Buying for the home bartender can be difficult because as you look around their bar you may think they have everything they need. While most bars are already outfitted with all of the essential tools they may need some decor or maybe your mixologist would like to take their bar with them while traveling. Here are some ideas that will help you find the perfect gift to fit your bartender's individual style. You may also want to check out designer cocktail shakers and new bartending guides.
Imbibe Magazine
Give a gift that gives for an entire year. A year's subscription to Imbibe magazine is a great gift for mixologists. This "adult beverage" magazine was first published in May 2006 and has been nothing but a joy to read since the first issue. Imbibe covers all adult beverages including spirits, beer, wine, coffee and tea with style. It is the most informative and entertaining magazine of it's kind and the only magazine dedicated entirely to drinks.
Other Spirited Magazines
Other Spirited Magazines
Cocktail Poster
Every home bar needs something on the walls and there are a variety of posters that fit the cocktail theme. Whether the decor calls for hip, retro, classy or just plain fun there are some great posters that fit any theme. Have the poster framed and ready to hang for that last thoughtful touch. For an all-around adult beverage poster that guides guests through specialties around the world check out the Periodic Table of Toasts, which features the specialties of 35 different countries.
Cocktail Carousel
Quick shots are important if you're entertaining a large group. A cocktail carousel allows the bartender to have the most important spirits of the night ready to pour 1 ounce at a time. Set up a cocktail menu, fill the carousel and start shaking.
Flask
Once a tried and true accessory for all, the flask has become an endangered species, yet they make great small gifts. From pink or sleek for the ladies to black leather or tuxedo flasks for the guys, there's a flask that has a personal touch for any recipient that they'll love.
Hanging Glass Rack
Every bar runs into the issue of storage. A hanging glass rack is the perfect solution for storing stemmed glassware in style and keeps countertops and cupboards clear.
Vodka Chiller Glass Set
These sets are a wonderful to serve straight spirits to a group. Placing the small glasses filled with spirits in the serving bowl with ice chills the liquor nicely for a fun group tasting. It's an enjoyable way to introduce others to new spirits and as a primer for the mixed drinks to come.
Cocktailopoly Board Game
Monopoly is one of the most popular games of all time and there are themed versions available for almost any interest. This one is the cocktail version and it adds a little twist of fun to a classic. Another, less time consuming, game filled with cocktail trivia is CocktailSmarts. This new game for the 2006 season is filled with trivia questions about many of your favorite drinks.
Travel Cocktail Set
Cocktails on the go? Everything you need for a mini wet bar for a picnic, campout or anywhere you go is right in these easy to carry cases. There's even room for a bottle or two of your favorite spirits.
Citrus Squeezer
Fresh squeezed juice can make the difference between a mediocre drink and a spectacular one. This squeezer is one of the best designs available and easy to use for every cocktail that calls for citrus fruit juice. Juices are collected in the glass decanter and can be easily transferred to a jig, shaker or stored for later.
Ice Cube Cooler
This is a handy tool to keep filled with ice for the occasional cocktail. Fill the tray with water, place it in the freezer and once the cubes are ready the double walled metal bowl keeps the cubes frozen on the bar for a couple of hours. It also includes tongs and a lid for an all-in-one ice bucket experience in a compact container.
