
For even more cocktail crowd-pleasers you can build your own selection box. Did one of your favourite cocktail recipes from around the world not make this list? See if it made our top 10 selection of the world’s most popular cocktails.
]]>There are lots of different types of spices, so if a chilli cocktail brings a little too much heat - we’ve also recommended a variety of other punchy flavours, including ginger, coriander and cinnamon. Here’s our round-up of the best spicy cocktails.
This dark and spicy cocktail adds rum and cinnamon to spice up a cold weather favourite. It's a wonderful punch for autumn and winter parties and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. You can also enjoy this spicy rum cocktail as a warming nightcap.
Ingredients:
This spicy mezcal cocktail gifts you with the tangy taste of Mexico teamed with a smooth cucumber taste.
Ingredients:
This Picante cocktail recipe is based on the much-loved Tommy’s Margarita but combines those ingredients with chilli and coriander to add a little extra heat and spice.
Ingredients:
Tabasco is the star player in this spicy Margarita cocktail. Its vinegar base and spicy pepper taste are unmistakable and add a fantastic contrast to the cool flavours of fresh mint and cucumber.
Ingredients:
Want to keep things classic? Try our premixed Margarita.
Perhaps the most famous of our selection of spicy cocktails, the Bloody Mary is a complex balance of flavours. When created with high-quality ingredients and the right recipe, you can enjoy a drink that is distinctively delicious.
Ingredients:
Want an even spicier variation on the Bloody Mary? Try our premixed Ghost of Mary Tudor.
Cilantro, also known as coriander, has a very distinct flavour, reminiscent of lemony ginger with a hint of sage. In the Cucumber Cilantro Cooler, the fresh taste of cucumber offsets the spiciness of the coriander for a cocktail that pops.
Ingredients:
The Coriandrum is named for the genus of herbs that includes coriander. The recipe uses a simple coriander-flavoured mixer made by infusing agave nectar with coriander seeds. This spicy cocktail recipe is given a boost with coriander nectar.
Ingredients:
For the coriander nectar:
For the cocktail:
Ginger is added to countless cocktails in many different forms, including ginger ale, beer, and liqueur. The fresh root adds that signature warm ginger snap and spice to make amazing drinks. Bringing the taste of fresh-baked ginger snaps to life. It pairs vodka with molasses, fresh ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and allspice for an intriguing martini you'll want to share at any winter party.
Ingredients:
Another martini variation you can rely on for a boost? The Espresso Martini. Try our premixed cocktail for something quick and simple to prepare.
The Spicy 50 cocktail is a punchy drink that mixes the heat of freshly sliced chilli with the soothing taste of honey and elderflower.
Ingredients:
The key to the Fall Spice Cordial is a single ingredient that’s easy to make. A spicy syrup for cocktails, chipotle-orange syrup has a tangy, spicy kick, and a sweetness that plays nicely against a premium bourbon and the soothing taste of vanilla. Ideal for chilly autumn nights.
Ingredients:
For the chipotle-orange syrup:
For the cocktail:
That’s our selection of the 10 best spicy cocktails. For even more expertly crafted and easy to prepare drinks, you can build a personalised box of all your favourite flavours for any occasion.
]]>A newer trend that has emerged over the past decade is Friendsgiving. Originally started for those who couldn’t make it home to their family for the holidays, Friendsgiving is now celebrated by those who want to update tradition and share a special moment with their friends. So, whether it’s friends or family you need to impress, we’ve curated a selection of Thanksgiving cocktail ideas that will celebrate the flavours of the fall season as well as dazzle your guests.
So relax and read on - we’ve got your dinner party drinks covered. Here’s our list of the best dinner party drinks for Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving.
One of many popular cranberry cocktails for Thanksgiving, the cranberry flavour pairs well with the fresh lime and tart ginger flavours of the Moscow Mule. Serve alongside a few holiday appetisers like rosemary turkey meatballs or cranberry brie bites.
Ingredients:
The Apple Cider Prosecco Spritz is a signature Thanksgiving cocktail. Bubbly and refreshing with a touch of cinnamon spice, it’s slightly sweet with a hint of bitterness.
Ingredients:
A new spin on an old fave that is sure to please whiskey lovers, this is one of our favourite Thanksgiving cocktail recipes,
Ingredients:
If you’d like to keep things classic, try our premade Old Fashioned. Quick and easy to prepare, you can savour a rich taste in seconds.
Perfect for chasing away the winter chill, a Hot Toddy is a drink made with liquor, such as whiskey or bourbon, hot water, and honey (or, in some recipes, sugar). A Spiced Cranberry Hot Toddy is a sweeter and spicier version of the original Hot Toddy recipe.
Ingredients:
This Thanksgiving cider cocktail is easy to make with only three ingredients and can also save you precious time on what’s sure to be a busy day. Depending on your group’s tastes, create individually or adapt into a pitcherful.
Ingredients:
For one cocktail:
For a pitcher:
A standout among Thanksgiving coffee drinks, Irish Cream Affogato is the perfect after-dinner dessert and beverage for adults who want to get a little kick after dinner! (P.S. Your guests will need a spoon for this one.)
Ingredients:
What if you could enjoy the multitude of flavours found in a tasty dessert in one bold cocktail? When looking for sweet Thanksgiving-inspired cocktails, look no further than the Cranberry Cobbler Smash.
Ingredients:
Keep the cranberry vibes going and infuse the renowned Margarita with this festive fruit. Packed with sweet, tart flavour, this cocktail is crisp, refreshing and ready to be your signature Thanksgiving cocktail.
Ingredients:
Give your guests the option of swapping a sweet taste for something tangy with our premade Margarita.
For guests who love the richness of an Old Fashioned or Manhattan, introduce them to this comforting holiday variation.
Ingredients:
Serve your guests in seconds with our premade Whiskey Sour.
A non-alcoholic Thanksgiving drink that works well for guests who are driving. You may also find this punch useful if you want to play Friendsgiving drinking games without getting too much of a headache!
Ingredients:
Those are some of our recommendations for the best Thanksgiving cocktails. Keep your guests spoilt for choice and build your own cocktail box. Need food recommendations? Check out our suggestions for a dinner party menu or our guide to dinner party hosting for general hosting dos and don’ts.
No matter how you choose to celebrate this season with your loved ones - eat, drink and be merry!
]]>Join us as we take you through the top 5 cocktails in the UK and the most requested across Europe, before rounding out our tour with some faves from around the world. Whether you’re celebrating or relaxing this winter, it’s all about making the most of the moment. So alongside the world's favourite cocktails, you'll find NIO Cocktails premixed selections as your convenient alternative - allowing you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time with your loved ones.
Let’s get started!
First, here are some fun facts on how many will be celebrating this holiday season:
The full-flavoured and sophisticated Espresso Martini is one of the most loved coffee liqueur cocktails. With a monthly average search volume of 135,000 in the winter months, Espresso Martini joins Eggnog as the UK's most searched-for winter cocktail. A blend of coffee and vodka, this simple cocktail offers a luscious mouthfeel, and as the ultimate party drink, it’s a treat during winter.
