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6 Unique Whiskey Decanters {and Why You NEED at Least One!}

Naomi Kuhlken — Sat, 23 Jan 2021 23:06:13 +0000

This post is copyright Naomi Kuhlken and appeared first on Spilling Tequila.

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.

13 Celebrities Who Have Their Own Alcohol {Sort Of}

Chrissy Tomlinson — Wed, 06 Jan 2021 03:36:02 +0000

This post is copyright Chrissy Tomlinson and appeared first on Spilling Tequila.

When you think of celebrities who have their own alcohol brands, do you picture them in their garage or guest house-turned-distillery? Do you envision a cellar full of wine barrels and backyards with rows of grapevines? I know I do!

I was definitely a little disappointed to hear that most of these celebrities aren’t involved at all in the production, but are just the spokesperson. Some are a little closer to the production process than others, but many just put up the funds to back the project then hit the road until it’s time to promote it.

Don’t get me wrong, celebrity alcohol brands are still pretty cool and I will totally buy them every time. But I still wish Ryan Reynolds was bottling my gin in his garage.

Celebrities With Alcohol Brands

Here are 13 alcohol brands owned or endorsed by celebrities we love. Some we have already tried, and a few were new, pleasant surprises!

Snoop Dogg / 19 Crimes – Cali Red

Snoop is a connoisseur of more than just cannabis – he has a pallet for wine as well! I’ll admit that when I saw this at the store, I purchased it just because his face was on the bottle. And at $12.00, I wasn’t expecting much.

I was absolutely stunned when it turned out to be one of my favorite wines ever. Not too sweet, strong blackberry and cherry notes, some spice, and that oak finish that I love.

And Snoop is not just the face on the label. He was actively involved in creating the recipe for the first California wine of the 19 Crimes brand. It’s one of the best things to come out of 2020 and I will definitely be purchasing this wine again!

Snoop’s also been involved with a few other alcohol brands, and in September 2020 he launched INDOGGO Gin, his first owned and operated project.

Aaron Paul and Brian Cranston / Dos Hombres Mezcal

When Breaking Bad co-stars Aaron Paul and Brian Cranston knew they wouldn’t be sharing the screen anymore, they started thinking about a new project to work on together. They decided to find a Mezcal “so damn good even people who don’t think they like Mezcal will love it.”

According to an Instagram post by Paul, the two “searched high and low all over Oaxaca” (Mexico) and found the perfect Mezcal.

Shannon is a HUGE Breaking Bad fan and a mezcal lover, so she got a little over-excited about Dos Hombres and immediately ordered it online! Stay tuned for our review!

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George Clooney / Casamigos Tequila

Casamigos was founded in 2013 by George Clooney and friends Rande Gerber and Mike Meldman. George and Rande had neighboring vacation homes in Mexico and spent many nights sipping tequila before they birthed the idea of Casamigos. They actually created their tequila as their personal “house tequila” and didn’t originally intend to release it to the public.

They hoped to create a smooth, sippable tequila that didn’t have to be covered up with salt or lime and didn’t give you a hangover the next day. They were very hands-on with the project, testing recipes with their master distiller in Jalisco, Mexico for years until they got it right.

As far as I am concerned, they accomplished the sippable goal, but I am scared to test the hangover claim!

After consuming over 1000 bottles a year, they were forced to obtain a distribution license. So, due to government guidelines, we are now all able to enjoy this delicious creation. In 2017, Clooney and friends sold Casamigos in a deal that valued the company at up to $1 billion.

Nick Jonas / Villa One Tequila

There must be something in the Mexico air that brings your tequila-making dreams to life!

Villa One was inspired by a 2017 trip to Mexico where Nick Jonas and fashion designer friend John Varvatos “came together over a love for tequila and for experiencing ‘life as it should be,’ with friends old and new, one glass at a time.” A couple years later, their product is on the shelf and while it’s on the top shelf at my local liquor store, it’s still pretty affordable for a premium tequila.

It seems natural that Jonas would be drawn to tequila as a diabetic. Studies have shown that the natural sugars in agave don’t spike blood sugar the same way as other alcohols. Tequila is also gluten-free and we like to think of it as the healthiest of all spirits!

