I'll admit, I've always been skeptical of ready-to-serve cocktails. How could they possibly live up to the delicate craftsmanship of a freshly mixed drink? It’s an art, after all, creating a cocktail, a carefully balanced blend of skill and precision, and if supermarket G&tT are anything to go by, I’m not convinced. So, I was genuinely surprised after my first sip of De Kuyper’s new Ready-to-Serve collection - it seemed to have cracked the home-made cocktail code.
Bring the Cocktail Bar Home with De Kuyper
Words by
Tildy Schaw Miller
25th September 2024
Who said you need to head out to Soho to get yourself a well-shaken martini? Definitely not De Kuyper, who have just launched a line of lavish pre-made cocktails. From frothy espresso martinis to fruity daiquiris, Tildy Schaw Miller went to investigate whether these ready-to-go drinks truly live up to sips straight from the strainer. In addition to gaining some hosting advice from the 'Queen of Cocktails' herself, Portia Freeman.
De Kuyper's ready-to-serve Pina Colada
For over three centuries, De Kuyper has been a hallmark of fine liqueurs and cocktail craftmanship. Now, the family-owned international distillery is helping customers entertain at home, with its newest innovation: a ready-to-serve collection of four timeless classics - Pina Colada, Strawberry Daiquiri, Passionfuit Martini, and Espresso Martini.
Sunday Brunch's Portia Freeman shaking things up at De Kuyper's Supper Club
To celebrate the new collection, De Kuyper hosted an intimate Supper Club at Bourne & Hollingsworth in Clerkenwell, with Sunday Brunch star Portia Freeman, otherwise known as the ‘Queen of Cocktails’. Each classic concoction was paired with a curated summer dish. We kicked the evening off with a vibrant Strawberry Daquiri, which was as refreshingly light and zingy as the burrata, peach and heirloom tomato salad served in tandem.
De Kuyper's supper club setup at Bourne & Hollingsworth, Clerkenwell
De Kuyper's ready-to-serve Strawberry Daiquiri
The Passionfruit Martini stayed true to its opulent, racy tang, while the Espresso Martini, my personal favourite, delivered with its silky, indulgent texture, all while keeping the process incredibly simple – just shake or pour over ice. Both tipples mastered the elusive foamy head, a defining feature of their bar-side equivalents. In fact, I was so impressed, I couldn’t resist serving an Espresso Martini alongside dessert at a dinner party I hosted this weekend.
Every dish at the supper club was made to suit the character of each cocktail
Even if we still want to appear like cocktail connoisseurs to our guests. De Kuyper’s new range proves we can indeed experience the art of cocktail making at home without the fuss.
The supper rounded off nicely with a perfectly poured ready-made espresso martini
Portia Freeman’s Top 6 Cocktail Tips for Hosting
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Pre-Batch Your CocktailsGet ahead of the game by prepping your cocktails before your guests arrive. Just chill, pour, and enjoy. No shaker? No stress!
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Elevate with Glassware: The right glassware can transform a simple drink into a luxurious experience. Switch up your glasses as the evening progresses to keep things fresh and interesting. Plus, the way candlelight dances off the glass? Instant magic.
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Keep Garnishes Simple: Over-the-top garnishes aren’t needed. If you’re able to forage something edible like a seasonal fruit or herb, this can elevate your cocktail considerably. How about a twist of citrus or some frozen berries from the freezer?
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Creative Ice Cubes: Ditch the regular ice cubes and try freezing herbal tea for a splash of color and an added burst of flavor as they melt.
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Shake or Pour? You Choose: . For a bar-like experience, shake your drink with ice before serving. In a rush? Pour it straight from the bottle—either way, the taste offers bar-like quality, at home.
De Kuyper Ready-to-Serve Cocktails are now available across the UK at an RRP £13 / 50cl (14.5% ABV). Stockists include Amazon, Sainsbury’s, Waitrose and Morrisons
