30+ Best Gifts For Bibliophiles Who Love A Good Drink
November 03, 2022We recommend the best products that we believe will offer value for our readers —learn more about our review process . If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
For many people, books and alcohol go hand-in-hand. Whether it's unwinding with a glass of wine after a long day or enjoying a beer while reading on the beach, there's something about combining these two pleasures that just makes sense.
If you know a book lover who also enjoys a good drink, you may wonder what kind of gift to get them. Luckily, we've got you covered. Here are some of the best gifts for book lovers who also love alcohol, from interesting books to cool products they can use for reading, drinking, or both!
Our Top Picks
1. Best for Bartending Mastery: The Joy of Mixology: The Consummate Guide to the Bartender's Craft
Famous for being the ultimate guide for novice and professional bartenders, this amazing book will help your loved one become the best.
We’re impressed with this updated edition since it features several unexplored cocktail recipes (as well as tweaked updates to the originals) and fascinating details about cocktail making.
Gary Regan is a cocktail industry legend and the genius behind this book. His well-known technique for classifying beverages aids bartenders in remembering drink recipes and creating new cocktails from scratch.
Related: The World’s Best Mixologists and Bartenders
2. Best Modern Drink Recipes: Death & Co: Modern Classic Cocktails
“Death & Co is a book by a cocktail bar in New York that holds the best cocktail recipes, methods, and equipment anyone could need to make fabulous cocktails,” states Chad DeAbreu , Marketing Manager for The Barbacks.
“Stunning images accompany the cocktail recipes, and they do an outstanding job at making the process seem easy. They also have a follow-up book called Cocktail Codex that goes even deeper down the cocktail creators' rabbit hole,” he further notes.
3. Best for Beer Drinkers: WildMug Prancing Pony Beer Mug
True Tolkien fans will know what or where the Prancing Pony is. And with this mug, they’ll feel like they’re sipping beer at the actual inn.
This beer mug has a handmade oak wood exterior, stainless steel interior, and a copper label - all of which provide durability and looks. Its handle also provides an ergonomically curved grip that supports the weight of the beer.
Related: The Different Types of Beer Glasses
4. Best Drinking Accessory: NHEINNO Harry Potter Wine Glass Charms
These wine glass charms are perfect for Potterheads who like to throw themed parties. We adore all ten cute designs, which include the golden snitch, the sorting hat, platform 9 ¾, the deathly hallows, and more.
Aside from being decorative, these charms are also handy in signaling which wine glass belongs to you.
Related: The Best Wine Accessories
5. Most Versatile Glass: Classic Literature Rocks Glass
According to Taylor Beal, author and owner of Traverse with Taylor , “One of the best gifts I ever purchased for a book-loving friend were whiskey glasses with classical literature quotes. He was so surprised by their beautiful quality and loved that he could show off his love for literature in a sophisticated manner.”
Related: The Best Whiskey Glasses
6. Most Thrilling: The Dead Rabbit Mixology & Mayhem: The Story of John Morrissey and the World's Best Cocktail Menu
This is the mixology book to pick up if your loved one is a fan of comic books. New York City's The Dead Rabbit pub released a breakthrough cocktail book in the form of a graphic novel and is often described as one-of-a-kind and utterly brilliant.
This collection of 90 craft cocktail recipes is based on tales from the era of "Gangs of New York," with contemporary individuals from the bar industry cast in the roles of heroes and villains. The recipes are said to be complex and daring - perfect for bartenders who like a challenge.
7. Most Visually Stunning: The Aviary Cocktail Book
If your loved one is of those people who can’t concentrate on a book with no colors or illustrations, this is the perfect cocktail guide for them.
The famous chef Grant Achatz and his team have filled over 440 pages with the latest techniques, tips, and delicious recipes, but our favorite must be the gorgeous high-resolution images.
You can expect nothing less from this as it took more than three years to complete and is printed and bound with state-of-the-art techniques for fine art.