2 oz vodka
½ oz coffee liqueur
1 oz espresso, freshly brewed (or cold brew concentrate)
Coffee beans as a garnish
If you’re keen to enjoy your drink quickly and easily at home, try our premixed Espresso Martini cocktail.
Eggnog is also historically known as a milk punch or an egg milk punch when alcoholic beverages are added. A rich, chilled, sweetened, dairy-based beverage, Eggnog is traditionally served as a punch at parties, however, heat it up and discover the tastiest of warm winter cocktails.
Searched for over 90,500 times each month in the winter, the popular Negroni is vibrant red in colour. This drink is refreshingly vibrant red in colour with a bitterness that will evoke the taste of summer even on a winter night and is sure to be popular in any selection of winter gin cocktails.
Taste this Italian delight even faster with our premixed Negroni cocktail or our sweetly spiced Christmas variation.
A key sign the festive season is in full swing, Mulled Wine is one of the UK’s best-loved warm winter cocktails.
The Mimosa is a simple yet delicious combination of fizz and orange juice. A brunch staple, our latest survey found that 43% of Brits prefer a Mmimosa above all other cocktails. Get out those champagne flutes and enjoy a cosy winter gathering in style.
Known as the trendiest of cocktails, it’s no surprise the Cosmopolitan is popular in Europe, racking up 74,000 monthly searches in the UK alone. Smooth and flavourful, it’s one of the classiest winter cocktails. This drink also landed in the top 5 for Italy and Germany.
For a tangy-sweet version you can sip on in seconds, try our premixed Cosmopolitan instead.
We’ve already covered the Negroni as part of the most popular winter cocktails in the UK, but as it’s also highly requested across Europe, we’ve got a few variations for you to discover.
The favoured drink of a certain House of The Dragon star, this Negroni variation uses sparkling wine instead of gin. This makes it perfect to toast the New Year! Stay on trend and try it out this season.
A sophisticated take on the classic bitter-sweet Negroni, our premium Boulevardier combines the rich warmth of Bulleit Bourbon with Cocchi Storico Vermouth di Torino, Campari and Angostura Aromatic Bitters.
Topping the charts in Germany and a top 2 selection in Italy and the USA, the Moscow Mule is a winter cocktail that can be tasted as an Italian apres ski drink or even as part of german cocktails for Oktoberfest. With its gingery aroma, this smooth yet fiery treat is perfect for those who love winter cocktails with a kick.
The Old Fashioned is a timeless tipple perfect for sipping while getting warm by the fire.
Our premixed Old Fashioned cocktail is industry recommended and contains a dash of orange bitters designed to liven up your palette. If you’re more of a rum drinker, swap the whiskey for a traditional Caribbean rum, like Mount Gay.
The Margarita is a true classic cocktail whose popularity continues to climb with global searches peaking at over 1.2 million per month, a 22% rise year-on-year. Although it’s definitely popular in the summer, its refreshingly sour citrus taste brings a hint of spice that’s enjoyable in colder seasons.
Enjoy your drink even faster with our premixed Margarita, or try our refreshing Tommy’s Margarita.
Indulge dinner guests with a classic Irish coffee at the end of a dinner party. Made with Irish whiskey, cream, and coffee, it's a decadent finale to a meal.
There you have our look at the top winter cocktails around the world. Enjoy this holiday season and let NIO Cocktails help you come out from behind the cocktail shaker and never miss a moment with those who matter. For even more winter cocktails you can simply pour and mix, try our Christmas cocktail box.
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From on-trend, coffee cocktails to more unique tipples, we’ve rounded up 8 of the best alcoholic coffee drinks to try this winter that we promise you’ll love.
]]>From on-trend, coffee cocktails to more unique tipples, we’ve rounded up 9 of the best alcoholic coffee drinks to try this winter that we promise you’ll love.
The full-flavoured and sophisticated Espresso Martini is one of the most loved coffee liqueur cocktails, even named as the United Kingdom’s favourite cocktail. Originating in the 1980s, this cocktail with coffee beans soared to fame instantly. A blend of coffee and vodka, this simple cocktail offers a luscious mouthfeel, and as the ultimate party drink, it’s a treat during winter.
Ingredients:
If you’re keen to enjoy your drink quickly and easily at home, try our premixed Espresso Martini cocktail, a smooth, indulgent classic made with Ketel One Vodka and FAIR Cafe Liqueur. This is a must-have in your home bar for pre-or post-dinner sipping.
A NIO Cocktail exclusive from the creativity of our master mixologist Patrick Pistolesi. The Brown Gold ready-to-drink cocktail stands out for its aromatic notes of coffee and vanilla. Both are derived from two high quality liqueurs such as Bols and Fair and combined with the most classic and enveloping taste of bourbon. This makes for a drink that is light and pungent, decisive and enveloping at the same time.
Created in the late 1940s in Brussels, the Black Russian combines vodka and Kahlúa, a coffee liqueur made with rum, sugar and arabica coffee. This bold coffee vodka cocktail bears Its mysterious name as a reference to its ingredients - Kahlúa is black, and vodka is commonly associated with Russia. The Black Russian also forms the basis of its well-known successor…
Formulated simply by adding cream to the Black Russian, the White Russian is another famous classic cocktail that really hits the spot in winter. Known as a sweet dessert cocktail, A White Russian is incredibly easy to make and can be whipped up in no time to impress guests at a festive dinner party or even for a casual Christmas get-together with friends. Vodka, coffee liqueur and cream are all it takes to make this smooth, decadent alcoholic drink. Serve it with ice and in a lowball glass for a truly authentic White Russian.
Ingredients:
Irish Coffee consists of Irish whiskey, hot coffee, and sugar, stirred and topped with cream. The perfect finale to a filling meal that will no doubt please any guests. This cocktail is also considered a morning treat amongst other festive cocktails for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day holidays.
Created in the winter of 1943 in Limerick for cold, tired passengers, this drink quickly became an airport specialty. Combining the bitterness of coffee with soothing whiskey and frothy whipped cream, there’s nothing more soul-warming than an Irish Coffee on a chilly winter’s day.
Ingredients:
Dalgona is a fluffy, whipped coffee that’s a trendy topping for any drink, including alcoholic coffee beverages. Effortless to make, simply combine sugar, coffee granules and warm water. Turn your drink into a Baileys coffee cocktail by mixing Baileys and vodka before adding a swirl of the whipped coffee mixture on top. Aesthetically pleasing to look at and wonderfully flavoursome, this cocktail is the ultimate winter indulgence.
Ingredients:
Bringing together the warmth and flavours of the holiday season we all know and love, the Bavarian Coffee is a delightful cosy winter treat that’s excellent for sipping by the fire. Combining brewed coffee, peppermint schnapps, cream, and coffee liqueur such as Kahlua or Tia Maria, it offers an irresistible sweet, minty, creamy coffee taste. You can also add sugar and whipped cream on top to make it even more delectable.
