Cocktail Crates reviewed: is it actually worth ordering?

I bought my first box from Cocktail Crates as a birthday present for my sister, who claims she can taste the difference between a good Espresso Martini and a lazy one. I figured that would be a decent test. Spoiler: she approved, and I ended up ordering another box for myself a few weeks later.

What Cocktail Crates actually sells

The idea is simple. They put together cocktail gift sets and boxes that include everything you need to make a proper drink at home. Spirits, flavourings, spices, the lot. You can order a one-off box for an occasion or set up a subscription that arrives monthly, bi-monthly or quarterly.

The range is big. Margaritas, Pina Coladas, Negronis, Old Fashioneds, plenty of Martini variations, and even alcohol-free mocktail sets. Most gift sets sit around the £42 to £48 mark, and there are pricier charcuterie boxes if you want food paired with the drinks.

What stood out to me

A few things genuinely surprised me, in a good way.

• The recipes are easy to follow. I am not a mixologist. The instructions were clear enough that my Espresso Martini came out looking like something you would actually pay for in a bar.
• The variety is real. Beyond the usual classics there are things like Margarita Picante and a Pornstar Martini set, so it does not feel like the same three cocktails repackaged.
• The charcuterie upgrade is a nice touch. I did not go for it, but if you are planning a proper night in with friends, pairing the food with the drinks is a clever bit of thinking.

The bits that could be better

Honestly, my main gripe is delivery. The site mentions up to 21 days from order, which is a long stretch if you are cutting it fine before a birthday. Order well ahead and you are fine, but do not leave it to the last minute.

The other thing is price. These are gift-priced boxes, not an everyday buy. For a treat or a present they feel fair, but you would not order one every Friday without noticing it on your bank statement.

My verdict

I went in slightly sceptical, expecting a nicely packaged box with cheap ingredients inside. That was not the case. The ingredients felt good quality, the drinks tasted better than I expected, and the whole thing made for a fun evening rather than just a gift that gets opened and forgotten.

If you want something a bit more thoughtful than the usual bottle of wine, or you fancy a low-effort cocktail night without going out, Cocktail Crates is worth a look. Just order early and you will be sorted.