At first you might be hesitant to try to buy a gift for an aspiring mixologist—it’s always tricky to get someone a hobby-related gift because tastes and preferences can vary so wildly. Say you buy your gift recipient a super classy ice press only to find out they prefer to use whiskey chilling stones.

Discovering the perfect gift for an aspiring mixologist requires a blend of creativity, knowledge, and insight into their passion for crafting exquisite cocktails. But the reward is well worth the effort: a delighted gift recipient who hands you a beautifully-crafted cocktail every time you walk in the door. It doesn’t get much better than that!

Keep reading to learn how to choose a great gift for your cocktail-loving friend along with a few gift suggestions to get your creative juices flowing.

How to Choose a Good Gift for Gardeners

Begin by exploring the craft essentials: high-quality spirits, unique mixers, or a set of professional bar tools can elevate their mixing prowess.

Do a little snooping to find out their style and other preferences so you can choose an item that resonates with their personal flair—whether it be a vintage-inspired glass cocktail shaker or a sleek, modern jigger.

A few additional considerations:

• Know their Mixology Level: Customize your gift to the recipient’s expertise. Beginners might appreciate basic bar accessories or how-to books, while more advanced mixologists might value specialized equipment or rare ingredients.
• Research Unique and Quality Ingredients: Consider gifts like premium spirits, exotic bitters, or artisanal herbs that can inspire creativity and elevate their concoctions. The best gifts are often splurges that the recipient wouldn’t buy for themselves.
• Explore Educational Resources: Nothing can beat a high-value experience. Look for courses or workshop tickets (even online!) that delve into mixology techniques and recipes to help your gift recipient master the craft.

Silver Bartender Kit

Give the aspiring mixologist on your gift list this handsome, all-in-one home bar kit. Whether your gift recipient is a cocktail connoisseur or a budding craftsman, this complete kit will be a welcome addition to their bartending collection. Each piece is forged from high-quality stainless steel, ensuring the perfect mix with a dash of sophistication. Also available in Antique Copper, Antique Gold, and Gunmetal.

Whiskey Decanter Set

This bold whiskey decanter set will elevate your gift recipient’s experience. While the style of this gift is particularly well-suited for men who love whiskey, any aspiring mixologist would appreciate having such a show-stopping piece. The globe-shaped decanter and matching glasses would look equally at home resting on a teakwood bar or as the centerpiece of a whiskey tasting event.

Cocktail Mixing Glass

Sometimes simplicity is the best gift of all. Your favorite aspiring mixologist will feel like an instant pro when crafting drinks in this heavy, lead-free crystal mixing glass. The 18 oz capacity provides plenty of room to create a robust Old Fashioned, a classic Martini, or any number of exquisite cocktails. A stainless steel mixing spoon, strainer, and jigger complete this luxurious box set.

Teakwood Cocktail Kit

Over the years, S’well has made a name for itself by designing innovative, sustainable water bottles that are also durable and stylish. This bold, teakwood cocktail set is no exception. The S’well signature triple-layered, vacuum-insulated construction keeps drinks cold for up to 36 hours (not that you’d ever wait that long to drink your cocktail!) In addition to the teakwood shaker, the kit includes a jigger and two matching 10 oz tumblers. This gift is sure to delight any aspiring mixologist on your list!

Travel Bartender Kit

A travel bartender kit makes a great gift for any amateur mixologist looking to turn their hobby into a profession. Think of this kit as an entire bar in a bag, housing all the essential bartending tools in a secure, compact casing. WIth this set in hand, your gift recipient can confidently take bookings for holiday parties, wedding receptions, Bar Mitzvahs, and more.

Craft Liquor Infuser

If your gift recipient loves to play bartender, muddle herbs, and whip up unique, homespun concoctions, then this Craft Mixologist Infuser might be just the ticket. The cute infuser attaches directly to the top of most standard liquor or wine bottles. Simply fill the reservoir with herbs, candies, fruits, spices, or whatever else strikes your fancy, pour in the liquor, and wait 5 minutes for the magic to happen. 

Infuzi Rapid Nitro Infuser

This high-tech infuser uses the power of n2 gas to quickly infuse any flavor into any liquor in under two minutes! Reviewers praise the Infuzi Rapid Nitro Infuser for its ease-of-use and for the silky, foamy texture that the nitro gas creates in their handcrafted cocktails. The perfect gift for the mixology enthusiast who also loves to have the latest gadget.

