A stunning, unique whiskey decanter is the cherry on top of your home bar. But is there a specific reason why you put whiskey in a decanter? We’ll tell you the answer and show you six gorgeous decanters we love. You’ll have a hard time choosing just one!

I recently decided I NEEDED a whiskey decanter. And not just a random whiskey decanter, it needed to be classic, beautiful eye candy for the top of my bar. Something Don Draper of Mad Men fame would be proud to pour from.

My husband and I both love whiskey and bourbon, so I thought I’d try to surprise him with a nice decanter and some new glasses. I have an antique TV cabinet that I’ve been working on converting to a proper liquor cabinet, and I really wanted to finish it off with a gorgeous bit of bling on top. 

Is There a Reason You Put Whiskey in a Decanter?

And then I started wondering… Need is strong word. Clearly I really want a decanter to look pretty, but what about actual functionality? Does decanting whiskey change it the way it does with wine? Wine is generally decanted to allow for some oxidation to enhance the flavor, and to reduce any sediment that might be in the bottle. 

Whiskey decanters were originally filled right from the barrel and if nothing else, a necessary container. These days, we generally aren’t heading out back to fill our glass right from the barrel.

Since whiskey is so high in alcohol, it’s not subject to change from oxygen exposure. So the only reason to put your whiskey in a decanter is to make it look pretty.

And I am totally OK with that! Time to get shopping. 

Look Out for Lead

My original thought was to find a vintage set either locally or on Etsy, since the cabinet and most of my favorite things are Mid-Century Modern. I wanted to stick with the theme. I do LOVE all things vintage, as well as buying used rather than everything new, but after a little research and some thought I had to decide against it. 

Why? While leaded crystal may be okay for your glassware – as it’s only being used for a short period of time – a decanter that’s going to hold your liquor for longer stretches may leach lead into your whiskey and pose a serious health risk. And since I’d no way of knowing for sure with a vintage piece, I felt best to buy new. 

Unique Whiskey Decanters – Time to Shop!

I got to shopping and found a decanter gift set with glasses that I thought was really pretty for a decent price on Amazon. And then the crazy shipping delay mess that was December happened. And so a week after Christmas I got an email that my package was missing and I’d be getting a refund. And of course it’s no longer available. Womp, womp. 

Never fear, I was probably spending more than I should since we’ve already determined that I don’t NEED it, haha. So, back to finding the perfect decanter, and I thought I’d share my finds with you! For every budget and taste, there’s something here for everyone!

This post contains affiliate links to products and services we recommend. We may make a commission, and there is no cost to you.

This beauty from Decicio Glass on Etsy is absolutely dreamy. Definitely going on my wish list! 

This personalized monogram decanter and glass set would make such an amazing housewarming or wedding gift! 

Looking for something completely different to really make a statement? I love to travel and this would definitely be a great nod to that! Check out this fantastic globe decanter set.

This diamond design decanter from Amazon is absolutely stunning and comes in a beautiful gift box! 

I’m a bit obsessed with all things gold and just love the design on this modern decanter from Crate and Barrel. 

After spending waaaaay too much time looking at pretty glass, I ultimately decided on this decanter and glass set on Amazon and I love it! Classic, beautiful and so affordably priced.

Which one of these gorgeous decanters do you NEED? I think I’ll be revisiting this post myself at some point to get one of these beauties for my downstairs bar cart… Cheers!

The post 6 Unique Whiskey Decanters {and Why You NEED at Least One!} appeared first on Spilling Tequila.

You’ve got 99 problems, but gifts for the home bartender ain’t one! Buying gifts for the cocktail enthusiasts in your life is easier than ever with our extensive gift guide. Whether they have a fully-stocked home bar or they just enjoy mixing up a creative cocktail, your friends and family will appreciate these useful and unique gifts.

We have personal recommendations for bar tools, glasses, straws, ice, mixers, syrups, alcohol, home decor, clothing, subscription boxes, and more – all excellent gift ideas for the home bartender or mixologist on your list.

Cocktail Shaker: The Most Essential Bar Tool

This post contains affiliate links to products and services we recommend. We may make a commission, and there is no cost to you.

