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