The 30 Best Gifts for Home Bartenders Who Love to Entertain

Best Cocktail Maker

Bartesian 55300 Premium Cocktail Machine

View On Amazon View On Wayfair View On Walmart

A coffee maker that uses pods is a quick and convenient way to get a quality cup of joe. Wouldn’t it be nice if there was a machine like that for cocktails? Good news: There is. Bartesian’s Premium Cocktail Machine can make delicious craft cocktails with the push of a few buttons. Make highly customizable drinks using your favorite liquor brands and control the strength level in each drink. For those who don’t imbibe, a mocktail setting allows you to create concoctions sans alcohol. 

The machine self-cleans after each pour, and many parts are even dishwasher safe. Pour your favorite spirits into the glass capsules, pop in a pre-mixed cocktail pod, press a button, and enjoy. 

Price at time of publish: $369.95

Included: 1 Bartesian premium cocktail maker, 5 26-ounce glass spirit bottles with labeled lids (vodka, whiskey, rum, gin, tequila), 1 removable power cord, 1 removable Bartesian bar mat (cocktail capsules sold separately) | Dimensions: 12.5 x 12.75 x 12.25 inches | Weight: 15.7 pounds | Warranty: 1 year

Best Way to Give Back

The Community Spirit Vodka and Cocktail Book

View On ReserveBar

The Spruce Eats Food Editor, Kristin Stangl recommends The Community Spirit Vodka and Cocktail Book limited-edition gift set, available exclusively on Reserve Bar.

"At under $30, this vodka and gorgeous mini-cocktail book gift set is both affordable and impressive," she raves. "The mission behind this spirit, which was launched during the pandemic, was to spotlight bartenders who are changemakers in the hospitality industry, making strides within their communities that go beyond the bar. I was lucky enough to taste some of these inventive vodka cocktails that include ingredients like fresh beet juice, dill infusions, and sugar snap peas."

Price at the time of publish: $27.99

What's Included: 750ML bottle of Community Spirit Vodka, a mini-cocktail book featuring 8 original recipes from bars and bartenders from around the country.

Best Party Gift

Twisted Alchemy Ultimate Holiday Margarita Kit

View On Twistedalchemy.com

Heading to a holiday party and want to gift your bartender host with the ultimate party mixer set-up? Opt for quality ingredients and the guarantee that it will please the host and the crowd with Twisted Alchemy's cold-pressed juice based Ultimate Holiday Margarita Kit. Bartenders know that fresh juice is always key to a well-crafted cocktail and margaritas are no exception. Each kit contains enough mixers to create 30 margaritas—just add booze!

Price at time of publish: $99

Includes: 3x 25.4oz bottles of 100% Cold-Pressed Juice - Pomegranate, Three Citrus, Blood Orange; Dried Citrus Wheel Garnish; 3 Packs Gourmet Rimmer Garnish - Habanero Salt, Hibiscus Lime Salt, Gold Sugar; Stainless Steel Cobbler Shaker; Stainless Steel Jigger; Twisted Alchemy Cooler Bag

Best Art Prints

Sept and Fly Art Retro Cocktail Posters

View On Etsy

Every home bar needs a bit of décor. If you have a retro aesthetic, these beautiful cocktail posters are for you. The set includes prints of five classic drinks: sangria, espresso martini, Aperol spritz, mojito, and negroni. If other beverages are more your style, there are a whole host of prints to choose from in sets or individual prints—daquiri, piña colada, cosmopolitan, you name it. 

Please keep in mind that the purchase gives you a digital download only, so you’ll need to print the pictures at home or go to your local print shop. The upside of printing it yourself is that you have total control over the size and dimensions of the piece, so you can find the perfect fit for your space. 

Price at time of publish: $12

Includes: 2 zip files with PDF and high resolution JPEG files of each design

Best Gift Card

Cocktail Kingdom Gift Card

View On Cocktail Kingdom

For the home bartender who seemingly has everything, sometimes a gift card is the way to go. Cocktail Kingdom is the industry favorite for professional barware and glassware. Even the most casual cocktail enthusiast would be stoked to get a gift card to this mecca for bartenders. The lucky giftee can count on scoring custom barware and retro-style glasses, as well as small-batch bitters and artisanal syrups.