Ingredients:
Not to be confused with cocktails that are perfect for a nightcap, the Nightcap is a refreshing caffeinated beverage. Blending cold brew coffee with rum and maple syrup for added kick and sweetness, it’s more of a gentle evening pick-me-up than a wind-down drink. While maple syrup adds sweetness, the inclusion of angostura bitters lends complexity, and orange zest matches the citrus notes of the tonic.
Ingredients:
The Revolver will appeal to fans of whiskey cocktails and coffee-laced drinks with its twist on the classic Manhattan. Loaded with the spiciness of rye-heavy Bulleit bourbon, coffee liqueur brings a hint of sweetness that is rounded out with a few dashes of orange bitters to brighten that dark duo. Sip after a dinner party or as a nightcap.
Ingredients:
A variation of the stylish Negroni, the Coffee Negroni (also called the Black Negroni for its dark hue) packs a punch as it takes strong coffee and combines straight liquor with a dash of orange peel. The brightness of the espresso highlights the fruitiness of the Campari for a taste that’s distinctive and sure to boost your energy levels. Introduce this cocktail at brunch or an afternoon outdoor party.
Ingredients:
Hungry for more coffee-based cocktails? Try making iced coffee cocktails with other classics, like the Old Fashioned. For any last-minute events or surprise celebrations, premixed cocktail boxes can offer an easy, exclusive and quality solution.
Browse our premixed Christmas cocktails featuring festive flavours such as spiced apple, ginger and cinnamon that will make great stocking fillers and give you every reason to raise a glass this season.]]>It’s official: some cocktails and food pairings are simply just meant to be. Using search data, social media trends and some expertise from Patrick Pistolesi, our master mixologist, we’ll show you how these perfect pairings match, and why they need to be on your next dinner party menu.
Pumpkin curry with shrimp is a delicious dish to enjoy alongside a Moscow Mule, as the warming flavours of the pumpkin go hand in hand with the ginger beer in the cocktail. - Patrick
A Tiramisu dessert is an ultimate addition to enjoy with an Espresso Martini, doubling up your coffee dosage, it’s a great way to finish off your meal in a flavoursome way." - Patrick
If you’re looking for a crisp cocktail to accompany your spicy tacos, then a Tommy’s Margarita is a great way to refresh your palette. Having lime and jalapenos in your tacos will tie in nicely with this modern twist on a classic margarita that replaces orange liqueur with agave nectar, to emphasise the flavour of the tequila. " - Patrick
Hearty wholesome dishes like a lamb stew or Albondigas (a spanish meatball dish) pair beautifully with refreshing cocktails like the Mojito or Cuba Libre. " - Patrick
To complement your tequila-based cocktails, seafood dishes or salads that contain fresh herbs, citrus or spices pair particularly well, whilst exotic fruits like fresh watermelon can also balance the flavours." - Patrick
Citrus-forward cocktails are always best accompanied by seafood dishes but can also be great for cutting through heartier dishes or fattier meats. " - Patrick
If you're looking for a food dish to accompany your Mai Tai, then a spicy Asian cuisine marries up beautifully with the cocktails' fruity notes " - Patrick
Bitter and campari-based cocktails make the ultimate aperitivo which is why they pair beautifully with an antipasti board filled with parma ham, salami, olives, cheese, bread and oils." - Patrick
Spicy foods pair best with gins that have notes of juniper and coriander, whilst Mediterranean dishes are better suited to gins that contain rosemary or have prominent herby flavours. " - Patrick
For any party, you want to let your guests know what to expect right away. Sending invitations sets the tone and gives them key information. Will they need to wear a costume? Will there be a specific spooky theme — or are all creatures allowed? Communicating this early makes sure everyone is on the same page and helps get people excited for the big night. You can print invites at home or a shop to mail out, send them over email or share them via social media.
For your decorations, be bold. Set the scene of your party with props and eye-catching hanging decorations. Hosting on a budget? You don’t necessarily have to spend money on elaborate decor. Get crafty with cardboard to make ghost shapes, cut bin liners into spider legs, or simply carve creepy faces into pumpkins!
Every Halloween party for adults needs killer cocktails and mocktails to fire up the celebrations — trust us. Not only do you need spooky drinks that reflect the theme, but given how busy you’ll be organising and hosting, easy Halloween cocktails should also be on the menu. Here are our top three:
It’s a no-brainer. Already aptly named, this classic cocktail comes with a gruesome backstory (seriously, look it up!) and is a deep crimson red. There are many variations on this cocktail, including our own Bloody Mary recipe, which comes complete with a range of garnish options that are sure to impress guests.
Our premixed Ghost of Mary Tudor cocktail is a transparent twist on the Bloody Mary. Created by our master mixologist Patrick Pistolesi, it’s tomato-rich with Ketel One Vodka and a touch of spice. All you’ll need to do is shake the sleeve, pinch and tear off the corner and pour over ice — quick, simple and delicious.
Another blood-red beverage, this Spanish cocktail is the perfect balance of dry and sweet. Bold, flavourful and fun to make, it might take a little more effort than other cocktails, but we promise it’ll be worth it. A classic Sangria usually features fruit such as oranges, lemons and green apples soaked in red wine, brandy and orange liqueur. Add a dash of sugar and sparkling water, then refrigerate for a few hours to allow the flavours to develop before serving.
This drink is a non-alcoholic alternative to mulled wine, made with apple juice, strips of orange peel, cinnamon, cloves and honey. Ideal for any guests who are driving to your party as well as anyone who loves autumnal flavours!
Those are just a few suggestions, but there are many more cocktails you can add a tortuous twist to. Plus, there’s lots of fun to be had coming up with silly Halloween cocktail names to keep the theme going. Don’t forget to include cocktail napkins as part of your decor shop, and remember, you’ll need plenty of ice to keep your cocktails nicely chilled. You can read up on the best types of ice for cocktails before the big day. We recommend picking up a spherical ice tray and also considering making Halloween dry ice drinks — this type of ice creates a unique, spooky smoky effect.
When you throw a Halloween party, it's important to keep your guest well fed. Put a spin on some party favourites to really stand out. We’ve selected appetisers, mains and dessert options that are sure to be tasty crowd-pleasers.
This one takes no time at all to whip up. Use a pumpkin-shaped cookie cutter to make shapes in flour tortillas. Pop them in the oven, and you’re good to go. Serve with a range of dips like hummus, salsa and sour cream — whatever takes your fancy.
Who doesn’t love popcorn? Pop some and then mix it with white chocolate that you’ve dyed green with food colouring. Allow the mixture to sit on parchment paper. Serve it in a bowl, or buy a small cauldron container to make it look like a witch’s brew.
Take cheese pastry puffs and add slices of cucumber, olives and squiggles of spicy Sriracha for an eye-catching Halloween treat.