1. The most basic, and most important, tool needed to make cocktails at home is the cocktail shaker. A cobbler shaker has one shaker, a top with a built-in strainer, and usually a cap that doubles as a jigger to measure your ingredients. It’s an easy, all-in-one solution.

2. Then there’s the Boston shaker, which is two pieces and uses a separate strainer. It’s easier to use a Boston shaker when you need to strain out larger pieces of muddled fruit. With the cobbler, the fruit sometimes blocks the strainer and it’s harder to get all the liquid out. We love this Boston shaker set from A Bar Above, which comes in stainless steel or copper.

Related: Read more about the difference between a cobbler and a Boston shaker.

3. If you prefer a full bar set, this Premium Copper Bar Set comes with a Boston shaker, 3 strainers, a jigger, a muddler, a bar spoon and garnish picks. It’s beautiful and a fantastic value!

4. This 10-piece Bartender Kit is both stylish and functional. It comes with a bamboo stand that keeps everything in one place – no more digging in your kitchen drawers!

This Classic Cocktail Tool Crate from Man Crates would also make a fantastic gift for the new home bartender! It includes a 5-piece tool set and holder, plus 12 coasters that showcase classic cocktail recipes.

Basic Tools Every Home Bartender Needs

If your giftee is just starting to build their home bar, there are a few tools that will make mixology a lot easier and much more fun.

1. Many drinks call for juice and we always recommend fresh-squeezed over bottled. This manual citrus press makes it easy. 

2. A good jigger is also essential. You want one that has easy-to-see lines inside so you can measure 1/4 ounce, 1/2 ounce, and 3/4 ounce. Our favorite is this Barfly Japanese Jigger.

3. A bar spoon is a fantastic gift because it’s something not everyone would buy for themselves. I mean, everyone has spoons in their kitchen, right? You could get by without a bar spoon, but once you have this long-handled tool, you’ll wonder how you ever went without it. We love tools that do double-duty and this bar spoon will stir and work for pour-overs, and the opposite end is a muddler!

4. This wine chiller is a gorgeous white marble and will keep bottles frosty while you entertain.

5. An electric juicer is a bit more work than the hand press, but it will extract more fresh juice from your citrus. We love it for making multiple cocktails, or when juicing larger fruit, like grapefruit or oranges.

6. A beautiful addition to any home bar, this hammered copper ice bucket keeps you from having to run to the freezer over and over again.

7. If you spill a lot (like we do), get these bar towels. They keep you from wasting rolls of paper towels!

Glasses and Ice

Choosing the right glass for your cocktail is important. A glass that’s too big can change the aroma of your drink, cause you to add too much ice, or just make your cocktail look unappealing. Or when you top off a drink with tonic water or ginger beer, the wrong size glass can throw off the whole drink. Any of these beautiful glasses would make a perfect gift.

1. You’ll definitely need a good set of rocks glasses and these twisted whiskey rocks glasses are beautiful!
2. Forget those long-stemmed margarita glasses that spill all the time! We love these stemless margarita glasses, or try these 16-ounce margarita glasses!
3. Coupe glasses are perfect for your martinis or whiskey sours.
4. Copper mugs are essential for your Moscow Mules!
5. Highball/Collins glasses are great for your mojitos and other mixed drinks over ice.
6. These pyramid-shaped highball glasses are also really beautiful and unique!
7. These elegant pink highball glasses are super pretty, come in different colors, and are sure to make your drink taste even better.

1. This nugget ice cube maker is so awesome! It basically makes Sonic or Chick-Fil-A ice in your own kitchen!

2. Clear ice is something every home bartender covets. This Iceology system uses directional freezing to remove impurities and bubbles and make crystal-clear ice. They come in square and round.

3. These United States ice cubes would be a fun party gift!

4. This set of two silicone ice trays makes large, square cubes and ice spheres – which look so cool in your drinks!

Speaking of ice, everyone could use a good cooler! 

