Looking for the perfect gift for your bartender buddy? Or maybe your friend got really into cocktails recently and you want to help him elevate his at-home bar.
Sure, you can grab a bottom-shelf bottle of tequila and call it day, but the world of cocktails has a lot more to offer. Here are our top 12 gifts for making your friend’s bar the best around-- and he’ll be so grateful that maybe he’ll even mix you up a great cocktail as a thank you.
Boston Shaker
If you’re going to make great cocktails, you need a great shaker to get started. This high-quality one from A Bar Above is the perfect gift for someone just getting started or for your buddy who wants to upgrade his existing equipment.
You can currently pick from stainless steel or copper-- or the nice, gender-neutral, new gold barware line.
Rocks Glass
Any cocktail connoisseur needs a classic glass that’s fit for a gentleman and good for everything from neat pours to gin and tonics. This Riedel rocks glass is triple-tempered, making it the toughest around-- it’s super sophisticated-looking, too.
Cocktail Codex by Death & Co.
One of the best books for a new (or seasoned) cocktail enthusiast is Cocktail Codex because it breaks down the classic cocktails you need to get started. Your buddy will be stirring up delicious drinks for you in no time.
Stirred Cocktail Set
Speaking of stirring drinks, if you know someone who loves old-fashioned and Manhattans, you have to go with the new A Bar Above stirred set, which has everything needed to whip up classic cocktails and serve them in style.
The BroBasket Scotch Tasting Set
If Scotch is his thing, check out this set of four Glenmorangie samples from BroBasket, complete with a rocks glass and whiskey stones. This is the perfect gift for anyone who appreciates sipping fine spirits like a boss.
Mixology Training Class
For the friend who’s just starting out, get him a gift card for A Bar Above’s training course, which will help him learn how to make great cocktails at home. If your pal really wants to take his skills to the next level quickly and maybe even go pro, check out their Mixology Certification Program.
4-Piece Bar Set
The martini-lover in your life absolutely needs this starter set: a Boston shaker, Hawthorne strainer, and a Japanese jigger. James Bond will have nothing on your pal once he’s mastered his own shaken martini.
The BroBasket Gin-Lovers Gift Box
Gin-lovers, unite! You’ll be your friend’s superhero when you give him this delicious BroBasket sampler set of three different gins from St. George Spirits, complete with snacks because… Well, who doesn’t love snacks?
Cocktail Picks
Know an entertainer? These cocktail picks are perfect for anyone who loves to serve everything from cocktails to h'orderves. Long or short, you ask? A Bar Above has ‘em all! And if you can’t decide, they have you covered with a mixed set of both. Pair them with a can of fancy Luxardo cherries, and you have the ultimate gift for someone who loves to host parties.
Bar Cart
If you’ve got a buddy who wants to showcase his booze, a bar cart is the best gift idea that is sure to elevate his dining area. We’re partial to the one linked above for its classic, clean look and removable trays for entertaining. You have tons of options, though, based on space and how much liquor your friend wants to display.
Liquid Intelligence by David Arnold
For the experienced mixologist, you can’t go wrong with Liquid Intelligence, one of the most well-respected books in the industry-- just make sure your buddy doesn’t already have it! He’ll geek out on all the advanced techniques and science behind creating really detailed drinks that push the envelope.
The Ultimate BroBasket Whiskey Sampler
Any whiskey fan would be lucky to get this BroBasket gift set of nine different whiskeys, including American, Irish, and bourbon varieties. Pair those with some popcorn and a tumbler for drinks on-the-go, and this basket is a one-stop-shop for an amazing whiskey experience.
Shopping for a cocktail fan can be intimidating since there’s so much out there, but you can’t go wrong with this list. Your friend will thank you for your thoughtfulness… In booze. Cheers!
About the Author:
Melanie Tornroth is the content writer and in-house photographer for A Bar Above, a premium barware company based in California that serves both professional bartenders and at-home cocktail enthusiasts. When not frantically writing and taking pictures of gorgeous products and drinks, Melanie answers to "Mom" and loves superhero movies, hanging with family, and drinking awesome cocktails.
