Written by Kimberly Billett
Cocktails are like Christmas presents. Almost all are fun to receive. Only some are brilliantly classic.
Perhaps liqueur-filled chocolates and customized shot glasses have their place among gifts, but they offer no competition to these timeless treats.
Citrus Juicers
Adamant supporters of the cocktail craft will tell you that it is fresh citrus, not bells on bobtails ringing, that make spirits bright.
Handheld juicers are that perfect extra ‘little something’ that you were looking to add into a mixology-themed gift basket that will be handy all year, every year.
Now, under the color-coordinated Christmas tree of our dreams, there lies a true gem. A kitchen masterpiece. The free-standing citrus juicer.
The particularly gawk-worthy Verve Culture Juicer is available in two sizes, innovatively identified as Small and Large.
The Small comes in five colors including red, yellow-gold and green that are reminiscent of Cartier jewels at Christmas. But if we’re pulling out the big guns, the extra space for taller containers under the cone of the Large is definitely more beneficial.
Glassware
Glassware is like shoes. The smallest details that make the biggest difference, you can never have enough, and they make great presents.
When gifting glassware, think elegant and timeless…like a martini.
A little naughty and very nice, the Riedel Extreme Martini glasses tout the traditional martini glass V-shape with the slightest lip to help you mingle while filled to the brim.
Or think practical and Peretti.
The 12-ounce Elsa Peretti Thumbprint Glasses from Tiffany’s are not the typical double old fashioned glasses. They’re better. A signature design on a versatile vessel, these glasses can be used for an aromatic cocktail, or for orange juice at breakfast.
Who wouldn’t love to receive that Tiffany blue box?!
Stocking Stuffers and Gift Basket Bits
Looking for something a wee bit smaller?
Champagne stoppers, bottles of bitters, and bitter bottles are the epitome of good things coming in small packages.
Champagne Stoppers
Merry Christmas!...Happy New Year!...It’s Friday!
There is ALWAYS a reason to pop a bottle. But if you absolutely must function as a human tomorrow, maybe it isn’t a bad idea to save some of the fun for later.
Help a friend, gift champagne stoppers!
Bottles of Bitters
Aromatics are a bartender’s best friend.
A developing home bar will always benefit from a bottle of the traditional Angostura bitters or Peychaud’s bitters, while experimenting mixologists understand how fun additions like Bittermens Xocolatl mole bitters can elevate a cocktail.
Not sure what is already in their collection?
A glass bitters bottle is a beautiful display for jewel-toned bitters as well as a useful tool for accurate measurements. Do your recipient a massive favor and consider gifting two or three for different types of bitters, especially if the bottle is a limited edition.
Liqueur
To all of our benefit, bottles of wine and whiskey fly off the shelves during the holiday. When gifted, anything with an alcohol content is always appreciated, but rarely unexpected. Enter: Green Chartreuse.
Often imitated, but never duplicated, Green Chartreuse is one of the key ingredients for mixed drinks including the Bijou and Last Word.
Aptly named for its stunning green hue, the cordial is made from a recipe belonging to Carthusian monks using over 130 different plants.
Currently, it is painfully difficult to locate a bottle when you need it - I guess the Chartreux Fathers have more responsibilities than producing this scrumptious liqueur - which makes it an exciting and useful gift for your favorite mixologist!
Cheers!