Take this popular dessert and dial up the drama. Bake or buy a smooth and creamy white chocolate cheesecake. Liberally ice the top with a tube of red gel frosting or create your own frosting with a mix of water, hulled strawberries and sugar. Not a cheesecake fan? Try red velvet cake instead. Consider pairing with a White Russian - a classic dessert cocktail.
One of our best tips on how to host a Halloween party is to get everyone talking and keep up the energy with adult party games. There’s a vast range to choose from that’ll keep guests entertained and serve as icebreakers. Check out our top picks:
Make your living room a crime scene and transport your guests into a Halloween whodunit. You’ll each become characters in a story, and it's up to you to determine which character is the murderer. You can find free murder mystery game scripts online, which provide instructions about the characters and gameplay.
Gross out your guests with this hands-on Halloween party game. Fill boxes full of items that are cold, slimy or otherwise unpleasant to touch, such as cooked spaghetti and peeled grapes. Take turns sticking your hands in the boxes and try to guess what the items are. Not for the faint of heart!
If you’re looking to turn up the thrills with a Halloween drinking game, put a spin on a party classic. The same beer pong rules apply; just replace the ping pong balls with store-bought eyeballs and start practising your throwing skills. If cocktails are more your thing, feel free to switch out the beer for a slightly fancier version of the game.
Wave your guests home with a final treat to remember the night by putting together party favours. Gift sachets of NIO's popular cocktails so guests can enhance their evening in the comfort of their home. You can also add a selection of trick-or-treat sweets, pumpkin-spiced biscuits and creepy keychains to round out your party box.
Following these handy hosting tips means all that’s left is figuring out a show-stopping Halloween costume worthy of a scream queen or king - we’ve got faith in you!
If you love hosting and want another way to enjoy time with friends and family this year, check out our guide to How to Host a Christmas Dinner Party.
Discover the most popular cocktails, food suggestions, and tips on games, table decorations and settings. Here’s our essential guide to how to host a dinner party.
Cocktails are traditionally served as guests arrive, and after dinner, so it is one of the most important parts of hosting a dinner party. Plus, whether they are alcoholic drinks or mocktails, guests tickled by great-tasting cocktails often have their experience of the dinner party enhanced overall.
With so much to organise for the occasion, time is of the essence. Not only should you serve drinks that are easy to make, but try to choose drinks that are sure-fire crowd pleasers.
Based on our public poll, these are the 8 best dinner party cocktails, along with some NIO premixed selections you can sip on in no time.
Highly popular - particularly in frozen form - this fruity drink consists of rum, lime juice, syrup and, of course, strawberries. Go traditional with our premixed Daiquiri.
This tart, tangy Mexican classic is made with Tequila, Cointreau, lime juice and a pinch of salt. Our premixed Margarita contains Exotico Blanco Liqueur, a handcrafted tequila with a crisp, herbal aroma, spicy undertones, and a robust taste of fresh agave with hints of pepper and herbal notes.
An undisputed favourite, the Martini is made with gin and vermouth. A popular variation uses vodka, and if there are any coffee-lovers in attendance, you can treat them to our Espresso Martini.
Thought to be king of the trendy cocktails, the Cosmopolitan uses vodka, cranberry juice, lime juice and Cointreau. Our twist is sweet, sharp and unapologetically pink.
Bring the lightness of brunch vibes to the evening time with a mimosa or bucks fizz. Both are made using a blend of champagne and orange juice. The mimosa uses equal measures, while bucks fizz is two parts juice to one part champagne.
The perfect after-dinner special, the Manhattan is a warm blend of whisky, vermouth and Angostura bitters. Treat your guests to the rich flavours of our premade cocktail.
A fun, tropical drink consisting of coconut cream, pineapple juice and white rum. Bring the feeling of the beach to your living room.
Serve this summer classic by combining vodka with peach schnapps and cranberry juice. Add cocktail cherries and orange slices for a garnish.
For even more exquisite options, take a look at our cocktail party at home kit.
For complete cocktail drinking etiquette, William Hanson, the UK's leading etiquette coach, says, “Avoid overly sweet cocktails, especially if wine and other drinks will be served as the evening progresses, and enjoy an espresso martini after the meal”
Creating the food menu is much of the planning you’ll need to do when hosting a dinner party. Will your night have a theme? For example, an Italian-themed dinner party leans toward dishes like sweet and spicy olives, an indulgent pasta main and a tasty tiramisu. You can even pair your menu with some traditional aperitivo cocktails to impress your guests.
Whatever you decide, our top tip is to keep it simple. If you’re cooking for a lot of people, choose recipes that you know and are comfortable making rather than trying something new. Simple, seasonal food like fruitcake, gnocchi, baked salmon or ham won’t take too much time or effort and will allow you to spend more time with your guests.
If you don’t feel like serving several courses, consider a buffet-style meal. This is much easier to set up and buy for and allows guests to mingle as they fill their plates with their selection.
Now you’re ready to host a dinner party, here are a few final dos & don’ts from etiquette expert William, and the Great British public to make sure there are no faux pas on the cards:
This guide may be all about hosting, but you’ll have your turn to be a guest too! William has given his tips on how to be the best kind of visitor:
Now you’ve got your food and drink sorted - time to add the aesthetic flourishes that’ll really make your dinner party shine. Accessorise your dining table with a nice tablecloth - crisp white is a popular choice for a clean look, but if spillages and hot plate residue are a concern, consider off-white or a rich dark colour like burgundy. Don’t forget to add placemats and cocktail napkins to compliment.
Sam Hood is co-founder and chief creative officer of AMARA, a top boutique for luxury tableware. Here are her tips for dinner party table setting and making the most of your living space:
Games are a great form of entertainment as they keep everyone talking and keep up the energy. Here are our picks for dinner party games for adults:
A new twist on an old classic - wink murder. In each round, one person is secretly assigned the role of murderer. This person has the ability to "kill" other players by making eye contact and winking at them. When you're winked at, you have to feign sudden death. Except, in this version, you take a sip of your drink instead. Simple! Feel free to play this one with mocktails too!
A game most people will know, or at least seen on TV, grab some post-it notes and write the names of some famous people on them. Hand them out to your guests, who will stick these on their foreheads and then walk around the room asking questions to others in a bid to find out who they are. Have fun selecting a wide range of celebrities, from world leaders to pop stars, actors and everyone in between. It’s also a great cocktail party game for icebreakers to play ahead of dinner.
An oldie, but a goodie - take turns to have one person stand at the front and silently act out a film, tv show or song. The first person to guess takes their place!
There you have our recommendations for throwing the perfect dinner party. With expert advice, an audience survey and a wide selection of cocktails - you can’t go wrong! Want more dinner party ideas? We’ve got guides for occasions including Christmas, which will leave you more than ready to host a dinner party.
Think apple, nutmeg, cinnamon, berries — the list goes on. From well-known drinks to classic cocktails with a fall twist, we’ve even included a mocktail for those taking a break from alcohol. If you’re looking for the best autumn cocktails in the UK, we’ve got you covered.
