The holidays are upon us, which means it’s time to start thinking about what gifts to give our loved ones. If you have a friend or family member who loves nothing more than a good cocktail, then this list is for you. From books to barware and everything in between, we’ve got you covered with the best gift ideas for the cocktail lover in your life.
- The Cocktail Bible. This comprehensive guide includes everything you need to know about making delicious cocktails at home. From classic recipes to modern twists, your friend will be sure to find a new favorite drink inside its pages.
- A Set of Fancy Cocktail Glasses. What’s a better way to enjoy a homemade cocktail than in a beautiful glass? This set of four glasses is perfect for sipping on gin and tonics, old-fashioned, or any other holiday libation.
- A Cocktail Shaker. Every good bartender needs a quality shaker. This one comes with all the bells and whistles, including a strainer, jigger, and muddler. It’s sure to come in handy when whipping up drinks for holiday parties or family gatherings.
- A Bottle of Premium Spirits. Gifts for whiskey lovers or any premium spirit alike, a good bottle of booze is always a welcome addition to any home bar. For an extra special touch, include a custom engraving with your holiday message.
- A Subscription to a Cocktail Magazine. For a friend who loves trying new things, give them a subscription to their favorite cocktail magazine. This way they can explore new recipes, tips, and tricks all year long.
- A Set of Copper Mugs. These mugs are perfect for serving Moscow Mules and other refreshing cocktails on chilly winter nights. They’ll add a touch of elegance to any home bar setup and are sure to be used again and again.
- A Personalized Cocktail Book. This book allows your friend to create custom cocktails based on their personal preferences. It includes space to write down recipes, notes, and thoughts on each drink they make.
- A Subscription to a Cocktail Magazine. For a friend who loves to try new things, a subscription to a cocktail magazine is the perfect gift. Each month, they’ll receive new recipes, tips, and tricks to help them
- A Set of Wooden Coasters. These coasters are perfect for protecting surfaces from water rings while also adding a bit of style to any home bar setup. They come in a set of four so there’s always one handy when the company comes over for drinks.
- A Gift Certificate to a Local Mixology Class. For friends who love learning new things, sign them up for a mixology class at their local liquor store or bartending school. They’ll love shaking up all sorts of new and exciting cocktails under the guidance of a professional mixologist.
Creating the Best Cocktail Using Ice Molds
If you are looking for the perfect way to add a little bit of personality to your cocktails, then consider using ice molds to create unique shapes. There are all sorts of molds available on the market. From spheres to simple cubes, you can find an ice mold to fit any style.
Once you have your mold, simply fill it with water and place it in the freezer. After a few hours, you’ll have ice that is ready to use in your next cocktail. If you want to get creative, try using fruit juices or other flavored liquids in your molds. This will add a pop of color and flavor to your drinks.
Wrapping Up: More Home Bartending Gifting Tips
Now that you have all the supplies you need for a great gift, it’s time to get your friend mixing. If they are new to bartending, help them start with some simple recipes. Create a fun gift tag with the following recipe around the bottle.
Whiskey Sour
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz whiskey
- .75 oz lemon juice
- .25 oz simple syrup
Instructions:
- Add all ingredients to a shaker filled with ice.
- Shake well and strain into a chilled glass.
- Serve immediately.
Whiskey Smash
Ingredients:
- 2 oz whiskey
- 1 oz lemon juice
- .5 oz simple syrup
- 6-8 mint leaves
Instructions:
- Add all ingredients to a shaker filled with ice.
- Shake well and strain into a chilled glass.
- Garnish with a sprig of mint and serve immediately.
For more experienced bartenders, challenge them to come up with their own unique holiday cocktail creations. Who knows, they may just come up with the next big thing. So what are you waiting for? No matter what your budget is this holiday season, there’s sure to be something on this list that will put a smile on the face of the cocktail enthusiast in your life. Cheers!