31 Best Gifts For Cheapskate Bartenders That Help Them In The Bar
August 03, 2023We 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.
While the term “cheapskate” has some negative connotations, being one isn’t all bad. Choosing to avoid spending money may be beneficial because it steers you clear of shortage. In many instances, cheapskates are just being practical.
In the bar , there are many possibilities for wastage, and cheapskate bartenders don’t love that. So if you want to make the cheapskate bartender happy, buy them something they can use for a long time and helps them further save money.
The gifts can also be things they won’t buy for themselves because they regard them as too expensive. From durable bar tools to equipment that allows them to make their own ingredients for drinks, here are the best gifts for cheapskate bartenders.
Our Top Picks
1. Best Sleek: Graham Cocktail Picks & Holder
“Cheapskate bartenders will enjoy making martinis or any cocktail with the Graham Cocktail Picks because they will ensure smooth and efficient stirring, and they can use them for a long time,” says Kevin Turner, founder and CEO of The Grilling Master.
He adds, “The sophisticated design and sleek holder make it very impressive, as one can easily hold it. Also, the stainless steel polished with brilliance will ensure its durability, and they don't have to worry about money to buy a new one.”
Related: The Best Cocktail Picks
2. Best for Cold Drinks: EUHOMY Countertop Ice Maker
Instead of constantly buying ice, bartenders can use this equipment to save a ton of money. This unit can produce 24 ice cubes in a cycle, making about 40 pounds of ice daily. Moreover, the ice tray this machine uses is copper and nickel-plated.
But what really impressed us are the water recycling and self-cleaning systems. The former means any melted ice or falling water will not automatically go to waste; it goes to the reservoir and is then made into ice. We also give this product extra points for being quiet!
Related: The Best Countertop Ice Makers
3. Best for Serving Wine: MICHLEY Unbreakable Red Wine Glasses
The bartender in your life can cut down the costs of buying new glasses as these ones will not easily break. They are carefully crafted with premium Tritan material, rendering them resistant to breakage and free from harmful BPA.
The cleaning process won't be an issue as well because they are conveniently top-rack dishwasher safe, saving users time and effort. So whenever someone accidentally tips these glasses over, you won’t have to worry as much.
Related: The Best Unbreakable Wine Glasses
4. Best for Syrups: Anova Culinary AN400-US00 Nano Sous Vide Precision Cooker
Bartenders can say goodbye to buying infused syrups because, with this amazing product, they can now whip up commercial-grade syrups with more pronounced flavors in their homes. It is compact and has a temperature range of 32°F to 197°F to precisely control the process.
What sets the Anova Nano apart is its user-friendly interface and connectivity as it comes with the Anova app. This allows the user to conveniently control and monitor their cooking remotely from their iPhone or Android device while doing other things in the bar.
Related: How To Make Orgeat Syrup
5. Best Simple: Yangbaga Wooden Coasters
Check out these awesome coasters that can be a trusty sidekick in preventing water mess on tables, thus saving cleaning time! Their natural beauty is showcased through a meticulous handcrafting process and the use of 100% pure Paulownia wood.
Also, they're designed with a raised edge that prevents leaking, making them a reliable choice for protecting surfaces. Maintaining them is pretty easy, too, as they only need to be wiped with a towel.
Related: The Best Drink Coasters
6. Best for Fresh Ingredients: DUESI Hydroponics Growing System
This growing system is a great gift that keeps giving. It allows bartenders to grow their own herbs, vegetables, and fruits to be used in cocktails and syrups. It boasts a 12-pod design and is built with powerful 36-watt high-efficiency grow lights for the plants’ optimal growth and vitality.
The system features convenient veggie and fruit/flower modes which tailor the plants' specific needs at different growth stages. We're also glad it already has all the necessary accessories for successful hydroponic gardening.
Related: How To Muddle Common Ingredients
7. Best Practical: Utopia Towels Kitchen Bar Mops
These towels are a useful and cost-effective gift that saves the costs of buying disposable paper towels. The set comes with 12 towels with a generous 16x19-inch size, making them useful for a wide range of tasks like wiping tables and polishing wine glasses, martini glasses, etc.
