Make Your Own Cocktail Kit Gift Set in 2024

Get ready to spread joy and get in the festive (ahem) spirit this holiday season with the perfect gift: homemade cocktail gift sets! In this guide, we’re sharing all our insider tips on crafting delightful presents that sparkle with flavour and cheer. Elevate your gifting game and bring a touch of merriment to your foodie friends with The Mixer’s expert tips. Cheers to happy celebrations! 

Ingredients for DIY cocktail kit gift sets

If you’re wondering how to make a cocktail gift set for specific cocktails, step right up. The Mixer team has done a handy breakdown of the elements you’ll need for five of our favourite cocktails and five of our most clinkable mocktails. Let’s get crafty! 

Moscow Mule

The Moscow Mule is a classic cocktail made with vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice, served over ice in a distinctive copper mug. The combination of the smooth vodka, zesty lime, and the crisp bite of ginger beer creates a refreshing and iconic drink. The copper mug not only adds a unique presentation but also helps keep the cocktail wonderfully cold.  

To put together a cocktail mix gift set for Moscow Mule lovers, start by assembling:  

• SKYY Vodka 
• Ginger beer 
• Lime juice (fresh limes or bottled juice) 
• Copper mugs 

You can either add full bottles of spirit and mixer to the gift box, or you can decant it into smaller containers to make a portioned gift set. If you really want to put this present over the top, consider making your own ginger beer at home and labelling it with some festive cheer.  

Read next: Bring the Festive Cheer with Our Edible Gifts for Christmas 

Old Fashioned

An Old Fashioned cocktail gift set is a suave choice for a sophisticated cocktail lover. The Old Fashioned is a straightforward, robust cocktail. Bourbon or rye whiskey, sugar syrup, and bitters meld over ice. The result is a balanced harmony of smoky, sweet, and bitter notes. A twist of orange peel complements the warm depth, offering a timeless and uncomplicated sipping experience. 

To assemble a gift box, you will need:  

• Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon 
• Simple syrup 
• Bitters 
• Orange peel (fresh oranges or dehydrated orange slices) 

Making simple syrup is easier than you think, and you can also infuse it with spices or fruit. This in and of itself makes a great gift.  

Cosmopolitan

A Cosmo is a balance of tart and sweet. The citrusy punch of vodka and orange liqueur harmonises with cranberry’s tang, creating a lively and refreshing sip. It’s a zesty dance on the palate, leaving a crisp and satisfying finish that lingers briefly, inviting another round of this classic and vibrant cocktail. 

To put together a Cosmo gift box, gather the following:  

• SKYY Citrus-infused vodka 
• Grand Marnier Orange Liqueur 
• Cranberry juice 
• Lime juice (fresh limes or bottled juice) 
• Orange peel (fresh oranges, or dehydrated orange slices) 

Get crafty: 13 Best Craft Cocktails to Make at Home 

Mulled Wine 

If ever there was a cocktail mixer gift set that’s tailor-made for the festive season, it’s DIY Mulled Wine. The rich warmth of the beverage carries hints of seasonal spices, creating a soothing and familiar flavour. It’s a delightful embrace of winter in every sip, offering a gentle and cosy experience for the palate. 

To make a Mulled Wine gift set, you’ll need:  

• A bottle of red wine 
• Cognac (small measure, so consider a decanted flask or jar) 
• Citrus fruit of choice (fresh, or dehydrated slices) 
• Maple syrup or honey 
• Festive spices (e.g., star anise, clove, cinnamon sticks, pink peppercorns) 

Since the spices must be strained out of the Mulled Wine at the end of the preparation period, it’s a nice touch to present the spices in a little pouch made of muslin or 100% cotton.  

You might also like: 17 Father’s Day Cocktails to Celebrate Dad This Year  

Bee’s Knees

The Bee’s Knees offers a harmonious blend of citrusy brightness and floral sweetness. The zesty notes of fresh lemon intertwine with the smooth, honeyed undertones, creating a crisp and refreshing sip. The balanced combination delivers a subtly complex flavour that’s both invigorating and subtly soothing. 

The ingredients include: 

• Bulldog Gin 
• Lemon juice (fresh or bottled) 
• Honey syrup 
• Lemons to garnish (fresh, or dehydrated) 

Try making your own honey syrup to add to the gift box. It’s very easy to make at home. We love using local honey to add some regional flare.  

Holly jolly! Christmas Cocktail Party Themes & Matching Cocktails 

Ingredients for non-alcoholic cocktail-making gift sets

You don’t have to make a cocktail gift set with alcohol—if you’re compiling a present for a teetotalling or sober-curious friend or relative, there are many fun mocktail options to consider as well. These include:  

Mock Champagne Punch

This Mock Champagne Punch recipe is great for serving a festive crowd, but the quantities can easily be adjusted to a single serving. You’ll need the following for the gift box:  

• White grape juice 
• Ginger ale or ginger beer 
• A selection of fresh fruit (e.g., apples, oranges, and pomegranates) 

Top tip! You could also add some sugared cranberries as a festive garnish option.  