The 10 best cocktails for autumn:
One of the original cocktail ‘sours’, the Sidecar is the blueprint for iconic cocktails like the Margarita. Gorgeously spiced to give you the ultimate autumn feeling, enjoy a Sidecar as an after-dinner indulgence.
Our premixed Sidecar cocktail features the French Brandy St Remy XO. Crafted by distilling grapes in copper column stills, it boasts a delicate woody aroma with dried fruit, sweet spices and creamy vanilla on the palate. Cointreau, a French orange liqueur, ties the cocktail together, layering marmalade aromas amongst the brandy spice.
The rich warmth of bourbon meets the distinct tang of lemon in the delectable whiskey sour. Smoky, subtle and sophisticated, this cocktail is not just an ideal gift for whiskey lovers but also an excellent accompaniment for after-dinner parties.
If you’re looking for autumn cocktails that offer a distinctive flavour, our premixed Whiskey Sour uses rich Bulleit Bourbon, a smooth whiskey with spicy notes of cinnamon, nutmeg and clove.
One of our favourite autumnal alcoholic drinks, spice up brunch by bringing some autumn crispness to the already on-trend mimosa cocktail. The Apple Cider Mimosa is a great example of how to take a classic drink and reinvent its flavours.
Showcasing the best of seasonal produce with fresh blackberries is the Bramble. This versatile drink is popular in summer but is just as awesome as an autumn gin cocktail. Gin can be paired with a range of foods, including meat and cheese platters — which makes it ideal for home hosting!
The Espresso Martini is another of our well-loved cocktails for autumn. With a rich, bold taste it’s beloved by cocktail drinkers and coffee lovers alike. While most commonly served cold, if you’re in the mood for a hot drink with a little pep, this versatile cocktail can also be made using freshly brewed espresso with a splash of hot milk.
Another industry recognised favourite, our premixed Espresso Martini cocktail is a smooth, indulgent classic made with Ketel One Vodka and FAIR Cafe Liqueur.
A member of the plum family, the damson is a small fruit with vibrant dark blue skin and a strong, sour flavour. Ready for picking in September and October, this is a true fall fruit. Creating this cocktail may take a little effort with some overnight prep, but once you’re done, you’ll have the taste of autumn in a glass. This recipe can also be used with vodka.
The Negroni, with its vibrant red colour, is classed as the king of Italian Campari cocktails. This on-trend drink is known to flourish in the spring and summer, but it actually shines just as brightly as one of your autumn cocktails.
Crafted by master mixologist Patrick Pisolesi, our premixed Negroni cocktail contains equal parts Tanqueray Gin, Cocchi Storico Vermouth di Torino, Campari and Angostura Aromatic Bitters, making it a punchy, memorable drink.
The Pear Martini is another fashionable drink you can turn into an autumn vodka cocktail. A fruity variation on the vodka martini, pears are delicious when teamed with a chocolate dessert, so enjoy one as a sweet treat on a chilly evening or when entertaining friends.
A timeless tipple perfect for sipping while getting warm by the fire, the Old Fashioned is one of the world’s most popular cocktails. Our tip? It’s best served after a tasty dinner of duck or pork chops.
Our premixed Old Fashioned cocktail is industry recommended and contains a dash of orange bitters designed to liven up your palette. If you’re more of a rum drinker, swap the whiskey for a traditional Caribbean rum, like Mount Gay, for a light autumn rum cocktail.
The spiciness of the ginger is best balanced with super sweet apples while using ginger beer instead of ginger ale gives a prominent flavour. This mocktail may be non-alcoholic, but it delivers just as much kick as its alcohol-infused counterparts. Ginger and apples make a great pairing.
There you have it: our top picks for autumn-themed cocktails. Now, find the best glass to use for your drinks, throw on your cosiest jumper and toast to all fall has to offer.
Looking even further ahead to the festive season and in need of Christmas cocktail gifts and inspiration? Check out 10 Warm Winter Cocktails to cosy up to.
If you’re trying to keep track of your calorie intake, whether for health or aesthetic reasons, but don’t want to miss out on cocktail nights with your friends, we’ve put together a versatile list of 10 delicious and refreshing low-calorie cocktail drinks to enjoy this season.
There’s often some confusion surrounding the differences between skinny cocktails and low-calorie cocktails. You may have heard of cocktails such as the ‘Faux-jito’ or the ‘Skinny Pina Colada’, which replace classic ingredients with lower-calorie options to make them a healthier alternative. Typically, skinny cocktails are below 100 calories.
However, low-calorie cocktails give you the best of both worlds, offering a full-flavoured drink with the original ingredients while still remaining low in calories.
Whether it’s Gin, Vodka or Vermouth you prefer, our list of 10 low-calorie cocktails has you covered.
A simple yet iconic combination, the classic Gin and Tonic is a staple drink and one of the most ordered cocktails around the world. Dating back to the 1700s, this drink was originally created by British soldiers when colonising India, using medicinal herbs as a way to combat malaria. Nowadays, it blends a mix of gin and tonic water poured over a large amount of ice and garnished with a slice of lemon. This quintessential summer cocktail offers a bittersweet flavour for only 80 calories.
Sweet, vibrant and refreshing, the Aperol Spritz is the ultimate Italian cocktail. Perfect to enjoy while sitting outside with friends on those hot summer days, it’s extremely popular during the aperitivo time. Created in the 1950s, this cocktail burst onto the scene and has remained popular ever since. Mixing 3 parts of prosecco, two parts Aperol and a splash of soda water, this light and delicious cocktail is made for sipping before a meal and contains only 125 calories.
Beloved all over the world for its perfect balance of dry and bittersweet, the Negroni cocktail was created in Florence between 1919 and 1920 by Count Camillo Negroni who was tired of the usual Americano and asked the bartender to add a hint of gin instead of soda. Simple yet sophisticated, the Negroni combines equal parts of gin, vermouth, Campari and bitters, which totals up to just 96 calories.
While there are many variations, the classic Bloody Mary recipe is one of the healthiest cocktails around, with just 95 calories, thanks to the number of herbs, fruits and vegetables it contains. With a complex balance of flavours, this full-bodied cocktail won’t leave you disappointed. The traditional recipe features vodka, tomato juice, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco sauce, celery salt, black pepper and ice for a tangy, spicy drink that's perfect for summertime brunches.
Refined and chic, the Martini Dry is arguably the best-known cocktail in the world. In fact, it’s so famous that a cocktail glass was even named after it - the Martini Glass - and is used to serve all manner of drinks, including Manhattans, Margaritas and Daiquiris. Created in the early 1900s by a New York bartender, the clean, simple, and elegant drink is a favourite amongst many. Made with gin and vermouth and garnished with either an olive or a lemon twist, this cocktail has 97 calories in total.
