Note: We have a full guide to bartender gifts here as well!
Bartenders are a rather mysterious sort, aren’t they? This time of year, many people ask me “What is a good gift for a bartender”? I managed dozens of different bartenders at one time and I prided myself on the fact that I was considered not only their manager/employer but that I was also their friend. Through this relationship I got to know many of their family members.
Every year around the Holidays and their Birthdays I would receive calls, messages, Facebook messenger invites all requesting some information on what to get their beloved family member that chose to become a bartender.
Everyone that knows a bartender knows that they don’t just do it for the job, they take it on as a passion…something they are truly in love with. Which is exactly why I offer a list to them much like what I have come up with here. When you look at this list you can choose to buy each item individually if you prefer, but I think that the items on this list complement each other very well and would go great together as an entire ensemble for your favorite bartender.
No need to settle for plastic swords or frilly toothpicks, this gift will let your bartender serve their guests with an extra hint of professionalism that will exemplify just how much they love their passion for mixing up the best cocktail.
It’s a win-win situation with this gift. Make them happy and get a cocktail in return! It’s also made with proper stainless steel so you won’t get any infection or harmful metals from these awesome picks! Don’t forget that these can also be used to skewer your favorite party time snacks.
This kit comes with everything you need to make your very own full sized bottle of specialty Gin…how specialty is it? Well it’s one of a kind because your very own bartender will make it from scratch! They also have refill packets that you can make a smoky or spiced version as well. I can vouch for the Spiced…it is a rather unique blend!
Can you imagine the looks from your bartender’s guests when he or she opens their favorite beer with their cufflink? I think it’s worth it just for the stories! I don’t think there is a more sophisticated bottle opener out there, do you?
This shaker is made from professional food grade stainless steel and is also safe to use in your home dishwasher. Whether this shaker will be used in a home bar or in a commercial bar it will be sure to hold up to the daily grind!
This portable bar gives you the room to carry two bottles (one being a bottle of your home-made Gin from above). You can even replace the sub-par picks and shaker with the ones listed in this article to boost this gift! My favorite part about this Travel bar is that it comes equipped with its own martini glasses so that you can truly whip up a cocktail anywhere you are!
The Smoked Chili is my favorite especially if you want to add a little extra ‘something’ to your old fashioned. The Ginger Lemon is my next favorite to pair with my manhattans…just something to mix things up and to open you and your bartenders taste buds to newer experiences.
We hope this list helps you find the perfect gift or gifts for your favorite bartender!
Hey Tim, great post. I would also add a quality wine knife/ waiter’s friend to this list. For some reason, bartenders never seem to have a really good one. And they get lost quite easily. Also, where else can we find you on the web? I tried searching your name and nothing came up?
Hi Tom,
Thank you for your kind words! I apologize for the delay in replying!
I think that is a great idea to be honest and will make sure to add them into future posts!
I wrote for the inquisitr for a short time so you can find some of my past articles at http://www.inquistr.com/author/timothyra
Thank you!
I would like to add, flairtending practice bottles. That would be a great gift to a bartending trying to spice up their shift!
These are awesome, thank you! I also think that there’s a couple items on this bartender gift list that are really unique that you might want to consider adding for next year: https://www.alcoholprofessor.com/blog/2016/12/05/gadgety-gifts-and-glassware-for-everyones-inner-bartender/
So many of the bartenders I shop for at Christmas seem to have everything, but I’m happy to have come across your list to help me out. Thanks!