A person who loves cocktails tends to be a little particular, and a joke shaker or a light-up glass will not impress them. What they want are the same few things a good bar uses: better ice, better garnishes, tools with some weight to them and a recipe or two they have not tried.
This guide lists seven home bartender gift ideas from named makers and publishers. Each says plainly who it suits, and we sort by small, mid and splurge instead of prices, which change. These gifts are for adults of legal drinking age. If you are buying for someone who has stopped drinking, the syrup and the ice trays still work in a mocktail, but ask first.
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Quick verdict: the best gifts for cocktail lovers by person
For most cocktail lovers, give The Bar Book by Jeffrey Morgenthaler, a technique book that FSR Magazine reviewed well. For someone starting from scratch, give the A Bar Above 14-Piece Bartender Kit. For someone who already has the gear, Luxardo Maraschino Cherries or Liber & Co. Classic Gum Syrup are small things they will really use.
The others cover ice, a handsome shaker and a crystal mixing glass for stirred drinks.
Five bar gifts side by side
Five of the seven, one for each kind of home bartender. All seven are described in full below.
| Gift | Who it suits | Gift size | What they get | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
The Bar Book, Jeffrey MorgenthalerBest overall
|
Someone who wants to improve | Small | A book on technique | View on Amazon |
A Bar Above 14-Piece Bartender KitBest for beginners
|
A home bartender starting out | Mid to splurge | 14-piece stainless kit | View on Amazon |
Luxardo Maraschino Cherries, 400 g JarBest for the garnish
|
A Manhattan or old fashioned drinker | Small | Candied marasca cherries in syrup | View on Amazon |
Tovolo King Cube Ice Trays, Set of 2Best for ice
|
An old fashioned drinker | Small | 2 trays, 12 large cubes | View on Amazon |
Viski Pedestal Crystal Mixing Glass, 23 ozBest for stirred drinks
|
A stirred-drink fan | Mid | 23 oz lead-free crystal glass | View on Amazon |
Our picks for the best gifts for cocktail lovers
Our top pick comes first, then the small gifts, then the larger pieces of gear.
1. The Bar Book, Jeffrey Morgenthaler – Technique, Not Just Recipes
Plenty of cocktail books are lists of recipes. As the subtitle says, this one is about the elements of cocktail technique. It is by the bartender Jeffrey Morgenthaler with Martha Holmberg and Alanna Hale, and published by Chronicle Books.
A person who already has the tools usually gains more from learning to use them than from buying another jigger. FSR Magazine reviewed it in December 2014 and called the recipes “wonderfully un-branded,” praised Alanna Hale’s photography, and said many of the techniques are “quite applicable to the home bar enthusiast.” That is why it is our top pick: it suits almost any cocktail lover, beginner or not.
The same review is honest about the limits. It says experienced craft bartenders “might find some of the information slightly rudimentary,” and that barrel-aged cocktails get only a single page. We have not used the book ourselves. For more options, see our best cocktail book guide.
Why we like it
- A named bartender as author
- Reviewed well by FSR Magazine
- Focused on method
- Hardcover from Chronicle Books
Key specifications
| Model | 9781452113845 |
|---|---|
| Who it suits | Someone who wants to improve |
| Gift size | Small |
| What it is | Book |
| Material | Paper |
| Size | 288 pages, hardcover |
| Care | Not applicable |
| Warranty | Not applicable |
Why we recommend it
Give this to someone who has the kit and wants their drinks to taste like the ones at a good bar.
Skip it if they only want quick recipes for a party.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Teaches rather than lists
- Easy to wrap
- Pairs with a bar tool
Cons
- Not a recipe collection
- Basic in places for a seasoned bartender
2. Luxardo Maraschino Cherries, 400 g Jar – The Dark Cherry, Not the Neon One
Luxardo cherries are the small luxury people rarely buy for themselves. They are sour marasca cherries, candied and steeped in a syrup of cherry juice and sugar, according to the listing, and they look and taste nothing like the bright red kind.
Because this is a pantry item, it never adds clutter. One cherry finishes a Manhattan, and a spoon of the syrup is good over ice cream. The jar is sold through a distributor rather than Luxardo itself, and we checked it comes as a retail jar, not the 6.6-pound commercial can that shares the brand’s search results.
Why we like it
- Italian marasca cherries, per the listing
- Retail jar, not a commercial can
- Also good on desserts
Key specifications
| Model | Luxardo Jar 400g |
|---|---|
| Who it suits | A Manhattan or old fashioned drinker |
| Gift size | Small |
| What it is | Candied cherries in syrup |
| Material | Marasca cherries, syrup |
| Size | 400 g (14.1 oz) |
| Care | Follow the jar label |
| Warranty | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
Give this to someone who drinks Manhattans or old fashioneds, or to a dessert lover who also keeps a bar.
