Gifts for Bartenders 2015 Edition
Contributed by on Nov 23, 2015
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So your Son / Girlfriend / Nephew / Wife is a bartender, and you’re wondering what might make a good gift. You know they already have dozens of shot glasses, cocktail shakers, bar spoons and other bar paraphernalia… so what do you do?
The Ultimate Gift Guide for Bartenders: 2015 Edition
This year we’ve compiled yet another gift guide for the bartenders in your life. Many of these would also work very nicely for cocktail enthusiasts, too!
Note: This list contains affiliate links, which means that if you buy the product, it helps support this site. Thanks for your support!
For the Book Lover:
The Wine Bible by Karen MacNeil
This is the very recently released 2nd edition of the Wine Bible – the book I recommend to friends and bartenders alike for learning about wine.
It’s a fun, easy read with author Karen MacNeil taking you through not just the various types of wine, but what makes them different. This is the only wine book I’ve ever been able to read without getting bored!
The Bar Book by Jeffrey Morgenthaler
Full disclosure: I haven’t actually read this book yet, but it is one of the most highly recommended books I’ve ever seen within the craft cocktail community.
Released in mid 2014, this book by Morgenthaler focuses on the technique of craft cocktails and has an impressive 4.5+ star rating on Amazon.
For the Cocktail Creator:
Got someone on your list who likes to tinker with his/her own cocktail recipes, make their own ingredients and get creative? These gifts might be just the ticket!
The Oak Bottle
At first, I thought this was just a gimmick. Folks are always coming out with new ways to age spirits in oak “the fast, easy way”. But with further research, I think they are really on to something.
The Oak bottle has all of the good qualities of a mini barrel, but due to its narrower shape, you simply get more surface area touching the liquid than you do with a barrel. Plus, it fits on a standard backbar. (Finding room for those mini barrels can be a real hassle!) The result is a quicker, deeper extraction. I’m convinced!
A Molecular Mixology Kit
Many bartenders I know want to give Molecular Mixology it a try, but don’t have the time to research the techniques and buy the (admittedly obscure) ingredients and chemicals.
This kit is a great way to give Molecular techniques a try without investing tons of time or money in a full “molecular” setup. Plus, it encourages your bartender-friend to make you drinks – win win!
For the “Double Shift” Bartender
Is your bartender friend or family member seem to work every shift? Maybe they are saving up for something or paying off debt – but the result is, they are always, always on their feet? Look no further!
Custom Orthopedic Shoe Insoles
Bartending is extremely hard on your feet, especially if you’re picking up extra shifts. Getting a good quality insole can help lighten the load and make those long shifts feel shorter.
Consider giving the gift of custom-fitted insoles (or a gift card to a store that sells insoles) and you can really help take a weight off their feet!
Gift Certificate for a Massage
Just like Bartending is hard on your feet, it’s also very hard on your back, shoulders, arms and wrists. It’s an extremely physically demanding job across the board.
Consider a gift card for a massage to give your bartender friend a chance to relax, unwind, and hopefully stretch out some of those sore muscles. After the crazy shifts of the holiday season, a January massage may be just the ticket!
For the Discerning Drinker
With experience in the hospitality industry often comes a discerning palate. But a good palate means it can get expensive to keep your home liquor collection up to date!
Spirits Subscription from Flaviar
This subscription box will send you small portions of great spirits each month at a reasonable cost – so they can try a variety of spirits without filling up your bar with half-finished bottles (or emptying their wallet)
It’s a great gift for anyone who appreciates a wide variety of spirits and brands.
For the Private Event Bartender
Working private events is a special – and challenging – flavor of bartending.
Mavenhal Bar Bag
If you’re carrying all your gear from place to place, you don’t want to be the one who shows up lugging a bunch of beaten up grocery bags. Show up organized and in style with the Mavenhal Bartender Bag
What’s on your list?
Are you a bartender? What’s on your Christmas list this year? Let us know in the comments below!
Gifts for Bartenders 2015 Edition is a post from: A Bar Above Mixology