Spicy, citrusy and aromatic, the Moscow Mule is a delightfully chilled cocktail that’s ideal for summer parties and BBQs. Created in 1941 in America by two bartenders as a way to help offload cases of ginger beer, this cocktail is full of complex flavours. Mixing vodka, ginger beet and lime juice over ice in a copper mug and garnished with a wedge of lime, the Moscow Mule offers a cool and refreshing solution to a warm day for just 120 calories.
Sharp and tangy, the Gimlet is a classic cocktail that’s been popular for decades. Created by Admiral Sir Thomas Gimlette, who added lime juice to the Royal Navy men’s daily gin as a way to keep scurvy away (a vitamin C deficiency disease) on long ocean voyages. Becoming popular amongst celebrities in the 1950s, it’s now a staple drink that we all know and love. With a simple mix of gin and lime, the Gimlet has only 101 calories and will keep you feeling cool this summer.
You just can’t beat the kick of a sour cocktail. As the oldest category in cocktail history, the sours are based on a simple yet delicate balance of bittersweet flavours. With 160 calories, the delicious Vodka Sour is the lowest calorie sour drink that should be savoured and enjoyed while the sun soaks your skin. Blending vodka, liquid sugar and citric acid, the Vodka Sour is light, fresh and full of character.
If you’re looking for something a little smoother or lower in calories than the Vodka Sour, then a Vodka Lemon cocktail is the one for you. Fresh and sweet, the Vodka Lemon is easy to make yourself at home on a warm day or order in a pub garden with friends as you relax after work. Blending vodka with lemonade, this cocktail contains just 120 calories per glass.
Low in calories but high in flavour, the Milano-Torino, or Mi-To, is an extremely popular Italian aperitivo. Although it has a controversial history, since no one really knows who invented it first, it went on to inspire a new generation of bittersweet drinks such as the Americano and the Negroni. As one of the best Campari cocktails from Italy, it’s perfect for any occasion and highly sought after in the summer months. Blending vermouth, Campari and bitters, this cocktail has a distinctive rich flavour and contains just 80 calories.
With both 80 calories each, the Milano-Torino and Gin and Tonic are the winners for the lowest calorie cocktails on this list. Offering fresh, rich flavours they allow you to enjoy an alcoholic drink in a social setting without going over your daily calorie intake, making it a win-win situation.
Take a look at our brand new summer cocktail range, each one premixed and ready to serve in a minute, so you won't need to miss a moment of the sunshine.Browse our list of Father's Day cocktail gifts that deliver expert mixology from the comfort of your home. These cocktail kits are the perfect present for fathers who appreciate bespoke-quality cocktails.
Help your dad sit back and relax with these unique, exclusive Father’s Day cocktails from NIO Cocktails.
If your dad loves a classic whiskey cocktail, our limited edition Teeling whiskey Cocktail Collection Box is the perfect Father's Day gift.
This bespoke cocktail box gives you a taste of four classic whiskey cocktails including:
Treat your dad with this box of smooth classics this Father's Day.
The Rebel Whiskey Cocktail Collection Box is great for whiskey lovers with a more experimental palate.
This gift box contains four unique bourbon cocktails, infused with interesting flavours ranging from sweet and fruity, to dry and spicy.
In this box, you’ll be able to experience:
Bold and daring, these drinks are great for dads who aren’t afraid to try new things.
This Sour Cocktail Box is a great Father's Day present for dads who love to devour a sour cocktail at any opportunity.
Sour cocktails are a family of cocktails that feature a base liquor, some kind of sweetener such as simple syrup or sugar, and an acidic element such as lemon or
lime. They have been sipped since the 1800s, and their main components still form the base of many modern cocktails.
This box of premixed sours contains six expertly mixed vodka, gin and whiskey-based cocktails, including:
If you’re looking for a variety of classic and unique cocktails, this collection is perfect for treating your dad to some tangy, flavourful sours this Father's Day.
A bitter premixed cocktail box makes a fabulous Father's Day present for those who love something a little more sophisticated and less sweet than other types of cocktails.
Few drinks capture the spirit of Italian cocktail hour like these three Campari-based classics.
A perfect Father's Day gift idea for cocktail enthusiasts and connoisseurs.
Our decadent Majani Cocktail and Chocolate box is bound to satisfy your dad’s sweet tooth.
Founded in 1796, Majani has been in the business of creating bespoke chocolates for centuries. Their luxurious chocolate is made up of four different cocoa beans which are guaranteed to tantalise the senses of any chocolate lover.
This luxurious Italian dark chocolate is paired with two unique rum based cocktails, dreamed up by master mixologist Patrick Pistolesi.
If your dad loves indulgent experiences, this Majani gift set is the perfect Father's Day gift.
Perfect for dads who love to travel, this selection box of four Japanese-inspired cocktails will whisk him away to the Land of the Rising Sun with every sip.
Experience a taste of Japan’s most idyllic locations with four exclusive cocktails:
Our Casa Del Daiquiri Box is the perfect Father’s Day gift for those who enjoy the fine taste of rum. Featuring 6 variations on the classic Daiquiri, each carefully crafted with Ron Santiago de Cuba Extra Añejo 11 yrs rum, dad can enjoy the subtle tones and tastes of almond, coconut and vanilla. This decadent cocktail gift set includes:
The variety of different flavours in our Casa Del Daiquiri cocktail gift set offers something for everyone and is likely to be a very big hit with fathers everywhere.
If your dad is very particular about his tipples, or prefers the freedom to choose his own cocktail set, we also offer online gift cards.
This is a great gift for cocktail connoisseurs, and it will guarantee that your dad gets a Father’s Day present he loves - much better than socks!
Looking for some more Father's Day gift ideas? Check out our Father's Day cocktail gifts, Cocktail Gifts for Him, and our Limited Edition Cocktail Gift Sets for all the inspiration you could need to help make this Father’s day the best one yet.
]]>If you’re looking for something a bit more unique this year, and are known for having a green thumb, you’re sure to find the best summer cocktail ingredients in your garden! Fruits, veggies, herbs and flowers can all add something extra special to your favourite tipple.
Keep reading to discover our top 7 summer garden cocktails to try this year.
The classic Old Fashioned cocktail is famous around the world for its strong, dark and balanced flavours. But, if you’re looking to put a summertime spin on this iconic drink for your next get-together, the New Old Fashioned cocktail switches the orange bitters for sweet peaches and blackberries you can pluck straight from the garden. Ideal for the warmer weather, this drink is easy to make and a truly enjoyable combination.
Our signature Gin Proved cocktail offers a wonderfully tangy-sweet flavour paired with an aesthetically-pleasing lilac shade that deserves to be splashed over your Instagram feeds this summer. Perfectly perfumed this cocktail has a clever combination of gin, Bols Parfait Amour Liqueur, which is flavoured with flower petals and vanilla, organic citric acid and liquid sugar.
While a fresh Mint Mojito is the ultimate summer drink and can easily be whipped up with some mint from your garden, if you want to take it to the next level, we’d suggest adding some raspberries to the mix for a sweeter, fruiter flavour. Blend the raspberries with lime, mint, white rum, sparkling water and a pinch of sugar for an invigorating drink - perfect for summer parties.
