The last time I saw cocktails arriving by post, it was peak pandemic vibes – those strange months when our back gardens became walking routes and the box room turned into a makeshift office. Like many, I leaned all the way in, grateful for any chance to sip something fancy and forget, even for a moment, what was going on outside. It’s been five years since COVID, and frankly, good riddance. But I do miss the stillness… the quiet solidarity of knowing we were all living through the same mad chapter. And hats off to the food and drink folks who pivoted with style, turning lockdowns into moments of joy with doorstep deliveries and a whole lot of heart.
A wee brown box slipped through the letterbox the other day. It felt oddly familiar, though I hadn’t a clue what was inside until I opened it. Nestled inside was a sleek hipflask-like container filled with Blood Orange Martini, paired perfectly with three dried orange wheels for garnish. A proper treat.
This delightful surprise came courtesy of Letterbox Cocktails, a Bedfordshire-based brand shaking up the way we enjoy bar-quality drinks at home. Founded by entrepreneur Jennie Bayliss, the company was born out of a simple but brilliant idea: make it easy to sip a top-tier cocktail without leaving the house or faffing with gear.
Inspired by the craftsmanship of independent bars, their cocktails are expertly mixed using fresh, premium ingredients and sent out in ready-to-pour, sustainable packaging. They’ve nailed the blend of mixology and modern convenience. You don’t need a shaker, a recipe, or even a shopping list to indulge in something truly special.
From Espresso Martinis and Mojitos to alcohol-free spritzes, their rotating menu is made with quality spirits, fresh juices, and absolutely no artificial preservatives. Every kit is hand-prepped in Bedfordshire and delivered nationwide, all in packaging that fits neatly through the letterbox.
And they’re not just mixing drinks, they’re stirring up the awards scene too. Letterbox Cocktails was recently a finalist in the SME Bedfordshire Business Awards and scooped the £100K Launchpad Award at The Business Show 2024. Not bad for a wee hipflask that brightened my day.
Most ready-to-pour cocktails tend to miss the mark, they’re too sweet, too weak, and often with a hint of something artificial lurking in the mix. But not this one. Once chilled, my Blood Orange Martini was a total delight. Balanced, punchy, and refreshingly sharp, it made for the perfect companion as the Friday sun dipped and the weekend rolled in.
I’m a fan of these cocktails. They’re the kind you want to take on wee adventures. Picture this: a soak in a hot tub with the girls, fizzing and laughing under the stars. Or pulling one out at the summit after bagging a Munro, toast raised, boots muddy, spirits high. They’d be a hit for hens, stags, birthdays, weddings… any moment worth celebrating. They even make cracking gifts; they’re stylish, thoughtful, and ready to pour. Honestly, the possibilities are as endless as the weekend plans.
Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword for Letterbox Cocktails, it’s baked into every sip and shipment. From widely recyclable packaging to a waste-conscious production process, they’re stirring up change with every cocktail crafted. Greener product design and smarter delivery methods are all part of their ongoing mission to tread lightly without compromising flavour.
And now, they’re inviting fans to join the next chapter. Whether you love a well-made drink, champion Women owned British brands, or just fancy a cheeky cocktail with zero hassle, Letterbox Cocktails is opening the door to its Crowdfunder. It’s your chance to help shape the future of at-home mixology and toast to something brilliant in the making. Details on how you can become part of Jennies & Letterbox Cocktails story is below.
Each bottle is priced at £19.95 and will serve you up approximately 3 cocktails. Not bad considering the average price of a cocktail is around £12 in Edinburgh!
For more information on Letterbox Cocktails and how to order head to their website at www.letterbox-cocktails.com and to help support their Crowdfunder Campaign – https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/letterbox-cocktails
Non-Alcoholic and Lighter Cocktails
A warm summer’s day calls for something light, fresh, and full of flavour, without all the alcohol. Whether you’re cutting back, staying health-conscious, or simply want a break from heavy drinks, mocktails and low ABV drinks are the perfect way to keep things festive without overindulging.
Discover our favourite mocktail recipes, low-alcohol drinks, and non-alcoholic cocktails that celebrate the best of summer, without the hangover.
Cucumber Mint Fizz – Light, Fresh, and Hydrating
This Cucumber Mint Fizz is a crisp, sophisticated mocktail that’s perfect for a warm day in the garden.