• The REYLEO Ice Chest is a 21 quart, bear-resistant cooler that comes with a built-in bottle opener, cup holders and a fish ruler – perfect for the outdoorsy person on your list.
• The GiNT Rolling Cooler has oversized wheels to save your back when your headed to your campsite, built in cup holders, a handle that doubles as a small table, and an interior tray to keep food items dry.
• For something on the smaller side, we love this Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze 30-Can Insulated Tote Bag. Chrissy rarely leaves home without hers!
• Arctic Zone also has different size coolers to accommodate your every need. The Titan Zipperless Hardbody 16-Can Cooler has high-performance insulation with a radiant heat barrier reflects heat rather than absorbing it, and it’s water- and stain-resistant.
• Never struggle to find your beer in the dark with Coghlan’s Inside Cooler Lid Light. This handy little thing mounts inside your cooler lid and will automatically turn on and off when the lid is raised and shut. Great for camping!

Straws and Garnish Picks

Presentation is a big part of making cocktails. These straws and garnish picks will help!

1. Spoon straws! These are fantastic for drinks that need to be stirred and are not strained, like the mojito. We are hoping to find these in our stockings this year.

2 & 3. These reusable gold straws or copper straws come in a 12-pack of both bent and straight, and in two different sizes to accommodate all your different glassware. And they look super elegant.

4. Glass straws are another pretty option. We love that you can see how clean they are!

5. For more whimsical drinks, try these colorful straws. These (and all the other straws we list here) come with a cleaner brush.

Great for adding olives, cherries, pineapple chunks, or any other garnish, there are lots of different picks to choose from.

1. Prodyne has a big selection of fun styles – we love the super cute tropical birds.
2. Every little boy’s favorite… the sword garnish picks.
3. This set of five martini picks caught our eye – octopus, owls and bears, oh my!
4. If your giftee loves the classic look, go for this stainless set garnish pick set.
5. Bamboo picks are great if you’re looking for something less expensive and need a lot.

Gifts of Alcohol, Mixers, Bitters, and Syrups

Cocktail syrups and mixers are used to give cocktails extra flavor and sweetness. And there are some really amazing and delicious options out there. For a great gift idea, put together a gift basket of syrups, bitters, and mixers with a bottle of their favorite alcohol.

Royal Rose Syrup is one of our favorite products. These all-purpose, natural syrups are gluten-free, corn syrup-free, and made with USDA-certified organic ingredients. They are perfect for cocktails (like our Hot Ginger Mule!) and mocktails, but also useful in cooking, baking, desserts, teas, coffees, and seltzer.

Bitters are like the salt and pepper of cocktails. They are used to add a wonderful hint of flavor to any spirit and balance out a cocktail. Agnostura Aromatic and Fee Brothers are two well-known brands, but we recently discovered (and LOVE) Scrappy’s Bitters Essential Gift Set, which includes Orange, Chocolate, Aromatic, and Firewater bitters! We also recommend their New Classics Set with Lavender, Cardamom, Black Lemon, and Orleans bitters. And like syrups, bitters can be used in your kitchen in many other ways – they can even be medicinal.

A few of our other favorite mixers and syrups include:

• ROOT Mixers: Made with natural, organic ingredients, ROOT Mixers come in several unique flavors such as hibiscus/elderflower, pear/lemon, grapefruit/cherry and more. Just add your favorite alcohol.
• PROOF Old Fashioned Syrup: This syrup is a great gift for Old Fashioned lovers. Made with organic cane sugar and bitters, it makes cocktail mixing effortless. Just add your favorite whiskey and BOOM – perfect Old Fashioned.
• Tait Farm Foods Shrubs: A shrub is a fruit-infused vinegar. These syrups add a unique tang that any mixologist will love to experiment with! We love the Ginger shrub!
• Q Mixers: A variety pack of Q Mixers will be appreciated by any cocktail enthusiast. We love ALL their products.

A bottle of their favorite alcohol always makes a great gift, but if you want to offer them something new to try, we recommend the following – along with some cocktail recipes you can print out and attach!

