Looking for the best gifts for bartenders and cocktail lovers? Explore our 2026 gift guide with ideas under $25, $50, $100, beginner sets, and more.
Content Coordinator & Photographer
Meet Mel, the content coordinator at A Bar Above, who channels her love for storytelling into crafting engaging blogs, emails, and more. A Chapman University alumna, Mel began her professional career as a high school English teacher moonlighting as a wedding photographer, making the leap into the world of mixology content in 2020. Her role keeps her very busy and utilizes all the skills of her past life, combining writing, editing, and lifestyle photography.
When she's not behind the keyboard or camera, Mel is working out, diving into audiobooks, enjoying a good board game with her husband & kiddo, or surrounded by her small menagerie of cats, dogs, and rabbits. She also frequents fancy cocktail bars for "research" purposes, always on the lookout for the next great drink to share. Her journey from classroom to cocktails has been quite the creative ride, and she's excited to keep exploring the art of mixology with you. Cheers!
Looking for the best gifts for bartenders and cocktail lovers? Explore our 2026 gift guide with ideas under $25, $50, $100, beginner sets, and more.
Learn how to become a mixologist with essential bartending skills, cocktail techniques, and expert tips to master the craft. Get more info at A Bar Above.
Need a wedding gift for a couple or your own wedding party? Get ideas of gifts for cocktail enthusiasts over at A Bar Above!
Explore the history of mixology, from its earliest origins to today’s cocktail renaissance, and discover how cocktail culture has evolved.
Which is the best type of cocktail shaker for your bar? Your three options are the French shaker/Parisian shaker, the Boston, and the cobbler. Let’s explore.
Learn why a Hawthorne strainer is an essential bar tool for smoother pours, cleaner cocktails, and better results at home. Read more at A Bar Above.
Discover the essential bar tools every mixologist needs, from shakers and jiggers to strainers, for better cocktails and a well-equipped bar.
What’s the difference between Aperol vs. Campari? Compare the flavor, origins, alcohol content, & uses of these amari and explore whether you can substitute one for the other.
Here are Chris’ 6 main types of cocktail categories. Instead of memorizing hundreds of cocktail recipes, you’ll be able to make tons of drinks by remembering these 6 cocktail families.
Need a gift for a bartender or cocktail lover? We have you covered! Check out our top 10 list of must-have bartending and cocktail gifts.
Discover the best Grand Marnier cocktails, from timeless classics to creative recipes that showcase this rich, orange-flavored liqueur.
Learn why the Boston shaker remains the go-to choice for bartenders, with tips on using this versatile tool to make better cocktails at home.