In addition, they are constructed from 100% ringspun cotton, making them exceptionally comfortable for the skin and safe for surfaces. They're also ultra-absorbent and have hemmed edges, so they’ll last longer.
Related: The Best Bar Mops
8. Best for Unique Garnishes: Elite Gourmet EFD319 Food Dehydrator
This dehydrator will ensure that any bartender will not run out of dehydrated fruit garnishes to enhance the look of the finished drink. We appreciate the customizable temperature and duration settings, allowing bartenders to effortlessly tailor the drying process to their needs.
Furthermore, it features five stacking trays for drying various items at the same time. It also boasts a low-noise operation and an effective heat flow system, so the ingredients are dried evenly and thoroughly, keeping their nutrients and flavors.
Related: The Best Dehydrated Food Garnishes
9. Best for Ice Crushing: HLQHXWHZT Lewis bag and Wooden Mallet
If your bartender friend prefers the old-fashioned way to make crushed ice because it saves money, this duo of tools will be a thoughtful gift. Aside from the high-quality Lewis bag , and ice mallet, it also has an ice scoop and tongs.
The reusable cotton canvas bag is food-grade, ensuring safety and hygiene, and is machine washable. The natural beech wood mallet has a long handle and polished edges, making it comfortable and reliable.
Related: The Best Ice Mallets
10. Best Convenient Drinks: Drink Nomi Classic Variety Pack Cocktail Mix
“Drink Nomi makes Asian-flavored cocktail mixers that come in single-serving teabags and are a really easy way for bartenders to make drinks at home without having to acquire additional ingredients or bar equipment,” states Michelle Syu .
“As a gift, the variety pack is probably the best option because it lets you to try all three flavors at once. Decreasing the number of products or items needed to make a drink is a really easy way to keep costs low while still being able to serve something that’s delicious,” she adds.
Related: The Best Cocktail Making Kits
11. Best for Maximizing Citrus Juice: RASSE Manual Citrus Press Juicer
It can be difficult to get all the juice out of lemons and limes with just your hand, and that’s where this citrus squeezer comes in handy. It is crafted from food-grade stainless steel and has a 2.76-inch bowl to accommodate different sizes of lemons and limes.
We also like the ergonomically designed handle, which provides comfort and reduces the strain on the user's hands. Not to mention, this is dishwasher safe, so clean-up should be easy and time-saving.
Related: The Best Lemon And Lime Squeezers
12. Best for Leftover Wine: OHMAXHO Wine Stoppers
Having leftover wine is one of the ways to have wastage in the bar, but it can be avoided with a simple tool like these wine stoppers. Each one has an air-tight seal to ensure that any opened bottles are securely sealed, preventing oxygen from quickly spoiling the flavors and aromas.
They're made of high-quality silicone rubber, making them durable, dishwasher-safe, and reusable. We also love that they’re lightweight and portable, so anyone can bring them for travel or outdoor gatherings.
Related: The Best Wine Stoppers
13. Best for Efficient Pouring: SuproBarware Liquor Bottle Pourers Set
These pourers have ball-bearing mechanisms to provide consistency in pouring liquor , help maintain portion control, and reduce waste. They are made of high-quality virgin plastic and are designed to fit onto most standard liquor bottles easily.
Furthermore, they have a dispensing capacity of 1 oz. and have plastic covers to protect them and keep them clean when they are not being used.
Related: The Best Pour Spouts
14. Best for Whiskey Fans: Quiseen Beverage Chilling Stones
These stones’ reusability makes them a cost-effective substitute for constantly restocking ice. The set includes nine chilling stones, which are made from natural soapstone, known for its excellent ability to retain cold temperatures.
We appreciate the inclusion of stainless steel tongs and a velvet bag to keep the stones in place when not in use. And to top it all off, the items come packaged in an elegant magnetic closure gift box, perfect for immediate gifting.