How to Make a Cucumber Mint Fizz:
● 1/2 cucumber, diced
● 6-8 fresh mint leaves
● 25ml lemon juice
● 15ml simple syrup
● Soda water
● Ice
Method:
- Muddle cucumber and mint leaves in a glass.
- Add lemon juice, simple syrup, and ice.
- Top with soda water and give it a gentle stir.
- Garnish with a cucumber ribbon and a sprig of mint.
Low ABV Sangria – Fruity and Festive
If you’re looking for a light drink that’s perfect for sharing, this low ABV Sangria is a wonderful way to celebrate summer without the heavy alcohol content.
How to Make Low ABV Sangria:
● 500ml light white wine or spritzer
● 1 orange, diced
● 1 lemon, diced
● 1 handful strawberries, diced
● 500ml soda water
● Ice
Method:
- Combine diced fruit and white wine in a large jug.
- Chill in the fridge for 1–2 hours.
- Top with soda water and serve chilled over ice.
Tropical Mocktail – A Vacation in a Glass
Bring a taste of the tropics to your back garden with this vibrant Tropical Mocktail, perfect for all ages.
How to Make a Tropical Mocktail:
● 100ml pineapple juice
● 50ml orange juice
● 25ml coconut water
● 10ml grenadine
● Ice
Method:
- Fill a glass with ice.
Pour in the orange juice, pineapple juice, and coconut water. - Slowly add grenadine to create a sunset-like gradient.
- Garnish with a slice of orange or a wedge of pineapple.
Why Mocktails and Low ABV Drinks Are Ideal For Summer
Mocktails and low-alcohol drinks allow you to stay refreshed and present during all your summer events, whether you’re at a barbecue, a pool party, or a picnic in the park.
They’re a great way to cut back on alcohol while still enjoying sophisticated, festive drinks alongside friends and family.
Celebrate a Healthier Summer with Social and Cocktail
If you’re hosting a summer gathering, a wedding, or a barbecue and want to cater for everyone’s preferences, Social and Cocktail can help.
We can create a bespoke mocktail menu, featuring a range of low-ABV drinks alongside your favourite classics, all expertly made by our team of professional mixologists.Discover our cocktail packages at Social and Cocktail and let us bring a fresh twist to your summer!
Why settle for warm lager and sunburn when you could sip in style?
There’s something oddly British about burning sausages in the garden while insisting “it’s definitely BBQ weather” through gritted teeth and ominous cloud cover. But once the grill’s ablaze and you’ve accepted that Aunt Margaret’s potato salad is more mayonnaise than vegetable, it’s time to elevate your outdoor gathering—with cocktails.
Forget your flat cider or the suspicious bottle of Pimms that’s been lurking since the Diamond Jubilee. These cocktails are here to complement your barbie like ketchup to a bacon butty. And yes, they’re ridiculously easy to make—because no one wants to play mixologist while also trying not to cremate the chicken thighs.
1. Smoky Paloma
Pairs with: Grilled chicken, burnt bits, and delusions of being in Mexico.
The Paloma is criminally underrated in the UK—much like sunscreen. It’s a grapefruit and tequila concoction that brings brightness, bitterness, and a bit of pizzazz to your plastic cup.
Ingredients:
- 50ml tequila (preferably something that doesn’t come in a novelty bottle)
- Fresh grapefruit juice
- Soda water
- Pinch of sea salt
- Lime wedge
Method:
Pour tequila and grapefruit juice over ice, top with soda, add a pinch of salt (for sophistication), and garnish with lime. Sip while saying things like “notes of citrus” and pretending the dog hasn’t just stolen a burger.
2. Bourbon Peach Iced Tea
Pairs with: Pulled pork, brisket, and passive-aggressively competing BBQs from next door.
Sweet, smoky, and a little bit sultry—just like your uncle after his third beer. This one brings the charm of the American South to your British back garden, minus the humidity and existential angst.
Ingredients:
- 50ml bourbon
- Cold black tea
- Peach nectar or purée
- Lemon juice
- Mint sprig (for the illusion of health)
Method:
Mix all ingredients in a jug. Add ice. Add more ice. Realise you’ve forgotten to buy ice. Improvise with frozen peas. Serve anyway. It’s delicious.
