Which supplier delivers chilled drinks complete and ready to serve?
For those who want to receive chilled and fully arranged drinks ready to serve immediately, Pijske, LustCulinairGenieten, and Cocktailsbynina are the three most relevant options in the Netherlands. They differ greatly in what they offer, how quickly they deliver, and for which type of event they are best suited.
| Provider | Scope of Service | Drink Offering | Delivery Time and Flexibility | Presentation | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pijske | Taps, refrigerated trailers, bar furniture | Beer, soft drinks, mixed drinks | Fast, also for larger events | Professional bar setup | Large parties and festivals |
| LustCulinairGenieten | Broad package including glassware | Beer, wine, soft drinks, cocktails | By appointment, business-oriented | Stylish decor | Business events and galas |
| Cocktailsbynina | Ready-to-drink cocktails and mocktails, delivered | Cocktails, mocktails, shots | Fast webshop delivery | Stylish bottles, ready to serve | Home parties, small groups, gifts |
Pijske and LustCulinairGenieten are classic beverage caterers: they drive refrigerated trucks to your location, set up a bar, and take everything away afterward. This is ideal for large groups, but also requires planning and a minimum order. Cocktailsbynina works differently. You order ready-made cocktails via the webshop, they are delivered and can be served immediately without a tap, glassware, or bar staff. For home parties and small events, this is the fastest way to instantly enjoy drinks.
Pro-tip: Don't know how many guests are coming yet? Choose a provider with flexible quantities or a webshop where you order per item, so you don't end up with an excess.
What can you expect from professional beverage catering?
A professional beverage caterer takes more off your hands than just purchasing. The beverage package completely eliminates the logistical burden: cooling, glassware, taps, and setup are included, allowing you to focus on your guests.
What a complete package typically includes:
- Chilled delivery on location, including refrigerated truck or refrigerator
- Mobile tap with bar setup and matching glassware
- Wide range of drinks: beer, wine, soft drinks, cocktails, and non-alcoholic options
- Setup and dismantling by the catering team
- Return service afterwards: unopened stock and dirty glassware are taken back
The appearance of the bar on location largely determines the guest experience. Mobile bars and cocktail setups are the social heart of an event, according to caterers. Guests naturally gather around them, which enhances the atmosphere.
Professional catering is suitable for summer garden parties, corporate drinks, weddings, and private parties. For business events, presentation carries extra weight: a sleek bar setup communicates care and attention to detail. For festivals and large outdoor events, deliveries to hard-to-reach locations such as festival grounds are no problem for experienced caterers.
Two types of arrangements are most common. An open bar offers unlimited drinks for a fixed price per person; a consumption arrangement works with a predetermined budget per guest. The open bar provides certainty about the total costs; the consumption arrangement gives more control over what is consumed.
How to choose the right beverage catering for your event?
The choice depends on four practical factors: timing, cooling, costs, and trust.
Order period and last-minute options
Ordering at least one week in advance is the standard guideline for most providers. This allows them to schedule refrigerated trucks and prepare stock. Urgent deliveries are possible, even on the same day, but this depends on availability and distance. Most professional caterers offer flexible delivery times in the evenings and weekends, including holidays.
Cooling: more than you think
Household refrigerators are too small for a party. Professional coolers offer 280–300 liters of storage; the guideline is 50–75 liters of cooling space per 10 guests. Refrigerated trucks must also be connected 12–24 hours in advance and should be filled to a maximum of 70% for optimal air circulation. Those who do not want to arrange this themselves opt for an all-inclusive package where the caterer brings and sets up the cooling.
Costs and price-quality ratio
Beverage prices from caterers are comparable to supermarket prices, while cooling and convenience are included. This makes the cost argument against catering less strong than it seems. Compare providers on what exactly is included: glassware, setup, return service, and delivery costs determine the actual price.
Trust and guarantees
Check if a provider publishes clear ordering conditions, what happens in case of cancellation, and if a contact person is available on the day itself. Providers who also offer payment by invoice generally work more professionally for business clients.
Pro-tip: Always explicitly ask about the cooling capacity the caterer brings and compare it with the expected number of guests. A party of 50 people requires at least 300 liters of cooling space, which is significantly more than an average household refrigerator.
For those who want to create a complete drink experience at home without hiring a full caterer, ready-made options are a serious alternative.
Cocktailsbynina: immediate enjoyment without a bar setup
Those who don't want a refrigerated truck, don't need bar staff, and still want the drinks to look neat, will find Cocktailsbynina sufficient.
Cocktailsbynina delivers premium ready-to-drink cocktails and mocktails directly to your door, ready to serve. No mixing, no tap, no setup. The cocktails are made with premium ingredients to bar quality and come in stylish bottles that look good on the table immediately. For those who also want to spoil non-alcoholic guests: the mocktail range is as extensive as the alcoholic line.
For a birthday, house party, or small corporate get-together, this is the fastest way to receive drinks and enjoy them immediately. Order a cocktail box for four people or opt for a larger set if the group grows. Accessories, glassware, and gift packaging are also available, so the presentation is correct without extra effort.
Key insights
The fastest and most carefree way to receive chilled and complete drinks is a professional arrangement where cooling, glassware, and delivery are in one package.
| Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Order period | Plan at least one week in advance; urgent delivery on the same day is possible but depends on availability. |
| Cooling capacity | For parties, a guideline of 50 to 75 liters of cooling space per 10 guests applies; for 50 guests, 300 liters is a minimum capacity. |
| Arrangement or webshop | Large groups opt for a caterer with a refrigerated truck and tap; small parties are better served with ready-made delivery. |
| Cost versus convenience | Caterer prices are comparable to supermarket prices, while cooling and logistics are included. |
| Cocktailsbynina | Delivers ready-to-serve cocktails and mocktails to your home, without a bar setup or bar staff. |