Their tequila sources 100% blue weber agave from both the Highland and Lowland regions of Jalisco, Mexico, resulting in a well-rounded profile.

Sammy Hagar and Guy Fieri / Santo Tequila and Mezquila

Rocker Sammy Hagar and Chef Guy Fieri – who look like they should be brothers – teamed up with master distiller Juan Eduardo Nunez (who also created Hagar’s Cabo Wabo brand more than 10 years ago) to bring you Santo Blanco and Santo Mezquila.

The Mezquila is the world’s first blend of mezcal and tequila and it’s on our “to-buy” list for sure!

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson / Teremana Tequila

Another celebrity tequila? Yup! Dwayne Johnson worked with a Mexican family-owned distillery in the highlands of Jalisco to build his Distileria Teremana.

Teremana combines two words: “tere” derived from the Latin “terra” meaning earth and “mana,” the Polynesian word meaning spirit. Teremana is the “Spirit of the Earth,” described as a “a bright flavorful tequila that honors the land it comes from.”

How can you not love The Rock? His movies have provided my family with many laughs and we quote them regularly. And while I’m sure he’s not actually working in the agave fields as this photo suggests, I still like what he stands for.

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Kenny Chesney / Blue Chair Bay Rum

Of course Kenny Chesney owns a rum brand in the Caribbean! Blue Chair Bay Rum is located on the coast of Barbados, and is fully owned by Chesney, who worked with one of the world’s great master blenders, Mike Booth, to create the blends. As Chairman of the Board and Chief Brand Officer, he is very involved in all product decisions right down to the smallest details.

The Blue Chair Bay web site says each bottle is “infused with Kenny Chesney’s heart and soul, from beach to bottle.” There are 10 flavors to choose from, but I am partial to the coconut and white rum. Check out this Coconut Rum Seltzer!

Ryan Reynolds / Aviation American Gin

Ryan Reynolds became a minority co-owner and ambassador for Aviation American Gin in 2018 because he said he “tried every gin on the planet and liked Aviation the best.” In 2020, Reynolds sold his stake in the company for a cool $610 million.

The humor he infused into marketing Aviation catapulted it to becoming the second-largest brand within the US super-premium gin segment. I think Ryan could sell sand in the desert – he is just SO FUNNY! Check out this “Rejected Slogans” video (and more hilarious videos on their web site!).

Sam Huegan / The Sassenach Blended Scotch Whisky

If you’ve seen the TV show Outlander (Shannon and Naomi love this show!), you know you want to buy this whisky. How can you possibly resist anything this gorgeous man has to sell?

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In an interview with the Scotch Malt Whisky Society, Huegan said, “I set up the Great Glen Company to produce products that I believe in, using my heritage and passion as inspiration. … First stop is obviously the lifelong dream of having my own dram.”

The flavor notes of this whisky are described as butterscotch, apricot and honey. But the hard part is finding it! The Sassenach is sold out everywhere online as of right now, but we’ll keep trying!

Paul Wesley and Ian Somerhalder / Brother’s Bond Bourbon

These “brothers” could make cat food and I would buy it.

Paul Wesley and Ian Somerhalder played the Salvatore brothers on the TV series The Vampire Diaries, where they were often shown drinking bourbon. Like Aaron Paul and Brian Cranston, they formed a bond that they wanted to continue into another project. And so Brother’s Bond Bourbon was founded.

Following along on their Instagram, it seemed that the two spent a good amount of time crafting the taste of their bourbon and it’s clear that they both love this spirit.

Shannon was on the list to be notified about the pre-sale of Brother’s Bond, but she didn’t get any notification and now it’s sold out. She’s a little (lot) annoyed.

Conor McGregor / Proper No. Twelve Irish Whiskey

Irish professional mixed martial artist and boxer Conor McGregor has a passion for Ireland and whiskey, so he sought out the master distiller at the oldest whiskey distillery on the Isle of Ireland. Through much trial and error, they worked together to create a blend of sweet Irish grain and single malt Irish whiskey.