Cocktail Muddling Kit

While this set may be basic…that doesn’t mean it’s basic. The quintessential cocktail muddler is the quiet hero behind every memorable mojito or captivating caipirinha and a necessary tool in every up-and-coming bartender’s bag of tricks. Add in a couple mixing spoons, some stainless steel ice cubes, and some ice tongs and you’ve got the makings of a fantastic stocking stuffer or present topper at a reasonable price point.

Mixologists Log

What better way to encourage your aspiring mixologist’s journey from enthusiast to master than by getting them their very own Mixologists Log? Just like keeping a gardening journal from year to year helps gardeners achieve mastery over time, a mixologists log helps hone both the art and the science of bartending, keeping track of ingredient experiments, flavor profiles, and guest feedback all in one place.

Love Mixology Tee

Show some LOVE! This stylish Tee will help your favorite mixologist proclaim their love for all libations while you show your love for them. The soft cotton shirt is absolutely perfect for the bartender with a sense of humor. Made out of soft cotton, available in 10 colors and in both Men and Women’s sizing.

Boston Shaker Tins

While a cocktail shaker is great for beginners, Boston Shaker Tins are designed by professionals, for professionals. If your favorite aspiring mixologist is looking to level up, this could be a gift and a vote of confidence in one. Unlike classic cocktail shakers, Boston Shaker Tins don’t have a cap or a built-in strainer, so they require more skill and precision. However, once the mixologist gets the hang of it, the reward is a flashier show for the audience.

Drink Smoking Kit

Smoked cocktails have become all the rage in recent years. This unique gift for home mixologists lets them recreate the experience of a perfectly-smoked drink from the comfort of their own dining room. Beginner-friendly, this gift is great for aspiring mixologists, bartenders, Father’s Day, or for any hard-to-shop-for man in your life.

Liquor Bottle Spouts

How’s this for an easy stocking stuffer for your favorite aspiring mixologist? A 4-pack of sleek, stainless steel liquor bottle pourer spouts. It’s like the magic wand of the spirits world—ensuring that every drop of booze hits the glass, not the bar-top. A true craft cocktail enthusiast can never have too many. So give the gift of ‘pour-fection’ and keep the good times flowing.

True Barware Set

One common complaint for aspiring and professional bartenders alike is all the…stuff. A couple jiggers, a strainer, a few mixing spoons, and the bar starts to look fussy and cluttered. This tasteful 20-piece barware set from True solves the problem of a messy cocktail crafting station by housing all the essentials in one easy-to-access place. The chic wooden stand turns what could otherwise be an eyesore into part of the decor.

The Ultimate Bar Book

Many reviewers refer to this guide as the bible of bartending. With over 1,000 cocktail recipes, The Ultimate Bar Book is sure to keep any aspiring mixologist busy for years to come. In addition to the recipes, the book covers essentials for setting up a home bar, gives a solid overview of glassware (including which drinks are served in which glasses), and organizes cocktails into different sections by spirit.

ByeHang After Alcohol Vitamin

When you’re buying a gift for an aspiring mixologist, don’t forget about the morning after. Long nights spent learning how to craft the perfect Manhattan (and sampling each attempt) are sure to take their toll! ByeHang After Alcohol vitamins are a proprietary mix of key vitamins, herbs, and amino acids that neutralize the effects of alcohol. While you’re at it, why not create a gift basket of hangover support products like Liquid IV and Yetaim Patches. It’s the next best thing to an IV hydration session!

Botanical Whiskey Infusions

DIY whiskey making kits make incredible mixology gifts for men (and women!) This handmade set from Crafted Infusions includes 12 unique and inspiring ingredients—such as orange peel, cacao nibs, black peppercorn, and American oak chips—and 5 satchels so your gift recipient can personalize their bourbon. Pair it with a top-shelf Tennessee whiskey, bourbon, or rye with a minimum 45% ABV and your Christmas, birthday, or housewarming gift is complete.

Monogrammed Steel Bar Tools

Looking for the perfect housewarming gift for an aspiring mixologist? Look no further. This classic steel bar tool set comes in a custom wooden box. Personalize the gift with a monogram, a company logo, or your own artwork or design. It’s an elegant and understated cocktail set that’s ideal for corporate gifts, real estate closing gifts, wedding gifts, Father’s Day gifts, or just because!

