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Properly, one other 12 months has come and gone, and we’re already swapping out summer season rum for winter whiskey. Which suggests…it’s nearly the vacation season.
And naturally meaning it’s time to SHOP! So who’s in your record this 12 months? Irrespective of should you’re shopping for for cocktail lovers, skilled bartenders, or cocktail novices, right here’s our record of prime items which might be positive to please everybody.
We actually have a few recs for many who desire their cocktail recipes sans alcohol. Take pleasure in!
(Spoiler: We positively included a few of our personal stuff as a result of, effectively, it’s the very best.)
SMALL GIFTS FOR THE COCKTAIL LOVER
A BAR ABOVE COCKTAIL ATOMIZER AND EYE DROPPER BITTERS BOTTLES
We’ve a brand new product designed to essentially take cocktails to the following degree! This eye dropper and cocktail mister equipment is an excellent enjoyable reward that has every little thing your favourite drink grasp must spray, stencil, and drip their method into tremendous fancy, Instagram-worthy cocktails!
This set consists of each eye dropper and sprayer attachments, so you should utilize the identical bottle of contents for various strategies. In addition they are available traditional amber brown or attractive matte black– and in two sizes: 2 ouncesor 4 oz.
A BAR ABOVE COCKTAIL PICKS: STAINLESS STEEL, COPPER, BRONZE, OR GOLD
Whether or not you want a stocking stuffer, a straightforward reward for Hanukkah, or a number/hostess reward that somebody may put to make use of instantly at a vacation celebration, these cocktail picks are an excellent…choose (see what I did there).
Excellent for stuffed olives, fruit, different garnishes, and even for hors d’oeuvres, this compact and inexpensive reward merchandise is each considerate and helpful for the foodie in your life and your cocktail-obsessed good friend. Pair them with a jar or cherries or olives, and also you’re good to go!
Plus, they arrive in stunning colours like gold, bronze, and stainless-steel. They only make appetizers and completed drinks look even higher!
DRINK TRAY
That is such an excellent reward to your favourite celebration host, whether or not or not it’s to carry cocktails, meals, or (let’s be trustworthy) mail and different random stuff that gathers in a single’s residence. Simply me? Oh, OK.
This one from Wayfair is available in a wide range of colours and sizes, however there are heaps in the marketplace to select from to suit totally different kinds– or you could possibly get actually inventive and choose up a classic one at a thrift retailer. You’ll be able to even pair it with a pleasant bottle of liquor (like this bourbon reward set from Angel’s Envy) or our 4-piece set (or each!) for an entire reward.
TRAVEL MUG
We all know that’s not water in your tumbler! No, however actually… A journey mug is a good reward for somebody who goes to lots of BBQs, loves espresso, or is in any other case on the go loads. We like the Yeti model as a result of it retains issues actually chilly or sizzling and is dishwasher protected, in contrast to many in the marketplace.
BAR MATS
I do know this looks as if a considerably odd reward, however these mats are so versatile! Practically indestructible (severely, Chris has run them over along with his automotive simply to make sure), they’re nice to your dry bar & skilled bar effectively– and even to your espresso station or as a dish drying mat.
We provide a lovely mild grey coloration alongside conventional black, so you’ve gotten choices! And just like the drink tray, pair them with a bottle of liquor or small cocktail equipment, and you’ve got a whole reward to your favourite cocktail lover!
OTHER BAR ACCESSORIES FOR HOME (OR WORK)
We’ve introduced you some actually high-quality, useful bar instruments this previous 12 months that will make glorious stocking stuffers! The actually cool factor about these little items is that they’re excellent for anybody who loves cocktails or cooking (or each), as all of them have lots of makes use of exterior of the bar.
And new for 2024: We now make our channel knife and citrus zester with a lovely, trendy white deal with choice!
- Channel Knife: A superior model of the fundamental instrument for creating the traditional fashion of citrus peel garnish– with out the pith
- Citrus Peeler: For creating attractive citrus peel garnishes, for everybody from cooks to professional bartenders to the house “cocktail artist”
- Wine Bottle Openers: Out there in glossy gold and stainless-steel together with our conventional black choice
- Citrus Juicer: A useful instrument for creating contemporary lemon juice or lime juice in a wide range of recipes
- Bitters Bottles: For excellent dashes of bitters, each time
- Pour Spouts: The perfect reward for anybody who makes use of alcohol, easy syrups, olive oils, and so on.
