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Cocktail crates alternatives for events
on Oct 10 2026
Table of Contents
- Why look beyond cocktail crates for your event
- Ready-to-drink cocktails for events
- DIY cocktail kits for your celebration
- Drinks hampers for parties
- Non-alcoholic drinks for events
- Comparison table: your cocktail crates alternatives
- Cost comparison and value for different event sizes
- Venue logistics and service requirements
- Frequently Asked Questions
Last Updated: October 10, 2026
Why look beyond cocktail crates for your event
Cocktail crates are convenient, but they're not your only option when planning an event. Whether you're hosting a small gathering or a large celebration, cocktail crates alternatives for events offer different benefits depending on your guest count, budget, and how much effort you want to put in.
The truth is, the best choice depends on your specific needs. Some alternatives deliver better value. Others offer more flexibility. A few work better for certain group sizes.
This guide breaks down your main options so you can pick what actually fits your event, not just what sounds familiar.
Pro Tip
The cost per person matters more than the total price. A solution that seems expensive upfront might be cheaper when divided among your guests.
Ready-to-drink cocktails for events
Ready-to-drink cocktails arrive fully mixed and ready to pour. No shaking, stirring, or measuring needed. Each bottle typically makes approximately 3 servings, so a small pack goes further than you'd expect.
What makes ready-to-drink different
Ready-to-drink cocktails skip the bartender entirely. You open the bottle, pour into a glass, add ice and garnish if you want, and serve. No equipment, no training, no mess.
The main advantage is speed. Your guests get a proper cocktail within seconds of arriving. There's no waiting for someone to mix drinks. This works especially well for events where people arrive at different times.
Scaling up for larger guest counts
Ready-to-drink cocktails scale easily. Whether you're hosting 10 people or 100, you simply order more bottles. Each bottle serves approximately 3 people, so the maths is straightforward.
For larger events, ordering variety matters. Ten different flavours keeps things interesting. Our Go Biggest Party Pack delivers 24 cocktails in 6 flavours of your choice, giving you 72+ servings total, enough for most medium-sized celebrations without running dry. If you want even more control over what goes into your order, you can build your own boxes to match your guests' preferences exactly.
DIY cocktail kits for your celebration
DIY kits give you spirits, mixers, and fresh ingredients so you can make drinks yourself. You follow instructions and pour. This works well if you enjoy bartending or want guests to feel involved in the experience.
What you get in a DIY kit
A typical DIY kit includes spirits (vodka, gin, rum, or whiskey), mixers (tonic, cola, juice), fresh citrus, herbs like mint or basil, and step-by-step instructions. Some kits include tools like shakers, jiggers, or bar spoons. You handle all the mixing and serving.
The appeal is hands-on. Your guests watch you work, or they make their own drinks at a DIY bar station. It feels like a proper bar experience. The downside is real: mixing drinks correctly takes practice. Inconsistent pours mean inconsistent flavours. Fresh ingredients like citrus and herbs stay fresh for only 2-3 days, so you can't prepare far in advance. If a guest asks for a drink you didn't plan for, you're stuck.
Timing and effort per guest
Prep time matters too. You need to juice citrus, chop herbs, measure spirits into bottles, and chill mixers the day before. Budget 1-2 hours for prep work, depending on kit complexity.
When DIY kits work best
DIY kits suit small gatherings (under 15 people) where you have time to focus on mixing. They work for tasting sessions where the process is part of the entertainment. They work for team-building events where guests enjoy making their own drinks.
DIY kits don't work well when:
- You're hosting alone and need to manage other tasks
- Your guests arrive at different times (you can't mix drinks in advance)
- You have guests with varying skill levels or confidence
- Your event is larger than 20 people
- You need consistency across multiple rounds
For most events, the time and skill required make DIY kits less practical than ready-to-drink alternatives. Ready-to-drink cocktails let you focus on hosting rather than bartending.
Drinks hampers for parties
Drinks hampers combine multiple drink types in one presentation. You might get cocktail bottles, wines, spirits, mixers, and snacks all packaged together. They look impressive and feel premium.