Related: The Best Whiskey Chilling Stones
15. Most Educational: Cocktail Codex: Fundamentals, Formulas, Evolutions
If your bartender friend wants to be a professional mixologist but can’t spend too much on a bartending class , this book should be a fantastic starting point. The authors are renowned figures in the cocktail industry with extensive experience in mixology.
We like how cocktails are organized into six primary cocktail categories: the Old Fashioned , Daiquiri , Martini , Whiskey highball, Sidecar , and Flip. Furthermore, the book delves into the fundamental concepts of cocktail creation and dissects the techniques and flavors to make well-balanced drinks.
Related: The Best Gifts For Book Lovers
16. Best for Prep: Kikcoin Bamboo Cutting Boards
This set of cutting boards has good value as it comes with three pieces of different sizes and can be used in garnish preparation or charcuterie boards. We appreciate that they’re crafted with three-layer thick bamboo, making them durable and environmentally friendly.
The largest board has a creative three-compartment design that allows users to separate garnishes while crafting cocktails. The deep grooves around the edges of the three boards are also worth mentioning, as they catch any drips or spills.
Related: The Best Bar Cutting Boards
17. Best Portable: BarVivo Wine Opener
By providing multiple uses in one tool, this opener can save money and space for bartenders. It is constructed with high-quality stainless steel, making it extremely long-lasting and dependable.
Given its strong corkscrew and double-hinged fulcrum design, even the most difficult wine bottles may be easily opened. This tool also features a serrated wine foil cutter that quickly and easily removes foil capsules and a separate bottle opener for crown-capped bottles.
Related: The Best Bottle Openers
18. Best for Coffee Lovers: Ninja CE251 Programmable Brewer
Bartenders who need coffee to get through their shifts may find that a coffee maker is a more affordable solution. This machine offers two distinct brew settings, classic and rich, to satisfy taste preferences and is also a big help for making coffee cocktails .
In addition, we adore this coffee maker's 24-hour delay brew feature, which is helpful, especially for busy days. The removable water reservoir also makes cleaning and refilling a breeze.
Related: The Best Coffee Beers
19. Best for Saving Beer: Kegland KL00802 Foam on Beer Detector
This device helps minimize beer wastage by preventing excessive foaming and spillage, which can directly translate to financial savings. Not only is this state-of-the-art tool used in commercial draft systems, but it can also be used by homebrewers.
We also appreciate that it can be installed easily and quickly and features 3/8" Duotight compatible barbs on the inlet and outlet so users can connect EVABarrier tubing effortlessly.
Related: What's A Foam-On-Beer Detector (FOB)?
20. Best Organizer: New Star Foodservice 48001 Bar Caddy Organizer
This bar caddy organizer allows bartenders to easily access necessary tools when serving cocktails, saving time and effort during busy shifts. Its six compartments offer plenty of room to store and display different bar necessities, including straws and napkins.
Even during hectic shifts, the caddy won't topple over because of its stable flat base. It also helps that it’s crafted from hard, durable plastic, making it last longer.
Related: The Best Bar Caddies and Bar Organizers
21. Best for Measuring: US Standard Jigger
A trusty jigger helps prevent excessive pouring and reduces the need for frequent restocking of supplies. This one is crafted with utmost precision using high-quality and food-grade stainless steel, exuding durability and reliability.
Its stepped measurements that go up to 2 oz. also enable bartenders to pour with unparalleled accuracy, ensuring that each cocktail is perfectly balanced.
Related: The Best Jiggers
22. Best Versatile: DeeCoo Whiskey Glasses (Mixed)
Using long-lasting glassware can be a smart choice to avoid frequent replacements and additional costs. This set offers three styles, giving a bartender's collection a touch of class and variety.
The glasses are spotless and strong because they are carefully made from lead-free crystal. We also like how they are dishwasher safe and come packaged in foam packaging, providing protection during shipping.
Related: The Best Whiskey Glasses
23. Most Immersive: Barsmarts Online Bartending Classes
A cheapskate bartender might not pay for bartending training despite its usefulness, but you can bet they'd be grateful to get one as a present. Barsmarts' four video modules and accompanying reading materials provide tremendous knowledge that can improve a bartender’s skills.