• NEFT Vodka: Made from water filtered for fifty years and four ancient grains of rye, this vodka comes in an awesome, unbreakable barrel that stays cold for hours. (3 Christmas Vodka Cocktails That Will Impress Your Guests)
• Ron Viejo de Caldas Rum: An aged, golden rum from Colombia. (Late September Mai Tai or Apple Basil Mojito)
• Espanita Tequila: Smooth and delicious. And packaged in a tall, gorgeous bottle! Makes an impressive-looking gift! (Cherry Chili Margarita)
• Sombra Mezcal Tequila: This “smoky” tequila is delicious and it’s a unique spirit your tequila-loving friend may not have ever tried. (Smoky Jalapeno Margarita)
• Empress 1908 Gin: A butterfly pea blossom-infused gin that changes color and is really fun to create cocktails with! (Red, White and Blue Gin & Tonic)
• Knob Creek Bourbon: This 100 proof bourbon whiskey is perfection to sip neat, and amazing in any cocktail. (New York Sour)
• Ocucaje Pisco: A clear to lightly yellow/amber brandy that is made exclusively in Peru from fermented grape juice of specific varieties. It’s a lovely, light, lower-proof spirit. (Pisco Sour) 
• Limoncello: A traditional Italian liqueur made from lemons. It’s tart and sweet, and almost everyone likes it! (Lemon Coco-Chata)

Unique Gifts for Home Bartenders Who Have Everything

So your home bartender friend has ALLLL the things? Here are some more unique gift ideas for the mixologist:

A smoker will liven up any bartender’s cocktail creating! It’s fun, it’s impressive, and smoking the glass adds a delicious twist to your drinks. Use it on its own or pair it with these Smoking Gun Cup Covers. Bonus – the smoker can also be used to smoke meats and cheeses!

For your friend who loves to create cocktails, the next logical step is creating their own flavor-infused alcohol (like we did with this cayenne pepper-infused tequila)! This Infusing Kit is the perfect gift.

You can’t go wrong with a personalized gift! Check out this variety of engraved glasses, decanters, flasks and more.

The entertainer will love this Party Ice Luge! It takes a little skill to freeze this mold on a perfectly flat surface, but once you get it, you’ll have hours of party fun!

For the beer lover, this stunning copper carbonated growler will keep your beer fresh for weeks … not that you’ll take that long to drink it! 😉

How about a book? These are some of our favorites on the craft of mixing drinks:

• Cocktail Codex: A comprehensive primer on the craft of mixing drinks.
• Camp Cocktails: Filled with recipes, bartender tips and tricks, and even a whole chapter on foraging and mixing with found ingredients.
• The Drunken Botanist Book: A fascinating tour of the biology, chemistry, history, etymology, and mixology of alcohol, with more than fifty drink recipes and growing tips for gardeners
• Tequila Mockingbird Book: 65 delicious drink recipes paired with wry commentary on history’s most beloved novels.  
• The Ultimate Bar Book: An indispensable guide to classic cocktails and new drink recipes. Loaded with essential-to-know topics such as barware, tools, and mixing tips.

Alcohol Gifts and Subscription Boxes

We love Cratejoy subscription boxes. Getting something special in the mail every month makes a gift last beyond the holiday season! But almost all boxes can be purchased as a one-time gift, so don’t let the phrase “subscription” scare you. Most gift boxes from Cratejoy are mom and pop shops – so you are also supporting small businesses.

• Shaker and Spoon – Craft Cocktails
• Saloon Box – Craft Cocktails
• American Cocktail Club – All-Natural Craft Cocktails
• One Part Company – Infusion Blends
• Raising the Bar – Mocktails
• The Standard – Wine Club
• WhiskyFlavour – Whisky Tasting
• The Intoxicated Intellectual – Classic books paired with classic cocktails

Home Decor and Bar Accessories

These items are great gifts to help the cocktail enthusiast decorate their home bar and show off their passion for cocktails and bartending.

This 3-Tier Rolling Bar Cart is beautiful, high quality, and perfect if you don’t have a lot of space! Shannon owns this and it has more than enough room for all her tools, glasses, and alcohol. But if you’re looking to splurge on something luxurious, this Rustic 80″ Home Bar from Pottery Barn is gorgeous!!

Looking to update your bar seating? We’re obsessed with these bar stools. With all the different color options they can go from modern to rustic to anywhere in between.

Wall art for the home bar can be hard to find! Shannon has spent hours hunting through the aisles of Home Goods and Hobby Lobby without a lot of luck. Here are some favorites we’ve found online.