Skip it if they dislike sweet garnishes, or already keep a jar in the fridge.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Gets used up
- A real upgrade from neon cherries
- Works in drinks and desserts
Cons
- Sold by a distributor when we checked
- Sweet, and a little goes a long way
3. Tovolo King Cube Ice Trays, Set of 2 – Twelve Big Cubes
Ice is the cheapest way to improve a drink, and big cubes melt slowly. This twin pack of Tovolo trays makes 12 two-inch cubes in food-grade, BPA-free silicone, and each cube pops out with gentle pressure, according to the listing.
Two trays are the point: one is in the freezer while the other is in use. This is a good present to add to a bottle. It does need flat freezer space, and silicone can pick up freezer smells, so tell the person to keep the trays away from strong foods.
Why we like it
- Two trays, so one can freeze while you use the other
- Silicone releases cubes easily
- Under-the-tree size
Key specifications
| Model | 81-21761 |
|---|---|
| Who it suits | An old fashioned drinker |
| Gift size | Small |
| What it is | Large ice cube trays |
| Material | Food-grade silicone |
| Size | 2-inch cubes; 12 total |
| Care | Not stated |
| Warranty | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
Give this to anyone who drinks spirits on the rocks and is still using a standard ice tray.
Skip it if they want clear ice, which needs a different mold, or if their freezer is packed.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Cheap and useful
- Bright color
- No skill needed
Cons
- Takes flat freezer space
- Cubes are not clear
4. Liber & Co. Classic Gum Syrup, 12.7 oz – Texture Their Simple Syrup Lacks
Most people make cocktails with simple syrup, if they use syrup at all. Gum syrup is the older approach. Liber & Co. adds gum arabic to pure cane sugar for a velvety texture, and the listing says it suits old fashioneds and Sazeracs.
Liber & Co. says this is the pre-Prohibition standard bar syrup called for in many classic cocktails. It is a good fit for someone who has mastered the basics and likes a bit of history with their drink. It is an ingredient rather than something to display, so it looks modest as a gift on its own.
Why we like it
- Made with gum arabic and cane sugar
- Named for classic stirred drinks
- Sold by the maker when we checked
Key specifications
| Model | 375CGS |
|---|---|
| Who it suits | A classic cocktail fan |
| Gift size | Small |
| What it is | Gum syrup |
| Material | Cane sugar, gum arabic |
| Size | 12.7 oz |
| Care | Follow the bottle label |
| Warranty | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
Give this to a person who stirs their own drinks and enjoys old recipes.
Skip it if they rarely make sweetened cocktails, or prefer to make their own syrup.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Gets used up
- Small upgrade that shows in the glass
- Cane sugar base
Cons
- Modest as a gift alone
- Limited use for shaken citrus fans
5. Cocktail Kingdom Usagi Cobbler Shaker – One Handsome Heavy Shaker
Cocktail Kingdom is a name that serious bartenders know, and a cobbler shaker has its strainer built in, so the person needs nothing else. The Usagi is heavyweight 18/8 stainless steel with a matte finish and a capacity of 500 ml, or one drink.
The maker says it is made to separate easily after shaking, which is the usual complaint with cheap cobblers. One-drink capacity is the catch here. It is right for a person who mixes for themselves, not for someone who shakes rounds for friends.
Why we like it
- 18/8 stainless steel, per the listing
- Strainer built in
- Sold by the maker when we checked
Key specifications
| Model | Usagi |
|---|---|
| Who it suits | A one-drink-at-a-time mixer |
| Gift size | Mid |
| What it is | Cobbler shaker |
| Material | 18/8 stainless steel |
| Size | 500 ml (17 oz) |
| Care | Not stated |
| Warranty | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
Give this to someone who makes one good drink at night and would enjoy a heavy, well-finished tool.
Skip it if they often mix two drinks at once, since the listing gives this one a single-drink capacity.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Everything in one tool
- Weighty feel
- Named bar maker
Cons
- One drink only
- Too small for a party
6. Viski Pedestal Crystal Mixing Glass, 23 oz – A Glass That Stays Put
Martinis and Manhattans are stirred, and a proper mixing glass makes that job look and feel right. This one from Viski holds 23 ounces, is made of lead-free crystal according to the maker’s listing, and has a platform base that stays steady while you stir with one hand and pour with the other.
It looks good left out on a bar, which is why it works as a gift. It is still crystal, so it needs careful handling, and they will need a strainer and a bar spoon if they do not own them. Viski lists no warranty for it.
Why we like it
- Listing states lead-free crystal
- Platform base for stable stirring
- Large enough for more than one drink
Key specifications
| Model | 10630 |
|---|---|
| Who it suits | A stirred-drink fan |
| Gift size | Mid |
| What it is | Mixing glass |
| Material | Lead-free crystal, per the listing |
| Size | 23 oz |
| Care | Not stated |
| Warranty | No warranty, per the listing |
Why we recommend it
Give this to someone who drinks martinis, Manhattans or negronis and shakes them because they own nothing else.
