Christmas Gift Guide #1

I know we are well past Halloween, but if you want a fright, be aware that we are only 6 weeks away from Christmas.

And of you have cocktail-forard people in your life, then finding the perfect gift for them can sometimes be quite tricky.

Each week for the next five weeks, we’ll bring you a selection of products that we think will the spirits of any bar-geek.

With products from glassware to books and tools to artwork, we think there will be something in these treasures that will definately create a stir.

Please note – some of these items, but not all, have affiliate links.

1. Renaissance Stacking Decanter & Tumbler Set

Whether you are looking to smarten up your bar cart or simply ensure there is always a glass at hand, the Stacking Decanter & Tumbler Set is very handy to have around. The stunning lead-free crystal decanter comes with two matching tumbler glasses to help get you in the spirit(s) this holiday season.

To find out more, go to shophitherlane.com

2. Cocktails in Paris: Fashionable drinks for all seasons

Cocktails in Paris is your illustrated guide to mixology á la Française, with 50 cocktail recipes for sipping before, during, and after dinner, as well as notes on glassware, garnishes, syrups, and French bar staples like Champagne, Pastis, and Lillet. From an effervescent Suze spritz in the courtyard at sunset to cosying up in front of the fireplace with a boozy boulevardier, nothing says savoir-vivre quite like apéro hour.

To find out more, go to amazon.com

3. Flor Del Desierto Sotol

The perfect bridge between tequila and mezcal, with copious notes of orchard fruits, spicy herbs, minerals, earth and a gentle wisp of smoke, Sotol is the spirit on every agave-lover’s lips. .Made from 100% wild-harvested Dasylirion leiophyllum succulents grown in Chihuahua, Flor Del Desierto is slowly cooked with local oak and wild fermented before being distilled twice in small copper pot stills.

To find out more, go to astorwines.com

4. Olive Keychain

The perfect way to say you are a Martini lover without saying you’re a Martini lover is to attach your keys to this stunning Olive keychain. Celebrating everyone’s favourite briny garnish, the olive keychain is made by the outstanding guys at Love & Victory and comes in its own pouch. It is approximately 2 x 1.5 inches.

For more information, go to loveandvictory.com

5. Cocktail recipe letterpress coaster set spinner game

Created by Blackbird Letterpress in collaboration with Larks & Japes, this set of six 4” round heavyweight coasters is perfect for those moments when the recipe for a Sazerac or a Bamboo cocktail slips your mind. But this red violet letterpress printed coaster set has an unexpected twist, as it comes with an additional coaster with a metal spinner attached, so you can gamify your next cocktail gathering.

To find out more, go to blackbirdletterpress.com

6. Shell Design Bar Spoon

As any bartender will tell you, you can never have too many barspoons, especially when they are as pretty as this one with its delicate shell-based design. With a length of 30cm and made from stainless steel, the straight rod design gives this spoon a clean, modern edge. Perfect to use for any stirred cocktail, this spoon will bring a sense of elegance to any mixing glass.

To find out more, go to barmanshop.com

7. Beau Crystal Lowball Tumblers

With an Art Deco-esque repeating rainbow motif, these Lowball Tumblers bring a sense of style and joy to any cocktail gathering. Made with lead-free crystal, these textured tumblers are perfect for a generous Double Old Fashioned, a sneaky Negroni or even a wee dram. Completely stackable, this glassware not only saves on space on your bar cart but will also raise the style level of your glassware collection.

For more information, go to viski.com

8. Mustique Ice Bucket

Made with a mesmerising blue marbleised acrylic, the Mustique Ice Bucket is hand-poured and polished to luminous perfection. Designed to remind you of the waters at your favourite island resort, the swirling turquoise adds an instant dimension of style and fun to your drinks event. Set to make add ice a dazzling experience, the bucket is perfect for any occasion, whether that be indoor or outdoor.

To find out more, go to jonathanadler.com

9. El Guapo Candy Cane Syrup

The perfect way to add a little holiday cheer to your next cocktail, Candy Cane syrup can bring that sweet seasonal taste to a Mint Martini or a Chocolate Mojito. But this syrup is not just for cocktails, it also comes kid-approved for hot chocolates, is the perfect accompaniment to a latte or even finds a way to raise the bar when poured over mint chocolate chip ice cream and pancakes.

To find out more, go to elguapobitters.com

10. Vintage Cocktail Poster

Can you really say you are a cocktail connoisseur if you haven’t the art to prove it? these cocktail posters come in an unframed set of nine and are designed to add that unique focal point to your bar cart decor or kitchen. Featuring classic cocktails like the Cosmopolitan, Pina Colada and Margarita, these cocktail prints come in a handy 8×10″ size and have been designed to fit with any decor style.