27 Best Gifts For Every Type Of Home Bartender
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Bartending is a skill that requires knowledge of cocktail recipes and bar tools, as well as an in-depth understanding of the best serving techniques.
If your loved one likes to bartend at home, you're in luck! We've put together a list of the best gifts for every type of home bartender. Whether they love to make cocktails or serve wine and beer, we have something for them to elevate their craft. Check out our list and find the perfect gift today!
Our Top Picks
1. Best Overall: Mule Science Moscow Mule Mugs Set of 4
The Moscow Mule is a popular cocktail with vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice. But many people don’t realize that the drink is traditionally served in a copper mug to keep it fizzier and cold for longer.
Each mug from Mule Science is manufactured with 100% copper and treated with a food-safe lacquer to shield drinkers from copper tarnish. It also has a classic rounded cup and a hammered finish.
We love this set because it includes everything you need to make a batch of delicious Moscow Mule, including a stirring spoon, coasters, copper cocktail straws, a shot glass for measuring, and a special brush for cleaning.
Related: The Best Moscow Mule Recipes
2. Runner-Up: Prodyne Combination Salad & Punch Bowl Set
Your bartender buddy will love showing off this punch and salad bowl during get-togethers and parties. The clear acrylic 12-piece set includes a large 8-quart bowl, eight punch cups, a punch ladle, and two salad servers.
The bowl has a nice shine and is sleek, contemporary, and easy to clean. We especially like that each side has a "lip" - one for pouring and one for setting down a ladle or salad fork. The cups are perfect for punch and hang nicely on the bowl's sides.
Related: 3 Must-Try Sangria Recipes
3. Best Ice Maker: Euhomy Countertop Ice Maker Machine
Your home bartender friend likely makes their ice with silicone molds, which can take a long time to prepare. Consider giving them an ice maker machine to make their life easier!
We recommend this countertop ice maker because it can generate up to 40 pounds of ice cubes daily or 24 cubes every 18-minute cycle. It also has an automatic cleaning function and a water-saving recapture system. Best of all, your favorite bartender can customize the thickness of the ice cubes to their liking.
Related: The Best Countertop Ice Makers
4. Best Wine Glass Set: Zwiesel Glas Tritan Stemware Collection
If you were to ask any wine drinker what brand of glasses they like, they would surely mention Schott Zwiesel. Since 1872, the German company has been producing high-quality glassware.
You can use these wine glasses for serving reds or whites, making them versatile for any occasion. They are made of lead-free, Tritan crystal glass and can be cleaned in the dishwasher. We prefer these wine glasses because they are refined and offer good value.
Related: The Best Wine Glass Polishing Cloths
5. Best Cocktail Kit: Mixology Bartender Kit with Stand
This mixology kit is a must-have for home bartenders who wants to experiment with cocktail-making.
Everything you need to make professional-quality cocktails is included in this bartender set, and the strong oak stand ensures everything is organized. We simply love how it looks nice on the bar counter, doesn't take up much space, and exudes a professional vibe.
Related: The Best Cocktail Making Kits Delivered to Your Door
6. Best Cocktail Smoker: Breville BSM600SIL Smoking Gun
The Breville smoking gun is a multipurpose smoker, making it a good option for your bartender friend. It's more expensive than some brands, but it makes up for its good quality and reliability.
This device allows users to smoke cocktails, snacks, fish, pork, and other foods. We're impressed that this battery-powered smoking gun requires no butane or other fuel—just a match or lighter.
It includes everything you need to start smoking cocktails and requires little setup. The smoker is easy to use and comes with wood chips and replacement screens for consistent results.
Related: How to Smoke a Cocktail at Home
7. Best Decanter: Le Chateau Red Wine Decanter Aerator
While a decanter may appear to be nothing more than a showpiece, there are two reasons wine aficionados enjoy using one. First, it is designed to aerate and oxygenate wine, releasing its aromas. Second, putting wine into a decanter removes sediments seen in older, cellared wines.