Shirley Temple

A Shirley Temple is a delightful fusion of sweet and fruity flavours. It’s a playful, non-alcoholic dance of bubbles and a hint of nostalgia—a light, fizzy sip that’s both refreshing and reminiscent of the golden era of Hollywood. To assemble a gift box, gather the following:  

• Ginger ale 
• Grenadine 
• Lime juice (fresh limes or bottled juice) 
• Maraschino cherries to garnish 

Apple Cider Float

Made with warm, spiced apple cider and topped with vanilla ice cream, the Apple Cider Float is the ideal non-alcoholic dessert drink to enjoy before tucking into that slice of pumpkin pie. The ingredients that will need to go in your gift box include:  

• Apple cider 
• Caramel sauce 
• Cinnamon sugar 
• Vanilla ice cream 
• Whipped cream 
• Apples (fresh or dehydrated slices) 
• Cinnamon sticks to garnish 

IMPORTANT! Since two of the elements of this cocktail kit can melt or spoil, it’s best to present it in an insulated container and assemble it right before gifting. 

Pumpkin Spice Latte

A Pumpkin Spice Latte offers a comforting blend of warm spices and rich coffee. The earthiness of pumpkin seamlessly integrates with the aromatic cinnamon and nutmeg, creating a cosy, seasonal embrace. To make up a gift set, gather the following:  

• Coffee beans or espresso powder 
• Vanilla extract 
• Pumpkin purée 
• Pumpkin spice (store-bought or homemade) 
• Maple syrup 
• Milk of choice 

IMPORTANT! If you’re presenting the gift with fresh milk, it’s best to do so in an insulated container.  

Early does it: How to Host a Brunch Party at Home

Strawberry Mojito Mocktail

A Strawberry Mojito Mocktail is a refreshing burst of fruity sweetness and minty coolness. To share it as a gift, compile the following ingredients: 

• Fresh strawberries 
• Lime juice (fresh limes, or bottled juice) 
• Fresh mint leaves 
• Simple syrup 
• Club soda 

IMPORTANT! Since many of the ingredients are fresh and can either wilt or spoil, it’s best to present it in an insulated container and assemble it right before gifting. 

Cocktail-making gift set accessories

Tailoring the perfect holiday gift involves a little more than just assembling ingredients. Elevate your DIY cocktail-making kit with thoughtful packaging, added components, and charming details. 

Cocktail gift set packaging

Selecting the right packaging sets the tone for your DIY cocktail gift. Thrift stores often have unique boxes or baskets that add a personal touch. Opt for sturdy containers to protect delicate items. Consider eco-friendly options like reusable fabric bags or repurposed wooden crates. 

Ingredient packaging

We love using unique glass jars or vintage tins for a charming touch. While you can present the cocktail-making ingredients in their original bottles, it’s also fun to utilise small, airtight containers for garnishes like dehydrated fruits or artisanal cocktail cherries. Label each package clearly, ensuring recipients can easily identify and appreciate the curated ingredients. 

Speaking of gifts: How to Plan a Birthday Party at Home the Easy Way 

Recipe cards

Craft visually appealing recipe cards that showcase the selected cocktails. Personalise the cards with handwritten notes or anecdotes. Include serving suggestions, variations, and the history behind each cocktail. Enhance the aesthetic with holiday-themed illustrations or use found objects like pressed flowers to add a touch of nature. 

TOP TIP: Check out The Mixer’s downloadable recipe cards for some inspiration. 

Glasses

Adding new or thrifted glassware to your cocktail compilation will really elevate your gift set. Ensure each glass complements the selected cocktail or include a variety to cater to different preferences. Clean and polish the glasses thoroughly before gifting. Add personalised touches, such as hand-painted designs or custom tags tied with rustic twine. 

Bar tools

Include a sturdy mixing glass or cocktail shaker, a jigger, and/or a stylish bar spoon. Arrange the tools neatly for an aesthetically pleasing presentation. Thrift shops often carry vintage shakers, strainers, and muddlers. Ensure the tools are clean and in good condition before adding it to your gift box.  

Decorative elements

Elevate the visual appeal of your cocktail gift set with thoughtful decorative elements. Add-ons like vintage coasters, ornate napkin rings, or retro stir sticks can add a touch of nostalgia. Incorporate natural elements like pinecones, cinnamon sticks, or dried herbs for a festive and aromatic ambiance. Personalise the decorations to match the recipient’s style, creating a visually stunning and memorable gift ensemble. 

There you have it— a short and sweet guide to assembling cocktail gift sets that will deck the halls with festive YAY these holidays. Happy gift assembling! Also, remember to sign up for our newsletter when you have a moment – that way we can send more awesome how-to guides like this straight to your inbox.