Price at the time of publish: $10-$1,000

What's Included: An e-gift card with a customized message

Best Wine Rack

West Elm Honeycomb Wine Rack

View On Havenly.com View On West Elm

A wine rack is much more than just a way to store your favorite bottles—it should be as much a statement as the wine itself. This metallic rack from West Elm holds up to six standard bottles, features an eye-catching honeycomb shape, and comes in two colors: polished brass and matte black. It’s a modern, minimalist piece that will add flair to any room. 

Price at time of publish: $60

Holds: 6 standard bottles | Material: Steel | Dimensions: 13.25 x 6.75 x 12.75 inches

Best Bar Cart

West Elm Mid-Century Bar Cart

View On West Elm

If you want to take drinks to the deck, backyard party, or any other room in the house besides the bar, you’re going to need a way to transport everything, and this partially wheeled bar cart is a fantastic solution. It has two shelves for booze, glassware, ice buckets, and plenty more. 

Since there are only two wheels, the cart is sturdy and won’t roll away, and it has a sleek, modern design. Made of kiln-dried eucalyptus wood, it has an acacia veneer and some walnut finish to boot. Not only does it look good, it will make you feel good, too, since it’s made in a certified fair trade facility using sustainably sourced or recycled wood materials. 

Price at time of publish: $549

Material: Brass, acacia, eucalyptus | Weight: 75 pounds | Dimensions: 32.4 x 19.9 x 32 inches

Best Ice Mold

W&P Cocktail Ice Bundle

View On Wandp.com

W&P has been making modern kitchenware with an eye for contemporary design and sustainable living since 2012. Their eye-popping ice molds continue to land on The Spruce Eats "Best of" lists and have garnered a cult following over the years. This bundle of 4 different trays and molds with intricately patterned designs etched into each one, makes for an elevated evening of cocktails and fancy sips.

Made from 100% LFGB-certified food-grade silicone, these ice molds are easy to release, dishwasher-safe, and odor resistant. There's a reason why their trays and molds have become so popular.

Price at the time of publish: $70

What's Included: Prism Cocktail Ice Mold: 2” over-sized cube with an etched pyramid design; Ripple Cocktail Ice Mold: 2.5” ice sphere featuring a Prohibition Era-inspired ripple pattern; Petal Cocktail Ice Tray: 4 large, 2.5” ice spheres, etched with an Art Nouveau styled petal design; Crystal Cocktail Ice Tray: 4 very large, 2.25” ice cubes with a cut crystal design.

Best Cocktail Picks

Williams Sonoma Stainless-Steel Cocktail Picks, Set of 6

View On Williams-Sonoma

Cocktail picks are to drinks what cherries are to sundaes–the perfect topper. Williams Sonoma has a beautiful set of stainless steel cocktail picks that look pretty in any drink you craft. Great for spearing a garnish, such as olives or a lemon peel, the picks can lay over the top of the glass or in it. 

These particular cocktail picks come in a set of six, and each one features a slightly different design. It’s great for when you’re throwing a party or gathering with friends and need an easy way to differentiate everyone’s glass. 

Price at time of publish: $19.95

Material: Stainless steel | Includes: 6 cocktail picks

Best DIY Cocktail Kit Collection

Saloonbox Favorites Collection

View On Saloonbox.com

Meal kits delivered to your door have gained massive popularity over the past couple years. Maybe it’s no surprise, then, that cocktail kits have followed suit. SaloonBox offers cocktail box subscriptions, but if you want to test it out before committing, try the popular Favorites Collection. The box features six cocktails and comes with enough ingredients to make two drinks each, for a total of 12 signature cocktails. Currently, tasty selections include a fig jam old-fashioned, “That Zing” (with tequila), “Teagroni,” “Bird’s Eye” (with bourbon), “Coming Up Roses,” and orange blossom martini.

