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Cocktails are an art form. Each drink has a unique history. Why does a margarita have salt? How is the garnish chosen for each drink, especially when you’re creating one spontaneously? What’s the best way to make an old fashioned? If there is someone in your life that has the answers to these questions, they are probably a cocktail enthusiast. This holiday season, treat that person to goodies that will help enhance their craft.
1. Cocktail Shaker Set; $18
Whether they like their drinks shaken or stirred, amateur mixologists can make all kinds of cocktails with this kit. It includes all the essential tools: a muddler, jigger, shaker, and more. They’ll feel like an expert in no time.
Buy it: Amazon
2. The Carry On Cocktail Kit—Old Fashioned; $24
For the traveler who demands a good drink, these kits come with everything but the booze. But if they are going to pack their own mini bottles, remind them to check the airline’s regulations—rules vary on whether it’s legal to drink your own booze in-flight. Also available in Moscow Mule, Champagne Cocktail, and Gin & Tonic.
Buy it: Amazon
3. The Spirit Infusion Kit; $42
One of the best parts about making cocktails is that experimentation is rewarded. This infusion kit, including instruction and recipe book, bottle, strainers, and more, will help your cocktail enthusiast turn average vodka into a berry explosion or take tequila to the next level by infusing it with jalapeño peppers.
Buy it: Amazon
4. Tovolo Sphere Ice Molds; $10
Instead of filling their glass with plain cubes, cocktail fans can use this set of two ice molds to craft spherical, uh, cubes. Each piece will melt slowly in a drink and add flair to their home bar.
Buy it: Amazon
5. The Bitter Truth Travelers Set; $20
Any cocktail aficionado worth their salt should have a few bottles of bitters. To spice things up, give them this sampler set that includes five complex flavors: celery bitters, classic old time aromatic bitters, orange bitters, Creole bitters, and Jerry Thomas bitters.
Buy it: Amazon
6. Homemade Gin Kit; $50
Though some home bartenders have a house cocktail, few can say they make their gin in-house. Help your loved one mix it up and make 750 ml of homemade gin with this collection that includes one tin of juniper berries, one tin of the company’s secret botanical blend, one stainless steel funnel, one fine stainless steel strainer, and two 375-ml glass bottles. All that’s missing is your giftee’s label—time for them to brush up on those Photoshop skills.
Buy it: Amazon
Whether the recipient is a seasoned bartender or a cocktail newcomer, Imbibe editor Paul Clarke’s book has something for everyone. From modern cocktails to obscure classics, the snapshots in this 200-page book show how far the cocktail scene has come—and where it’s going.
Buy it: Amazon
8. Glencairn Whisky Glass Set; $30
Whiskey drinkers know that the type of glass can dramatically change the smell, taste, and experience of the drink. This set of four award-winning glasses would make any cocktail enthusiast swoon.
Buy it: Amazon
9. Fancy Paper Straws; $5
Almost any drink looks fancier with the addition of a patterned paper straw. Gussy up your loved ones’ bars with a box of these beauties. The stocking stuffers are biodegradable, compostable, printed with food grade ink, and available in a variety of colors and patterns.
Buy it: Amazon
10. Liquid Intelligence: The Art and Science of the Perfect Cocktail; $25
This 416-page book should be a prerequisite for all science nerds who want to make better cocktails. Dave Arnold of Booker & Dax breaks down the facts and recipes to make any bar more interesting.
Buy it: Amazon
11. Libbey Mixologist 18-Piece Cocktail Glass Set; $39
If your cocktail enthusiast likes to experiment with different drinks, then they need the glasses that go with them. They can’t have a martini in a margarita glass, nor drink tequila from a whiskey balloon, after all. Libbey’s set will instantly upgrade their bar cart.
Buy it: Amazon
Bonus: Vintage Fernet Poster; $50
Bartenders call a shot of Fernet a “handshake.” The bitter, minty liqueur is an acquired taste, but there’s much to appreciate. Deck out the wall of the Fernet fan in your life with this reproduction vintage ad.
Buy it: Amazon
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