Top 10: DIY Cocktail Kits You Need to TryBy Alicia Grimshaw
Of all the things we’re missing at About Time (boozy dinners in restaurants, leisurely Sunday roasts, beer gardens), mixologist-made cocktails are high up on the list. With bar openings a long way off, you can get your boozy fill in a variety of ways while also supporting the industry.
If bottled beers or your beloved rosé not cutting the mustard anymore, here are some ideas to pimp up your next alcohol-filled night in. All you need is glassware (no bartending experience needed) and if you want to try something new, try kratom.
1. For a Gin and Tonic Kit: Jim and Tonic
What: Gin and Tonic Survival Kit (£54.95)
The 411: Jim and Tonic, located at Mercato Metropolitano’s Elephant and Castle and Mayfair street food markets, has put together a nifty gin and tonic survival kit to see out lockdown in boozy style. The bundle contains a handcrafted bottle of gin (choose from Mercato Mediterranean, Kraft Hopped or best-selling Roobee Rhubarb), plus an assortment of 15 premium tonics matched specifically to the chosen gin. Each handcrafted bottle of gin is distilled in small-batch, copper pot distillation with an organic base spirit and containing locally sourced ethical botanicals grown in community garden using hydroponic walls and other urban farming techniques.
Don’t Miss: As well as G&T Survival Kits, thirsty Brits can also get their hands on Classic Cocktails created by Mixo-Seb, Jim and Tonic’s expert Head Bartender and Mixologist.
Buy: Grab a kit here
2. For Fancy Tipples: Cocktail Porter
What: The Petite Kit (£45)
The 411: For an uber-luxe drink experience within your four walls, Cocktail Porter’s all-new cocktail boxes brings the bar to you complete with glassware to fill your drinks trolley/cupboard. Each cocktail kit is carefully curated with individual recipes for budding bartenders to stir and shake the perfect cocktail at home and comes complete with premium bottles of spirits, artisanal infusions, hand-crafted cordials, home-grown garnishes, and infused tonics.
Don’t Miss: To bring the much-missed bar scene to your home, Mr & Mr Porter have also devised instructional YouTube clips.
Buy: See here
3. For Irish Coffee: Swift
What: Irish Coffee kit (£55)
The 411: Soho’s Swift have banged together make-at-home kits of its popular signature serve, the Irish Coffee. The kit serves 16 and includes Irish Coffee glasses, Swift’s own blend of coffee and a full-sized Jamesons Caskmates whisky. The secret to the perfect Irish Coffee is to keep it sweet but not too sweet, and to make sure the cream is soft and luxurious.
Don’t Miss: Alongside the cocktail kits, the bar’s newly launched bottled cocktails are available including Red Studio Milk Punch, Solstice Spritz and Ruffian Old Fashioned.
Buy: See here
4. For an Alpine Experience: MOOSE
What: Cocktail kit (£20)
The 411: If you haven’t heard of MOOSE here’s what you need to know: the Alpine Spirit is made in the mountains of Austria and is a blend of mountain herbs such including mint, gentian, nettle and pine, with the natural sweetness of Canadian maple syrup and some subtle chilli heat. The team have put together cocktail kits including all the ingredients you will need to mix four delicious MOOSE Mule cocktails at home: fresh orange, lime, mint, a 20cl MOOSE bottle and Fever Tree mixers.
Don’t Miss: For every bottle of MOOSE sold, 10 trees are planted in partnership with The Sumatran Orangutang Society (SOS) in an aim to make a sizeable impact in the fight against climate change and help to save the mountain snow.
Buy: Grab a box here
5. For Your Favourite Cocktails: Poison Cocktails
What: French Martini Cocktail Gift Box (£24.50)
The 411: Poison cocktails have used their years of cocktail expertise to put together their favourite recipes and have knocked up simple cocktail kits with everything you need to complete the perfect cocktail. Pick your favourite libation (Tom Collins, Long Island Iced Tea, and Cosmopolitan, among others), and Poison cocktails will provide a kit featuring all you need to make two large glasses of your chosen tipple. Just add ice.
Don’t Miss: Be sure to check their cocktail-in-a-bag creations. 5litres of Pina Colada on tap, oh baby.
Buy: Grab one here
6. For Cocktail Infusions: Sous Chef
What: Gin and Tonic Infusion Set (£19.95)
The 411: If you’re in the mood to give your gin and tonic a little pizzaz, use Sous Chef’s gin and tonic infusion set to liven up the classic G&T or even create your own personalised gin infusions. The set is inspired by the vibrant Spanish ‘Gin Tonica’ scene, where bartenders serve the gin and tonic in a larger-than-life copa de balon glass with an array of exciting garnishes.
Don’t Miss: Push the boat out and treat yourself to some glassware while you’re on the site.
Buy: See here
7. For a Rum Set: The Duppy Share
What: Home Rum Kit (£20)
The 411: While we’re all confined to their homes, and pub openings a lot way off, The Duppy Share is spreading the rum love with their all-new self-isolation kits. The Home Rum kit features The Duppy Share Aged (20cl), Fever Tree Ginger Beer (2x 200ml) and two The Duppy Share gold cups – a film’s worth of rum and ginger for two. Throw in some ice and enjoy your Dark and Stormy a la sofa.
Don’t Miss: In an effort to support the hospitality industry, The Duppy Share are donating all profits from sales of the kit to Hospitality Action – a charity dedicated to supporting the industry during times of crisis.
Buy: Grab a kit here
8. For Fancy Mixers: Double Dutch
What: Isolation Pack (£34.79)
The 411: The Isolation Pack features all the spirits and mixers for your next Zoom quiz/call. Alongside ten Double Dutch flavours (200ml) – including refreshing Cucumber and Watermelon and fragrant Pomegranate and Basil – the pack includes four perfectly paired mini spirit bottles (50ml) such as Black Cow vodka and Chase Pink Grapefruit and Pomelo Gin, complete with fresh bartender recommended garnishes, so you can enjoy a bar quality G&T from your kitchen.
Don’t Miss: Each pack contains Ramsbury Gin’s sought-after hand sanitiser and Dadi Oil hand cream because, let’s face it, our poor hands need it right now.
Buy: Grab a pack here
9. For Luxe Libations: The Cocktail Man
What: Champagne Cosmopolitan Cocktail Kit (£28)
The 411: The Cocktail Man is really James Vyse; an award-winning mixologist who turned down his dream job in London’s The Shard, so that he could provide you with that professional cocktail lounge experience in the comfort of your own home. The Champagne Cosmopolitan Cocktail Kit contains pretty much everything you need to mix 4 bar-quality cocktails. Inside you’ll find Absolut Citron Vodka, The Cocktail Man’s very own Champagne Sliqueur, detailed instructions and edible silver leaf to garnish your cocktail.
Don’t Miss: The kits are the ideal birthday present, anniversary gift, or a little treat from you to you.
Buy: Grab a box here
Photo Credit: The Cocktail Man
10. For Gin Lovers: My Cocktail Club
What: The Bramble (£29.99)
The 411: My Cocktail Club are behind some of the best delivery boxes in the business. Simply choose your desired cocktail (there are loads to choose from), and you’ll be delivered everything you need to create 4 cocktails. And you’ll also be able to create home-made syrups and ingredients with the help of their recipe cards. Each box comes with a surprise gift – either boozy snacks, useful bar tools or discount codes.
Don’t Miss: It’s free shipping on all orders.
Buy: Grab one here