Drink lovers are picky about what they allow on their home bars. They can be tough nuts to crack. So consider us your nutcracker this year. Your drink-themed gift should be just off-beat enough to stand out but practical enough to be used every weekend. Drink lovers love a quality spirit or tool with a quirky story behind it. So anything you get them should have a hook, an interesting backstory, a certain Cool factor.
Here’s to the drink lovers.
Photo via Dewar's
This 21 Year Scotch Received a Hot Stone Treatment
[Partner] Hot stones are nice. But not just for human spas. Stone toasting barrels originated in fine winemaking as a way of gently warming the barrel, rather than fire charring it, to offer subtle complexities to the taste profile. Dewar’s Six-Time Master Blender of the Year, Stephanie Macleod, used this unique process in her new 21 Year Old Stone Toasted Magma Limited Edition bottle. This slower, controlled approach allows the oak to open gradually, unlocking one-of-a-kind intricacies, while also minimizing harsh tannins. It’s a method that favors finesse over force. Sub $150, it’s the perfect “special bottle” for the Scotch lover on your list.
Photo via Anthropologie
Cowboy Boot Shot Glasses
You never know when you’re going to need cowboy boot shot glasses. But rest assured, cowpoke, there comes a point in every person’s life when they do. We use ours any time a group of friends is going the tequila route. They’re also used to hold toothpicks sometimes. Since they’re unisex and fun for all (of age), these work as great white elephant gifts, too.
Photo via Houseplant
The Buzz Without the Hangover
Welcome to 2025, where Seth Rogen makes weed beverages that are sold on the internet. What a time to be alive. A fun little social buzz isn’t just for alcohol anymore. Houseplant makes a zero-calorie, zero-sugar, zero-alcohol, fast-acting THC beverages in four refreshing flavors. Citrus, Black Cherry, Pineapple, and Blackberry. Each are infused with 3mg of hemp-derived THC, enough to offer a polite buzz, but not enough to conk you out. We recommend starting with the variety pack.
Photo via Mr. Porter
Yes You Decanter
If you’re going the home barware route, z’all good. But don’t get the bartender on your list another shaker, another glass set, another decanter. You want to get something truly unique. Like this glass decanter from L’Object. Each piece is hand-carved to beautifully reflect light and is made from glass tinted a warm Bordeaux.
Photo via Manready Mercantile
The Banana Flask
Chuck it in a stocking. Wrap it for a group gift exchange. Pour in your pal’s favorite booze and hand it over. There’s no wrong way to gift the banana flask. It’s loved by all lucky enough to come in contact with it. And just think. You could be that connective tissue between your friends and their new favorite way to sip the good stuff on the go.
Photo via La Gritona
Just a Little Tequila
La Gritona is a women-led operation in Valle De Guadalupe, Jalisco, Mexico. They make a reposado that’s almost too perfect to describe. Balanced enough to sip on its own. Mild enough to mix into a Paloma. And it’s priced right. These little shooters are made from recycled glass and they’re perfect for tossing into any drink-themed gift.
A Wine Membership, A Good One
Martha Stoumen is the queen of natural wine. There are a lot ways she pushed the entire movement forward. But no better proof exists than her wine. It’s delicious. Just different enough. But beloved by all for good reason. You can gift your wine-lovers a subscription to her releases, from four-bottle deliveries up to 12-bottle. While she’s incredibly respected in the wine world, the prices aren’t nose-up nonsense.
Photo via AbeBooks
The Book of Toasts, Sentiments, Blessings, Curses, and Graces
Everyone can drink a drink. Some can make a drink. Few can toast a drink. Wrap up a little help with the latter. This is The Complete Book of the Best Toasts, Sentiments, Blessings, Curses, and Graces. To give this book is to give the gift of knowing what to say and when to say it. Here’s to no rogue toasts this year. Here, here.
Photo via Huckberry
Go Hard
Hard Cider’s slightly easier to brew than beer, and this kit makes it foolproof. The compact design works in small kitchens and apartments, and all you have to add is your own apple cider. The rest comes with the kit. And you’ll get enough ingredients to brew three batches, so hang around after gifting this one, and hope for your invite to the Cider party.
Photo via Soho Home
A Bottle Opener, But Make It Marble
Is it “too much” to have a fancy marble bottle opener? Perhaps that’s what makes this one from Soho Home such a good gift. Who doesn’t want a bottle opener crafted from a weighty Rosso Levanto marble from Turkey, with deep cherry-red tones and white veining? Who wants to pay for it themselves? The answer to both inquiries is no one.