You can choose whether or not to include the booze with your purchase–if you do, please note that the spirits ship separately and may not be available in all states. If you order without the booze, you have the power to pick your favorite brands or put a tasty twist on the included recipes. 

Price at time of publish: $123.99 (without alcohol), $168.99 (with alcohol)

Includes: Mixers, ingredients, recipe cards, and (optional) spirits for 6 popular cocktails

Best Bitters Set

Hella Cocktail Co. Bitters 5-Pack Set

View On Amazon View On Boisson.co View On Instacart.com

Bitters add depth and flavor to any cocktail they’re put in, and Hella Cocktail Co. makes a variety of them. This neat set includes both classic flavors, such as orange and aromatic, and more uncommon flavors, such as smoked chili and ginger. Whether you want to add spice or sweetness, this set has you covered. 

Price at time of publish: $36.95

Includes: (5) 1.7-ounce bottles of cocktail bitters | Flavors: Citrus, smoked chili, aromatic, orange, ginger

Best Soda Maker

SodaStream Fizzi One Touch Sparkling Water Maker

4.9

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Best Buy

Sparkling water (also known as soda or seltzer water) adds effervescence to many drinks, including popular cocktails, like the mojito or Tom Collins. If you’re interested in making some of your favorite bubbly cocktails at home, the SodaStream Fizzi One Touch could be a great investment. 

The sleek machine makes consistently carbonated seltzers and is simple to use. Available in black or white, the SodaStream secures bottles in place and fills them quickly. Our testers loved the attractive design, consistency of bubbles, and how secure everything felt.

Price at time of publish: $129.99

Material: Metal, plastic | Dimensions: 5.5 x 17 x 5.5 inches | Warranty: 2 years, limited

Best Shot Glass Set

Tony Holman Handmade Tequila Shot Set

View On Uncommon Goods

This eye-catching shot glass set by Tony Holman is handmade in Texas entirely from stoneware clay, and no two are the same, which makes it easier to keep track of your own. The set comes with six glasses and an optional matching stoneware tray.

While each piece is technically dishwasher safe, hand washing is recommended for keeping them in tip-top shape. After all, you’ll want this beautiful set to last a long time. If you end up loving the tray and aren’t interested in the shot glasses, it’s available on its own to use as a serving board, too.

Price at time of publish: $65

Material: Stoneware clay | Shot Glass Dimensions: 1.75 x 2.5 inches | Tray Dimensions: 10.5 x 8.25 x 0.5 inches

Best Knife

W&P Bartender's Knife

View On Amazon View On Nordstrom

A good knife is a handy, versatile tool. W&P’s gorgeous bartender’s knife is great for slicing lemons, creating a curlicue from an orange peel, spearing ingredients, and chopping up herbs—whatever your drink requires. 

Featuring full-tang construction and a walnut handle, the knife is both sturdy and appealing to look at. The blade itself is 7 inches long and has a forked tip. Hand washing is recommended to preserve the longevity of your knife, and it even comes with a sharpening stone to keep things slicing seamlessly. 

Price at time of publish: $35

Material: Stainless steel, walnut, brass | Blade Size: 7 inches | Dimensions: 9 x 2.5 x 1.25 inches

Best Stemless Glass

Uncommon Goods Recycled Stemless Flutes

View On Uncommon Goods

Stemmed flutes are great for serving sparkling drinks, such as Champagne or a French 75, since the narrow mouth slows the loss of carbonation. Stems also keep drinks cooler for longer, since the bowl of the glass is away from the warmth of your hand. That said, stemmed glasses can be flimsy and prone to falling over.

If you want a sturdier flute, go stemless. This set includes six flute glasses with a wide base that isn’t easy to knock over. Made from recycled wine bottles, each glass is dishwasher safe and holds about 6 fluid ounces.