We liked how this lead-free, hand-blown decanter achieves both goals while adding a wow factor when serving this alcoholic beverage. The tilted lip and flat bottom of the decanter allow easy pouring and prevent spills.
Related: The Best Wine Aerators
8. Best Glass Rimmers: New Star Foodservice 48377 Bar Glass Rimmer
A glass rimmer is a kitchen tool used to add salt, sugar, or other decorations to the rim of a cocktail glass. This two-tiered glass rimmer by New Star Foodservice is a great way to reduce clutter in your bartender station. We love that the parts are labeled and easy to restock, clean, and store.
The product is dishwasher safe, but use the top rack only for the best results. However, dishwashing may cause the labels to fade, so we suggest handwashing it instead.
Related: The Best Glass Rimmers
9. Best Rye Whiskey: Basil Hayden Dark Rye Whiskey
This one-of-a-kind rye whiskey is a blend of Kentucky and Canadian rye from the Basil Hayden distillery in Alberta. There's little doubt that this rye is a bit different from the norm, but that doesn't make it any less enjoyable for sipping neat or mixing into a classic cocktail like a Boulevardier or Manhattan.
Despite its smoothness, we love how this bottle retains rye's distinctive spiciness, reminiscent of Christmas spices more than black pepper. It's a great bottle to consider whether the recipient is new to rye whiskeys or an experienced drinker eager to broaden their horizons.
Related: The Best High Rye Bourbon Brands
10. Best Bitters Gift Set: Bitters "Triple Play" Variety 3-Pack
There's much to like about the Bitters "Triple Play" Variety. For starters, it's a great value for home bartenders. You get three different flavors of bitters for the price of one, and each bottle is a generous size, so you'll have plenty to last a while.
But beyond the value and quantity, it also offers a great variety of flavors to cocktails. The three bitters included in the set are Angostura, Peychaud's, and Regan's Orange. So no matter your giftee’s preference, they are sure to find a flavor they love.
Related: What are Bitters?
11. Best Rock Glasses: Riedel Crystal Rocks Glass (2-Pack)
From the elegant Dorset to the intricate Trellis, there is no shortage of lovely rocks glasses. Reidel's collection strikes a wonderful balance between stylish design, long-lasting construction, and practical use.
We like how these crystal rock glasses were made to stack because of their interlocking base. They are dishwasher friendly and look great when displayed next to any liquor bottle or whiskey decanter.
Related: The 10 Must-Have Glasses for Your Home Bar
12. Best Bar Trays: Bleecker Bar Tray
The Bleecker Bar Tray is one of the most versatile and handy bar tools, great for both professional bartenders and amateur mixologists. It is a practical and smart way of preserving the life of your wooden sideboard or coffee table.
You can either go for the subtlety of a lacquered bar tray or spruce things up with a glass mirror tray in an Art Deco bar style. Both have practical carrying straps and can be cleaned quickly and easily.
13. Best Mezcals for Beginners: Montelobos Mezcal Joven
Montelobos is a great choice if you're looking for an environmentally friendly mezcal. The company prides itself on using sustainable practices, so you can feel good about enjoying its products.
This mezcal has a great flavor and is smooth with a hint of smokiness, making it perfect for sipping. It's also affordable, so you can enjoy it without breaking the bank.
Related: The Best and Smokiest Mezcals
14. Best Bar Carts: Umbra Bellwood Bar Cart
The Umbra Bartending Bar Cart is an attractive and convenient way to serve drinks at home. It is perfect for small spaces because it can be used as a bar and serving cart. This versatile piece of furniture is perfect for entertaining guests or everyday use.
We like its many utility-focused design features, such as rubber-lined wheels and removable trays for easy cleaning. The sleek design and beautiful finish make it a great addition to any home.
Related: The Best Bar Carts
15. Best Bartender Bag: Linall Bartender Kit Bag
This convenient carryall is a favorite among professional bartenders since it can hold various bar tools, such as a cocktail shaker, jiggers, bar spoons, strainers, and more!
