Whether you’re bringing gifts to a holiday party or shopping for that friend that loves to host and always makes the best cocktails, giving gifts that help your loved ones stock his or her bar cart is always a classy, mature, and thoughtful choice. From the bar cart itself to spirits from around the world, we’ll tell you exactly what gifts to give to your travel-loving friends that always know how to shake up the perfect cocktail.
The Bar Cart
If you want to help a loved one build the perfect bar cart, start with the cart itself. Society Social is an indie furniture brand created by writer-turned-designer Roxy Te Owens, and her elegant line of bar carts are the ideal gift for that friend that’s always the host with the most. Buy it here.
The Accessories
It takes tools to make high-quality cocktails, and this bartender kit is a great place to start. The 10-piece kit includes a shaker, jigger, muddler, and bamboo stand, and it’s ideal for both experienced and budding drink makers. Buy it here.
The Glassware
Hosts are often particular about their glassware, but this 18-piece set has nearly every type of glass anyone could need for a bar cart. Buy it here.
Bitters From Hella Cocktail
Launched in a Brooklyn apartment, Hella Cocktail creates a line of artisanal bitters that will give any cocktail an added kick. Founders Jomaree Pinkard, Tobin Ludwig, and Eddie Simeon have helped make their product a hit with budding and established mixologists, and the set of bitters is a must for any bar cart. Buy them here.
SPIRITS
SPIRITSEvery home bar needs five essential spirits, and these are our top picks.
Bourbon
When it comes to bourbon whiskey, there’s nothing to fear but fear itself. If your gift recipient is new to whiskey, ease them in with a bottle of Bulleit Bourbon out of Kentucky. It’s mild and great in an Old Fashion. Buy it here.
Rum
Rum was created in Barbados, so it’s only right that the choice rum for a globally inspired bar cart is a Bajan spirit. Old Brigand is favorite local rum in Barbados, and the Black Label Rum is for those that take spirits seriously. Buy it here.
Vodka
If you want to gift vodka for the ultimate bar cart and support a black, female-owned business, try a bottle from FOU-DRÉ. Chanel Turner started her Vodka business when she was just 25 and the spirit, sold in a stunning angled glass bottle, is sold all around the world. The company also produces the Black Owned Wine and Spirits Festival every year. Buy it here.
Tequila
Melly Barajas Cárdenas started her tequila distillery in 1999 and is one of the few female distillers in the industry. Her brand, Raza Azteca, is run almost entirely by women, and her line of 100 percent tequila is created in Jalisco Mexico. Buy it here.
Gin
The Dutch get credit for inventing gin, but distillers in America, London, Germany, Spain, and beyond have made the spirit their own. The UK produces some of the best small-batch gin available, and Tanqueray Ten is essential for any home bar. Buy it here.