Price at time of publish: $42

Material: Recycled glass | Glass Capacity: 6 ounces | Set Count: 6 glasses

Best Vodka Cocktail Kit

Mouth Just Add Vodka

View On Mouth

Vodka lovers will rejoice at this tasty cocktail box. Mouth’s Just Add Vodka kit includes several mixers, including ginger beer syrup, tonic syrup, bloody mary mix, and cucumber mint cocktail syrup. There are also two unbreakable old-fashioned glasses and a cotton tote to carry everything in. All you need to do is add the vodka of your choice for a number of tasty adult beverages. 

Price at time of publish: $95

Includes: Ginger beer syrup (16 ounces), tonic syrup (17 ounces), bloody mary mix (32 ounces), cucumber mint cocktail syrup (8 ounces), 2 old-fashioned glasses, cotton tote

Best Ice Molds

W&P Peak Silicone Everyday Ice Tray w/ Protective Lid

View On Amazon View On Food52

Many cocktails call for ice cubes–whether to keep things cool, enhance the aesthetic, or both. Specialized ice cube molds elevate the drink even further with cubed or spherical ice that looks great in a glass. W&P has a great silicone ice tray that creates 1.25-inch square cubes perfect for any kind of on-the-rocks cocktails. 

W&P’s tray is made of flexible silicone, which makes it easier to remove ice without fear of cracking the tray. You can actually just flip each compartment inside out to release a cube. One of our commerce editors has owned this tray for years and would never go back to the flimsy plastic version. To top things off the tray comes with a protective lid that keeps ice fresh and free from any freezer smells. It’s available in multiple colors, including charcoal, blue, and speckled pink. 

Price at time of publish: $16

Material: Silicone | Cube Size: 1.25 inches | Tray Dimensions: 7.63 x 5.63 x 1.63 inches | Colors: Charcoal, blue, white, speckled pink, speckled white

Best Decanter

Le Chateau Wine Decanter

4.8

View On Amazon View On Walmart

While a decanter may feel like merely a showpiece, there are two reasons wine lovers enjoy breaking out a decanter: The curved design is specifically crafted to aerate and oxygenate a wine, releasing aromas that were closed off in the bottle. Secondly, pouring a wine into a decanter will filter out the sediments present in older, cellared wines.

The design of this lead-free, hand-blown decanter does both of these things, plus it adds visual flair to a happy hour and holds an entire 750-milliliter bottle of wine. A special slanted lip also ensures that you won’t spill a drop when you’re pouring the wine from the bottle to the decanter or from the decanter to your glass, and the flat bottom with a large surface area showcases the nuanced colors of each wine.

Our tester used an inexpensive 2016 Chianti, which, before decanting, smelled acidic and had an overwhelming bitter taste. After two hours of airing out in the Le Chateau, "the wine’s acidic burn softened and the texture became velvety smooth."

Price at time of publish: $43

Material: Handblown crystal | Weight: 2.16 pounds | Dimensions: 8.5 x 8.5 x 10 inches

Best Wine Glass Set

Riedel Ouverture Red Wine Glasses

View On Amazon View On Wine.com

Every drink enthusiast—even those who prefer cocktails—needs a solid set of wine glasses. But forget the notion that you need different-shaped glasses for reds, whites, and Champagne—Riedel’s Ouverture glasses are sommelier-approved options for any and every grape varietal. 

Many of the glasses from the 300-year-old glassware brand are pricey, but this budget-friendly set is designed for the everyday drinker. They are whisper-thin, gorgeous, and low-effort: Pop them in the dishwasher when you’re done drinking—no tedious hand-washing required. 

Not a wine drinker? These versatile, smaller-stemmed wine glasses can just as easily hold beer and cocktails. There’s a reason you will spot these glasses on the bartops of high-end restaurants!

Price at time of publish: $39.97

Material: Crystal glass | Capacity: 12.35 ounces | Height: 7.36 inches

Best Cocktail Set

Cocktail Kingdom Essential Cocktail Set

View On Amazon View On Cocktail Kingdom

Cocktail Kingdom has a fantastic set complete with stainless steel shaking tins, which are weighted for a good, thorough shaking, a Japanese-style jigger for measuring ingredients, a bar spoon for smooth stirring, a strainer, and a mixing glass. If you love cream- or fruit juice-based drinks, then this sturdy shaker will make sure everything is blended properly.

