6 Best Gifts for Mixologists And Cocktail Lovers

Mixologists are true artists, creating intricate cocktails that are as pleasing to the palate as they are visually stunning. Whether you’re shopping for a professional bartender or someone who simply loves crafting cocktails at home, selecting the perfect gift for a mixologist can be a delightful challenge. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you find the best gifts for mixologists, ranging from tools and gadgets to accessories and books that will inspire their craft.

1. Essential Bar Tools

a. Cocktail Shaker Set

A high-quality cocktail shaker set is a must-have for any mixologist. Look for sets that include a variety of shaker types—Boston shakers, cobbler shakers, or French shakers—that come with mixing glasses, strainers, and stirring spoons. Stainless steel shakers are particularly popular due to their durability and ability to maintain the temperature of mixed drinks.

Personally, I really like this KITESSENSU Cocktail Shaker Set from Amazon, especially the 17-piece silver version. It’s a perfect choice for both beginners and seasoned mixologists, offering a sleek design and all the essential tools to create amazing cocktails. The stand also adds a stylish touch to your bar or kitchen counter while keeping everything organized.

Main Features:

• Comprehensive Set: Includes 25oz/750ml Martini Shaker, Hawthorne Strainer, Mixing Spoon, Double-Sided Jigger (½/1oz), Mojito Muddler, Liquor Pourers, and more.
• Durable Build: Made from upgraded 18/8 stainless steel, specially thickened (0.8 mm) to resist rust and ensure long-lasting performance.
• Dishwasher Safe: Easy to clean and maintain, making it hassle-free after use.
• Stylish Stand: Comes with a wooden and stainless steel stand for organization and aesthetic appeal.
• Recipe Guide: Includes a guide with cocktail recipes, ideal for beginners.
• Gift-Worthy Packaging: Beautifully packaged, making it a thoughtful gift for parties, friends, or family.
• Customer Satisfaction: Backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee for a worry-free purchase.

At $39.99 with a 20% discount, this set is an excellent value. Whether you’re hosting a party or exploring mixology at home, this kit delivers everything you need for an elevated experience.

b. Jigger

A jigger is an indispensable tool for precise measurements, ensuring cocktails are mixed accurately. Opt for a double-sided jigger with clear measurement markings (1 oz and 2 oz, for example) to help mixologists achieve the perfect balance in their recipes.

Personally, I really like this A Bar Above Premium Japanese Jigger from Amazon. It’s a sleek and professional tool that makes measuring spirits for cocktails effortless and accurate. Whether you’re an experienced bartender or just starting out, this jigger is perfect for ensuring precision in your drinks. I find its durable build and versatile measurements incredibly helpful when crafting cocktails at home.

Main Features:

• Ergonomic and Sleek Design: Crafted with a modern look, this jigger fits comfortably in your hand and adds a professional vibe to your bar setup.
• Premium Material: Made from heavy-duty 304 stainless steel, it’s resistant to rust, bending, or breaking, ensuring it lasts a lifetime.
• Precision Measurements: Engraved with nine measurement lines, including bar spoon, ¼ oz, ½ oz, ¾ oz, 1 oz, 1 ¼ oz, 1 ½ oz, 1 ¾ oz, and 2 oz, making it ideal for any cocktail recipe.
• Reduces Waste: Its rolled lip design minimizes spills and liquor waste, creating perfectly balanced cocktails every time.
• Industry Standard: This Japanese-style jigger is trusted by professional bartenders for its ease of use and classy look.

At just $16.00, this jigger offers exceptional value. It’s the perfect combination of style, durability, and functionality, making it one of my favorite tools for mixology.

c. Bar Spoon

A bar spoon is ideal for stirring drinks to blend ingredients without the ice breaking down. Choose a bar spoon with a twisted handle for better grip and control while mixing.

If you’re after a high-quality stirring tool, this 12.5” Stainless Steel Bar Spoon is an excellent pick. It combines great design with practicality, making it a must-have for any mixologist.

Key Features:

• Perfect Length: Reaches the bottom of tall glasses and shakers effortlessly.
• Professional Design: Solid spiral handle for grip and a weighted teardrop end for balanced stirring and layering.
• Effortless Layering: Create perfect layers or floats with ease.
• Multi-Functional: Perfect for Martinis, Negronis, and other classic cocktails.
• Durable & Easy to Clean: Stainless steel construction ensures durability, and it’s dishwasher-safe.

At just $13.99 for a set of two, this bar spoon is stylish, practical, and a great value.

d. Muddler

For cocktails like mojitos or caipirinhas, a muddler is essential. It’s used to crush herbs, fruits, and spices, releasing their flavors into the mix. Wooden or stainless steel muddlers are both effective, with the latter being easier to clean.

The Ohtomber 8″ Stainless Steel Muddler is an excellent tool for making cocktails and more, offering durability and versatility for home and professional use.