- Bar Blade: The quickest & best option to open beer & soda bottles
- Citrus Zester: An awesome kitchen instrument for zesting citrus fruits for drinks, syrups, salads, and extra
BOUGIE HOME BAR GIFTS
A BAR ABOVE STIRRED COCKTAIL SET
Is there something extra stunning to your residence bar than a mixing glass and a few glossy bar spoons? Nope. And fortunate for you, we’ve put them each into one equipment (together with a strainer, jigger, and cocktail picks!), making it the proper current to assist make stirring drinks like Manhattans and Martinis that a lot simpler– and extra fashionable!
This equipment was a labor of affection for us, and we’re excited to make it the very best reward your beloved receives this 12 months. After all, it is available in coloration varieties like stainless-steel, vintage copper, and gold.
FLAVIAR LIQUOR SUBSCRIPTION
So, all of us have that good friend who’s unimaginable to buy, proper? Perhaps YOU are that good friend. Perhaps they’re not the largest cocktail purist, however they positive love one thing that appears–and tastes–luxurious.
A liquor subscription is the proper reward for a good friend who loves cocktails and luxurious– it’s a enjoyable little shock each month that’s positive to tickle the flowery of the recipient whereas additionally giving them the chance to attempt a number of new liquors they could not in any other case find out about.
BAR CART
What’s extra swanky than a attractive bar cart? Little or no, actually. And it’s so useful for holding each booze and your always-necessary bar instruments. You’ll be able to purchase new or store classic at your native vintage retailer.
GIFTS FOR THE COCKTAIL NOVICE
A BAR ABOVE 4-PIECE CRAFT BAR SET
The most effective of the fundamentals! For the one who doesn’t know the place to begin, we’ve included what is required to create most cocktails on this barware equipment. This set is available in stunning finishes like stainless and gold; plus, it can final for a REALLY very long time. It’s the reward that retains on giving.
GLASSWARE
If you realize somebody simply beginning out of their residence bar journey, superb cocktail glassware is a really considerate reward. Don’t know what form to get? We’ve a complete information on our weblog to get you began!
There are some actually inexpensive glasses on Amazon and at Crate & Barrel, however classic glassware can be a stunning reward for cocktail lovers who like to point out a little bit character.
A BAR ABOVE 14-PIECE COCKTAIL SET
Is the cocktail beginner in your life instantly REALLY all for combined drinks? Acquired a good friend who wants a brand new passion and likes to go all out? Properly, give the reward of a perfectly-balanced cocktail!
Our full set has every little thing wanted to measure, shake, and pressure the proper drink– a shaker, spoon, strainers, jigger, muddler, and picks. Oh my!
It’s the very same instruments we promote to high-end cocktail bars – the true deal! Pair it with a mixing glass, and your good friend will likely be all set for years to return.
You too can now mix-and-match to create your individual bar instrument set, so that you’re in a position to choose the items you or your family members really want! PLUS, try our latest colorways: glossy black barware!
GIFTS FOR THE COCKTAIL EXPERT
A BAR ABOVE 14-PIECE COCKTAIL SET
Nope, this isn’t a mistake… What’s good for the novice is nice for the skilled bartender! There’s nothing higher than getting new bar instruments should you’re a cocktail lover.
And we is likely to be biased, however ours are the very best. Designed for mixologists, this equipment has every little thing to make the proper bartender reward. Plus, we now have a ton of different bar units if this isn’t the one for you– and you may as well construct your individual for a reduction!
CLEARLY FROZEN HOME CLEAR ICE CUBE TRAY
So, this will not be probably the most aesthetically-pleasing reward you’ll give to your bartender buddy. However in case you have a real cocktail lover in your life, they received’t care. The advantage of this explicit ice dice tray is quantity–a few of the extra refined-looking clear ice makers will solely get you 4 or perhaps six cubes–whereas this dangerous boy makes you ten beautiful, clear ice cubes.
SMOKE TOP INFUSER
Pair it with a smoking torch or try one of many many smoking weapons in the marketplace if you wish to go that route.
Smoked cocktails are actually standard proper now, and I’m shocked (however perhaps shouldn’t be) by what number of bartenders in our skilled bartenders Fb group stated they needed considered one of these. It’s a great gift for bartenders who like to experiment.
We’ve lined smoked cocktails on our podcast and why we’re loving them because the temperatures drop. Your favourite profession bartender will definitely admire the power to take their drinks to the following degree, which makes this considered one of our prime items for bartenders.