Premium presentation and gifting
Hampers arrive beautifully packaged. They're designed to impress visually. This matters for corporate events, weddings, and occasions where presentation counts. Your guests see quality before they taste anything. If you're looking for something tailored to your event, our wedding favours and corporate gifting collections offer curated options that work perfectly for these occasions.
The downside is flexibility. You get what's in the hamper. If your crowd doesn't drink wine, half the hamper sits unused. Hampers work best when you know your guests' tastes in advance.
Key Takeaway
Hampers are best for gifting or as a centrepiece. They're less practical if you need to serve drinks quickly to a mixed group.
Non-alcoholic drinks for events
Not everyone drinks alcohol. Some guests abstain for health, religious, or personal reasons. Offering alcohol-free options shows you've thought about your entire guest list.
Many ready-to-drink brands now offer non-alcoholic versions. These taste like proper cocktails without the spirits. They cost slightly less and work in the same way, no mixing required.
For events with diverse groups, ordering a mix of alcoholic and alcohol-free options keeps everyone included. A ratio of 70% alcoholic and 30% alcohol-free works for most mixed gatherings.
Comparison table: your cocktail crates alternatives
| Option | Best For | Guest Count | Setup Time | Cost Per Person |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ready-to-drink cocktails | Speed and convenience | Any size | Under 5 mins | |
| DIY kits | Hands-on experience | Small (under 20) | 20-30 mins | |
| Drinks hampers | Premium gifting | Small (under 15) | 10 mins | |
| Non-alcoholic options | Inclusive events | Any size | Under 5 mins |
Cost comparison and value for different event sizes
The price per person changes based on how many guests you're hosting. Larger orders often bring the cost down.
Small gatherings (10-20 guests)
For 10-20 people, ready-to-drink cocktails make sense. A single Go Big Party Pack (6 bottles, £71.95) serves 18 cocktails, roughly £4 per person for drinks. Add non-alcoholic options if needed.
DIY kits work here too if you want involvement. Budget £6-10 per person for quality ingredients and your time.
Medium events (20-50 guests)
At 20-50 guests, order the Go Bigger Party Pack (12 bottles, £142.95). This serves 36+ cocktails, bringing the cost to around £4 per person. You can order multiple packs in different flavours for variety.
For this size, ready-to-drink beats DIY. You're not spending your entire event mixing drinks.
Large celebrations (50+ guests)
For 50+ guests, the Go Biggest Party Pack (24 bottles, £285.95) delivers 72+ cocktails at roughly £4 per person. Order multiple packs if you want more flavour variety. This scales easily without quality dropping.
Go Bigger Party Pack – 12 Premium Letterbox Cocktails for Every Celebration →
At this scale, hampers and DIY kits become impractical. You need a solution that requires minimal effort from you.
Watch Out
Underestimating guest count is common. Order 20% more than you think you need. Guests drink more at celebrations than at regular occasions.
Venue logistics and service requirements
Different drink options need different setups. Understanding your venue's constraints is crucial before you choose.
Refrigeration and storage
Ready-to-drink cocktails need cold storage. Each bottle takes up roughly the space of a wine bottle. For 50 guests (12-15 bottles), you need a standard fridge or cool box with ice packs. Most venues have this. If your event is outdoors or in a marquee, bring a cool box or hire a drinks cooler.
DIY kits need less fridge space (just the mixers and fresh ingredients), but you need counter space to work. Hampers need display space but no refrigeration if they're for gifting.
Glassware and serving equipment
Ready-to-drink cocktails need serving glasses. Budget 1.5 glasses per guest (people use more than one). For 30 guests, that's 45 glasses. Most venues provide these, but confirm in advance. If not, hire glassware or use reusable plastic cups (less elegant but practical for gardens).
DIY kits need the same glassware, plus ice, a bar spoon, and a jigger. You'll also need a dedicated surface to work on, a kitchen counter or a hired bar table.