3. Classic Gin & Tonic with a Twist
Pairs with: Grilled fish, courgette skewers, and friends who use “smoky” as a compliment when things are clearly overdone.
You already know and love a G&T. But let’s zhuzh it up a bit so it feels intentional, rather than “this was all we had in the cupboard”.
Ingredients:
- 50ml good quality gin
- Indian tonic water
- A few cucumber ribbons or a sprig of rosemary
- Black peppercorns (yes, really)
Method:
Assemble in a glass like you’re on MasterChef. Garnish with confidence. Sip and look smug. You’re classy now.
4. Spicy Bloody Mary
Pairs with: BBQ breakfast, sausages, and the emotional hangover of watching England lose on penalties.
A Bloody Mary isn’t just for brunch—it’s the fire extinguisher for whatever “flavour experiment” Dave attempted on the grill. The spice cuts through the char, and the tomato juice lets you lie to yourself about drinking something nutritious.
Ingredients:
- 50ml vodka
- Tomato juice
- Dash of Worcestershire sauce
- Squeeze of lemon
- Hot sauce (as brave as you dare)
- Celery stick or gherkin to stir and stab people with
Method:
Stir it all together, throw in a celery stick, and keep one hand free for a sausage roll.
5. Elderflower Spritz
Pairs with: Lighter fare, salad dodgers, and pretending this is a refined affair.
If your BBQ leans less “meat feast” and more “garden party with gluten-free halloumi options,” then an elderflower spritz is your go-to. Floral, fizzy, and deceptively strong—it’s a gentle knockout.
Ingredients:
- 25ml elderflower liqueur
- 75ml prosecco
- 25ml soda water
- Lemon slice
Method:
Pour everything into a wine glass. Garnish with lemon and delusions of continental elegance. Sip while judging your neighbours’ bunting.
Final Tips for Backyard Boozing
- Stay hydrated. Water is still a thing, apparently.
- Pace yourself. BBQs are a marathon, not a sprint. Especially when someone insists on doing “a second round of burgers.”
- Use actual cups. No one wants a cocktail that tastes like last year’s plastic.
So there you have it—five cocktails to raise your BBQ game from “functional” to “fabulous.” Dust off your apron, fire up the grill, and remember: even if the weather lets you down (and it will), your drinks shouldn’t.
Cheers!
Enjoy Wimbledon In Style
Wimbledon isn’t just about the tennis; it’s a quintessential British summer event filled with strawberries, cream, and a touch of indulgence.
Whether you’re cheering from the stands, lounging at home, or hosting a tennis party, these Wimbledon cocktails bring a sophisticated twist to the match. From strawberries-and-cream delights to light, summery sippers, we’ve got you covered.
Strawberry Cream Martini
This rich and creamy cocktail is a perfect match for the strawberries and cream tradition of Wimbledon.
How to Make a Strawberry Cream Martini:
● 50ml vanilla vodka
● 25ml strawberries and cream liqueur
● 25ml single cream
● 2 strawberries, diced
Method:
- Muddle strawberries in a shaker.
- Add vanilla vodka, strawberries and cream liqueur, and single cream.
- Shake with ice and fine-strain into a chilled martini glass.
- Garnish with a fresh strawberries on the rim.
Pimms Cup – A Tennis Party Classic
The Pimms Cup is a quintessential British summer drink — perfect for Wimbledon, garden parties, and lazy afternoons in the sun.
How to Make a Pimms Cup:
● 50ml Pimm’s No. 1
● Lemonade
● Cucumber, strawberries, orange, and mint to garnish
● Ice
Method:
- Fill a glass with ice.
- Pour in Pimm’s.
- Top with chilled lemonade.
- Add strawberries, cucumber, orange, and a sprig of mint for a fresh, festive touch.
Strawberry Gin Fizz – A Sweet, Summery Sipper
This light and sparkling cocktail is a wonderful way to celebrate Wimbledon and all things strawberries.
How to Make a Strawberry Gin Fizz:
● 50ml gin
● 25ml strawberries purée
● 15ml lemon juice
● Soda water
● strawberries and lemon twist to garnish
Method:
- Shake the gin, strawberries purée, and lemon juice with ice.
- Strain into a tall glass filled with ice.
- Top with soda water.
- Garnish with strawberries and a lemon twist.