Mixology Dice

Would you believe that a set of eight dice can create over 1.5 million cocktail combinations? This fun and unique gift or stocking stuffer for the craft cocktail enthusiast in your life is part game, part inspiration, part education. Learn the art of mixology while rolling your way through brand-new craft cocktails and putting your own spin on classic drinks that have been around for centuries.

Hanging Cocktail Bar

If you have an aspiring mixologist on your list who is big on craft cocktails but short on space, this hanging cocktail bar is a thoughtful, useful gift. The compact, industrial-style shelf is made of Paulownia wood and raw metal and features a fold-down shelf for mixing up drinks. When the party is over, simply close up shop and keep all bar supplies neatly inside until next time!

Cocktail Muddler Set

Get your favorite aspiring mixologist off on the right foot with this essential muddling kit – it’s like a mini bar in a box! The 7-piece set includes everything an up-and-coming bartender needs to create classic muddled cocktails, including a wooden muddler, two lead free crystal tumblers, and a Japanese style double jigger. The silicone ice sphere molds are a great bonus, keeping drinks colder for longer with less watering down.

Wine Tote Bag

Sometimes an up-and-coming bartender needs to practice mixology on the go. Enter this sleek and chic tote bag with a built-in cooling compartment – made for wine but adaptable to cans or bottles of other spirits. Pair this tote with a nice bottle of tequila or any other favorite liquor and your shopping is done!

Penguin Cocktail Shaker

Well if this isn’t just the cutest. This dapper penguin cocktail shaker makes a playful addition to any home bar – and the perfect gift for any cocktail lover, home mixologist, amateur bartender, or party host. The high-shine, chrome finish elevates the entire look, while the 17 oz capacity makes this a great tool for mixing up a couple Negronis or Manhattans at the same time.

Complete Cocktail Toolkit

Perfect for the amateur mixologist who is just getting started on their journey – this 12-piece bartending set comes with everything needed to mix delicious cocktails. All contained in a unique and stylish semi-circular bamboo stand. Choose from gold, rose gold, grey, or stainless steel finishes.

Classic Cocktails in a Tin

For the perfect cocktail, just add liquor! The Cocktail Box Company has put together ten classic cocktail tins, each containing enough ingredients for three to six cocktails. The miniature-sized tins are great for flights or for easy, mess-free cocktail mixing at hotels, picnics, or parties. Try one cocktail in a tin or throw caution to the wind and get all ten cocktail kits. Make great stocking stuffers or gift bag fillers too!

Whiskey Ice Cubes

Size matters! These extra large stainless steel whiskey rocks chill your favorite drink faster with no dilution and no loss of favor. This handsome set comes in a sturdy, luxury box ideal for gifting. A nice set of tongs and a soft, velvet freezer pouch round out the set.

Cigar Whiskey Glass

Peanut butter and jelly. Grilled cheese and tomato soup. Biscuits and gravy. Some flavors just seem born to go together. Like whiskey and cigars. If the aspiring mixologist on your list is also a cigar lover, then this innovative whiskey glass will make a welcome addition to their home bar. The design is simple and practical – an indented whiskey glass that holds a cigar for those that enjoy the art of savoring a great cigar with a smooth beverage.

Risk It or Drink It

Turn your drinking night into a game night. Or turn your game night into a drinking night. Either way, this adult party game will provide hours of fun and turn acquaintances into friends. Premium cards and high-quality packaging make this a great choice for a gift or a stocking stuffer. Here’s to “spirited nights” ahead!

Cocktail Recipe Cards

These beautifully-designed cocktail recipe cards make the best gift for beginning bartenders and seasoned pros alike. The set includes 52 water-resistant recipe cards featuring the most popular classic and contemporary cocktails. The easy-to-read and illustrated step-by-step instructions make it a snap to build a home bar and master mixology one cocktail at a time.

Champagne Saber

Give your favorite amateur bartender the gift of sabrage! This elegant champagne saber is skillfully crafted and balanced to slice open the bubbly. Transform every bottle opening into a grand spectacle. A perfect gift for connoisseurs, wedding parties, or those special milestone moments. Because every celebration deserves a touch of theatrical brilliance. Champagne, anyone?

Intoxicologist Hoodie

For the aspiring mixologist with a good sense of humor, this cozy hoodie fits the bill. Sometimes it’s about curating the perfect experience one sip at a time…but let’s be honest. Sometimes it’s just about getting tipsy as quickly as possible. Either way, your gift recipient will look stylish in this minimalist black hoodie.