Shaker & Spoon was founded in October 2015 in Brooklyn, NY. Unlike other cocktail subscription boxes, Shaker & Spoon sends its original recipes and cocktail ingredients while allowing subscribers to buy the liquor themselves, according to their budget and preferred brands. Shaker & Spoon currently produces house-made specialty syrups—and will soon be expanding into other branded lines of ingredients—while aiming to source the best of everything else. Each month, subscribers receive a box with three new, unique recipes developed by various bartenders along with everything they need to make a total of twelve drinks, besides the alcohol. Shaker & Spoon also provides supplemental content on its website for those who want a deeper dive, including how-to videos, a glossary of bar terms, and a blog featuring tips and tricks, food pairings, bartender interviews, and more.

GSN received the Austin Without Limits Box. Here’s what the company has to say about this kit.

“The public television music program Austin City Limits (the only TV show to ever be awarded the National Medal of Arts) helped the city of Austin earn the title of “Live Music Capital of the World” and then spawned an annual festival that happens each October—a very busy time for Austin and its bartenders. We hope that this month’s box will give you a taste of Austin’s drinking culture and make you feel like part of the action. All three of this month’s bartenders work and play in Austin and have infused these drinks with their love for their town and everything that makes it unique. We’re inviting you to choose between two spirits for this box: bourbon or aged tequila, both popular in Texas. While these two are often placed in very different spirit categories, they carry a similar oaky sweetness that makes it possible to swap them in (properly formulated) recipes. So pick your poison and have at it (or try both!) with the Austin Without Limits Box.”

GSN’s thoughts: We really liked the idea of trying regional cocktails, especially ones that feature the most popular spirits from the area, Even though bourbon and aged tequila seem to be entirely different animals, they are similar in that they both have a sweet oakiness in their character.

The three cocktails featured in this box (Huarache Nights by Chris Bostick/The Beat Goes On by Jessica Sanders/Ma Sour by Caer Ferguson) vary in style, complexity and difficulty. You’ll be making collins, highball and a coupe drinks, so make sure you have the proper glassware. I especially liked the inclusion of bespoke syrups, which saves a whole lot of time at home. Bitters and garnishes are also included in small portions if you don’t happen to have the proper ones on hand. All of the ingredients are tied together with recipe cards that give clear instructions, even for the drink calling for a fat-washed spirit (it’s easier and tastier than it sounds).

Overall, if you are a fan of 21st century cocktails, “of-the-month” clubs, or even travel, then you will be pleased by the Shaker & Spoon cocktail subscription boxes.

GSN Rating: A