• We love these bar signs from the The Paper Violet Shoppe on Etsy. Shannon has the three you see above.
• For the animal lovers, get this hand-painted bulldog holding a wine glass.
• Space fan? Get this astronaut with a beer on the moon.
• Cats and wine make you happy, but humans make your head hurt? This is the bar art for you!
• Or how about this funny, modern, frog on the toilet?
• These rustic light up BAR marquee letters are perfect for your home bar or the man cave.
• What’s a bar without a dartboard? This one comes in a few different versions so you can perfectly match your style.
• We’ve seen plenty of cork holders, tons of bottle cap catchers… but finally there’s one for all of us! This Wine Cork & Beer Cap Holder Shadow Box has a space for both.

This whiskey decanter globe set is beautiful and would make a wonderful gift for someone who loves to travel the world.

Let’s talk coasters. We can’t have drink rings ruining our counters and bars.

• Want to keep it simple? Go with this set of 16 cork coasters or these black silicone coasters. Both come with their own holder.
• Looking to add a little humor? Try these wine themed ceramic and cork coasters or these absorbent stone coasters.
• Have you heard of “Thirstystone” coasters? These are coasters made of sandstone that absorb the condensation from your glass – so the coaster isn’t covered in water! Brilliant!
• Or keep it classy with these leather or marble sets.

For the one-the-go cocktail lover (or when you want to hide your wine at your kids’ sporting events – not that we’ve ever done that!), an insulated tumbler is essential.

• YETI Rambler 10 oz. Lowball: Vacuum insulated, stainless steel, comes in tons of colors.
• BrüMate Hopsulator TRíO 3-in-1: Insulated can cooler that works with 12 or 16 oz cans and can be used as a pint glass.
• Stanley Insulated Growler: Keeps beer cold and carbonated.
• BrüMate Uncork’d 14oz Wine Glass Tumbler: Stainless steel wine glass tumbler with splash-proof lid that comes in so many pretty, glittery colors!

Clothing for Home Bartenders

And finally, no gift guide would be complete without some fun clothing!

• Bartender Apron – with pockets for all your tools and your phone!
• Chrissy loves this Santa Hat Wine Glass long-sleeve pullover.
• Brewdolph Ugly Christmas Sweatshirt for the beer lover.
• Aint No Laws When You’re Drinking With Claus Sweatshirt.
• Another “ugly” Christmas sweatshirt. Sing it with us: “Jingle Bells, Zinfandel, Pass The Cabernet!”
• Santa’s Favorite Bartender Men’s/Women’s T-shirt
• Whiskey Made Me Do It Men’s T-shirt.
• Sunshine and Whiskey Women’s T-shirt.
• Drinks Well With Others Women’s T-shirt.
• Beer Makes Me Hoppy Men’s T-shirt.

And that’s it – 99+ gifts for the home bartender on your list! Cheers and Happy Holidays to all!

For more recommendations, be sure to check out our other gift guides below:

• The Camping Cocktailer’s Survival Essentials
• 20 Outdoor Drinking Accessories to Perfect Your Summer Party
• 11 Boozy Gifts for Dads Who Like to Drink

The post 99+ Gifts for the Home Bartender appeared first on Spilling Tequila.

If you’re just starting to look for a cocktail shaker to set up your home bar, you may be wondering whether you should buy a Boston shaker or a cobbler shaker. Here’s the low-down on the difference!

This post contains affiliate links to products and services we recommend. We may make a commission, and there is no cost to you.

Why Do You Need a Cocktail Shaker?

Some people who make mixed drinks at home wonder if they really need a cocktail shaker. The answer is YES.

While some drinks turn out fine when they are mixed with a spoon or simply poured into a glass and served, there are many cocktails that need to be shaken. Here are the benefits of shaking a cocktail:

• Shaking provides a thorough mixing of the ingredients.
• When using muddled fruits or herbs, shaking allows a further breakdown of the oils in the fresh ingredients, resulting in a more flavorful drink.
• For some recipes, shaking with ice provides a necessary dilution to the drink. The ice breaks down and melts as it cools your drink. Just pouring ingredients over ice and stirring does not chill or dilute the drink properly, or as fast as shaking.
• To get the best whiskey sour, you MUST use a real egg white and a dry shake.
• Shaking cocktail ingredients results in a smooth, slightly foamy, more luxurious mouthfeel.