8. Best for Budding Wine Aficionados: The World Atlas of Wine 8th Edition
Learning everything about wine is a lengthy process, and this book is a fantastic way to start with its impressively thorough content. Critics agree that this James Beard award-winning wine book is the best and most comprehensive available.
We appreciate that this atlas has been expanded to 416 pages to address the numerous changes in the wine industry. It also features 22 brand-new maps in addition to its already extensive collection of high-quality cartography.
Related: The Best Wine Making Books
9. Best for Parties: The Unemployed Philosophers Guild Great Drinkers Shot Glasses
Some of the most legendary writers were fond of drinking alcohol to get their creative juices flowing, and you can see their famous alcohol-related quotes on these cool shot glasses. They can hold 2 ounces of liquor, are dishwasher-safe, and come in a colorful box perfect for gifting.
Related: The Best Shot Glasses
10. Best for Wine Drinkers: DU VINO I Drink and I Know Things Wine Glass
Tyrion Lannister from Game of Thrones is both an avid reader and wine drinker, as evidenced by his famous line, “I drink and I know things.”
If your loved adores the character, this wine glass is the perfect gift. It has a 12.75-ounce capacity and is made from high-quality glass with a sturdy base and a thick stem. The print can also be vividly seen even when the wine is poured into the glass.
Related: The Best Red Wine Glasses
11. Best for Rum Enthusiasts: Papa's Pilar Dark Rum
“We recommend gifting a bottle of Papa’s Pilar Rum to any bookish friend who enjoys a drink or two. Papa’s Pilar Rum pays homage to author Ernest Hemingway in every way. It’s distilled in Key West (Hemingway’s home for many years) and named after Hemingway’s beloved boat, Pilar,” says ABC Fine Wine & Spirits.
Tastewise, this drink offers an excellent combination of cocoa, maple syrup, vanilla, fruits, and spice notes. It is smooth, complex, and bold, reflecting the acclaimed novelist.
Related: How is Rum Made?
12. Best Scientific: Proof: The Science of Booze
This book is a delight for science geeks and alcohol connoisseurs who want to learn more about alcohol in the scientific sense.
Adam Roger's composition includes detailed information about booze begging to be explained by science, including the significance of yeast and sugar, fermentation, aging, distillation, alcohol’s effect on the body, and more!
13. Best for American Cocktail Enthusiasts: Imbibe! From Absinthe Cocktail to Whiskey Smash, a Salute in Stories and Drinks to "Professor" Jerry Thomas
This book is a must-have for people intrigued by the history of the best American cocktails. This version particularly discusses the origins of the Mint Julep, considered the first American drink, among other topics.
In addition, it offers additional information regarding the spirits that were popular during the 19th century and a large number of interesting tales from the life of Jerry Thomas, aka “The Father of American Mixology.”
14. Best Guide to Whiskey: Tasting Whiskey: An Insider’s Guide to the Unique Pleasures of the World’s Finest Spirits
Taking an interest in whiskey is considered an investment in knowledge. This book is your best shot at learning everything there is to know about this liquor, from various ingredients to the different distillation processes.
You’ll also be introduced to different types of whiskey , like bourbon , Irish, Scotch , and Japanese whisky , delving into their respective heritages.
Related: The Best Whiskey Books
15. Best for Shakespeare Fans: Shakespeare, Not Stirred: Cocktails for Your Everyday Dramas
This book is great for those who enjoy classic puns and jokes that hark back to Shakespeare's great works. We’re impressed by how it turns everyday struggles into lighter situations through drinks, food, and literature.
We also love the humorous introductions before the list of ingredients and detailed directions; they’re always worth a laugh!
16. Best for Beer History Buffs: Ancient Brews: Rediscovered and Re-created
Anyone with a deep curiosity for beer or archaeology will surely find something to like in Ancient Brews. In this book, scientist and archaeologist Patrick E. McGovern recreates some of the earliest forms of alcoholic drinks, taking readers along on his travels worldwide while searching for facts about ancient beverages.