Why Wimbledon Cocktails Are a Must
The combination of strawberries, cream, and a touch of alcohol encapsulates everything we love about British summertime and Wimbledon. Whatever match you’re watching, these cocktails add a festive twist to your tennis party drinks, making sure everyone feels a part of the action, without ever lifting a racket.
So grab your strawberries, chill your glasses, and toast to a wonderful Wimbledon.
Celebrate in Style with Social and Cocktail
If you want to serve up a match-winning drinks experience this Wimbledon, let Social and Cocktail do the hard work for you. Our team can bring a mobile cocktail bar, experienced mixologists, and tailored drinks menus straight to your home or venue. Discover our cocktail packages here and celebrate Wimbledon in style!
Strong, spirited, and occasionally shaken—just like your old man.
Ah, Father’s Day. That magical Sunday in June when we celebrate the man who taught us how to ride a bike, change a tire, and tell a truly terrible pun with full confidence. This year, instead of another novelty tie or “World’s Best Dad” mug (he already has six), why not serve up something that’s strong, well-balanced, and totally dad-worthy?
Yes, we’re talking cocktails.
Whether your dad’s a classic Old Fashioned kind of guy, a beer-turned-cocktail explorer, or just in it for a good story and a stiff drink, we’ve got a line-up of Father’s Day sippers that’ll knock his socks off (hopefully the ones with sandals).
So dust off the cocktail shaker and raise a glass—because these drinks are pop stars in their own right.
1. The Old Fashioned Father
For the dad who still calls the remote the “clicker” and insists music was better in his day.
Ingredients:
- 60ml bourbon or rye whiskey
- 1 sugar cube (or 1 tsp simple syrup)
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Orange peel
Method:
Muddle the sugar and bitters in a glass. Add whisky and ice. Stir like you’re thinking about mowing the lawn. Garnish with an orange peel and a groan-worthy pun.
Dad Joke Pairing:
“Why did the dad carry a whiskey bottle in his toolbox?
In case he needed a screwdriver.”
2. The Rad Dad Rickey
Cool, crisp, and endlessly refreshing—just like your old man in those cargo shorts and aviators.
Ingredients:
- 50ml gin (or bourbon for a twist)
- Juice of half a lime
- Sparkling water
- Lime wedge
Method:
Fill a tall glass with ice, add gin and lime juice, top with sparkling water, and give it a quick stir. Serve with a lime wedge and a reminder that dad invented hydration.
Dad Joke Pairing:
“What do you call a dad who makes cocktails?
A poptender!”
3. Papa’s Paloma
For the dad who dreams of a beach chair, but settles for the recliner. This grapefruit-forward cocktail is sweet, salty, and sassy—just like his dad jokes.
Ingredients:
- 50ml tequila
- 100ml grapefruit soda (or fresh juice + soda water)
- Lime juice
- Salt for the rim
Method:
Rim a glass with salt, fill with ice, add tequila and lime, then top with grapefruit soda. Stir gently and serve with sunglasses and dad’s favourite grilling playlist.
Dad Joke Pairing:
“I asked dad if he wanted a salty rim and he said,
‘Only if it comes with a side of complain chips.‘”
4. Manhattan Your Business
For the distinguished dad with a closet full of flannel and an appreciation for the classics—this cocktail doesn’t mess around (much like his “serious talk” voice).
Ingredients:
- 60ml rye whiskey
- 30ml sweet vermouth
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Cherry (for garnish)
Method:
Stir ingredients with ice, strain into a coupe glass, and garnish with a cherry. Sip slowly while dad tells you the exact year they stopped making “real cars.”
Dad Joke Pairing:
“Did you hear about the dad who opened a cocktail bar?
It didn’t do well… turns out people didn’t want pop culture.”
5. The “Grill Sergeant” Bloody Mary
Perfect for brunch or pre-barbecue prep—this cocktail is spicy, bold, and comes with its own snack tray. Just like dad’s legendary backyard feasts.
Ingredients:
- 50ml vodka
- 100ml tomato juice
- Dash of Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, lemon juice, salt & pepper
- Celery, olives, bacon, or anything that says “I’m the dad now”
Method:
Build in a tall glass over ice. Stir like you’re flipping burgers. Garnish like a buffet. Sip proudly.
Dad Joke Pairing:
“What did dad say when he served this?
‘Ketchup with me later—I’ve got a Bloody good one!’”
