Cocktail culture first blossomed in the new world in the 19th century, with the birth of Sazerac championed as the world’s first cocktail.
Ever since then, Americans have fallen in love with the invention of the mixed drink, experimenting with new flavor profiles to make our taste buds sing. Today, mixology is a huge trend—so if you’re looking for cocktail gifts for a friend who appreciates a good drink, you’re not alone!
Image by Alexander Lesnitsky
Of course, as every cocktail lover knows, a drink is only as good as the ingredients put into it, the tools used to make it, and the vessel it’s poured into. Give them the best of everything from start to finish with these simple ideas.
- A Stainless Steel Cocktail Shaker
Let’s start with the basics: if your recipient doesn’t already have a cocktail shaker, this essential gift is an absolute must-have. Opt for one with a quality shaker, strainer, jigger, and wooden muddler as part of a full toolkit.
- Fancy Ice Cube Trays
You might not think of ice as one of the essential cocktail supplies, but many fancy cocktails include large ice, larger than the standard size of a refrigerator icemaker. Ice cubes and spheres in substantial sizes can turn a drink from drab to classy in an instant, so get them a silicone set designed for their drinks.
- A Cocktail Garden Set
Fresh herbs are the key to many mouthwatering cocktail recipes, so help your recipient by making it easier to get their hands on them. A giftable cocktail garden offers the perfect mix of plants to grow wherever your recipient lives, plus all the tools they need for upkeep! Pair it with a hydroponic light, and you’ll have a present they’ll be talking about for ages to come.
- Restaurant Glassware
There’s something about restaurant glassware that lets you know the drink you’re about to put into your mouth will be a quality cocktail. When your recipient can’t get out there to enjoy the atmosphere of their favorite venue, bring the restaurant glassware to them instead! From martinis to margaritas, get them the glasses to go with their favorite drinks.
- Reusable Straws
You’ve offered them the perfect glassware, but don’t forget that no one wants to sip their favorite cocktail through a cheap plastic straw! Depending on your preferences, you can find eco-friendly alternatives in both stainless steel and glass online, in addition to cleaning tools to keep them good as new.
- Simple Syrup
Sure, every cocktail enthusiast knows you can (and maybe should) make your own simple syrups at home. But when you want to put together your favorite drink in a pinch, crafting a syrup on the stove may be the last thing you want to do. Small-batch, flavored, “pre-prohibition” cocktail syrups are a great way to offer your recipient a refreshing and fragrant alternative in way less time.
- A Quality Blender
In the heat of summer when frozen drinks are all the rage, only a high-quality blender can get the perfect texture in your daiquiris and piña coladas. There are plenty of affordable options on the market these days, but Vitamixes continue to be one of the best tried-and-tested cocktail supplies for enthusiasts everywhere.
- Cocktail Recipe Book
For aspiring bartenders and mixologists, there’s plenty of educational literature available. Add a few spirited titles to their boozy bookshelf, and give them a gift they’ll really thank you for!
- A Bar Cart
Does your recipient have a home bar? Whether they have a dedicated space or they’re working out of their kitchen, a bar cart can help keep their most-used tools organized and portable for parties and beyond. The right bar cart can also be a classy way to display their favorite bottles, but make sure to get one with a guardrail to prevent tragic spills and breakage.
- Cocktail Cherries
This one may be subtle, but your recipient will definitely appreciate it if their favorite drinks include cherries. After all, the humble maraschino is best atop an ice cream sundae, not in a cocktail! Instead, find an option infused with bourbon to add extra flavor to their whiskey-based drinks.
- Quality Bitters
Bitters set the tone for a great cocktail, helping to balance out flavors with an array of subtle notes and fragrances. If your recipient is hurting for quality bitters, search online for high-grade versions of the types of bitters they prefer. If you’re not sure what to pick, opt for a larger set that includes both citrus and mint for a ranged flavor profile.
- Chilling Coasters
You may not jump to coasters when you’re considering helpful gifts for a cocktail lover, but bottle chilling coasters will solve the age-old problem: how can you keep cold drinks cold without diluting them with ice? Chilling coasters keep drinks colder for longer without adding unwanted taste or thinning the flavor, and most of them are made of attractive natural stone for a stylish gift.
Go Forth and Find the Right Mixology and Cocktail Gifts
Whether you’re looking for the perfect present for an aspiring mixologist or a little something for yourself, these cocktail gifts are sure to hit the spot. With these on hand, your recipient will have easy access to delicious ingredients and tools for their favorite drinks—and a great way to create the perfect cocktail to toast better days ahead.
Looking for more helpful guides like this one? Find your insights into gift-giving and beyond with our other helpful posts!