17. Best for Anthophiles: The Drunken Botanist: The Plants That Create the World’s Great Drinks
CEO of Restaurant Clicks , Brian Nagele, picks this book as a great gift to alcohol enthusiasts with a green thumb.
“In this book, Amy Stewart talks about how plants are used to make alcohol, from the ones that are fermented to make beer and wine to distilled ones for our favorite spirits. She also provides recipes for delicious drinks like a Moscow Mule or a Mint Julep ,” he remarks.
Related: How to Ferment Drinks
18. Best for War History Geeks: Wine and War: The French, the Nazis, and the Battle for France's Greatest Treasure
We consider this book a priceless tribute to the people who risked their lives to keep French wine out of the Nazis' vile grasp.
It narrates a fascinating analysis of the wine industry in Nazi-occupied France, including stories of vineyard owners (some of whom were hidden or deported to concentration camps), the wines they produced, and fascinating background information on the vineyards themselves.
Related: Famous Wine Regions in France
19. Best for DC Nerds: Gotham City Cocktails: Official Handcrafted Food & Drinks From the World of Batman
If your friend is a Batman fanatic, take them on a trip through Gotham city and make some delicious handcrafted cocktails with this book.
It features 70 cocktails using comic book characters as inspirations, including Batman, Poison Ivy, Commissioner Gordon, and the Joker, with detailed instructions, expert advice, and stunning illustrations.
Related: The Best Gifts for Nerds
20. Best for Women Empowerment: Whiskey Women: The Untold Story of How Women Saved Bourbon, Scotch, and Irish Whiskey
In this book, Fred Minnick explores the world of women who have been instrumental in making whiskey what it is today.
Men are usually recognized in print for their achievements in the liquor industry. But women have also contributed to its countless developments, and this award-winning book gives them the spotlight they deserve.
We’re impressed with this book’s academic approach, showing well-researched information about women's roles, such as managing distilleries, selling, producing and bottling liquor, tending the bar, and even bootlegging whiskey during Prohibition.
21. Best for Retrophiles: Vintage Spirits and Forgotten Cocktails: From the Alamagoozlum to the Zombie 100 Rediscovered Recipes
Developing cocktails can be challenging because not all can stand the test of time. But historian, specialist, and drink lover Ted Haigh intends to bring these forgotten cocktails back with this edition of his book.
He talks about rare cocktails worth trying, surprising new developments and unique ingredients in cocktail culture, and introduces numerous influential figures in the cocktail industry.
22. Best Witty: Tequila Mockingbird: Cocktails with a Literary Twist
Julianne Buonocorem, President of The Literary Lifestyle , recommends this book because “It's the most fun, tongue-in-cheek pairing of literature and themed cocktails.”
“In conjunction with classic book descriptions and illustrations, it's filled with punny recipes for thirsty bookworms like Rye and Prejudice, Gone With the Wine, and A Cocktail of Two Cities,” she adds.
Related: The Best Tequila Lover Gifts
23. Best for Filmaholics: Gone with the Gin: Cocktails with a Hollywood Twist
If your friend or family is passionate about movies and cocktails, Gone With the Gin is the essential cocktail book to add to their collection. It was written by Tim Federle, the same author of Tequila Mockingbird, so you can expect a similar fun vibe.
It features 50 tasty beverages, a selection of drinking games, cinema-themed snacks, and detailed pictures. They are then finished with witty remarks on some of cinema's most memorable lines.
24. Best for Coffee Drinkers: Swag Brewery Enamel Coffee Mug
Nothing beats reading an intriguing novel while sipping coffee. We love this mug’s clean and simple design, and the funny alcohol-related text always gives out a laugh. Although a joke, one can definitely put alcohol or coffee cocktails in it.
Furthermore, this 16-oz coffee mug is crafted from cold-rolled steel, coated with enamel, and printed with high-quality ink.
Related: The Best Coffee Cocktails
25. Most Comfy: Fat Uncle Beer Mug Socks
Chris Trembath, CMO of Dynamic Gift Australia , thinks that a cozy pair of thick socks are a great gift for book lovers. “There’s nothing as enjoyable as sitting on a comfy chair with your book and a drink while keeping your feet nice and warm,” he says.