We highly recommend this country-style bartender bag because it is made of sturdy canvas and leather with bronze-plated hardware. The bag's water-resistant fabric makes cleaning up any accidental spills a breeze.
Related: The Best Bartender Bags
16. Best Ice Cube Trays: W&P Peak Silicone Everyday Ice Tray
Having good ice is one of the secrets to producing great cocktails. Large cubes can prevent ice from dissolving too rapidly and watering down your drink, whether mixing beverages or putting whiskey on the rocks.
We highly recommend this silicone ice tray for any home bartender looking for an easy way to make perfect ice cubes. It is a great product that is very easy to use and affordable. Plus, these ice trays stack well in the freezer and are dishwasher-safe.
Related: The Best Ice Trays
17. Best Whiskey Stones: Whiskey Stones Gift Set (9-Pack)
While whiskey purists may frown upon whiskey stones, many choose them over ice cubes because they prevent spirits from watering down.
After two or three hours in the freezer, these whisky stones will be cold enough to add a pleasant chill to your drink without affecting the flavor or quality of the alcohol. In addition, the set comes in an attractive wooden box, ready for gifting.
Related: The Best Whiskey Glasses
18. Best Liqueur: Forthave Spirits Marseille Amaro
Forthave Spirits Marseille Amaro is made with herbs and spices from the Mediterranean region, which gives it a complex and nuanced flavor. It's also relatively low in alcohol, so that it won't overwhelm other ingredients in a cocktail. And because of its bitter properties, it can help balance sweet or fruity flavors.
So if you're looking for a unique amaro to add to your giftee’s bar repertoire, Forthave Spirits Marseille Amaro is a great option. And if you're unsure how to use it in cocktails, we have some great recipes to get you started!
Related: The Best Amaro Cocktails
19. Best Liquor Dispenser: Oggi Liquor Dispenser
The Oggi Liquor Dispenser is one of the most popular bartending tools on the market. It is simple to use and dispenses liquor quickly and accurately. Bartenders everywhere love it because it saves them time and makes their job easier!
Your recipient will have the option of suspending six liquor bottles; the device is also suitable for use with cocktail mixers. Plus, there’s a dish at the base of the liquor dispenser to catch any overflow or accidental spills.
Related: The Best Liquor Dispensers
20. Best Bottle Opener: Westmark Germany Hermetus Resealer Beer Bottle Opener
This beer bottle opener from Westmark is very easy to use. You simply place the opener on top of the bottle and twist. This bartending tool will do all the work for you, leaving your hands free to tend to other things.
Also, this handy tool lets you reseal a beer bottle to preserve the drink for one more evening. We are impressed with its tempered steel construction and tight rubber seal that keeps the drink’s carbonation.
Related: The Best Bottle Openers
21. Best Cocktail Shaker: Cocktail Kingdom Koriko Weighted Shaking Tin
There are many reasons we recommend the Cocktail Kingdom Koriko Cocktail Shaker for home bartenders. First, the tin is made of high-quality stainless steel that will not rust or tarnish over time. Second, it is weighted to provide a nice heft and stability when shaking cocktails. Third, its build quality is excellent, and it comes with a tight-fitting lid that helps prevent spillage.
The price of this cocktail shaker is also very reasonable, making it a great value for bartenders. So if you're looking for a high-quality, weighted shaking tin that won't break the bank, this is a perfect option.
Related: The Best Cocktail Shaker Sets
22. Best Blender: Ninja BL610 Professional Countertop Blender
The Ninja BL610 is a high-powered blender that can easily handle frozen ingredients, and it comes with a professional-grade motor that can withstand heavy use. The blender also has a large pitcher capacity, making it ideal for making big batches of drinks.
Additionally, the Ninja BL610 is very easy to clean, which is important for any bartending tool. Overall, it is an excellent gift for bartenders looking for a high-quality, durable, and easy-to-use blender for frozen cocktails.
Related: The Best Cocktail Blenders
23. Best Reusable Straws: Hiware Reusable Stainless Steel Straws (12-Pack)
Hiware reusable straws are made of food-grade stainless steel, so they won’t bend or break like plastic straws. They are also easy to clean. You can put them in the dishwasher or wash them by hand with soap and water.
