Having a bartender in your life is truly a gift. Even if they're only an aspiring mixologist, there's no one better to whip up a fancy drink, recommend a liquor brand, or listen to your stories without looking bored ('cause that's part of the job, obv). And while you can always thank them by providing your own alcohol or leaving them a generous tip, it's good to keep some gift ideas for bartenders in mind. Whether you're shopping for their birthday, the holidays, or ~just because~, there are plenty of bartender gifts perfect for the cocktail enthusiast in your life, and no, they're not all just bottles of booze.
The best gifts for bartenders tend to be practical, useful, and stylish, whether you're looking to spoil a professional mixologist of 25 years...or your friend who just mixes drinkies sometimes. From essential bartending tools, like smokers and dehydrators, to chic accessories, like bar carts and cocktail shakers, the options are pretty much endless. Not sure what equipment they already have on hand? Don't worry—I've got gift ideas for the bartender who has everything, too. Ahead, get ready to shop the best mixology gifts that money can buy, because your fave bartender deserves to know just how much you appreciate their services.
1
this stencil for drinks
GiftBuddyUk Stencil For Cocktail - Personalized Coffee/Cocktail Stencil
1
this stencil for drinks
GiftBuddyUk Stencil For Cocktail - Personalized Coffee/Cocktail Stencil
Trying to find them a thoughtful gift that's not a bottle of their favorite liquor? I suggest this trendy phone case decorated with a ton of cool cocktails. It's giving ~on-brand~.
Okay, but do they actually know their cocktails?? 😏 Have them test out their drinks knowledge at their next house party with this fun board game. It features 200 trivia questions about mixed drinks and, yep, a near five-star rating!
If they’re into making at-home margaritas, level up their marg game with this rimming salt set. They’ll have so much fun experimenting with the different flavors (Spicy Pineapple, Chile, Lime, and Classic) that they may just create their v own recipe!
A bottle of Fernet Branca is that one gift that'll have them shook to their core (in the best way possible, ofc). IYKYK, but if you don't let me give ya a quick explainer: When a bartender orders a shot of this Italian digestivo from another bartender, it's known as the "bartender's handshake". So you betcha they'll be so thankful to receive this and to have it included on their bar cart.
If they don't have space in their home for a bar cart or they're known for hosting get-togethers, this stunning bamboo tray will make the most lovely addition to their humble abode.
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these beautiful wine glasses
Estelle Colored Glass Stemmed Wine Glass (Set of 6)
9
these beautiful wine glasses
Estelle Colored Glass Stemmed Wine Glass (Set of 6)
This super-popular smoking gun is perfect for infusing drinks with natural smoky flavors. And even if you don't know what the heck this thing does, I promise they will. You can also get this bb along with a smoking cloche if you really wanna make their day.
Whoever said cocktail shakers can't be pretty? This double-walled shaker (which comes in TONS of color options) has a leak-proof lid with a built-in strainer, and you can get it personalized with your recipient's name for an extra $10.
For a cheap stocking stuffer, go with this set of two silicone ice cube trays, which make perfectly round or square cubes of ice—and yes, this set has over 11,000 five-star reviews for a good reason.
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this essential mixology book
The Ultimate Bar Book: The Comprehensive Guide to Over 1,000 Cocktails
13
this essential mixology book
The Ultimate Bar Book: The Comprehensive Guide to Over 1,000 Cocktails
A must-have for every bartender (or wannabe bartender...), this book includes over 1,000 recipes for both classic cocktails and new drink recipes, from the Dirty Martini to the Tasmanian Twister Cocktail.
Available in several different size and frame options, this colorful print (which features a dozen classic cocktails) will look soooo good above their bar cart.
Speaking of bar carts! If they don't already have one, then this three-tier rolling cart is the ideal pick for small spaces, and it's available in black or brown.
This stunning wooden recipe book will help 'em keep track of all their soon-to-be-award-wining cocktail recipes, and you can get the cover engraved however you'd like.
Perfect for aging all kinds of booze (like moonshine, rum, tequila, gin, and even high-proof cocktails), this one-liter oak barrel is so easy to use—and it even includes a bottle kit for their boozy creations.
While they mayyyy not want to wear these earrings on the job, these gold-plated martini glass danglers (which are filled with glass stones and pearls) will look oh-so-stylish hanging from their earlobes when they're off the clock.
Made using pure botanicals and extracts, this set of four flavored simple syrups (which includes cherry almond, cucumber habanero, grapefruit basil, and pear rosemary) is a game-changer.
Corinne Sullivan is an Editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers a variety of beats, including lifestyle, entertainment, relationships, shopping, and more. She can tell you everything you need to know about the love lives of A-listers, the coziest bedsheets, and the sex toys actually worth your $$$. She is also the author of the 2018 novel Indecent. Follow her on Instagram for cute pics of her pup and bébé.
Megan Uy is the assistant shopping editor at Cosmopolitan, where she searches for the best products in all things fashion, home, beauty, sex, gifts, and more, so you don’t have to. When she’s not writing for the site, she’s whipping up some cool and trendy content for the fashion section of the print magazine. She’s been with the brand since 2019 (when she was an itty-bitty editorial fellow), and she's also written for Delish, House Beautiful, and People. Follow her on Instagram to get some BTS of the editor life and chaotic NYC content. Also, feel free to hit her up if you ever wanna discuss the madness that is TikTok.