So if you’re serious about making proper cocktails, you need a shaker. I recommend having both a Boston and a cobbler shaker, but if you can only choose one, read on to find out about the differences.

What is a Cobbler Shaker?

A cobbler shaker consists of one mixing tin, a top with a built-in strainer, and a cap that will usually serve as a measuring jigger. You pour your ingredients into the tin, add ice if desired, seal it with the strainer top and cap, then shake. To pour your drink into a glass, simply remove the cap and strain.

This type of cocktail shaker is often the choice of the home bartender because of its easy-to-use, all-in-one design. But it does have its limitations.

I find the cobbler shaker easy to use when I am making a simple drink that has no muddled ingredients. If I need to add fruit, mint leaves, or other herbs, those ingredients can get stuck in the strainer top and block the liquid from coming out. And the holes of the cobbler strainer are usually pretty big, allowing some pieces of ingredients to slip through.

The cobbler typically has the capacity for one drink, and it’s also prone to leaking when you shake. Another drawback is that residue of syrups, solid ingredients, and egg whites can get stuck in the strainer and cap. The cobbler needs a good washing between uses.

But for a quick margarita? I can easily use the cap to measure my ingredients, then shake, strain and enjoy. The cobbler is my go-to when I simply want to mix a few liquids.

I recommend this cobbler shaker set from Cresimo. It’s reasonably priced and comes with a jigger and bar spoon/muddler.

What is a Boston Shaker?

A Boston Shaker consists of two mixing containers that fit inside one another and create a seal for shaking cocktail ingredients. The first container is typically 28-ounces and made of tin. The second can be made of tin or glass and ranges in size from 12 to 18 ounces.

After pouring your ingredients into the larger tin, you put the smaller one inside and give it a little whack to create a seal. Then shake, shake, shake! Give it another whack to unseal, then place a strainer on top and strain into a glass.

The Boston shaker has a larger capacity than the cobbler, so it is often the choice of professional bartenders. It’s also easier to clean, and therefore more efficient if you need to make a lot of drinks.

But it’s also excellent for the home bartender. You can easily make two drinks in the Boston shaker, and as mentioned above, it’s the better choice when you are muddling ingredients that need to be strained out.

The cons? With the Boston shaker, you’ll need a separate strainer and jigger. Making – and breaking – the seal on this type of cocktail shaker also might take a little practice. Some home bartenders find this a nuisance.

I have read many times that cobbler shakers are more likely to get stuck together than Boston shakers. In my experience, that completely depends on the quality of the shaker. My cobbler shaker rarely gets stuck because it’s very easy to take the measuring cap off and release the pressure (but it also leaks more often and is messier!). I have a glass-on-tin Boston shaker that gets stuck all the time. I recommend the tin-on-tin Boston shaker from A Bar Above. It occasionally gets stuck, but a good whack is all that’s needed to separate it. It just takes practice.

Bottom line? If you’re serious about making cocktails, consider a Boston shaker. If you just want something that will shake quickly and you don’t often muddle ingredients, the cobbler shaker will do you fine. But I still say your best option is to buy them both!

Looking for more ideas to set up your home bar? Check out our favorite bar tools and accessories!

The post Boston Shaker or Cobbler Shaker – Which Is Better? appeared first on Spilling Tequila.

Every home bartender needs a solid foundation of tools to make amazing cocktails. Whether you have a dedicated bar area in your home, or just a small space carved out to make your favorite drinks, these are the home bar tools, supplies and accessories we love and recommend.

This post contains affiliate links to products and services we recommend. We may make a commission, and there is no cost to you.

Home Bar Tools

This bar cart is beautiful, high quality, and perfect if you don’t have a lot of space! It’s on four wheels (two can be locked in place) so it’s easy to move around when you need to. It fits great in the corner of my dining room and has more than enough room for all my tools and alcohol.

The most basic, and most important tool you need for your home bar is a cocktail shaker. A cobbler shaker has one shaker, a top with a built-in strainer, and usually a cap that doubles as a jigger to measure your ingredients. It’s an easy, all-in-one solution.