These metal straws are eco-friendly and can be used repeatedly, which reduces the amount of waste produced. Finally, Hiware straws look cool! They add a touch of class to any drink and make the recipient look like a pro bartender.
Related: The Best Reusable Straws
24. Best Cocktail Book: The Joy of Mixology
The Joy of Mixology is an excellent resource for home bartenders who want to learn more about mixology and cocktail making. The book is packed with delicious cocktail recipes and a section on bar management and bartending techniques.
So if you’re looking for a comprehensive bartending guide that covers everything from the basics to more advanced techniques, we highly recommend this book!
Related: The Best Bartending Colleges in the US
25. Best Bar Spoon Set: Hiware Bar Spoon Set of 3
This set allows bartenders to choose between European, American, and Japanese bar spoons. The spoons are made of high-quality stainless steel so that they won't rust or tarnish over time. They're also dishwasher safe and have a nice weight to them.
The spoons have a long handle perfect for reaching into tall glasses and pitchers. The price is also very reasonable, especially considering the quality. We are a big fan of Hiware's bar spoon set, and we think bartenders would be wise to give it a try.
Related: The Best Bar Spoons
26. Best Gadget: AeroGarden Bounty Basic Indoor Garden
The AeroGarden Bounty Basic Indoor Garden is a great way to have fresh herbs on hand for making drinks. It's also an excellent conversation starter with guests! This is a perfect option if you're looking for an indoor garden for home bartenders that is easy to use and care for.
It comes with everything you need to start, and the instructions are easy to follow. We highly recommend the AeroGarden Bounty Basic Indoor Garden for bartenders (or anyone really). The herbs are fresh and fragrant, and it's a fun way to add some greenery to your giftee’s home bar.
27. Best Wine Rack: JK Adams Ash Wood 40-Bottle Wine Rack
JK Adams is a company that has been around since 1945, and they know how to make a quality product. This ash wood wine rack is no exception; it's sturdy, well-made, and looks great in any home bar setting. Plus, it can hold up to 40 bottles of wine, so you'll never run out of space for your collection.
If you're looking for a quality wine rack that will last for years, the JK Adams Ash Wood 40-Bottle Wine Rack is an excellent choice. It's well-crafted, stylish, and functional and will become a staple in your giftee’s home bar.
Related: The Best Wine Racks
Final Verdict
Whether you’re shopping for a home bartender who has everything or you need some inspiration for your own gift-giving, we’ve got you covered.
Our list of best gifts for every type of home bartender will surely include something that will make their holiday season extra special. And if all else fails, a gift card to their favorite liquor store always goes well!
Best Gifts for Home Bartender Buying Guide
There are a few things to consider when purchasing gifts for bartenders. What kinds of tools do they already have in their collection? What kind of atmosphere do they like to create when entertaining guests? And what is their preferred style of drink?
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Bar Tools They Already Own
Cocktail Society's founder, Timo Torner, says, “You should always consider what the gift recipient already owns. An ordinary cocktail shaker is not the perfect gift for someone making drinks at home for years.”
“If you still want to gift something like this, make sure it stands out, is unique, and possibly hand-made. This increases the likelihood that the gift will be well received. In general, make sure that the gift you want to buy is of good quality. Expert recommendations and reviews can help you with this,” Timo adds.
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Available Space
According to Katie Eldridge of New West Knifeworks, “Before gifting anything to a home bartender, consider the space they have. Do they mix drinks in their kitchen, a basement bar, or a man cave nook?”
“Depending on how much room they have and the vibe of their space, the perfect gift should fit seamlessly into their environment. I recommend gifting things as beautiful as they are functional so the item can be displayed as art in the space,” she further notes.
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Budget
When purchasing a gift for an at-home bartender, Jeremy Le Blanche of Patsch Tequila suggests considering the price point. “You don’t need to buy something very expensive to make a cocktail, but it also has to make sense. Some of the cocktail kits out there don’t,” he explains.