These soft beer mug socks are made from cotton, nylon, and spandex, with a design that perfectly captures a bookworm’s love for beer.
Related: The Best Craft Beers
26. Best for Taking Notes: WUDWURK Whiskey Barrel Wood Bolt Action Ballpoint Pen
For penning book notes, we recommend this expertly crafted ballpoint pen specially made from whiskey barrel wood from Jack Daniel’s. And to prove it’s genuine, it even comes with a Certificate of Authenticity.
Its bolt action click mechanism provides a balanced weight and complements the rifle case that the pen comes in. It also comes with an extra ink cartridge, but you can choose the pen-only option for a lower price.
27. Best for Audiobook Listeners: Mulafnxal Henny Bottle Airpods Case
Some bookworms like audiobooks or listening to soothing music while reading, and this Airpods case is the ideal gift for those who also like Hennessy.
Aside from its cute and vivid Henny-like bottle design, we also appreciate how it’s durably made from eco-friendly and easy-to-clean silicone. For added convenience, it is attached to a carabiner so you can hang it anywhere.
28. Best for Setting the Mood: Northern Lights Candles Whiskey and Tobacco Spirit Candle
It's no surprise that the pleasant aromas of whiskey and tobacco would be comforting to whiskey lovers while they read. This soy candle is not overwhelming or too smoky; instead, it exudes a light and sweet scent that’s perfect for any room.
It comes in beautiful thick amber glass, covered with a natural cork to resemble a barrel. We also like the addition of snappy snippets at the back of the glass that tell interesting facts about spirits.
29. Best Look: Neurons Not Included Jane Austen Books Coaster Set
For alcohol enthusiasts whose favorite author is Jane Austen, we bet you’ll drink even better with these coasters.
This set includes six coasters representing Jane Austen’s major novels: Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, Emma, Northanger Abbey, Mansfield Park, and Persuasion.
All are made from high-quality ceramic tiles and finished with matte sandstone for durability. Each one also has a cork cover at the bottom to prevent scratches on tables.
Related: The Best Drink Coasters
30. Best Multipurpose: Bambüsi Bamboo Bathtub Tray Caddy
This caddy is a must-have for readers who like to drink wine during a self-care spa session. It’s made from organic bamboo and finished with a waterproof varnish coating.
This 27.75-inch long tray extends to 41.5 inches, which is great for most tubs or tables. Aside from a book and a wine glass, you can also put your phone and other things in this spacious tray.
31. Best Assorted: Hula Delights Holiday Nuts Gift Basket
Nuts are a delightful reading snack and an amazing accompaniment for wine, beer, or whiskey. So, the next time your loved one plans to read and drink, we suggest gifting them this set.
The Holiday Nuts Gift Basket features seven kinds of nuts: macadamia, almonds, cashews, walnuts, pecans, mixed nuts, and pistachios - all contained in a modern gift-ready tray.
Related: The Best Dinner Party Food and Wine Pairings
32. Best for Outdoors: Shore Shelf Tray
“Shore Shelf is the perfect gift for book lovers who love to accompany their read with a cocktail. It is a foldable tray and clamp that connects to most chair and table frames, keeping your essentials (book, drink, etc.) securely within reach and off the ground,” says Melanie Melaragno, Founder of Shore Shelf .
“Although Shore Shelf was built for beach lovers, it can also be used by book enthusiasts at the pool, on cruise ships, at outdoor concerts, on wheelchairs, walkers, and more!” she notes.
33. Best Portable: PortoVino City Wine Purse
Help your friend enjoy a quiet picnic while reading a book with this wine purse. It is designed with a wine pouch with a capacity of 1.5 liters or about two bottles of the standard size!
In addition, the wine pouch is insulated, BPA-free, and has a spout that can be concealed. And you can use the rest of the bag’s space to store your favorite books and writing materials.