Then there’s the Boston shaker, which is two pieces and uses a separate strainer. I find it easier to use a Boston shaker when I need to strain out larger pieces of muddled fruit. With the cobbler, the fruit sometimes blocks the strainer and it’s harder to get all the liquid out. I love this Boston shaker set from A Bar Above.

If you’ve seen Naomi’s kitchen and bar cabinet, you’ll notice she LOVES all things copper. This bartender kit is both stylish and functional. Love that it has a place to keep everything so you don’t have to dig in your kitchen drawers!

If you prefer a Boston shaker in copper, here’s another beautiful, 14-piece, copper bar set.

This hammered copper ice bucket is a gorgeous addition to your home bar. And the brass tongs that come with it are equally as fabulous.

Ok, so this wine chiller isn’t copper, but the white marble is the perfect complement to all your gorgeous copper tools.

You might already own a cocktail shaker, but do you have a good cocktail spoon? I love tools that do double-duty and this spoon will stir and work for pour-overs, and the opposite end is a muddler!

A good jigger is also essential. You want one that has easy-to-see lines inside so you can measure 1/4 ounce, 1/2 ounce, and 3/4 ounce. My favorite is this Barfly Japanese Jigger.

We always recommend fresh-squeezed juice over bottled. You can use a manual citrus press, or an electric juicer.

If you spill a lot like I do, get these bar towels. They keep me from wasting rolls of paper towels!

Home Bar Glasses, Straws and Garnish Picks

Choosing the right glass for your cocktail is important. A glass that’s too big can change the aroma of your drink, cause you to add too much ice, or just make your cocktail look unappealing. Or when you top off a drink with tonic water or ginger beer, the wrong size glass can throw off the whole drink. Here are some glasses we love:

• Highball/Collins glasses are great for your mojitos and other mixed drinks over ice. These pyramid-shaped highball glasses are also really beautiful and unique!
• These elegant pink highball glasses are super pretty, come in different colors, and are sure to make your drink taste even better.
• You’ll definitely need a good set of rocks glasses for your Old Fashioned.
• If you’re going for the copper vibe like Naomi, copper mugs are essential for your Moscow Mules!
• Coupe glasses are perfect for your martinis or whiskey sours.
• Forget those long-stemmed margarita glasses that spill all the time! We love these stemless margarita glasses, or try these 16-ounce margarita glasses!
• This whiskey decanter globe set is beautiful and would make a wonderful gift!

Chrissy loves straws. She even use them for coffee. These reusable gold straws have been her favorite for a while now.

Naomi loves that this set of copper straws come with both bent and straight straws in two different sizes to accommodate all your different glassware.

My favorite are these colorful straws, and – bonus – they come with a straw cleaner!

And don’t forget garnish picks. Your drink is naked without a garnish! There are lots of different kinds to choose from. I’ve got this basic stainless set garnish pick set, but you can also get bamboo picks or more decorative picks.

More Bar and Drink Accessories

Let’s talk ICE. It’s an important part of many cocktails. This nugget ice cube maker is so awesome and definitely on our Christmas list!

This set of two silicone ice trays makes large, square cubes and ice spheres – which looks so cool in your drinks!

Chrissy loves this cooler tote bag in white. She rarely leaves home without it!

And now we turn from ice to smoke! Smoking cocktails is something we recently discovered and love – you can always get a Smoked Old Fashioned at Chrissy’s house. This smoker with some broken up cinnamons sticks adds the perfect smoke to your glass. (It can also be used to smoke meats and cheeses!)

You’ll need a variety of syrups and mixers to make delicious cocktails. We recommend Royal Rose Syrups!

And lastly, for the beer lover in your home, this stunning copper carbonated growler will keep your beer fresh for weeks! … not that you’ll take that long to drink it 😉

For more recommendations, be sure to check out our gift guides below:

• The Camping Cocktailer’s Survival Essentials
• 20 Outdoor Drinking Accessories to Perfect Your Summer Party
• 11 Boozy Gifts for Dads Who Like to Drink

The post Our Favorite Home Bar Tools, Supplies, and Accessories appeared first on Spilling Tequila.