A 'FIRST of its kind' cocktail delivery service has celebrated a successful launch as it began sending boozy treats to customers all over the country.

Cowley-based duo Mathias Rothmann and Caitlin Langford launched Bearded Viking Drinks at the weekend.

The new enterprise, believed to be among the first of its kind, delivers bottled versions of popular cocktails to doorsteps across the city and beyond.

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A 'soft launch' was held last week, selling to nearby residents, and Mr Rothmann said the trial was so popular they sold out of stock in just two days.

When the business was formally launched at the weekend the 32-year-old said they began selling their products all across the country, with one order as far afield as Northern Ireland.

Speaking of the success of the launch he said: "We expected it to be just in Oxford but somehow word has gotten out.

"We have had orders from all over the place, we have had so much great feedback.

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“It has been super encouraging and really wonderful to see the interest, and also people are coming back.

"We have had several repeat customers already and that is the best praise we have had.

"We are really excited about what is going to come back."

The idea for Bearded Viking Drinks came about when Mr Rothmann and Ms Langford, who are from Denmark and Glasgow respectively, started experimenting with making cocktails at their home in Temple Cowley.

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They were awarded a business development grant funded by the EU via Oxford City Council, which helped them to pay for extra equipment including a bottling machine, and also hired storage space at Big Yellow Self Storage at the Horspath Estate to ramp up their production.

Mr Rothmann said since the launch they had received a great deal of positive feedback.

He said the quality of the ingredients was often singled out and he added: "People have been really impressed with how fresh it tastes."

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While the business is not the only one of its kind the model is still largely uncommon.

Mr Rothmann said he didn't see similar business ventures as competition but, rather, as good for business.

He said: "Since the lockdown has been in place a couple have popped up as well.

"There is one in London and another one further north.

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"We are not worried about the competition because it is a huge market, with the whole of the UK.

"And it's better for us if people are aware of the concept."

The business currently serves a standard range of cocktails which are a twist on favourites, including a orange-infused version of the Old Fashioned, and a 'crystal-blue' Martini.

Orders are placed on the company website with the drinks delivered by post.

The company's website is beardedvikingdrinks.co.uk and the business can also be found on Facebook and Instagram.