Hosts making individual mixed drinks
A 150ml multipack lets you open a portion when someone orders a drink rather than put out a shared bottle. Tesco Groceries lists 150ml multipacks from Schweppes and Fever-Tree.
Who are mini mixers useful for?
Hosts offering a lighter tonic choice
If guests have asked for slimline or light tonic, a separate pack lets them choose it without changing everyone’s drink. Tesco Groceries lists Schweppes Slimline and Fever-Tree Light in 150ml formats; check the nutrition panel of the exact variant.
Hosts planning particular flavours
When the drinks menu calls for ginger, citrus or botanical flavours, choose those mixers deliberately rather than using them for every serve. Fentimans describes tonic, soda, ginger and flavoured mixers in its range.
What should you check before choosing?
Start with the drinks you expect to make, then match the portion size, flavour and pack count to those serves.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Portion size | Check the volume of each unit, not just the pack total. Tesco Groceries lists 150ml tonic multipacks; Fentimans describes a 200ml mixer format. | I want to open a small mixer for each drink. If I’m planning larger long drinks, I may prefer a 200ml bottle. |
| Tonic choice | Check whether the pack is standard, slimline or light tonic. Compare the named variants using their per-100ml nutrition panels rather than assuming they have the same formulation. | Some guests may ask for a lighter tonic, while others want the standard option. |
| Flavour | Match distinctive flavours to the planned drinks. Fentimans describes its Pink Grapefruit Tonic Water as an option for gin or vodka; ginger beer is a separate, ginger-led choice. | If I don’t know everyone’s preference, I’d keep classic tonic or soda available alongside any flavoured mixer. |
| Pack and stock | Check the unit count and volume against the number of planned mixer serves. Confirm the exact variant and local stock before shopping; Fever-Tree says stores do not all carry its full range. | I need enough portions for the drinks on the menu, without relying on a particular flavour being on the shelf. |
Buffet mixer mistakes to avoid
-
Buying only a strongly flavoured mixer
Pink grapefruit tonic and ginger beer have distinct flavours, so neither is a direct substitute for classic tonic or soda in every planned drink.
Choose a classic base for flexibility, then add a flavoured option if it fits drinks you intend to serve.
-
Treating every single-serve format as the same size
Fentimans describes its 200ml mixer format as larger than its former 125ml range, while Tesco Groceries lists 150ml tonic multipacks. The difference matters if a guest wants only a small amount of mixer.
Check the volume per unit and choose it around the serves you expect to make.
-
Assuming every shop carries the chosen flavour
A flavour that appears in a brand’s range may not be stocked by your local shop. Fever-Tree says stores do not all carry its full range.
Check the exact flavour and pack size shortly before the buffet, and have another suitable mixer in mind.
Mixer brands and formats
Fever-Tree
Fever-Tree describes a range of tonics, sodas and other mixers. Tesco Groceries lists Indian and Light tonic in 150ml multipacks.
- The listed 150ml packs offer classic and light tonic choices for individual serves.
- Fever-Tree says not every shop stocks its full range; check the exact variant locally.
Schweppes
Tesco Groceries lists Schweppes standard and Slimline tonic in 12x150ml packs.
- The listed packs provide the same portion size and unit count across those two tonic choices.
- Check the name and nutrition panel of the pack you select; standard and Slimline are distinct variants.
Fentimans
Fentimans describes botanically brewed drinks and announced a 200ml mixer range including tonic, soda water, ginger ale and ginger beer.
- Its described range gives hosts options for planned botanical, ginger or soda-based drinks.
- Check whether the intended 200ml flavour is stocked where you plan to shop.
Britvic
Britvic announced a retail multipack-can format for its Indian Tonic Water in September 2023.
- The announcement identifies a multipack-can option for Indian tonic.
- Confirm the current unit size and local stock before treating it as an option for individual buffet serves.
Joybuy mini mixer options
For individually portioned buffet drinks, these Joybuy options are 150ml tonic and ginger ale multipacks. Choose the flavour and pack count around the drinks you plan to make.
No image available
Fever-Tree Refreshingly Light Mediterranean Tonic Water 8x150ml
This eight-pack provides individual 150ml portions for planned tonic drinks. Its Mediterranean flavour is a more specific choice than a classic Indian tonic; check that it fits the drinks you intend to serve.
No image available
Fever-Tree Indian Tonic Water 8x150ml
This classic Indian tonic comes in eight 150ml portions for individual mixed drinks. Choose a separate light or slimline variant if that is also on your buffet drinks menu.
No image available
Schweppes Indian Tonic Water 12x150ml
The 12x150ml pack provides individual portions of classic Indian tonic. If cans or bottles matter for serving or storage, confirm the container type on the exact pack before ordering.
No image available
Fever-Tree Refreshingly Light Ginger Ale 8x150ml
This eight-pack supplies 150ml ginger ale portions for drinks where you want a ginger mixer. It has a different flavour from tonic, so match it to the drinks on your menu rather than using it as the only mixer.
No image available
Schweppes Slimline Tonic Water 12x150ml
This 12x150ml pack offers individual Slimline tonic portions alongside a standard tonic choice. Its product information identifies aspartame and a source of phenylalanine; check the current label where that matters to a guest.
Questions about buffet mixers
Should I choose 150ml mixers or 200ml bottles?
Choose 150ml multipacks for smaller individual mixer portions, or consider 200ml when you are planning larger serves. Tesco Groceries lists 150ml tonic packs, while Fentimans describes its 200ml format as an increase from its former 125ml range. Check the volume of the exact pack you intend to buy.
Should I offer both standard and slimline tonic?
Offering both makes sense when guests have asked for different tonic options. Tesco Groceries lists standard and Slimline Schweppes 12x150ml packs; check each variant’s nutrition panel rather than assuming all light or slimline tonics are alike.
How many mini mixers do I need?
Count the mixed drinks you plan to serve, then compare that number with the units in each pack. Allow for guests choosing different mixers or no mixer; a guest count alone does not tell you how many portions of each flavour to buy.
What should I check for guests with ingredient concerns?
Check the ingredients and allergen information on the exact variant before serving it to someone with a relevant concern. For example, the supplied product information for Schweppes Slimline Tonic Water identifies aspartame and a source of phenylalanine; check its current pack label.
Can I rely on finding a particular mixer flavour locally?
Check the exact flavour and pack size with the shop before you buy. Fever-Tree says not all stores stock its full range, so a flavour shown in a brand’s range may not be at your chosen shop.