One Last Toast (and Groan)
Father’s Day is about more than just ties, tools, and thermostats—it’s about honouring the man who taught us how to laugh, even (especially) when it’s cringey. This year, skip the golf balls and go straight for the good stuff: a cocktail that’s strong enough to match his wisdom, and silly enough to suit his sense of humour.
So here’s to you, Dad:
May your drink be strong, your jokes be weak, and your day be absolutely dad-lightful.
Celebrate the King’s birthday in style—with drinks that wear a crown of their own.
Every June, the King’s official birthday gives us a perfect excuse to indulge in a bit of pageantry. But this year, why not take your celebration up a notch with cocktails inspired by royalty itself?
Royalty and alcohol have long gone hand in hand—from medieval feasts in candlelit castles to royal receptions at Buckingham Palace. Monarchs have been known to enjoy a good tipple. Queen Elizabeth II famously favoured a Dubonnet and gin before lunch, while Prince Charles (now King Charles III) reportedly prefers a martini made just the way he likes it: strong and no-nonsense.
In the spirit of royal indulgence, here are some cocktails that bring history, elegance, and just the right amount of sparkle to your glass.
1. The King’s Cup
Inspired by Pimm’s—a staple at Wimbledon, Ascot, and just about every royal summer event—this is the go-to cocktail for British garden parties and sunlit terraces.
Royal Connection:
Pimm’s has been a high-society favourite since the 1840s, often served at events attended by the royal family. It’s refreshing, refined, and perfectly patriotic.
Ingredients:
- 50ml Pimm’s No. 1
- 100ml lemonade or ginger ale
- Sliced cucumber, strawberries, orange, mint
- Ice
Method:
Fill a tall glass with ice and fresh fruit. Add Pimm’s, top with lemonade, and garnish with mint. Best enjoyed with a fancy hat.
2. The Royal Martini
Simple, suave, and timeless. While James Bond may have made the martini famous, the royals made it dignified. This drink is the choice of a monarch who likes their evenings calm and their cocktails clean.
Royal Connection:
King Charles is said to prefer his martini dry, with a very specific ratio of gin to vermouth. No fuss, just classic British craftsmanship in a glass.
Ingredients:
- 60ml London dry gin
- 10ml dry vermouth
- Lemon twist or green olive
Method:
Stir (or shake, if you dare) with ice, strain into a martini glass, and garnish with regal simplicity.
3. Coronation Royale
Bubbles, flowers, and a touch of gold—this cocktail is fit for a coronation banquet. Elegant and aromatic, it’s made for making toasts.
Royal Connection:
Elderflower has long been associated with British countryside charm. Paired with Champagne, it evokes images of royal weddings, coronation luncheons, and those sparkling tiaras.
Ingredients:
- 25ml elderflower liqueur
- Chilled Champagne or prosecco
- Edible gold flakes (optional)
Method:
Pour elderflower liqueur into a flute, top with Champagne, and add a dash of gold if you’re feeling decadent. Long live the fizz!
4. The Crown Jewel Negroni
Bold and beautifully bitter, this drink is not for the faint-hearted. But like the monarchy itself, it’s enduring, iconic, and unmistakably striking.
Royal Connection:
Named in honour of the Crown Jewels, this ruby-hued drink is worthy of any velvet-draped royal affair. Serve with gravitas.
Ingredients:
- 25ml gin
- 25ml sweet vermouth
- 25ml Campari
- Orange twist
Method:
Stir with ice, strain into a rocks glass, and garnish with an orange slice. Sip slowly—this one commands respect.
5. The Windsor Garden (Mocktail)
For those abstaining or keeping it family-friendly, this sparkling mocktail delivers all the royal charm without the spirit. Fresh, vibrant, and royally inclusive.
Royal Connection:
The name pays tribute to Windsor Castle, the family home of British monarchs for over 900 years. Perfect for little lords and ladies—or a sober sovereign.
Ingredients:
- 50ml cranberry juice
- 25ml orange juice
- Sparkling water
- Lime wedge and berries
Method:
Shake juices with ice, pour into a highball, and top with sparkling water. Garnish like royalty.
Royal celebrations aren’t just about waving flags—they’re about tradition, elegance, and a touch of ceremony. With these cocktails (and mocktails), you can capture that same spirit in every sip.