In a span of 60 days, students learn, apply, and test their knowledge and monitor their progress using Barsmarts's multiple-choice quizzes and final exams. Pernod Ricard, a beverages giant, designed and sponsors the course, ensuring that students will study from specialists.
Related: The Best Online Bartending Schools Mixology Courses
24. Best Set: WENEGG Ice Bucket with Accessories
This carefully curated set includes all the essential tools for convenient ice handling, including a stylish ice bucket with a lid, a handy scoop, reliable tongs, and a convenient strainer. All are made with high-quality stainless steel, making them rust-resistant and BPA-free.
Thanks to the double-wall insulation, the ice bucket ensures that the ice stays frozen for longer periods, keeping drinks perfectly chilled and reducing the need to constantly replace ice inside.
Related: The Best Ice Buckets
25. Best for Security: MyGift Lockable Tip Box
Most cheapskates don’t like losing money, so by giving cheapskate bartenders a lockable tip box, they can prevent theft and keep their hard-earned tips safe. This is equipped with a sturdy lock and two keys, so you’re assured that tips are safe and sound.
We also like the addition of a sleek acrylic sign holder that lets businesses showcase their own unique messages or labels. Another cool feature is the chalkboard surface that can be easily erased and customized, making it convenient to leave messages and attract big tips.
Related: The Best Tip Jars
26. Best Storage: Carlisle FoodService Products RG25-214 Glass Rack
Cheapskate bartenders would not appreciate it if their glassware breaks, so to help alleviate their worries, give them this reliable glass rack! It has an impressive capacity of 25 compartments and is crafted with double-wall reinforced plastic to withstand the demands of busy bars.
The dishwasher-safe and scratch-resistant features make cleaning a breeze, while the rounded edges provide an extra layer of protection against unwanted bumps and bruises.
Related: The Best Glass Racks
27. Best for Smoking Drinks: Mitbak Cocktail Smoker With Dome Lid And Woodchips
With this gift, bartenders can explore and experiment with flavors by infusing drinks with smoke. The set includes a smoke infuser, wood chips, dome lid, recharger cable, and more so the giftee can use it immediately without incurring additional costs.
The smoke infuser is engineered with three smoke speeds to control the intensity of flavor. We also like that it's rechargeable, so there's no hassle of constantly replacing batteries.
Related: The Best Cocktail Smokers
28. Best for Traveling: Barillio Bartender Bag Travel Bartender Kit Bag with Bar Tools
Surprise your traveling bartender loved one with this cool bag and tool set so he’ll have an easier time moving from place to place. The thoughtfully designed interior boasts pockets, elastic loops, and straps, keeping the tools in place and easily accessible.
The bar tools, including cocktail shakers, a muddler, a jigger, and more, are of exceptional quality to prevent failures while on the job, and the bag is also made from premium waxed canvas. Additionally, each compartment is marked with an illustration of the tool it's meant for.
Related: The Best Bartender Bags
29. Best Containers: AOZITA Swing Top Glass Bottles Set
Usually, cheapskates prefer making rather than buying. If your bartender friend is like this, these bottles will be a treat. With their heavy-duty, sturdy material and airtight cap lids, these can withstand everyday use and double as a glass fermentation jug.
The set also goes the extra mile by including handy accessories like replacement seal caps, water-proof labels, collapsible funnels, bottle pourers, and a white pen for labeling. So whether your friend likes to make DIY alcohol or syrups, this set is the perfect gift.
Related: How To Make Kombucha
30. Best for Enhancing Flavors: Alkemista Alcohol Infuser - Ethan+Ashe
This stunning infusion vessel is a stylish addition to a bar counter or bar cart and a versatile tool for creating one-of-a-kind liquor infusions . It is made from lab-grade borosilicate glass and boasts a generous 950-ml capacity, giving ample room to experiment with flavors.
It also features an easy-to-remove stainless steel filter for optimum function, and the leak-proof stainless steel base ensures mess-free pouring and serving. With its style and function, it can easily become anyone’s favorite bottle.
