Holiday Gift Guide 2018

The holidays are officially in full swing! I still have a ton of shopping to do before Christmas. If you're in the same boat, here are some of my favorite gifts for cocktail lovers this year! I always have a fun time putting this list together. Some of these are things I have and love, and others are things I'd really love to have. A note I feel I should include since I have done a lot of sponsored work with brands recently: I am not being paid or compensated to promote any of these products. Some (numbers 1, 3, 7, and 11) are from brands that I have worked with, but they are only being included here because I really really liked them.

1. The Elan Collective Rocks Glasses. I'm pretty obsessed with glassware and these rocks glasses from The Elan Collective are truly unique. $35 for two glasses or $55 for one of each of their four styles. Each glass comes with an ice sphere mold.

2. Love & Victory Whiskey Cufflinks. Why wear your heart on your sleeve when you can wear a glass of whiskey instead? If you're more of a gin drinker, they make Negroni cufflinks as well. $28.

3. Bouvery Chocolate Vodka. I don't think I've ever finished a bottle of anything as quickly as I went through my Bouvery. It's like drinking melted dark chocolate. $30 for a 375 ml bottle (you'll wish it was twice as big).

4. Jackson Cannon Bar Knife by R. Murphy Knives. I received this as a gift from my in-laws last year and I'm obsessed with it. It's perfect for cutting garnishes. The square tip allows you to do some really detailed work if you want to. $79.

5. The Bitter Truth Bogart's Bitters. Bogart's Bitters are the first bitters ever mentioned in a cocktail book, Jerry Thomas' Bartender's Guide. This reformulation is sold in a gorgeous, vintage-style bottle that is just begging to be gifted to your favorite bitters lover. $36 for a 350 ml bottle.

6. Cocktail Codex: Fundamentals, Formulas, Evolutions. Since Death & Co: Modern Classic Cockails is basically my cocktail bible, I'm confidently recommending their second book after having only flipped through it briefly. It has a different structure from the first, breaking down cocktails into six major templates. A great gift for both experienced and beginner home bartenders. $32.

7. Empress 1908 Indigo Gin. Why gift a typical bottle of gin when you can gift purple, color-changing gin? This gin tastes as beautiful as it looks and makes a striking gift. Just add tonic or citrus to see it turn pink, or make yourself a martini the color of amethyst. $35.

8. Stephen Kenn Travel Cocktail Kit. I've been wanting one of these ever since I saw it on the Instagram feeds of @apartment_bartender and @highproofpreacher. I've tried to find a better or cheaper one and failed utterly - this is the perfect travel kit for cocktails on the go. $295

9. Cocktails + Chickens Pillow. Speaking of Instagrammers I love, @drinkingwithchickens has all-new merchandise for the cocktail and/or poultry lover in your life. I seriously want a couple of these pillows - also available in pink! $30.

10. Homestia Flamingo Martini Picks. I stumbled across these on Amazon and fell in love. Perfect stocking stuffer! $11.

11. Bittercube Bitters Variety Pack. Variety packs of bitters make perfect gifts. This one has a nice selection of unique flavors that go especially well in Old Fashioneds and other whiskey cocktails. $54.

Past holiday gift guides: 2017, 2016, and 2015.

Holiday Gift Guide 2017

1. Love & Victory Cocktail Pins. I swear these have shown up on every cocktail gift guide I've seen this year, but how could they not? They are so freaking adorable. The perfect stocking stuffer! $12 each or $80 for the full set of 8.

2. Gold Cheers Foil Hang Tags. So much classier than just sticking a bow on that bottle of wine or booze you're bringing over. These have plenty of space to write a little message, and will work for any time of year. $9.95 for a pack of 10.

3. Wintersmiths Ice Chest. I think this is what I'll be asking Santa for this year. There are several clear ice systems on the market at lots of different price points, but it seems like Wintersmiths is the undisputed best. Give the cocktail perfectionist in your life this ice chest that makes four clear cubes or spheres, or preorder the new Phantom, which should ship in July. $120 with one shape tray, $160 with both.

4. Dash Bitters Tonic Syrup Kit. This new kit from Dash Bitters, makers of some great DIY bitters kits, allows you to craft your own tonic syrup at home for the perfect G&T. The kit comes with everything you need, including pre-measured ingredients and a bottle and label for the finished product. They sent me one this week and I can't wait to use it! Kits like this are a great way to ease into making your own bitters and mixers. $35.

5. Absolute Elyx Deluxe Martini Gift Set. Absolute Elyx vodka, which single-handedly brought the copper pineapple mug into vogue, makes all kinds of cool copper barware (I'm looking at you, cute little gnome). This martini gift set is so unbelievably gorgeous that I audibly gasped when I saw it. If you're in the market for a truly luxurious gift, look no further. $299.

6. Wilkinson Scalloped Julep Strainer. This beautiful julep strainer designed by David Wondrich is inspired by classic barware. $26.99.

7. Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva Rum. If you don't think of rum as a spirit to sip on its own, this one will change your mind. Its rich, sweet flavor will convince the staunchest whiskey drinker to branch out. It's also excellent in cocktails. ~$30 for 750 ml.

8. Aromatic Bitter Sugar Cubes. These sugar cubes from Vena's Fizz House in Portland, Maine are perfect for Old Fashioneds, Sazeracs, Champagne Cocktails, and just about anything else you can think of. $8 for a 2 oz. jar.

9. Seedlip Distilled Non-Alcoholic Spirits. Since I spent the majority of this year not drinking alcohol, I had to include something on this list for the teetotalers. Billed as "what to drink when you're not drinking," Seedlip is bringing the craft of spirits to the world of mocktails. If you know someone who is reluctantly leaving the gin out of their tonic, a bottle of Seedlip is the perfect gift to make them feel like they're drinking craft cocktails again. It's available in two varieties, Garden 108 and Spice 94. $45 for 750 ml.

10. Sugarfina Bourbon Bears. A great, cheeky stocking stuffer for a whiskey lover. Sugarfina has a whole line of boozy gummies, including champagne and rosé, stout and lager, and even Casamigos Margarita and Paloma flavors. $8.50 for a small cube or $45 for a 2.5 lb bag.

Check out previous gift guides here.

Happy Holidays! Cheers!

Father's Day Gift Guide 2017

I've always been a bit jealous of the dads on Father's Day. Gift guides for fathers always include things like cocktail glasses, leather-bound journals, and humidors. As a soon-to-be mom who thoroughly enjoys whiskey and cigars, I'd much prefer a Father's Day gift than the scented candles and spa days that are usually recommended for mothers. I hate to contribute to this dichotomy with the manly gift guide below, but consider these suggestions for the cool mom in your life too. Here are my picks for dad this year:

1. Admiral Stainless Steel Cigar Holder and Flask from Viski, $22. Help Dad carry the really important stuff in style with this combo cigar holder and flask. The elegant stainless steel tubes hold 2 oz. of liquor and a 54-gauge cigar. Consider picking out a spirit and cigar pairing ahead of time and gifting it already filled.

2. Regarding Cocktails by Sasha Petraske and Georgette Moger-Petraske, $30. When bartending legend Sasha Petraske passed away suddenly in 2015, it shocked and saddened the craft cocktail community. This book, which he began before his death, was completed by his wife and published in 2016. It contains 75 recipes that Petraske invented, popularized, or perfected along with anecdotes and minimalist line drawings of the drinks. It's a perfect gift for any dad who wants to up his home cocktail game by learning from the very best.

3. Tuthilltown American Oak Barrel, $60-96. If your dad is already a whiz at whipping up Old Fashioneds and Manhattans, help him take them to the next level with a charred American oak barrel from Tuthilltown Spirits. They're perfect for aging cocktails or spirits, and look beautiful to boot. Available in 1-, 2-, 3-, and 5-liter sizes.

4. Dropcatch Porter Bottle Opener, $39. We have one of these on our fridge, and it's a staple in our kitchen. A magnet at the bottom of the wood catches bottle caps as they fall, and can hold over 60(!) caps. Made of stained walnut, it's both a stylish and useful gift for any dad who loves beer.

5. Nikka Coffey Grain Whiskey, $65. Japanese whiskey is only increasing in popularity, and everyone seems to be talking about this particular bottle. Made mostly from corn using a traditional Scottish Coffey still, it's a unique whiskey that might be most similar to a bourbon, with strong vanilla and caramel notes. It would be a great gift for a dad who loves Scotch or bourbon but is looking to branch out.

6. Pappy Van Winkle Barrel Stave Cutting Board, $89. Assuming you can't get your hands on an actual bottle of Pappy, this cutting board is a nice way to give dad a piece of the world's most famous bourbon for his home bar. Louisville craftsman Jason Cohen makes these boards out of Pappy Van Winkle bourbon barrel staves. They're perfect for serving appetizers or preparing garnishes.

7. Craft Your Own Bitters Kit from Hella Cocktail Co., $65. This DIY kit comes with everything dad will need to make his own citrus and aromatic bitters, including the necessary herbs and botanicals. Once he learns how easy and fun making bitters can be, he might just have a new hobby.

8. NEAT Whiskey Glasses, $20. If your dad is a more traditional guy, you might consider getting him a set of Glencairn glasses or nice rocks glasses for his whiskey. But if he's into what's new and most innovative, he'll love these NEAT whiskey glasses. Their design, inspired by the art of Dale Chihuly, is meant to optimally concentrate and deliver the aromas of your whiskey while separating out the nose burn from the alcohol. Check out their website for more information on the idea behind the unique shape.

