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Last Updated: May 14, 2024, 4:56 a.m.

For anyone looking to revamp the drinking experience from the comfort of home, you can't go wrong with at-home cocktail mixers, which take the pressure out of purchasing different ingredients and figuring out the quantities of each. It's a great addition for parties as well as casual drinking after a hard day's work. The mixers below were chosen for their diverse flavors, ease of use, taste, and more. We were blown away by Monin Cocktail Mixer for its superior flavor options and taste. For our list of products and our comprehensive buying guide, keep reading below!

Cocktail Mixers: The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide

There are quite a few aspects that you will need to keep in mind when browsing for different cocktail mixers. Keeping these important considerations in mind will help you with selecting one for yourself.

How to Choose the Finest Cocktail Mixers

Ingredients

It is important that you have an idea about what your cocktail mixer is made up of, especially in terms of its sugar and calorie content. Natural and plant-based ingredients are always a better alternative to artificial flavors and preservatives. If you are diet-conscious, you can consider cocktail mixers that come with few calories and have zero sugar. Just make sure that the flavor is not compromised, and artificial sweeteners are not added. Recently, bitter, spicy, and herbal flavors are getting more popular than sweet options, so make sure you give them a try.

Versatility

In our opinion, you should invest in a cocktail mixer that will complement various drinks. Look for mixers that can be added to both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, so that you can enjoy your mixer to the fullest. Some cocktail mixers can be consumed on their own as well. The shelf life of most cocktail mixers after they have opened ranges between three to four months. You want to make sure that you finish yours before it expires and you have to throw it away.

Packaging

The packaging of cocktail mixers may seem like a trivial detail, but it can be a game changer for some people. Packaging does not only have to do with appearance and aesthetics; a lot of companies sell their cocktail mixers in plastic bottles, which are neither sustainable nor eco-friendly. Glass bottles are a far better alternative because they are reusable and will add a professional touch to your home bar.

Ease of use

Most cocktail mixers do not come with recipes, so you will have to follow YouTube tutorials or experiment until you find the best recipe for you. Look for cocktail mixers that are easy to measure and do not need to be mixed by specific tools that will only be present in professional bars. Remember that the ingredient quantities are very significant when making cocktails, so try not to eyeball them.

Top Picks

Best Overall: Monin Cocktail Mixer
Most Unique Flavors: Avec Cocktail Mixer
Best Classic: Bittermilk Cocktail Mixer
Best Low Calorie: Jordan's Skinny Mixes Cocktail Mixer
Most Natural: Rsvp Skinnies Cocktail Mixer
Most Traditional: Strongwater Cocktail Mixer

Reviews

Best Overall

Monin Cocktail Mixer

Pros	Cons
Flavorful and delicious Easy to follow instructions Can be mixed with sparkling water	Requires refrigeration once opened

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Most Unique Flavors

Avec Cocktail Mixer

Pros	Cons
Easy and convenient to mix Free from artificial ingredients and preservatives Available in multiple flavors	Pricier than other alternatives Not as flavored as other options

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Best Classic

Bittermilk Cocktail Mixer

Pros	Cons
Great for making old-fashioned drinks Available in nine unique flavors Ingredients are slowly aged for maximum flavor	Glass bottle is prone to cracking

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Best Low Calorie

Jordan's Skinny Mixes Cocktail Mixer

Pros	Cons
Six different flavors in one pack Suitable for alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks Sugar-free and gluten-free	May be too sweet for some

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Most Natural

Rsvp Skinnies Cocktail Mixer

Pros	Cons
Zero calories and zero sugar Multiple flavor options Made using natural, plant-based ingredients	Sachet serving size is smaller than other options

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Most Traditional

Strongwater Cocktail Mixer

Pros	Cons
Gluten-free and non-GMO Makes about 32 cocktails Great aroma and flavor	May be too strong for some

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FAQs

Can cocktail mixers be used to make non-alcoholic drinks?

Yes, you can definitely use cocktail mixers to add flavor to non-alcoholic drinks like sparkling water, lemonade, or seltzer. Just make sure that the cocktail mixer you are using is designed for non-alcoholic drinks. Some can be consumed as stand-alone drinks, while others can even be mixed with water. And, if you want to add a new kick to your daily tea, look for mixers that come in the form of flavored syrups.

What is a good alcohol-to-cocktail mixer ratio?

Unfortunately, there is no right or universal answer to this question. The ratio will depend on the type of cocktail mixer and alcohol that you are using. Strong alcoholic drinks like vodka and rum will need a larger amount of mixer as compared to others like whiskey. If you are a beginner, it is a good idea to start with the general rule of two parts alcohol and one part cocktail mixer. After tasting your drink, you can change the quantities and find the ratio that you like most.

Is investing in cocktail mixers cost-effective?

Since cocktail mixers are now being sold by a lot of different brands, they are available at different prices. Generally, cocktail mixers are considered reasonably priced, especially because they can last for a few months and contribute to making a lot of different drinks. Also, they tend to be very concentrated, which means you only need a very small amount each time. More expensive ones are usually crafted by bartenders themselves.

What is the shelf life of cocktail mixers?

The shelf life of cocktail mixers depends on the ingredients included, packaging material, and whether they need to be refrigerated or not. Mixers made from natural ingredients usually need to be refrigerated because they are free from chemical preservatives that can keep them good at room temperature. If you find a cocktail mixer that can be placed at room temperature for three to four months after opening, there is a high chance that it includes artificial preservatives.

What tools do I need for making cocktails?

Even though cocktail mixers allow you to make drinks without needing specific tools, there are a few useful ones that you may consider investing in. Presentation is important, so make sure you invest in the right glasses to serve your drinks. Jiggers are useful for measuring the ingredients, and shakers will make sure that all your ingredients get dissolved properly. Also, consider buying a few long and spiral bar spoons because they make it easy to stir your drinks.