Indulgence isn’t a bad thing and the mixologist knows that. But the dad interested in wine, beer and spirits practices restraint. Give him a reason to treat himself this Father’s Day with hard-to-find spirits, some quality barware and exploratory reading. To lessen the breadth of your search, we compiled a list of gifts that any mixologist would love to receive.
Rabbit Compact Bar Tools
This travel-friendly set of stainless steel bar tools is equally at home in small kitchens. The set includes a strainer, a citrus zester, a bottle opener, a stirring stick, a jigger and a bar knife. Each tool easily fits into a slim caddy for storage when not in use. For the frequent traveler who is particular about his drinks, this is a great gift.
Buy Now: $25
Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style Bourbon Whiskey
This bourbon is bottled to represent a Prohibition-era whiskey in both flavor profile and ABV. It’s 115 proof and carries notes of caramel, cinnamon, cherry and toffee, among others.
Buy Now: $61
Vitamix E310 Explorian Blender
While most cocktail preparations don’t require a blender, the ones that do really do. This 48-ounce blender has 10 variable speeds and a self-cleaning setting.
Buy Now: $350
Ann Arbor Distilling Co. Cherry Eau de Vie
A newcomer in the world of American spirits, Ann Arbor Distilling offers a thoughful and exciting array of products for mixing and sipping. This cherry brandy won Double Gold at the prestigioous 2017 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. It has notes of ripe cherries, vanilla custard and pistachios.
Learn More: Here
S’well Onyx Roamer
On a summer day, this 40-ounce growler will keep your favorite malt beverage cool for up to 24 hours. It’s also more durable than traditional glass growlers that wouldn’t fair well on outdoor expeditions.
Buy Now: $55
Riedel Performance Spirits Crystal Wine Glasses
If you invest in quality spirits, you should have quality glasses with which to enjoy them. These crystal glasses have crisp and curvilinear lines, slim stems and the widest base in Riedel’s history.
Buy Now: $57 (Pair)
Finding Mezcal: A Journey into the Liquid Soul of Mexico
This definitive book on mezcal is full of interesting anecdotes from Del Maguey founder Ron Cooper, a James Beard Award recipient. Explore the regions and villages that Cooper champions and learn how to make 40 mezcal-centric cocktails from world-class bartenders.
Buy Now: $30
Luno Flip Tabletop
Who likes to enjoy a nice cocktail in monastic silence? Good tunes are always welcome, and this tabletop LP holder is a tasteful way to keep your favorite albums at arms reach.
Buy Now: $185
Session Cocktails: Low-Alcohol Drinks for Any Occasion
Should every drink you make has to be spiritous and serious? Drew Lazor and the editors of Punch argue the case for low-alcohol drinks in this new recipe book.
Buy Now: $15
Lo-Fi Aperitifs Dry Vermouth
When mixing the classics, don’t skimp on a nice vermouth. This option has complex spicy flavors on the palate complimented by anise and coriander notes on the nose.
Buy Now: $23
The Beer Pantry: Cooking at the Intersection of Craft Beer and Great Food
Craft beer pairs well with a surprising amount of different foods and this book proves it. Explore 75 recipes that match the six distinct flavor profiles of craft beer.
Buy Now: $16
Gear Patrol Magazine: Issue Six
Issue Six has a number of pieces aimed at the mixologist in your life. Explore the art of beer blending, learn about the resurance of craft lagers and meet your new favorite Mexican spirit — sotol.
Buy Now: $20
