Earn Avios Drinking Cocktails: NIO Cocktails Turns Happy Hour into Reward Hour - Thursday Travel Tips
- Helena
- Aug 21
- 4 min read
Updated: Sep 4
Welcome back to Thursday Travel Tips, where we uncover clever ways to earn more points from the everyday things you already enjoy doing.
We’ve talked about earning Avios while you travel, shop, and even stay connected abroad. This week, we’re going in a more indulgent direction, because who says travel hacks have to start at the airport?
Today it’s all about cocktails and I had far too much fun writing and photographing this!
Sam and I love a cocktail, and particularly enjoy one when we don't have to go into too much effort of juicing limes etc. NIO Cocktails are bar-quality, ready-to-pour, and honestly taste amazing. We’ve ordered them a couple of times now and have had so much fun trying different ones together. The best bit is they suit us both perfectly – I’m all about the strong ones (give me a Negroni any day), while Sam goes for the sweeter, more tropical vibes. And as if that wasn’t enough, you can even earn Avios when you buy through the Avios eStore… win-win. Don't know what that his, better click here for our guide on the best kept secret in Avios!
Yes, really. Cocktails... that come with Avios.
Why We Love NIO Cocktails
Let’s start with what makes NIO Cocktails special, even before we get to the points.
NIO (which stands for “Needs Ice Only”) offers a range of ready-to-drink cocktails that arrive in sleek, single-serve packaging. They’re crafted by Patrick Pistolesi, one of the top mixologists in the world and the man behind Drink Kong in Rome (consistently ranked among the world's top 20 bars).
Every cocktail is expertly balanced, made with premium spirits, and designed to be poured straight over ice, no equipment, no bar skills, no mess.
Choose from more than 20 cocktails, from the classics (Negroni, Espresso Martini, Margarita) to signature mixes with a twist. You can build your own box of 3, 6 or 9, or choose from one of their gift boxes – ideal if you know someone with a passion for specific spirits such as vodka or tequila.
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Here’s the Twist: Earn Avios While You Sip NIO Cocktails
NIO Cocktails partners with the Avios eStore, which means when you shop via the eStore, you earn Avios on every pound spent.
New to NIO? You’ll earn 10 Avios per £1.
Already a customer? You’ll still earn 3 Avios per £1.
Not bad for a few drinks you were probably going to enjoy anyway.
That means a first-time £45 box of cocktails could earn you 450 Avios. And for returning customers, the rewards keep coming (just at a slightly lower rate).
Enjoying this weeks Thursday Travel Tips? Here are some of our other recent ones!
How to Earn Avios with NIO Cocktails
It’s easy to earn Avios through NIO, but you need to take the right route. Here’s what to do:
Start at the Avios eStore. Don’t go direct to the NIO Cocktails website. Instead, head to the Avios eStore, log in with your British Airways Club account, and search for NIO Cocktails.
Click through and shop. Once you’re on the NIO site via the eStore, browse and place your order in the same session. Choose your box size, pick your drinks, and check out as normal.
Get sipping (and earning). Your Avios should appear in your Club account in the following weeks. Bonus tip: use an Avios-earning credit card to double up on rewards.
If you haven't heard about the Avios store before, check out our Ultimate Guide here.
Perfect for Gifting, Hosting, or Just Treating Yourself
We’re often asked about smart ways to earn Avios that don’t require spending on flights or hotels. This is one of them. And it’s ideal for:
Gifting – A NIO gift box makes a great birthday, anniversary, or ‘thank-you’ present, and you earn Avios in the process.
Hosting – Skip the cocktail shaker. Impress guests without playing bartender all night.
Solo sipping – Yes, you deserve an Margarita on a Tuesday.
I had the Margarita and Sam had the Mai Tai, and we were both genuinely surprised at how fresh and well-balanced they were, especially considering it came through the letterbox.
Final Thoughts: Your Next Cocktail Hour Just Got Smarter
This is one of those hacks that blends pleasure with practicality. You’re treating yourself (or someone else), but you’re also earning rewards towards future adventures. Whether you're stocking up for a summer BBQ, sending a thoughtful gift, or just levelling up your at-home drinks, NIO Cocktails + Avios is a combination worth remembering.
It’s a small tweak to your checkout routine, but one that helps your points balance grow sip by sip.
Until next Thursday, cheers, and happy collecting.
Helena
Points Well Made is a passion project of Sam and Helena with a loyal following. If you like what we do, and wish to help us continue to create the content you love, please consider buying us a Kofi, or subscribing monthly. Your help is greatly appreciated. Thank you.
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