A variation of the popular Lemon Drop Martini, the Lilac Lemon Drop Martini brings a bright, floral flavour into the drink along with a gorgeous, purple colour. With its sweet fragrance and slightly tart notes, this cocktail combines vodka, freshly squeezed lemon juice, lilac simple syrup and a lemon twist for garnish and will instantly make you think of spring and summer meadows.
The Bloody Mary is a true icon of mixology and combines a wide range of ingredients, most of which you can find in your garden to achieve the rich, spicy flavour. The classic recipe involves vodka, tomato juice, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco, celery salt, black pepper and celery sticks. Our own variation, the Ghost of Mary Tudor, delivers intense spice, heat and flavour in just one captivating sip.
For those who miss the comforting flavours of autumn, or if you’re throwing the last party of the summer before autumn arrives, The Great Pumpkin cocktail is rich in flavour and aromas. Carefully crafted, this cocktail features pumpkin ale, or pumpkin-infused whiskey if you want something spicier, ginger liqueur, lemon juice, maple syrup and ground cinnamon for garnish.
A summer twist on everyone’s favourite Daiquiri, the Rhubarb and Rosemary Daiquiri is fun, fresh and fantastic. Blending white rum, rhubarb juice (which can be freshly squeezed, with some effort), rosemary syrup, lemon juice and a fresh rosemary sprig or a grapefruit wedge to garnish, this sweet cocktail will easily impress any guests.
Looking for more fun cocktails to try? Take a look at our blog all about our favourite colourful cocktails.
Make sure you also explore our pre-mixed cocktail gift sets with exclusive boxes featuring gin, whiskey, rum, tequila and Italian liqueurs.
]]>So, whether you want to match your cocktails to your party theme or just feel like sipping on something that’s also your favourite colour, here are 10 of our top colourful cocktails that are both tasty and aesthetically pleasing.
The ultra-glamourous Cosmopolitan cocktail is a modern classic that’s pretty in pink. After finding fame on Sex and the City, women all over the world started ordering them in bars to feel just as stylish and sophisticated. Blending together vodka, Cointreau and cranberry, this deliciously sweet drink is popular all year round and is here to stay.
For a colourful take on the classic Daiquiri, the Cranberry Daiquiri is ideal. Offering a wonderfully vibrant red shade that will have heads turning in intrigue, this cocktail deserves to be enjoyed on a warm and sunny day. Adding cranberry juice to rum, lime juice and liquid sugar, the Cranberry Daiquiri is a sweet, fruity and refreshing tipple.
Our signature Gin Proved cocktail is floral and delicate with a uniquely beautiful lilac colour that’s perfect for any occasion. Created by our head mixologist, Patrick Pistolesi, in an Alpine chalet, this cocktail combines Tanqueray gin, Bols Parfait Amour liqueur, citric acid and liquid sugar for a tangy-sweet flavour that can be equally enjoyed in summer and winter.
The bold colours of the Tequila Sunrise cocktail will instantly make you think of tropical days on a beach far, far away. Featuring orange juice, tequila and grenadine, this cocktail offers a fun gradient, with the red grenadine sitting at the bottom and blending into a bright orange (like a sunrise!). Tart yet sweet, a Tequila Sunrise always goes down well.
If you want something a little drier with a more bitter flavour profile, but still have an outstanding shade, then the iconic Negroni will be the cocktail for you. An Italian classic, this deep red cocktail perfectly blends equal parts of gin, vermouth, Campari and Angostura Aromatic Bitters for a punchy drink that should be enjoyed just before dinner.
The bright blue colour of the Blue Lagoon cocktail is truly stunning and really makes it stand out from the crowd. This eye-catching drink is always a popular choice in holiday resorts and deserving of all the attention. Light, sweet and refreshing, the Blue Lagoon contains a mix of vodka, lemonade and blue curaçao.
Warm and sophisticated the rich Boulevardier is a sophisticated take on the classic bitter-sweet Negroni, with a fiery red shade that’s hard to miss. Combining bourbon with vermouth, Campari and Angostura Aromatic Bitters, the Boulevardier is a unique drink that’s full of bold flavours and colours.
While a green drink isn’t always the most appealing option (spinach smoothie, anyone?), there’s nothing more delicious and indulgent than a Grasshopper, and we guarantee you’ll always want to come back for more. This dessert cocktail features crème de menthe, crème de cacao and heavy cream for a rich, chocolate peppermint flavour.
The Bloody Mary is one of the most famous cocktails in the world and is perfectly acceptable to enjoy during breakfast or brunch. While it doesn’t have the most common cocktail ingredients, it offers a fresh and spicy flavour with a bright red colour. The original cocktail includes vodka, tomato juice, black pepper, celery salt, Tabasco, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice. However, there are many other variations, including our popular Ghost of Mary Tudor cocktail.
Last but not least, the most colourful cocktail of all, is the Rainbow Paradise. With shades of blue, green, yellow, orange and red, it’s certainly a sight to behold. Adding grenadine to the bottom of a tall glass, this cocktail then carefully layers pineapple juice and coconut rum (Malibu), water and blue curaçao for a flavour and colour that’s out of this world. It can then be garnished with an orange slice or a lime wedge.
Want to try and make all of these colourful cocktails at home? Take a look at our guide on how to build the perfect at-home bar.
Or, if you simply want to enjoy the ease of a ready-made cocktail at home, build a cocktail box featuring 3, 6 or 9 of your favourite drinks.
]]>You’ll usually find at weddings that beer, wine, champagne and spirits are on tap at the reception bar. But, nowadays, more and more couples are turning to fun and delicious cocktails instead. Popular, picture-worthy and more cost-effective, cocktails can add something extra special to the big day.
So, whether you’re planning a wedding or just looking for ideas, here are 9 of the best cocktails to serve at your wedding that guests are sure to love.
As fun and exciting as a wedding day is, it can also feel a little draining. After such a long day, you’ll definitely be needing a pick-me-up with a classic coffee cocktail. Rich, rebus and indulgent, the Espresso Martini is a winning choice and perfect to serve to guests. With its sumptuous blend of vodka and coffee liqueur, it offers a full-bodied flavour with a luscious mouthfeel.
Every wedding needs a celebratory glass of champagne, and if you want to make a cocktail out of it, you can’t go wrong with a mimosa! This cocktail typical mixes champagne with orange juice but, your guests can easily choose any flavour of juice they like, such as pomegranate, grapefruit, strawberry puree, or peach puree (technically a Bellini) for more variety.
After the months of work, effort and, no doubt, stress, it’s time to finally relax and enjoy the evening with a Margarita in hand. Tart and tangy with a pinch of salt, a Margarita is the ultimate party drink that you and your guests are sure to love. Blending tequila, lime juice and Cointreau, this cocktail is light and refreshing. If you want something a little different, try Tommy’s Margarita, which replaces the Cointreau with Agave Syrup for a sharp, citrusy twist that really allows the tequila to shine.