Price at time of publish: $115.94

Includes: Mixing glass, barspoon, jigger, weighted shaking tins, strainer

Best Smoking Gun

Breville PolyScience The Smoking Gun Pro

5

View On Amazon View On Williams-Sonoma View On Breville.com

A smoking gun will take an average home bartender to the next level. You may have seen these fancy gadgets in cocktail bars, but they aren’t all for show—they can add some serious flavor to your drinks. If you have someone on your list who loves experimenting and entertaining, this is a gadget they’ll seriously appreciate. This smoking gun from Breville is a bit of a splurge, but it can be used in the kitchen as well to give added flavor to meat, cheese, and more.

Price at time of publish: $149.95

Fuel Type: Electricity | Includes: smoke gun, nozzle extender hose, batteries, replacement smoke screens, instructions, sample wood chips (apple and hickory)

Best Moscow Mule Mugs

Advanced Mixology Moscow Mule Copper Mugs

5

View On Amazon View On Advancedmixology.com

The Moscow Mule is an uber-simple cocktail: just ginger beer, vodka, and lime juice. But there’s one more ingredient many people forget about: a proper mug. Moscow Mules traditionally are always served in a 100 percent copper mug because the metals keep the drinks icy-cold for far longer than regular glass, regardless of the temperature outside or the heat of your hand. 

These mugs boast the aesthetic of a classic Moscow Mule mug, with a rounded cup and a hammered finish. Each of the brand’s mugs is made with 100 percent copper and finished with a food-safe lacquer to prevent drinkers from copper tarnish. 

Perfect for the home entertainer, the set comes with all you need to whip up a batch of refreshing cocktails, including a stirring spoon, coasters, copper cocktail straws, a shot glass for measuring, and, for when it’s time to call it a night, a special brush for cleaning copper.

Price at time of publish: $49.97

Includes: 4 mugs, 4 straws, 4 coasters, 1 shot glass, 1 spoon, 1 cleaning brush

Best Whiskey Stones

Barleo Whiskey Stones Gift Set

View On Amazon View On Nestorliquor.com View On Sears.com

This set is excellent if you’re shopping for someone who loves their sipping spirits: rums, whiskeys, and more. Though whiskey stones are a bit controversial among purists, some people prefer using them so as not to dilute drinks with melting ice cubes. Simply chill them in your freezer for at least two to three hours and place them in your drink for a slight chill that will not affect the taste or quality of your spirits. 

This set includes nine small chilling stones made from FDA-approved and BPA-free soapstones, a handsome wood box in which to store them, and a black velvet pouch. We recommend storing them in the freezer so you’re always ready for a drink.

Price at time of publish: $13

Includes: 9 whiskey stones, velvet storage bag, wooden gift box, instructions

Best Punch Bowl

Mikasa Akimbo 8 Piece Punch Bowl Set

View On Wayfair View On Mikasa.com View On Overstock

Punch bowls are a classic feature at barbecues and holiday parties, and this one is as fashionable as it is functional. This glass bowl has a simple, yet elegant shape and generous 11-quart capacity. The accompanying drinkware mirrors the shape of the bowl, as well, making it a nice matching set.

The clear plastic ladle has small pointed spouts on the sides to help pour drinks smoothly, whether you’re making a summery sangria or a cozy mulled wine.

Price at time of publish: $109.99

Materials: (Bowl) Glass, (glasses) crystal, (ladle) plastic | Capacity: (Bowl) 11 quarts, (glasses) 10 ounces, (ladle) 6 ounces

Best Whisky Glasses

Norlan Whisky Glass

4.4

View On Amazon View On Norlanglass.com View On Totalwine.com

These glasses are not your standard snifters. These innovative whiskey glasses were born out of a small Kickstarter and turned into a wildly successful full-blown brand. Instead of carefully crafted crystal or hand-blown glass, designer Sruli Recht, brand director Brian Fichtner, and CEO Shane Bahng use a 3D printer to create a glass that perfectly showcases the notes of Scotch. 

