Drinks package for home: what is it and how do you choose?

Thuis kiest een vrouw een drankje uit een pakket dat ze heeft ontvangen.

A home drink package is a pre-arranged assortment of drinks, tailored to the number of guests and the duration of your party. You order it as a complete package, it is delivered to your home, and you don't have to worry about how many crates of beer or bottles of wine you need. Typically, such a package contains beer, wine, and soft drinks in a fixed ratio of beer, wine, and soft drinks, calculated based on an average number of consumptions per person for a party of a few hours.

Advantages at a glance:

  • Convenience: one order, everything arranged, including glasses and cooling
  • Cost control: you know what you'll spend beforehand, no surprises afterward
  • Return service: unopened bottles are returned afterward, so you never pay too much
  • Fewer leftovers: quantities are professionally calculated for your party
  • Accessories included: think of rinsing crates, mobile refrigerators, and suitable glassware

Suitable for individuals who want to organize a birthday, garden party, or family gathering without having to figure out the logistics themselves.

What drink packages are available for home in the Netherlands?

The four most requested options for home parties in the Netherlands vary greatly in style and service. One sentence to clarify: do you choose trusted beer brands or do you want something that goes beyond a crate of pilsner?

Package Content Service Minimum order Best choice for
Hertog-Jan drink package Hertog-Jan pilsner, white and rosé wine, soft drinks, non-alcoholic options Delivery, return service 50 people Traditional party, beer lovers
Brand drink package Brand beer, wine, soft drinks Delivery, optional glassware Varies per provider Quality-conscious beer lovers
Jupiler drink package Jupiler pilsner, red and white wine, soft drinks Delivery, flexible extras Varies per provider Younger guests, informal party
Cocktails by Nina drink package Ready-to-drink cocktails, mocktails, shots, cocktail boxes, accessories Fast delivery, no staff needed No minimum Convenience and luxury, no mixing experience required

The Hertog-Jan drink package from MK Verhuur for 50 people includes 15 crates of Hertog-Jan pilsner, 10 bottles of Rocca Pinot Grigio, 8 bottles of Rocca Rosé, a crate of Hertog-Jan 0.0, Grolsch Radler 0.0, Liefmans Fruitesse, and 20 bottles of soft drinks. This is a broad mix that also caters well to guests who prefer non-alcoholic drinks.

A group of friends stands outside, comparing different drink packages to see which is best.

The Brand drink package focuses on parties where quality is central. Brand beer has a slightly higher market position than standard pilsner, making this package suitable for guests who make conscious choices.

Jupiler appeals to a younger audience. The positioning is informal, and the packages are generally flexible regarding extras, which is convenient if you want to make last-minute adjustments.

Cocktails by Nina operates differently from the three beer-focused packages. No draft beer, no rinsing crates, but ready-to-drink cocktails of bar-quality that you serve directly. No minimum purchase, no staff needed. For a smaller group or a party where the drink menu sparks conversation, this is the strongest choice.

Infographic: how to choose the right drink package for you, step by step

How much drink do you need for your party?

The rule of thumb that event professionals use: count on 2–3 drinks per guest in the first hour, then 1–2 per hour. For a four-hour party, that comes out to about 9 drinks per person. That sounds like a lot, but it's accurate in practice.

How do you ensure there's enough to drink at the party?

Men drink an average of 8.5 glasses per party, women an average of 5.4 glasses. Use that as a minimum for your calculation, not as a ceiling.

Also consider the type of company:

  • Young group of friends: more beer and mixed drinks, less wine
  • Family party with mixed ages: good balance between wine, beer, and a wide non-alcoholic choice
  • Summer party during the day: more soft drinks, wheat beer, and rosé than on a cold evening

Pro-tip: Place carafes with water, mint, and fresh fruit in a few spots. Guests will automatically drink from them in between, which reduces the peak load on alcohol and keeps the atmosphere relaxed.

Want to keep an eye on the budget? Choose one good white and one red wine instead of five different bottles. A limited but quality assortment keeps the party affordable and prevents confusion. For sparkling alternatives to standard soft drinks, there are also other carbonated options that fit well with a varied drink menu.

What additional services complete your drink package?

A good drink package doesn't stop at the bottles. The practical side, cooling, glasses, service, determines just as much whether a party runs smoothly.

  • Cooling: don't use your own refrigerator for large groups. Rental companies supply mobile refrigerators or illuminated flowerpots with ice, so drinks stay cold all evening
  • Rinsing crates and glassware: included with most packages; check this beforehand so you don't have to arrange glasses yourself
  • Draft beer: draft beer is more expensive per consumption than bottled beer and requires extra equipment and often professional service. Weigh that against the atmospheric value
  • Bar staff: for larger parties (from about 45 guests), professional service is not a luxury but a necessity. Bar ladies or gentlemen collect empty glasses, refill drinks, and ensure a neat bar
  • Return service: unopened bottles are returned afterward. You only pay for what was actually drunk

Presentation matters. A good specialty beer tastes richer from the right glass, and a cocktail only becomes truly festive in an elegant coupe. Leftover drinks are best stored in a cool, dark place. Opened wine remains good for two to three days with a vacuum stopper.

Customization is possible with most providers. More wine and less beer, a non-alcoholic package, or a welcome drink upon arrival: state your wishes when booking, and most rental companies will adjust it.

Cocktails by Nina: ready-to-drink cocktails for your home party

Cocktails by Nina is a Dutch webshop that delivers bar-quality cocktails and mocktails, ready-to-drink for home use. No mixer needed, no bartender to hire. You order, it's delivered, and you serve directly.

The assortment includes cocktails, shots, cocktail boxes, and accessories, all prepared with premium ingredients. What sets this apart from a standard beer package:

  • Non-alcoholic mocktails are a full-fledged part of the assortment, not an afterthought
  • No minimum purchase, so also suitable for smaller parties or intimate gatherings
  • Accessories and glassware are available separately for a complete presentation
  • Suitable as a gift, as a party package, or as an addition to an existing drink assortment

For individuals who want to surprise guests with something that goes beyond a crate of pilsner, Cocktailsbynina is the strongest choice. The cocktails are made for people who want quality without having to mix themselves.

Cocktailsbynina: party drinks without the hassle

Anyone who wants to host a home party without lugging crates or renting a tap will find a different approach at Cocktailsbynina than the classic drink packages mentioned above. No minimum purchase, no logistical circus, just ready-to-drink bar-quality cocktails and mocktails delivered to your home.

https://cocktailsbynina.com

The ready-to-drink mocktails are ideal for guests who don't drink but still want something festive in their glass. The non-alcoholic cocktails are full-fledged alternatives, not an afterthought. Want to expand the assortment? The cocktail boxes and shots can be ordered directly and fit any type of party, from a birthday to a garden gathering.

Cocktailsbynina is not a substitute for a complete drink package with beer and wine, but a clever addition or a complete alternative for those who emphasize experience over volume.

Key insights

A home drink package works best if you base the quantities on a professional rule of thumb and tailor the service to the size of your party.

Point Details
Standard composition A drink package typically contains 50% beer, 25% wine, and 25% soft drinks based on a professionally calculated number of consumptions per person for a party of a few hours.
Calculating quantity Count 2–3 drinks per guest in the first hour, then 1–2 per hour for each subsequent hour.
Return service saves money Unopened bottles are returned after the party; you only pay for what was actually consumed.
Draft beer costs more Draft beer is more expensive per consumption than bottled beer and requires extra equipment and often professional service.
Cocktailsbynina as an alternative For convenience and luxury without minimum purchase, Cocktailsbynina delivers bar-quality ready-to-drink cocktails and mocktails to your home.

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