Related: The Best Alcohol Infusion Kits
31. Best for Homebrewers: Brooklyn Brew Shop Hard Cider Making Kit
Making your own alcohol has to start somewhere, and kits like Brooklyn Brew Shop Hard Cider Making Kit are a fantastic way. This one is specially made for hard cider fans who will appreciate the tools and easy-to-understand instructions.
Among the included tools are a glass fermentation jug, a racking cane, a tubing clamp, a screw cap stopper, airlocks, and more. If you want to provide more convenience for your loved one, you can throw in a jug of apple juice in the gift, too, since this kit doesn’t include it.
Related: The Best Thanksgiving Cocktails
Final Verdict
Treat your cheapskate friends and family to something nice and help improve their skills in the bar! Whether they like making their own ingredients or need long-lasting bar items, we hope you’ll land on a good gift for them.
Which gift will a cheapskate bartender you know will love? We’d like to hear your opinions below!
Best Gifts For Cheapskate Bartenders Buying Guide
If you need insights as to what to get the cheapskate bartender in your life, allow these factors to guide your purchase decisions.
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Usefulness/ Versatility
Bartenders frequently operate in hectic settings, and productivity is essential. So, ensure that your present will be put to good use by selecting things that can be used for various tasks or increase efficiency behind the bar.
Furthermore, versatile presents allow bartenders to complete various jobs without having to buy numerous tools or accessories. These can boost production, reduce waste, and streamline their work processes.
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Quality
People who avoid spending money would want products that can endure a long time so they wouldn’t have to spend on replacements or repairs. Items made from durable materials, such as stainless steel or sturdy plastics, will withstand regular use without wearing out quickly.
By selecting gifts of excellent quality, you demonstrate your thoughtfulness and consideration for the bartenders' needs, providing them with tools that serve them well for an extended period.
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Maintenance
For bartenders on a tight budget, choosing presents that need little upkeep is essential. Durable and simple to clean presents not only save time but also increase the usefulness of the gift.
Due to their busy schedules, bartenders value products that can survive repeated use and cleaning without sacrificing quality.
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Price
You can ensure that your purchase is economical by keeping an eye on the price. The objective is to locate practical options that fit within your budget and still provide value and functionality.
You can also settle for things that come in a set because they are convenient and cost less.
Best Gifts For Cheapskate Bartenders FAQ
1. How to reduce waste in the bar?
Reducing waste in a bar is a priority of cheapskate bartenders since it’s beneficial for the business and the environment. By implementing strategies and practices, bars can significantly minimize waste, save money and promote a more sustainable and efficient operation.
It is crucial to carefully manage inventory and control portion sizes. Bar owners can avoid overstocking by accurately tracking the consumption of ingredients and beverages.
Proper inventory management systems can also help identify popular items and ensure they are always in stock while minimizing the risk of unused products expiring or going to waste.
Making the most out of ingredients can be done using the simplest tools. For example, lemons may be inexpensive, but if you don’t squeeze them to the last bit, you lose money in the long run. Thankfully, this can be avoided with a citrus squeezer.
Overpouring alcohol and other ingredients can also be a problem since it consumes your stocks quickly, but with jiggers or liquor pourers, you have more portion control.
2. How to keep the bar fully stocked while minimizing costs?
Keeping the bar fully stocked while minimizing costs requires careful planning, effective inventory management, and smart purchasing decisions.
First, it is important to understand the bar's demand patterns, such as which items are most popular and how often they are ordered.
This information can be used to determine optimal inventory levels and reorder points. Additionally, investing in an inventory management system and having checklists can help ensure that stock levels are tracked accurately and efficiently.
When it comes to purchasing, it is crucial to source products from reliable suppliers who offer competitive prices and discounts for bulk purchases. Reviewing pricing and negotiating with suppliers can also help keep costs down.
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We believe that our readers should have access to unbiased, well-informed reviews when deciding which products to buy, and we work hard to provide that type of content. Our editorial team is experienced and passionate about mixology and bar equipment. In addition, we often consult with industry professionals when gathering information, which gives us an insider's perspective on the products we're reviewing.
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