Key Features:

• Durable Material: Made of corrosion-resistant stainless steel with a nylon head, it won’t crack, rust, or leave residue like wooden muddlers.
• Versatile Use: Perfect for crushing fruits, herbs, and spices for cocktails like Mojitos, or even making sauces, jams, and baby food.
• Ergonomic Design: Features a comfortable grip and a diamond-patterned nylon head for effective mashing without damaging glassware.
• Easy to Clean: Dishwasher-safe and leaves no residue, ensuring hassle-free maintenance.
• Practical Gift: A great gift for cocktail enthusiasts, bartenders, or anyone looking to elevate their home bar setup.

At just $4.99, it’s a budget-friendly addition to your bar tools, perfect for creating vibrant cocktails or experimenting with new recipes.

2. Mixology glassware set

A mixology glassware set is a thoughtful and practical gift for cocktail lovers, perfect for elevating their at-home bartending experience. It’s not just a functional addition but also a stylish enhancement to their bar setup, allowing them to serve spirits in the right glass for every drink. Whether for a novice or an aficionado, such a gift shows attention to detail and appreciation for their passion.

When I gifted my friend the Libbey Craft Spirits Assorted Drinkware Set, she absolutely loved it. The set includes six beautifully crafted glasses, each designed for specific spirits—tequila, scotch, cognac, bourbon, whiskey, and rye. This assortment lets her serve drinks in style while enhancing the flavor and presentation of each libation.

Why This Set Stands Out:

• Variety: With six unique glasses, it’s versatile for different spirits and occasions.
• Attractive Design: The modern aesthetic makes it a stylish addition to any home bar.
• Safe and Durable: Made from lead- and BPA-free glass, the set is dishwasher-safe for easy maintenance.
• Perfect Gift: Ideal for anyone who enjoys craft cocktails or appreciates fine drinkware.

Priced at $26.61, it’s a fantastic value, making it an ideal gift for craft spirits enthusiasts or anyone looking to upgrade their drinkware collection. My friend now uses it at every gathering, and it’s become her go-to for entertaining!

3. Mixology Books and Guides

Mixology books and guides are a thoughtful gift for anyone interested in mastering the art of cocktail-making. They provide invaluable knowledge, from essential techniques and recipes to tips from seasoned professionals.

a. Cocktail Recipe Books

A mixologist can never have enough recipes to explore. Choose books that offer a mix of classic cocktails, modern concoctions, and innovative mixology techniques. Some popular options include “Death & Co: Modern Classic Cocktails” by David Kaplan and “Liquid Intelligence: The Art and Science of the Perfect Cocktail” by Dave Arnold.

Example Gift Idea: “The Art of Mixology: Classic Cocktails and Curious Concoctions” by Parragon Books

This hardcover book is a fantastic addition to any mixologist’s collection. It offers over 200 recipes, including both traditional and modern cocktails like the Mai Tai, Marilyn Monroe, and Zombie, as well as non-alcoholic mocktails. The book explores the chemistry of cocktails and mocktails, making it a versatile guide for creating delicious drinks for any occasion—from romantic dinners to holiday parties.

“The Home Bartender: The Third Edition” by Shane Carley

This book is a game-changer for anyone wanting to elevate their at-home cocktail game. With over 200 recipes that use just four ingredients or less, it’s perfect for both beginners and seasoned mixologists. The simplicity of the recipes combined with its budget-friendly approach makes it a must-have for any host or hostess.

5. Storage Solutions and Accessories

a. Bar Caddy
A stylish bar caddy can help keep all bar tools and accessories organized and easily accessible. Look for one made from wood or metal that complements the mixologist’s home bar setup.

b. Ice Bucket
An ice bucket with tongs is not only practical but also adds a touch of elegance to any home bar. Choose a bucket with a lid to keep the ice clean and dry.

c. Personalized Bar Tools
For a personal touch, consider gifting engraved bar tools. This could be a jigger, mixing glass, or even a personalized cocktail shaker. It adds a unique and sentimental value to the gift.

6. Optional Extras

a. Bitters and Syrups
A mixologist can never have enough bitters or flavored syrups. Look for unique or gourmet varieties that can be used to create unique and inventive cocktails.

b. Cocktail Glass Rims
For cocktails that benefit from a salted or sugared rim (like margaritas or daiquiris), a cocktail glass rimmer can be a handy and thoughtful gift.

c. Home Bar Accessories
Consider gifting a set of high-quality glass markers, bar towels, or a cocktail caviar kit for added flair in cocktail preparation.

Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Conclusion

Choosing the best gifts for mixologists involves a blend of practicality, quality, and style. Whether you’re looking for tools, glassware, books, or accessories, the items mentioned above will help any mixologist enhance their craft and enjoy creating exceptional cocktails. These thoughtful gifts will not only elevate their home bar but also inspire their creativity and passion for mixology.