Related: The Best Wine Purses
34. Best Display: Yellowbird Art & Design Upcycled Bar Dictionary Wall Art Prints
This creative wall art expresses people’s passion for prints and alcoholic beverages. It comes in a set of four, and each measures 8x10 inches.
We love the vintage and retro vibe of a dictionary page background while portraying a glass of alcohol at the front. These prints are made from photo paper, so it would be wise to put them in frames to last longer.
Final Verdict
We hope we’ve provided you with great ideas if you're looking for the perfect gift for a book lover who also loves alcohol.
From wine and beer glasses that feature iconic book quotes to a complete home bar stocked with all of their favorite drinks, these gifts are sure to please any bibliophile with a thirst for liquor. And don’t worry – we won’t tell them that you read our blog post. Happy shopping!
Best Gifts for Book Lovers - What to Look for
If you need help finding a good gift for a book lover, let these factors guide you in determining what book suits them best.
-
Interests
According to Kerry Lauders, Mental Health Officer at Startups Anonymous , book lovers come in all shapes and sizes. “What delights one reader might leave another cold. So, when buying a gift for a book lover, it’s important to consider what they like to read and what genre of books they prefer.”
For bookworms who love to drink, you can choose a recipe book, a novel about a particular alcohol, a bartending guide, or other literature. Try to align their alcohol of choice to the book’s main theme (e.g., beer-related book for beer drinkers).
The concept is the same if you are to give non-book items. For instance, if they are avid fantasy fiction readers, choose Game of Thrones or Harry Potter-related drinking accessories printed with famous quotes.
-
Relevance
Since this roundup caters to giftees who love books and alcohol, the giver must consider how a product relates to both areas. A product can either be alcohol-themed but used for reading (e.g., a coffee mug with a funny alcohol print) or literature-themed but used for drinking (e.g., a beer mug from Lord of the Rings).
Some items are useful for both areas, such as a tray that can simultaneously hold a wine glass and a book. No matter what product you choose, ensure that the recipient can benefit from it for a long time.
-
Quality
For non-book gifts, you can judge quality on structure, appearance, and ease of use. Glassware should be durable, wearables should not be easily worn out, accessories shouldn’t be flimsy, and food or liquor must taste good.
On the other hand, a book’s quality is based on its content and how it relates to the interests of alcohol-loving bookworms. If it’s a narrative book, it should be intriguing enough to appeal to the reader.
The bartender turned General Manager Chad DeAbreu, says, “Many cocktail books list the cocktails but don't detail the “why” behind the drinks. The more detail about the cocktails, the better, as book lovers will want to learn more about the craft.”
-
Price
Gifts for book lovers range in price, depending on what you are looking for. If you are on a budget, there are plenty of options under $50. However, if you want to splurge, there are also great options over $100.
Gifts for Bookworms FAQ
1. What to avoid when buying a gift for a book lover?
Some bookworms have specific preferences for what they read, so avoid picking a gift on a whim. If they don’t like the book’s genre, they may not read it at all. To avoid this, ask what type of book they like so you’ll have a starting point.
In contrast, if your friend or family is open to reading any book, you’re free to choose anything as long as it still conforms to their love for alcohol.
2. How do I make a gift for book lovers more special?
Bookworms are generally perceptive individuals, so giving them a well-thought-out gift or something they will only understand is the best way to make them happy.
Peyton Whittington, the Communications Specialist for ABC Fine Wine & Spirits , remarks, “If they are a fan of Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, a beautiful bottle of bourbon would make a thoughtful gift, considering Daisy Buchanan’s Kentucky upbringing and her hankering for a mint julep in chapter 7, which is made from bourbon, sugar, and mint.”
Why Trust Advanced Mixology?
We believe our readers should have access to unbiased, well-informed reviews when deciding which products to buy. Our editorial team is experienced and passionate about mixology and bar equipment. In addition, we often consult with industry professionals when gathering information, giving us an insider's perspective on the products we're reviewing.
Read Next: The Best Graduation Gifts for College Grads