Listed below are another smoked cocktail choices to take a look at:
No campfire required!
COCKTAILS GIFTS FOR EVERYONE
A BAR ABOVE DIGITAL GIFT CARD
Have somebody in your life who may use a superb drink? Allow them to pick their very own excellent bar reward by getting them a reward card for brand new bar instruments. It’s the proper reward…particularly for the last-minute shopper.
THE GIFT OF EDUCATION
Know somebody who would like to study extra about making cocktails and even desires to turn into knowledgeable mixologist? We’ve all kinds of informative, self-paced programs for anybody who loves making combined drinks– from bar fundamentals to a complicated mixology certification course.
We launched a number of new programs in 2023 on particular matters regarding cocktails, so be sure that to look them over!
SPIRITS
This vacation season, elevate your gift-giving with our curated number of distinctive spirits which might be excellent for sharing with family members. Under are a few of our favourite crowd-pleasers and hidden gems– They’re positive to maintain the vacation spirit flowing!
REX WHISKEY
Launched in 2017 by Chaunci King, Rex Whiskey is the second spirit by the Royalty Spirits firm, and it’s the first spirits firm owned by a Black lady within the Pacific Northwest. (We love girls within the bar and alcohol business!)
Rex Whiskey is the proper bottle so as to add to your bar for the vacations with its heat aromas of apple, toffee, and purple wine. Its style combines caramelized brown sugar, rye spice, and vanilla, making it a straightforward sipping rye whiskey or an excellent base for an quaint and different traditional cocktails.
Whiskey lovers will thanks ten fold for such a considerate reward!
ANGEL’S ENVY
Angel’s Envy’s thirteenth annual Cask Power Bourbon is a standout vacation selection for bourbon aficionados. Recognized for its premium secondary ending, this 12 months’s restricted launch provides a brand new twist, mixing conventional Ruby Port with a Tawny Port end for layers of caramelized fruit, spice, and a touch of nutty sweetness. With notes of brown sugar, crisp apple crumble, and a contact of oak and chocolate, it’s a wealthy pour to savor neat—or a memorable reward for any whiskey lover.
They solely made 23,196 bottles, so get on it if you need considered one of these these vacation treasures!
LOFT + BEAR
This L.A.-based distillery produces an award-winning bottle of vodka that has the spirits world raving. It’s buttery and vanilla-forward, an excellent instance of “new” vodka with a number of character and– gasp!– precise taste (and a very good reward or the proper addition to your subsequent cocktail celebration).
In case you’re not so bought on vodka, this will likely really be the one for you! They determine their spirit as “the whiskey-drinkers vodka,” and it’s distilled from natural winter wheat, giving it mild, wheaty taste notes that blend with the sweetness of vanilla.
G4 BLANCO HIGH PROOF TEQUILA
G4’s Blanco Excessive Proof is a daring, unaged tequila that shines with vibrant, genuine agave taste and a barely earthy end. Produced by Felipe Camarena, a fourth-generation grasp distiller, G4 tequila is crafted with conventional strategies utilizing pure spring and rainwater, leading to a vibrant, easy spirit that’s preferrred for tequila purists.
DRUMSHANBO GUNPOWDER IRISH GIN
This distinctive gin from Drumshanbo is distilled in Eire utilizing conventional botanicals, reminiscent of juniper and orris root, in addition to sudden elements like gunpowder tea and citrus. With an natural, barely smoky profile and vibrant notes of grapefruit, Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin brings an unique twist to traditional gin cocktails.
KANICHÉ PERFECCIÓN PANAMANIAN RUM
Kaniché Perfección Panamanian Rum is a fastidiously aged spirit with notes of caramel, vanilla, and a touch of tropical fruit. Distilled in Panama and completed in French oak casks, this rum gives a easy, full-bodied expertise, excellent for sipping or elevating your favourite rum cocktails.
AMARO DELL’ETNA
Crafted with a mixture of Sicilian herbs, roots, and citrus, Amaro Dell’Etna is a wealthy, bittersweet Italian amaro with notes of orange peel, licorice, and refined spice. Impressed by the volcanic soil of Mount Etna, this amaro brings a depth of taste that’s preferrred as a digestif or a posh cocktail ingredient.
HEIRLOOM GENEPY
Heirloom Genepy is a conventional Alpine liqueur with natural, barely floral notes that spotlight elements like wormwood and mountain botanicals. This fragrant liqueur gives a style much like absinthe or chartreuse, including depth and complexity to cocktails or serving as a refreshing aperitif. Plus, it’s a wonderful substitute for inexperienced Chartreuse!