Skip it if their drinks are all citrus and shaken, because a mixing glass will not help with those.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Maker lead-free statement
- Display-worthy
- Stable base
Cons
- Can chip or break
- Strainer not included
- Sold by a third-party seller when we checked
7. A Bar Above 14-Piece Bartender Kit – A Whole Home Bar at Once
This is the one to buy for someone starting from scratch. It includes two shaker tins, a measuring jigger, a bar spoon, a fine mesh strainer, a Hawthorne strainer, a julep strainer, a muddler and six garnish picks, according to the listing, all in 304 stainless steel.
The listing says the tools are designed by experienced bartenders and are dishwasher safe. That is the brand’s own description, and we found no independent review of this kit that we could read, which is why it sits below the book. Most of the value is in not having to pick each piece. It is not the right gift for someone with a stocked bar, since it will repeat most of what they own.
Why we like it
- Everything a beginner needs in one box
- 304 stainless steel, per the listing
- Dishwasher safe, per the listing
Key specifications
| Model | X8-BGSC-9T3U |
|---|---|
| Who it suits | A home bartender starting out |
| Gift size | Mid to splurge |
| What it is | Bartender tool kit |
| Material | 304 stainless steel |
| Size | 14 pieces |
| Care | Dishwasher safe |
| Warranty | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
Give this to someone who has just started making drinks at home and is still measuring with a shot glass.
Skip it if they already own a shaker and a jigger. Choose cherries, ice or the book instead.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Complete set
- All one finish
- Recipes and guidance included, per the listing
Cons
- Repeats tools an enthusiast owns
- No stand or case stated
- Rests on the listing’s own description
How to choose home bartender gift ideas
Find out what is on their bar
Someone with one bottle and a shot glass needs tools. A person with a full cart needs ingredients and ideas. Take a quick look before you buy, because the same gift can be either perfect or redundant.
Notice whether they stir or shake
Drinks with citrus are shaken. Drinks that are all spirit, such as a martini or a Manhattan, are stirred. Match the gift to the drink they order: a mixing glass for the stirrer, a shaker for the person who loves a daiquiri.
Lean on what gets used up
Syrups and cherries are safe because they run out and can’t clutter the shelf. They also let you give something good at a small size, which suits a coworker or a host.
Be careful with crystal
Crystal looks wonderful and needs care. Our rule is to require a maker’s lead-free statement for crystal that touches a drink. Viski’s listing gives one for this mixing glass. A steel shaker has no glaze or crystal to worry about.
Add a bottle only if you know their taste
Tools outlast a bottle, and spirits are personal. If you do add one, pick what they already drink, and be sure the person is of legal drinking age and wants it.
How we picked these seven bar gifts
We picked named makers with in-stock listings, and we left out novelty items and items on our other gift pages. We have not used these products, so the page rests on listing and maker details and what a working bar looks for. The one outside review we read and quote is FSR Magazine’s review of The Bar Book, which is why the book is our top pick.
We dropped a Viski Nick and Nora set because the listing we read does not state lead-free, and a copper-plated shaker tin set because we wanted plain stainless steel for drinks full of citrus. We also did not choose a large Luxardo can because it is a commercial size, and we dropped a bitters sampler because its listing did not give an ingredient list, which we need before we recommend any food or drink gift. We checked the CPSC recall database by brand and found no recall for any of these makers.
Cocktail gift questions, answered
What do you get someone with a fully stocked home bar?
Something they use up. Syrup and cherries both qualify. Large ice trays are also a fair bet, because many good home bars still run on ordinary ice.
Is a bartender kit a good gift for a beginner?
Yes. A beginner rarely knows which strainer to buy, and a kit removes that problem. Add our best cocktail tool set guide if you want to compare.
What is the difference between a cobbler shaker and a Boston shaker?
A cobbler has a built-in strainer and a cap. A Boston shaker is two tins with a separate strainer, which is the setup in the A Bar Above kit. Our best cocktail shaker guide explains more.
Is a cocktail book a good gift for someone who already makes drinks?
Often, yes, if it teaches technique. The Bar Book explains why each method works, and FSR Magazine found much of it useful for home bartenders, though a professional may know the basics already.
Are these gifts appropriate for someone who does not drink?
Some can be. The syrup and ice trays work in alcohol-free drinks, but a bar set may send the wrong message. Ask a friend or family member first if you are unsure.
Our final gift pick for a cocktail lover
If you can buy only one, buy The Bar Book. For someone who owns no tools yet, add the A Bar Above kit. Round it out with glassware from our best cocktail glasses guide.
And when you would rather have someone else do the shaking, see the drinks list or call to order.