9. Monkey 47 Schwartzwald Dry Gin, $45 for 375 ml. Dads are usually pigeonholed as whiskey and beer drinkers, but let's not neglect the G&T and Negroni lovers out there. Monkey 47 is a unique gin that's intensely flavored with 47 different botanicals from Germany's Black Forest. It's pricey - possibly the most expensive gin out there right now - but that makes it exactly the sort of bottle that Dad isn't likely to go out and buy himself.

10. Lonely Planet's Global Beer Tour, $20. Lonely Planet has just come out with the perfect travel guide for beer fans. This brand-new book highlights the best taprooms and breweries in over 30 countries. Dad can use it to check and see what spots are recommended at his next vacation destination, or use it to plan the ultimate beer-centric getaway.

Guide: Cocktail Picks

I've always thought there weren't enough cool cocktail picks out there. Using a pick for your garnish makes such a great visual statement in a cocktail, but I see the same ones in a lot of photos. It's sort of hard find anything unique unless you get lucky at a thrift store or vintage shop. I usually just go with a bamboo toothpick myself, although I'm definitely looking to upgrade. I decided to go on the hunt for some stylish cocktail picks to elevate your garnish. Here are my picks for great picks!

1. Cocktail Picks from Crate & Barrel - You can't go wrong with these simple and sophisticated stainless steel picks. $7 for a set of six.

2. Cocktail Picks from Cocktail Kingdom - Sleek and classic, these copper-plated picks also come in gold and stainless steel finishes. $18 for a set of 12.

3. Torre & Tagus Sword Picks, available at Amazon and other retailers - The sword-shaped cocktail pick is a classic. So why not ditch your multicolored plastic for some stainless steel? If you're more of a pacifist, check out their Anchor and Owl designs. $30 plus shipping for six.

4. Essential Barware Arrow Cocktail Picks from West Elm - Perhaps my favorite of the bunch, these arrow-shaped picks make it look like Robin Hood had a go at your Luxardo cherries. They are positively gorgeous laid on top of a glass. $19 for a set of six.

5. Branch and Twig Cocktail Picks from Anthropologie - I love the organic shape of these silver and gold picks. I wish there were more with this kind of design! $18 for a set of four.

6. Martini Picks from Sur La Table - These simple ball-tipped stainless steel picks will never go out of style and won't upstage your garnish. $12 for six.

7. Kikkerland Grass Cocktail Picks from ModCloth and other retailers - These whimsical plastic picks look like individual blades of grass. They look surprisingly sleek for plastic, and definitely make a fun statement for cocktails or appetizers. $12 for 10 picks and a white holder.

8. American Chateau Bird Picks - I'm pretty crazy about anything with birds on it (insert Portlandia joke here), so I like these cute bird-topped cocktail picks. Unfortunately the white ones pictured here have been discontinued, but you can still nab some in green on sale for $12 per four picks. I'm also keeping an eye on these guys at One King's Lane.

9. Prodyne Bar Birds Martini Picks from Amazon and other retailers - Speaking of birds, I got these for Christmas from my parents, and I'm obsessed with them. These stainless steel picks are topped with beautifully detailed parrots, flamingos, and toucans. They're also very well-priced at only $10 for six picks. Or you can go with swizzle sticks instead.

10. Wentworth Cocktail Picks from Ralph Lauren - These pricey silver-plated brass picks are probably not going to find their way onto my bar, but I do think the stirrup design is subtle and pretty cool. $150 for six.

So that's my list! What are your favorite cocktail picks?

Gift Guide 2015

A lot of my favorite blogs will do gift guides around the holidays. I've always loved them, because they're a great way to find out about nifty new products and get ideas for family and friends. There's a lot of cocktail stuff out there I'd love to give (or get!) this Christmas, but here are some favorites that have caught my eye.

1. Feather Bottle Opener from H&M Home, $12.99. I just bought one of these a couple of days ago! It's a perfect combination of my two great loves, birds and beer.

2. St. George Gin Sampler, ~$30. St. George makes some really lovely, unique gins and this is a great way to try them all. It includes their Terroir, Botanivore, and Dry Rye gins. Look for it at your local liquor store.

3. Orb Cocktail Shaker from Crate & Barrel, $24.95. I know Boston shakers are supposed to be the best, but I can't get over the sleek look of this copper cobbler shaker.

4. Double Old Fashioned Glasses from Williams Sonoma, $55.96. I love the size and that they're all different.

5. Cocktail Matches from Waiting on Martha, $11. Flame that orange peel with style.

6. Silicone Ice Cube Trays from Amazon.com, $16.95. We've had these for a while now, and I love them. They're much easier to use than the spherical molds, and one of these jumbo cubes is perfect for a glass of bourbon.

7. Scrappy's Bitters Gift Box, ~$25. Includes Lavender, Cardamom, Chocolate, and Grapefruit bitters. Available from a number of online retailers, including Amazon.

8. Bullseye Cocktail Picks from West Elm, $19. I see so many cute cocktail picks in photographs but they can be pretty hard to find. I love these arrow-shaped ones.

Happy Holidays!