As one of the world’s most popular classic cocktails, the Gimlet is a must-have at events and will go down well with guests. Combining gin, lime cordial and a splash of water, the Gimlet is simple yet refreshing and, of course, ultra-delicious. This would be a great cocktail to have with dinner or to wind down with toward the end of the party.
If you want to offer something sophisticated and bitter to your guests before sitting down for dinner, the Negroni is a perfect choice. Classed as the king of Italian Campari cocktails, it’s one of the best aperitivos around. Combining gin, vermouth, Campari and Angostura Aromatic Bitters, this is a punchy drink that deserves to be celebrated with.
The Cosmopolitan cocktail is a modern classic that’s just made for glamorous events. Sweet and tangy, this cocktail blends vodka, Cointreau and cranberry for a stylish and eye-catching drink that tastes as good as it looks. If you’re in need of some liquid courage before walking down the aisle, sip on a Cosmo with your bridesmaids while getting ready, and you’ll be feeling fabulous in no time!
Dark and complex, the Old Fashioned cocktail has been popular for over 200 years with its bold flavours and perfectly balanced ingredients. Combining whiskey with a dash of aromatic and orange bitters and sugar, your whiskey-loving guests won’t be able to get enough of this beautifully rounded cocktail.
Having a wedding in the summer? Pimms and lemonade is a classic British summertime tipple that looks aesthetically pleasing and tastes incredible refreshing. Mixing Pimms with lemonade and ice, and adding chopped fruit such as strawberries, cucumber, oranges and chopped mint in a jug, your guests can easily pour themselves a fruity glass of summer bliss.
On the other hand, if you’re having a winter wedding, mulled wine is the perfect way to warm up. Plus, it fills the venue with its sweet yet spicy scents. Boiling red wine, simply add sugar, cinnamon sticks, oranges, cloves, orange juice, and lemonade for a wonderfully wintery drink. If the wedding is close to the holiday season, you could even serve up some mince pies alongside it for an extra festive treat.
Need more ideas? Take a look at our top 8 Prosecco-based cocktails that are light, refreshing and ideal for a fun wedding party.
If you’re planning a team-building event, social occasion, or want to say thank you to employees, celebrate in style with our ready-to-drink cocktails. Find out how we can supply your next corporate event.
]]>If you’re planning on creating your own home bar, or have recently got one, and need some help with how to fill it, we’ve got you covered. Here, we’ve created a list of some of the must-have items and spirits to create a professional-looking bar at home.
The first step in creating a home bar is investing in some quality bar furniture. Bar carts are very on-trend right now and look fantastic when all dressed up with twinkling lights, bottles, essential equipment, glassware and more. If you’re living in a small space too, a bar cart will be perfect as a bar area dedicated to preparing and presenting your drinks and will easily make a stylish statement.
If you have a bit more space to play around with, a bar cabinet would be the ideal choice. Fill it with your favourite bottles, add decanters for a touch of luxury and leave room for lamps and other small decor pieces such as trays and accessories, to ensure it’s both functional and aesthetically pleasing. If you’re decking out a whole room or area for your at-home bar, why not go the extra mile and get a neon sign to really complete the look (if that’s your vibe!).
Having the right set of bar tools can make all the difference when it comes to crafting cocktails. From shakers and jiggers to stirrers and strainers, not only will these help you to learn and create, but they’ll also look great sitting on your home bar.
You can usually pick up a bar tools starter kit, which will have everything a beginner needs. As you learn more, or if you’re already a skilled bartender, you may find the need to introduce more complex tools and gadgets such as a citrus juicer or a soda stream to make your own soda water and juice for cocktails at home.
Alternatively, if you’re not into mixing but still want delicious bar-quality drinks at home, stock up on our pre-mixed cocktails, which features some iconic classics and several unique signature drinks too.
No bar is complete without some bar accessories. They’re essential to the creation of cocktails, and can really help to elevate your home bar. Ice trays, whether a square ice tray or a spherical ice tray, will keep your drinks cool and refreshing without impacting taste. Plus, using ice trays for different types of ice will only enhance your drinks as they dilute.
You’ll also want to invest in ice buckets and tongs - perfect for when you’re hosting - as well as a good corkscrew, bottle opener, and even a wine rack. There are a plethora of bar accessories out there, and we’d suggest starting with the essentials first and building up over time.
A successful bar needs to have plenty of glassware, suited to all different types of cocktails, wines, beers and spirits to keep the drinks flowing. The right cocktail glass, from highball and lowball tumblers to coupe and martini glasses, will really help to bring out the complexities of flavours, aromas and textures of the drinks.
Both functional and eye-catching, beautiful crystal glasses also look incredible when displayed in a bar. Whether it’s Champagne flutes or stylish, colourful cocktail glasses, having an array of glassware in full view will only make your home bar look even more impressive.
The last thing you want is an empty home bar. You’ll need a constant supply of foundation spirits and plenty of mixers on hand to be able to create your favourite tipple or a guest’s cocktail of choice in no time. Some bottles we’d recommend keeping stocked up include:
We’d also recommend keeping these mixers available:
If you want to go the extra step further, having a selection of different flavoured syrups such as strawberry, raspberry and passionfruit, as well as pure sugar syrups, will go a long way in creating the perfect cocktail.
Once you’ve collected the essential spirits to display and use in your home bar, it’s time to start experimenting and creating cocktails. If you’re initially unsure or want to compare your cocktail creation to a bar-quality cocktail, keeping a selection of premixed cocktails on hand can be a useful, and delicious, way to learn.
We have plenty of delicious premixed gin cocktails on offer including the classic Gimlet if you’re looking for something tangy and refreshing or the fan-favourite Negroni for a dry, bitter-sweet flavour.
Warm, rich and comforting, there’s nothing like enjoying a soothing premixed whiskey cocktail after a long day. The iconic Old Fashioned was made for sipping and socialising, and our signature Brown Gold offers an elegant and aromatic evening drink with coffee and vanilla.
If you’re throwing a party that you anticipate lasting long into the night, then some premixed tequila cocktails will certainly be welcome. Our tart and tangy Margarita cocktail is bound to impress. Or, if you're wanting something a little different, try our Tommy’s Margarita, which is a unique take that really allows the tequila to shine.
There’s nothing quite like a delightfully refreshing premixed rum cocktail that’s perfect for every season. From the classic Daiquiri with its invigorating citrus flavours to the fruity and tropical Mai Tai, you’ll easily bring paradise straight to your home bar.
With so much variety, premixed vodka cocktails are always a hit. Whether you’re looking to get the party started with a bittersweet Vodka Sour or want to unwind with a rich Espresso Martini, there’s a vodka cocktail to suit every mood.
Take your cocktail crafting skills to the next level with our 20 cocktail mixing hacks.
Throwing your first summer party of the year soon? Take a look at five of our summer cocktail staples that will keep guests happy.
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