They worked with a panel of whiskey experts to craft the perfect glass, using biomimicry and fluid dynamic modeling to create a hybrid of a tumbler and a nosing glass. The 7-ounce glass has a double-walled design to protect the liquid from the heat of your hand. The round outer wall fits easily in your hand, just as a tumbler would, but the tulip shape of the inner glass highlights the nose and flavors of your favorite sipping spirit.

Price at time of publish: $48

Material: Borosilicate glass | Capacity: 5.9 ounces | Weight: 4.4 ounces

Best Coupe Glasses

Riedel Veritas Coupe Glasses, Set of 2

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Bloomingdales

If you’re a fan of cocktails like sidecars, daiquiris, Manhattans, or gimlets, you’ll need some reliable coupe glasses at home. Meant for drinks that are shaken, strained, and served without ice, the coupe’s tall stem prevents your hand from warming the drink. This pair from Riedel has an elegant appearance and 8.5-ounce capacity. Made of crystal glass, they’re a bit fragile, but will make any cocktail picture-worthy. 

Price at time of publish: $79

Material: Crystal glass | Capacity: 8.5 ounces | Dimensions: 9.75 x 5 x 11.2 inches

Best Margarita Glasses

Libbey Cactus Margarita Glasses, Set of 4

View On Amazon View On Wayfair View On Walmart

A staple of many Mexican restaurants, these fun cactus-themed margarita glasses are a great way to start a party. They’re thick and durable, holding up to 16 fluid ounces each. Love a good frozen drink? You can safely put these glasses in the freezer to chill before serving. Better yet, they’re dishwasher safe for easy cleanup. The vibrant green of the cactus stem won’t fade or dull in color over time, so you can expect to party on for years to come. 

Price at time of publish: $35

Capacity: 16 ounces | Weight: 1 pound | Dimensions: 4.38 x 4.38 x 6.25 inches

Best Book

A Proper Drink: The Untold Story of How a Band of Bartenders Saved the Civilized Drinking World

View On Amazon View On Barnesandnoble.com View On Bookshop.org

This is undoubtedly one of the most detailed books on the history of the recent craft cocktail renaissance. Penned by The New York Times cocktail writer Robert Simonson, the book walks through America’s cocktail scene, detailing the most important figures, drinks, and bars that brought us the cocktails we drink today—covering everything from the neon-hued drinks of the ’80s to the suspender-and-mustache bartender era of the early 2000s.

The book also includes a list of 40 cocktails, including 25 modern classics and 15 must-know cocktails compiled from the famous figures mentioned in the book. For cocktail geeks, "A Proper Drink" contains engaging anecdotes and tidbits on drinking culture. It’s less a recipe book and more a colorful tale of cocktails old and new.

Price at time of publish: $27

Pages: 352 | Published: 2016 | Formats: Hardcover, e-reader

Best Coffee Table Book

Death & Co: Modern Classic Cocktails

View On Amazon View On Barnesandnoble.com

Death & Co has long been lauded as one of the best cocktail bars in the world, known for boundary-pushing cocktails and tough-to-snag reservations. The bar has gathered much of this experience into a beautiful coffee-table book, filled with full-color photos, charming anecdotes on the bar’s history and favorite customers, and of course, some of the bar’s award-winning recipes.

Daniel Thomas, Bar Manager of Hilton’s San Diego Bayfront highly recommends Modern Classic Cocktails. “I enjoy this book because it includes a comprehensive summary of many tools, techniques, and inviting recipes that are so incredibly fun and important to the beverage enthusiast. It also includes stories and ‘regulars’ of the original Death & Co in New York City, which provides insight into the culture and vibe of D&C. Whenever I hit a creativity wall, I look to this book for inspiration.”

Price at time of publish: $40

Pages: 320 | Published: 2014 | Formats: Hardcover, e-reader, spiral-bound