Win a 4-night stay for 2 people at the InterContinental Chiang Mai The Mae Ping in Thailand
Home / Food & Drink / Wines, Beers, Cocktails & Spirits

6 gift ideas for the aspiring bartender in your life

By Natasha Bazika   |  

Cheers! After the year we’ve had, we all deserve a drink and a toast to the upcoming holidays. Whether you’ve been brushing up on your bartending skills while in lockdown or know someone who loves to be the home bartender then this gift guide is for you. We’ve rounded up a selection of items from Christmas-inspired bar tools to a smart coaster that guarantees the perfect pour every time.

The Barsys Smart Coaster

Barsys Smart Coaster System Courtesy Williams Sonoma
Image credit: Williams Sonoma

Most bartenders know this, but the secret to a perfect cocktail is the perfect pour. Measuring the right amount of spirit and mixer ratio guarantees a well-balanced cocktail. The Barsys smart coaster system is a Bluetooth-connected coaster, helping novice mixologists expertly craft cocktails, anywhere. The app is loaded with over 2,000 recipes and has a function where you can upload the ingredients you have on hand. This helps the app decide what you should make – handy right!?.

The best part is the electromagnetic mixer mug that automatically shakes or stirs the cocktail as you add ingredients. The coaster changes colour to signal when to start and stop pouring each ingredient, ensuring the perfect pour. Buy it exclusively at Williams Sonoma.

Georg Jensen SKY Cocktail Shaker

Image credit: Georg Jensen

Every home bartender needs a good quality cocktail shaker. This SKY cocktail shaker from Georg Jensen combines sleek good looks with functionality. Destined to be a conversation piece at any cocktail hour, the shaker makes a great gift for any amateur mixologist.

French-born Aurelian Barbry starts the design process by looking at the product and seeing what could be done differently and more beautifully without losing sight of the end-use. The organic shapes of his Sky collection of barware show this attention to detail. The pieces are stylish, sophisticated, and always practical. Check out the collection here for more bar accessories.

Alessi Vacuum Bottle Stand

Image credit: Alessi

With the holidays around the corner, most of us are preparing to entertain family and friends. This vacuum bottle stand from nonother than Alessi is the perfect luxe gift for the home bartender in your life.

As with any Alessi product, the Mateglacé will be the star of the show. Its polished stainless steel façade with a subtle diamond pattern is a glamorous touch, but its functionality shines with the double-wall, ensuring your drinks are cold—and stay cold. Buy it here.

Reindeer Bar Tools Set

Image credit: Williams Sonoma

If you’re looking for a unique Christmas gift, one that the receiver never would have thought of buying, look no further. This reindeer bar tools set is sure to be a show-stopper as guests prance, dance, and dash to the home bar.

Each tool is topped with a hand-finished reindeer, perched atop a sleigh-shaped stand. It’s a spirited gift, made of solid brass and polished nickel finish. The set is sold exclusively at Williams Sonoma.

Mr Porter Wine Set (L’atelier du Vin)

Image credit: Mr Porter

This one is for the wine connoisseur in your life. Housed in a wooden box with a carefully carved map of the world’s grape regions on the lid, this French-made kit comes with a whole host of the Maison’s iconic tools, including the ‘Garçon’ bottle opener and ‘Oeno Motion Lever’ model.

The patented ‘Bilame Anniversaire’ twin-blade corkscrew is a design that’s been part of the brand’s collections since 1949. Buy it here from Mr Porter.

Whiskey Lovers Set

Image credit: Williams Sonoma

Whiskey lovers know how crucial it is to chill the spirits without diluting their distinctive flavours and aromas. This whiskey lover set contains two ways to accomplish that task – colossal cube and whiskey cube, as well as four double old-fashioned glasses for muddling and serving.

The flexible silicone moulds are easy to work with and releases cubes instantly. The leakproof silicon caps create tight seals and the stackable moulds conserve freezer space. It’s a handy item every home bartender should own and serves as a great stocking stuffer this Christmas. Buy it here from Williams Sonoma.