NON-ALCOHOLIC SPIRITS
I do know it sounds counterintuitive, however there are some actually very good spirit-free choices in the marketplace for making nonalcoholic drink recipes. Simply because somebody is slicing again on the alcohol doesn’t imply he/she/they shouldn’t get pleasure from a scrumptious mocktail!
Listed below are just a few of our favourite non-alcoholic spirits and pre-made “cocktails” that can nonetheless make the non-drinker in your life really feel included. And should you’re interested by extra alcohol-free dwelling, we now have a number of articles about mocktails.
SEEDLIP
You’ve seen us discuss loads about Seedlip on the weblog up to now; A Bar Above even makes use of this non-alcoholic spirit for our personal firm completely happy hours. With three choices out there, you can also make a mess of non-alcoholic cocktails that simulate the alcoholic variations.
RITUAL ZERO-PROOF SPIRITS
This model is such an excellent non-alcoholic choice if the individual you’re purchasing for loves mocktails however has eradicated alcohol. Ritual has whiskey, gin, tequila, and rum alternate options to select from, so your giftee could make a wide range of cocktails sans liquor!
DR. ZERO ZERO AMARNO
A non-alcoholic amaro that’s stuffed with wealthy, botanical taste, Dr. Zero Zero Amarno is ideal for anybody looking for a complicated, spirit-free different. Crafted with a mixture of fragrant herbs and spices, it delivers complicated bitterness balanced by refined sweetness, preferrred for mocktails or having fun with by itself as a digestif.
BITTERS
One option to step up your cocktail recreation is with bitters. Irrespective of their expertise degree, the cocktail lovers in your reward record will profit from some scrumptious bitters– They’re even nice for non-alcoholic cocktails if the individual can have the teeniest little bit of alcohol.
We love this conventional set of bitters from Scrappy’s– or attempt a mixture of conventional and extra distinctive flavors from Hella Cocktail Co.
We’re additionally obsessive about these actually distinctive choices from our buddies at Bittercube!
COCKTAIL AND MOCKTAIL BOOK GIFTS
Positive, you’ll be able to lookup recipes for an array of cocktails on-line (ahem, reminiscent of on our weblog). However there’s one thing about having a beautifully-curated cocktail guide in your library, in your counter, or casually laid throughout your bar. It’s the proper backdrop for an excellent Instagram publish.
The cool factor about books is that there are such a lot of on the market, making them good items for mixologists and lovers alike. You simply have to search out the fitting one! Listed below are just a few which might be positive to encourage everybody’s cocktail creations.
BEAUTIFUL BOOZE BY NATALIE MIGLIARINI
We’re saps for well-developed cocktails. We’re even BIGGER saps for stunning cocktail pictures. This cocktail recipe guide has each. It options easy-to-follow recipes which might be well-written, drinks for all totally different expertise ranges, and beautiful images, which make this guide a murals.
ZERO: A NEW APPROACH TO NON-ALCOHOLIC DRINKS
So, every little thing we simply stated about “Stunning Booze,” copy right here– besides these refreshing cocktails are non-alcoholic. Whether or not you’re planning on collaborating in dry-January or simply all for that teetotaler life-style, this guide has lots of of cocktail concepts and BEAUTIFUL images. Once more, artwork.
Cocktail Codex by Dying & Co.
The most effective books for a brand new (or seasoned) cocktail fanatic is Cocktail Codex as a result of it breaks down the traditional cocktails you have to get began. The individual you give this to will likely be stirring up scrumptious drinks for you very quickly.
FROM YOUR AMATEUR BARTENDER FRIEND TO THE MIXOLOGY EXPERT: WHICH GIFTS DO YOU CHOOSE?
We hope you’re capable of finding the proper cocktail reward for the cocktail lovers in your life and that we’ve helped make this 12 months a little bit brighter to your family members. And for you. It’s been a tough few years on the planet, so deal with your self to your favourite spirit, important bar instruments, or every other particular reward you’ve gotten your eye on.
Shopping for one thing from our number of cocktail items? We’d like to see it, or higher but…the cocktail you make with it! Make sure you tag us on Instagram at @ABarAbove. And should you’re on the lookout for extra inspiration, motivation, or perhaps a group to speak about cool bar issues with, be a part of our Craft Cocktail Membership on Fb!
Pleased Holidays… and completely happy mixing!