De Kuyper has raised the bar for Ready-to-Serve cocktails with the launch of their stunning new range, quickly becoming a must-have for cocktail lovers nationwide. From creamy Piña Coladas to trusted Passionfruit Martinis, these latest offerings deliver on all fronts – flavour, freshness, and authenticity.
Portia Freeman, TV’s favourite ‘Queen of Cocktails’, agrees. She has revealed her top tips for effortless seasonal hosting, offering her expertise to those looking to create the perfect cocktail experience at home:
- Pre-Batch Your Cocktails, angels: Get ahead of the game by prepping your cocktails before your guests arrive. Better yet, embrace the ease of De Kuyper’s Ready-to-Serve cocktails—just chill, pour, and enjoy. No shaker? No stress.
- 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.
- Pairing is Everything: Food and cocktails are the ultimate power couple. Choose nibbles that complement your drinks—seasonal dishes that echo the flavors in your cocktails will have your guests raving.
- Keep Garnishes Simple: Over-the-top garnishes aren’t necessary. If you’re able to forage something edible like a seasonal fruit or herb, this can elevate your cocktail considerably. Or how about a twist of citrus or some frozen berries from the freezer? Eye catching and easy!
- Creative Ice Cubes: Switch up regular ice cubes and try freezing herbal tea for a splash of color and an added burst of flavor as they melt.
- Shake or Pour? You Choose: De Kuyper’s Ready-to-Serve cocktails are designed for versatility. 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.
Portia also offers essential hosting tips for elevating social gatherings this season:
- Set the Mood with Lighting: Lighting can make or break the ambiance. Think twinkling fairy lights, plenty of candles, and festoon lighting to create a warm, inviting glow. Surround them with some left over garnishes for that extra touch of enchantment.
- Let Scent Be Your Secret Weapon: A well-chosen scent can elevate the entire experience. Essential oils in a diffuser will keep the atmosphere relaxed and inviting from start to finish.
- The Power of a Playlist: Music sets the tone for your gathering. Curate a playlist that mirrors the vibe you want to create—classy, with a dash of nostalgia for those feel-good moments.
- Switch Up the Scenery: If possible, change locations throughout the evening. Start with cocktails on the patio, dine indoors, and finish with after-dinner drinks and blankets under the stars. A game of cards, anyone?
- Be Ready for Anything: We’re in England, after all! Be prepared for a change in weather. Have a plan to move things indoors without losing the magic.
- Keep It Simple, Keep It Calm: Hosting should be fun, not stressful. Keep things simple, lean into the calm, and remember—you’re there to enjoy yourself, too!
De Kuyper has been a longstanding favourite in the world of mixology, well known for creating the best tasting cocktail liqueurs using natural botanicals and handcrafted distillates and extracts. The ready-to-serve additions comprise of a Pina Colada (De Kuyper Coconut Liqueur, De Kuyper Pineapple Liqueur and rum), a Strawberry Daiquiri (De Kuyper Wild Strawberry Liqueur, lime juice, and a pleasant rum punch), a Passionfruit Martini (De Kuyper Passionfruit Liqueur, vodka, smooth vanilla syrup, and a zing of lime), and an Espresso Martini (espresso, De Kuyper Crème de Café Liqueur, and a lively boost of vodka), joining the existing Clover Club and Cosmopolitan cocktails. The 50cl bottles have an ABV of 14.5% except the Passionfruit Martini at ABC 12%, and retail at just £13 – a steal for anyone looking to create an authentic cocktail bar experience and flavour from the comfort of their home.
Host like a pro this season with De Kuyper’s Ready-to-Serve cocktail range, available across UK supermarkets now.
