Skillfully crafted cocktails have an innate ability to elevate every occasion, whether it’s a night on the town, a birthday celebration, or a romantic dinner at your favorite dive bar. And, let’s be real, a cocktail is more than a drink; it’s an experience that defines memories, connects cherished moments, and forges lasting bonds-if you can remember them.
While cocktails have always been popular amongst the nightlife crowd and fine dining establishments, there’s a growing interest in DIYing a classy cosmopolitan or shaking up a cool mojito at home. Count us among that group because our bar bills are getting out of hand, especially after last week’s Sex in the City Cosmo pub crawl.
Whether the favorite person in your life has been mixing for a while or is new to the world of mixology, the following cocktail gift ideas will have you clinking your glasses in celebration of a thoughtful gift.
Sphere Ice Tray
The quality of your ice can make or break the cocktail sensation you are going for. Low-quality ice that melts quickly will dilute the tastes and undertones that make your cocktails the talk of the party. The sphere cube is ideal for a slow melting chunk of ice that keeps your drink cold and refreshing, helping to ensure your beverage remains pure until the last drop. And let’s be real, it’s fun as sh-t to drop a giant ice ball in your glass. Here’s a few of our favorites.
Pressice Barware Ice Press Kit: American Owned and Operated! This press is made with Aircraft Grade Aluminum, which helps make your ice balls extra stealthy and round! This kit is impressive and will get any date excited. While it ain’t cheap (what date isn’t?) your special someone will probably want you to press your perfect balls over and over again. Frosty circular deliciousness will leave them craving more balls.
Viski Ice Ball Press: Dudes, this machine is pretty dope, but it’ll cost a penny. Probably best for your favorite Bond fanatic who has giant chunks of ice laying around. Actually, it’s really awesome to watch an aluminum press turn chunks of ice into a perfect spheres. Don’t believe us? Watch the video.
Tinana Crystal Clear Ice Ball Maker: This ice maker’s deep basin and Styrofoam insulation help it to create some of the clearest ice spheres on the market, but it’ll take up a decent chunk of space in your fridge.
Samuelworld Large Silicone Premium Ice Trays: Simple, cheap, works for us.
Cocktail Gift Baskets
Does your cocktail connoisseur have a favorite mix they like to whip up at every gathering? Maybe they are fans of classic Manhattans or prefer a citrusy cosmopolitan. Or they prefer a spicy Bloody Mary or a traditional tequila sunrise with their breakfast. Every cocktail is a gift idea in the making. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
Bloody Mary Gift Basket
The perfect Bloody Mary delivers a delicate balance of flavors between salty and sweet. To create the ultimate Bloody Mary gift basket, you will need:
- Premium vodka is the backbone of every Bloody Mary
- A bottle of tomato juice for that rich, robust flavor we know and love.
- And other brave souls refuse anything other than Clamato
- Fresh celery for a refreshing crunch and imbuing the drink with its signature earthy undertones
- Green olives to elevate the savory profile
- Limes or lemons for a dash of tang
- Tobasco for those who like it spicy
- The Original Worcestershire Sauce
- A quality set of highball glasses because it’s all in the presentation, and you’ll need a thick bottomed glass if you’re going to muddle yourself some cocktails
Tequila Sunrise Gift Basket
This gift basket of curated delights will capture the essence of the perfect Tequila Sunrise in every sip. Celebrate in style or raise a toast to the end of another perfect day with a delicious and exotic tequila sunrise.
- A smooth and flavorful blanco or reposado tequila to infuse the blend with depth and character
- Grenadine syrup for a dash of sweetness and creating the tequila sunrise’s iconic bursts of color that cascade throughout the cocktail
- Citrus fruits to enhance the tropical freshness
- Maraschino cherries – essential for an extra burst of sweetness
- Highball glasses to showcase the vibrant hues
Old Fashioned Gift Basket
The Old Fashioned is a timeless classic that somehow manages to transcend generations. Cocktail lovers, young and old, enjoy its simple elegance, and this gift basket could be the ultimate indulgence for enjoying this extraordinary cocktail with good company.
- A top-shelf bourbon or rye whiskey for a rich and complex flavor profile
- Aromatic bitters for the Old Fashioned’s distinctive bite
- Pure sugar cane sugar cubes to add a subtle sweetness
- Fresh oranges will add some vibrancy and freshness to the flavor profile
- Mixing glass and bar spoon (Complete Set)
More Cocktail Accessories for the Discerning Mixologist
No cocktail gift set will be complete without a few quality accessories to enhance the aspiring mixologist’s mastery of mixing and looking good while they mix and pour. Consider adding the following items to your cocktail gift set.
- Measuring cups – essential for precision pours
- Cocktail shaker – Stainless steel and vacuum insulated for zero flavor transfer and drink purity to make even simple drinks stand out. We couldn’t resist snagging this Yeti cocktail shaker
- Long mixing spoons to ensure all the flavors have a chance to mingle in even the tallest glasses
- Salt and sugar for tasty glass rims
- Crystal and glassware – Not just any glass will do. The best drinks are served with style. Some of the best crystal glassware comes from companies like Waterford, Riedel, Bormioli. But keep in mind, it’s glass! At some point, your annoying uncle will break a pair.
The world of cocktails is as diverse as there are reasons to enjoy them. From the clink of celebratory toast to the intimacy of a homemade cocktail on a candlelit balcony, these gift ideas will ensure you savor every sip from the comfort of your home.
