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The holidays always call for one too many drinks over a cocktail party or extravagant dinner, and if you’re lucky, you have that one friend who’s always trying out the best new recipes and creating delicious indulgences you can enjoy all season long. So, why not return the favor?
While you might not be able to create the perfect Old Fashioned or try your hand at making your own signature recipe, you can always assist the cause by giving your cocktail-obsessed friend one of these inventive gifts instead—and help your amateur bartender turn into a full-blown expert.
Craft Cocktail Syrup Pack, Cocktail & Sons, $43.95
Forget the simple sugar syrup and provide your boozy bestie with a few exotic selections, like Watermelon and Thai Basil or Honeysuckle and Peppercorns. This set of three also comes with a recipe book containing over 50 options, so your giftee will never have to worry about running out of drink ideas.
Viski Admiral Whisky Label Crystal Tumblers in Pine Box, True Brands, $52.49
A delicious single malt deserves an equally beautiful home, and these crystal tumblers are the perfect option. Packaged in a chic wooden box for safekeeping, these durable glasses will last well beyond the holiday season.
Vintage Cocktails, Assouline, $38.50
Chances are, your cocktail aficionado has all the regular recipes down pat—which is where this book comes in. Chock full of inventive selections, it also looks great on any coffee table when not in use.
Four-Piece Shaker Set by Crafthouse, Bloomingdale’s, $100
Making cocktails can be pretty complicated, so why not give your friend the tools to help it become a little easier? This four-piece set contains a shaker, strainer, jigger, and muddler—all perfect for anything your bud’ll want to whip up.
Chez Elle Coasters, Rosanna, $48
These cheeky sayings are super fun for any gathering—they add a touch of cheer to every drink imbibed.
Gold Vermeil Crazy Straw, Tiffany & Co., $350
Over the top? Yes, but also so perfect whenever your friend creates a drink he or she is especially proud of.
Beckett Bar Cart, Williams Sonoma, $999
What do you get the friend who has every cocktail appliance imaginable? Why, a beautiful bar cart to proudly display all those wares, of course.
Modern Cocktail Subscription, Crafted Taste, $150 a month
Perfect for the cocktail maven who loves experimenting, you can either send over a couple of recipes with all the ingredients included, or sign your recipient up for a monthly subscription service involving a new drink each month. The best part? No matter which option you pick, the company will send out full-sized versions of all ingredients—leaving plenty of room for trial and error.
Geometric Ice Bucket With Monogram, Katie Kime, $51.99
Personalize this design-centric ice bucket with your recipient’s initials—it’ll look stunning sitting by the bar.
55mm Ice Ball Maker in Copper, Cocktail Kingdom, $159.99
Why ruin a great drink by watering it down? This gorgeous ice ball maker will make the absolute perfect cube, and it’s definitely something your friend wouldn’t splurge on on the regular.
The X-Cold Seven-Piece Cocktail Set, Cuisinart, $175
For a functional, yet chic bar staple, explore this seven-piece cocktail set. It includes everything from a shaker and jigger to a stirrer and funnel, so it’s ideal for the amateur bartender who doesn’t have all the right appliances yet.
Sparkly Cheers Tray by Edie Parker, Saks Fifth Avenue, $495
Celebrate the holidays in style by letting your cocktail lover serve up drinks in a speciality tray—like this shiny, festive one by Edie Parker.
Moscow Mule: Copper Cocktail Mug, Whiskey Perfect, $31.99
Chances are, your friend has a ton of barware—but does he or she have a copper Moscow Mule mug? This version has a funky zig zag handle to boot, making it as original as the drinks your friend is likely to serve in it.
Bar Cocktail Bitters, Set of 6, Fee Brothers, $51.97
With over 150 years in the business, you can expect only the best from Fee Brothers. These handmade bitters come in inventive flavors like West Indian Orange and Grapefruit, and will add a delicious tinge to any cocktail.
Cocktail R-Evolution, Molecule-R, $49.95
To take drinks to the next level, your friend needs this cocktail kit. It contains plant-based food additives that’ll create bubbles or spheres (or even float around in your friend’s creations), along with some inventive tools that’ll make the drinks seem more like an interactive show.
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