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Ease of Use
“When determining what to get a home bartender, think about making their lives easier,” suggests Mike Murphy, founder of Fluent In Coffee.
“The job can be stressful, especially if the bartender works at large parties. Buying them something that could help reduce that stress will be greatly appreciated, and you'll know that your gift will be used and not just tossed aside,” he adds.
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Preferred Style
Andrew Olson, the co-founder of Hook Hand Rum, says, “Look for simplistic and sophisticated styling and be careful you don't go over the top. You want people to use your gift, so if you keep the styling more low-key, chances are, they will keep it and use it more.”
Home Bartender Gift Ideas FAQ
1. What to get someone who has an at home bar?
A set of high-quality bar tools is a must for any home bar. This will make making cocktails much easier and more enjoyable. Another great idea is gifting a nice bottle of spirits like gin, vodka, or whiskey.
You can also give a home bar owner a good book on mixology to teach them how to make all sorts of delicious cocktails. Bitters are also a great way to add flavor and complexity to alcoholic drinks. They can be used in all recipes, from old classics to new creations.
2. What should I get an aspiring bartender?
Here are some gift ideas for the aspiring professional bartender:
- A quality shaker set: This is a must for any budding bartender. A good shaker will make all the difference in making smooth, well-balanced cocktails.
- A bartending book: There are many great bartending books out there that will teach the basics of mixology and drink-making. This is a great way to learn about different techniques and ingredients.
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A set of measuring jiggers: This is an essential tool for any bartender, professional or amateur. Measuring jiggers help to ensure that cocktails are made with the correct proportions of alcohol and mixers.
3. What do you get someone for a bar cart?
The best gifts for home bartenders are the ones that help them make their bar cart more functional and stylish. Here are some great ideas:
- A nice set of glassware: Every home bartender needs a good set of glasses, including rocks glasses, highball glasses, and wine glasses.
- A bottle of good quality spirits: If you make great cocktails, you need great ingredients. Get your favorite cocktail lover a bottle of their favorite spirit or something new to try.
- Cocktail mixers: A good selection of cocktail mixers is essential for making all kinds of cocktails.
- A stylish ice bucket: An ice bucket is a necessity for any home bartender, and it can also be a great way to add a touch of style to the bar cart.
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Decanter: A decanter is a must-have for any home bartender. It's great for serving up cocktails and a great decoration for your bar cart.
4. How do you entertain a bartender?
I'm sure many of us have had the experience of trying to get a bartender's attention only to be ignored in favor of other customers. Here are a few tips on ensuring you get the bartender's attention - and keep it!
First, always be polite. This seems like a no-brainer, but it's easy to forget when trying to get someone's attention. A simple "please" and "thank you" will go a long way.
Second, don't be afraid to make conversation. Bartenders are people too, and they appreciate friendly customers who take the time to chat. Of course, don't monopolize their time - but a few minutes of conversation can make all the difference.
Finally, remember that bartenders are there to serve you. If you're not getting the attention you deserve, don't be afraid to speak up and ask for what you need. After all, they're there to serve you - so make sure you get what you want!
5. How do I set up a bar at home?
You'll need to consider a few things before setting up your home bar. First, decide what kind of atmosphere you want to create. If you're going for a relaxed and comfortable vibe, stick with classic bar staples like beer and wine. To impress your guests, go for something more creative, like specialty cocktails or a selection of unique beers.
Next, you'll need to think about your bar's layout. Where will it be located in your home? How much space do you have to work with? If you're tight on space, consider a portable bar or one that can be stored away when not in use. Once you've decided on the perfect spot for your bar, it's time to start stocking up on supplies.
Be sure to have all the basic bar tools, like a shaker, strainer, jigger, and stirrer. If you're planning on serving cocktails, you'll also need glassware like martini glasses and rocks glasses. And, of course, don't forget the booze! Stock up on your favorite liquors, beers, and wines.
Now that you have all the essentials, it's time to start mixing drinks. Cheers!
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