The Drink Gadgets and Tools Holiday Gift Guide 2021 Edition

Things are moving forward for the hospitality industry. Falling COVID case rates have allowed restaurants to reopen, making some progress in bringing back those third spaces we all love to hang out at and connect with friends and family.

Over the last year, there has been an explosion in two significant trends. One is the re-emergence of home bartending. With people staying at home, they are starting to boost their bartending skills for various reasons. Many bartenders see this and cater to that trend through videos, books, and other suggested tools. Another big trend has been the rise of non-alcoholic drinks. Bars are popping up with this theme all over the country, and distilled, zero-alcohol spirits are more accessible for the average person to buy.

There are plenty of options out there for giving gifts. We have been exploring the landscape for a while, so if you need more ideas than what we have in this list, you can scan our older posts and look at what is available there.

Ready to get shopping?

Tools of the Trade

Mr. Slim Mizuwari Set - $180 –

The way the Japanese approach cocktails, from the care they give the ingredients to how they prepare the drink, has increased its influence in the modern cocktail movement. Using two parts cold water, one part spirit, and ice, this is a gorgeous set for anyone looking to give their bartender friend a statement piece for their home bar.

Ocean Currents Beverage Bucket - $100

What is a home bar without a bucket for ice? It is something every bartender should have. What is unique about this one is that not only are you giving the gift of cold beverages, you are helping 4Ocean fund their efforts to remove plastic from the ocean and other coastal waters. A collaboration with Mount Gay Rum, it makes a great two-for-one gift!

Bartender’s Backpack - $110

Even though they spend most of their time bartending at home when they go to someone else’s house, they will want to have some of their tools. Just in case their skills are required for some extra merry. This backpack from the Cocktail Kingdom will allow them to carry everything they need to be the bartender-in-residence at any party.

Riedel Rum Glass Set - $50

If you are unfamiliar, Riedel is one of the top names in the glass industry. They are best known for their exquisite wine glasses, but they have been branching out into glasses designed for other spirits. These glasses are a nice set for cocktails, adding extra elegance to any home bar that sports them.

Mind Reader Beverage Dispenser - $60 - Whether they are hosting a holiday gathering or a summer picnic, they should have a batch of something to drink waiting for their guests. Whether they make it to greet their guests or as a signature beverage to serve the whole day, a gallon of drinks makes everything easier for the host. This dispenser has a well for ice, a column for infusions, and other features perfect for any bar.

Fun For Everyone

Wildwonder Mocktail Gift Set - $44

A key element in the non-alcoholic drinks movement is the emergence of unique mixers. While your average pop or juice is a great start, the number of crafted flavors coming out has been growing all the time. Wildwonder has brought together a fantastic package for a great price. It includes four mixers, a cocktail shaker, jigger, muddler, and a “30 Page booklet with ten cocktail & mocktail recipes and photos.” Get those drinks shaking!

Breville Gun Pro Smoke Infuser - $125 - This highly rated smoking tool comes with more than just the gun. It has a few other accessories that would aid someone new to smoking food and drinks, including wood chip samples and replacement screens. They can control the flow of smoke going into their vessel and experiment with different smoking techniques.

Bravus Non-Alcoholic Beer - $50 for a twenty-four can variety pack

Many people looking to cut alcohol out of their life, or reduce its presence, also want to keep some of the flavors they enjoy. Bravus has been perfecting craft beer flavors in their low (less than .5% ABV) brews, making them an excellent present for people looking to keep the flavor and lose the alcohol.

Barmalade Craft Cocktail Mixers - $10 each - Bringing even more flavor to your cocktail game are the good people are Barmalade. This woman-owned business produces high-quality cocktail mixers, using a greater density of fruit and botanicals in their syrups. This translates into more flavor in the glass and using less product per drink. Get a few bottles and let your bartender friends experiment, either with their recipes or ones offered by the brand itself!

Uncorked Wine Candles - $24 - Six candles that take the scent of popular wines and turn them into candles that can add atmosphere to any room. With a selection of whites and reds available, there is a scent for every wine lover. Each candle is made in the bottom of an old wine bottle, recycling those bottles to keep them in use as long as possible.

Support Your Local Businesses - Price Varies - This is still as critical today as it has been for the last two years. There are hundreds of places worldwide, from bottle shops to wine bars to craft cocktail joints, selling unique wares to keep the doors open. Buy a gift card, shirt, six-pack, bottle, or fun accessory from places like this, and they will thank you. Help keep those community staples open for years to come!

Home Bar Accessories

Boxxle Wine Dispenser - $100

As much use as you can get out of them during the holidays, boxed wine does not have the best design for serving. Or the best look. Boxxle steps in for you or a person you know that loves to entertain. Insert one 3L box of wine or four bottles of your choice into the dispenser and allow your guests to serve themselves. Even better, Boxxle can keep the wine fresh in the dispenser much longer than average, allowing them to consume that wine over time.

Hella Bitters - $35 for a five-pack - Small batch bitters have been tremendous over the last decade. It is always nice to have a good selection of bitters as a bartender. Hella Bitters offers a small variety pack for your friendly home craft cocktailian, ones they can sample and buy bigger bottles of later. This black-owned business also offers craft sodas and other specialty bitters for any home bar.

Beer Wall Art Patents - $15 - An excellent gift for the more avid beer fan. These six prints can be framed for the beer connoisseur in your life. They highlight the significant innovations that beer has experienced in the last several centuries, from a simple beer mug to a pouring system from the keg. Not a beer fan? You can find whiskey and wine patents in their collection as well.

Something Snacks Monthly Box - $16/mo - What bar is complete without a well-thought-out selection of snacks? If they do not know what to get for their bar or want to explore new and unique snacks, Something Snacks is the way to go. Every month they are sent a choice of unique and familiar snacks that run the spectrum of flavor.

The Cocktail Deck of Cards - $25 - Many decks of cards go over the basics. Not as many of those decks are adding Cynar, Campari, and sparkling wine to the mix. This deck of fifty cards is an excellent little stocking stuffer for bartenders looking to improve their skills. Nice to pull out when someone does not know what they want and is feeling a little adventurous!

All these gifts can be thoughtful additions to the home bars of bartenders, whether they have years of experience or have just discovered their love of the craft this year. Even professionals will appreciate these gifts! The breadth of options ensures a little something for everyone for any price range and any personality.

This list is by no means comprehensive. There are so many unique products out there for you to explore. The equipment is just part of the equation; every good bar out there needs good spirits for cocktails. You can examine the winners of many international contests like the Melbourne International Spirits Competition, the New York International Wine Competition, the spirits competition they also have there, the Berlin International Beer Competition, and more we host or judge. We want to know the best spirits for you as well! There may also be ideas over at The Cheese Professor, perfect to combine with all of those snacks. Have a fantastic holiday season, filled with friends, loved ones, and all the warmth you can find amongst them.