Hampers need serving glasses but no special equipment.
Ice requirements
Ice is easy to overlook. Most venues have ice makers, but outdoor events and marquees often don't. Order ice in advance or hire a cool box with ice included.
Waste and cleanup
Ready-to-drink cocktails create minimal waste: empty bottles and used glasses. Recycling bins for glass are standard at most venues.
DIY kits create more waste: citrus peel, herb stems, and empty bottles. You'll need a waste bin nearby.
Hampers create packaging waste (boxes, tissue, wrapping). Plan for recycling.
Setup time
Ready-to-drink cocktails: 5-10 minutes. Chill bottles, set out glasses, add ice.
DIY kits: 20-30 minutes. Arrange ingredients, chill mixers, set up the bar area, brief yourself on recipes.
Hampers: 10 minutes. Unpack and display.
Licensing and venue restrictions
If your venue is licensed (a hired space, hotel, or pub), you can usually bring your own drinks, but confirm the venue's policy. Some venues charge a corkage fee (typically £2-5 per bottle). Others forbid outside alcohol entirely.
If you're hosting at home or in a private garden, there are no restrictions.
For corporate events, check your venue's insurance and alcohol policy. Some corporate spaces require you to use their approved suppliers.
Staffing and service
Ready-to-drink cocktails require no staff. Guests pour their own or you pour for them, either way, it's simple.
DIY kits require you (or a hired bartender) to mix drinks.
Hampers require no service.
For most events, ready-to-drink cocktails from Letterbox Cocktails offer the best balance. They arrive ready to serve, require minimal setup, work at any venue, and need no special skills or staffing. You can order exactly what you need, customise flavours, and focus on hosting rather than logistics.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best cocktail crates alternatives for events?
Ready-to-drink cocktails, DIY kits, and drinks hampers are the main alternatives to traditional cocktail crates. Ready-to-drink options like Letterbox Cocktails offer convenience and premium quality without mixing required. DIY kits give guests a hands-on experience, while drinks hampers provide curated selections with excellent presentation. Choose based on your guest count, budget, and how involved you want your guests to be in the experience.
Are ready-to-drink cocktails suitable for serving at events?
Yes, ready-to-drink cocktails work well for events of any size. They arrive ready to serve, require no equipment or bartending skills, and come with garnishes and serving instructions. Each 275ml bottle serves approximately 3 cocktails, making them scalable from intimate gatherings to large celebrations. They're particularly useful when you want to focus on hosting rather than preparation.
What should you include in a DIY cocktail kit for guests?
A good DIY cocktail kit includes pre-measured spirits, mixers, fresh garnishes, and clear instructions. Some kits provide everything except ice and glassware, while others include bar tools. The best kits balance ease of use with genuine craft, guests should feel like they're making a real cocktail, not just mixing pre-made components. Check that ingredients are quality and quantities match your guest count.
How can you cater for guests who do not drink alcohol at events?
Offer dedicated non-alcoholic alternatives rather than just leaving them out. Many ready-to-drink cocktail providers now offer alcohol-free versions alongside their standard range. You can also create a separate non-alcoholic drinks hamper with premium mixers, sparkling drinks, and craft sodas. This ensures all guests feel included and celebrated, not like an afterthought.
What is the cost difference between cocktail crates and ready-to-drink alternatives?
Ready-to-drink cocktails typically cost £11-£24 per bottle depending on the pack size and customisation. A Go Big Party Pack (6 bottles) costs £71.95, while a Go Biggest Party Pack (24 bottles) costs £285.95. Ready-to-drink options often offer better value per serving when you account for no waste, no equipment needed, and premium presentation included.
Choosing the right drink solution makes hosting easier. Ready-to-drink cocktails eliminate the stress of mixing while delivering quality your guests expect. Whether you're planning a birthday, wedding, corporate event, or celebration, Letterbox Cocktails offers party packs that scale to your guest count and budget. Browse our range of cocktail crates alternatives and order your pack today, your guests will taste the difference.