Matthew McConaughey / Longbranch Bourbon

Matthew McConaughey is the Creative Director of Wild Turkey, but I like that the iconic bourbon brand doesn’t throw that in your face. In fact, I had to dig a bit to even find mention of him on their web site. He has worked with the company since 2016, and launched a bourbon with his name on it in 2018.

While McConaughey didn’t produce Wild Turkey’s Longbranch bourbon in his barn, as we would like to imagine, he does appear to have had a significant part in creating the taste of it.

Longbranch is inspired by McConaughey’s Kentucky and Texas roots. It’s refined with Texas Mesquite and oak charcoals to create the “Texas” half he was looking for. This bourbon is the first time Wild Turkey has launched a product that bears a signature of someone other than the Master Distillers Jimmy and Eddie Russell.

Val and Candace Cameron-Bure / Bure Family Wines

We all knew DJ Tanner would go far in life and now she’s got her own wines. Actually, it seems that her husband, retired pro hockey player Val Bure, is the driving force behind this venture. Apparently as he traveled the world during his hockey career, he became quite the wine connoisseur and collector.

Val and Candace own a second home in Napa Valley and it’s there that they grow some of the grapes for their wines, though most are locally sourced from Napa and Sonoma Counties.

This wine has been on my list to try for awhile, but it’s not easy to get a hold of. They are a small operation and you have to get on the purchase list. I’ve signed up, now I wait!

Do you have a favorite celebrity owned (or endorsed) alcohol?

The post 13 Celebrities Who Have Their Own Alcohol {Sort Of} appeared first on Spilling Tequila.

99+ Gifts for the Home Bartender

Shannon Entin — Wed, 02 Dec 2020 03:56:10 +0000

This post is copyright Shannon Entin and 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.

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.

You’ll definitely need a good set of rocks glasses and these twisted whiskey rocks glasses are beautiful!
Forget those long-stemmed margarita glasses that spill all the time! We love these stemless margarita glasses, or try these 16-ounce margarita glasses!
Coupe glasses are perfect for your martinis or whiskey sours.
Copper mugs are essential for your Moscow Mules!
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.

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.

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

Boston Shaker or Cobbler Shaker – Which Is Better?

Shannon Entin — Fri, 16 Oct 2020 23:08:21 +0000

This post is copyright Shannon Entin and 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!

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Our Favorite Home Bar Tools, Supplies, and Accessories

Shannon Entin — Sat, 10 Oct 2020 17:01:37 +0000

This post is copyright Shannon Entin and 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.

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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

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:

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The Camping Cocktailer’s Survival Essentials

Naomi Kuhlken — Fri, 11 Sep 2020 17:52:34 +0000

This post is copyright Naomi Kuhlken and appeared first on Spilling Tequila.

A quality camping cocktail set might not be your first thought when packing for a camping trip, but an excellent travel cocktail kit will help you kick things up a notch above the traditional beer. Check out these essential tools for your next camping adventure.

Who loves camping?! I have to admit, it took a bit of convincing for me to give camping a try a few years ago, but as soon as I got that tent set up and a beer in my hand I was all in. There is definitely something special about time spent outdoors without all of our “stuff”, sleeping with the sounds of nature all around us, and taking time to just CHILL.

The temperatures are cooling and it’s the perfect time for some weekend camping trips. As I mentioned earlier, that beer definitely helped me ease into my camping experience, and so while planning for our next trip I thought I’d find some fun beer and cocktail camping gear and tools.

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Check out these great coolers, tools and containers to help make your camping experience one you’ll never forget.

Camping Coolers for Ice-Cold Cocktails

I found coolers in two different sizes depending on your needs, and both will keep your ice for at least three days!

1. 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. (It does come in a larger size as well!)

2. 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.

3. As a bonus, I found a great little light for the inside of your cooler! You’ll 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. This definitely needs to be part of any camping cocktail set!

Essential Travel Cocktail Kit

You can’t really make a proper cocktail without some essential tools, so here are some that are perfect for taking on the road.

4. The Stanley Adventure Happy Hour 2X System is a 30-ounce cocktail shaker, two stainless steel cups, a citrus reamer, and jigger cap rolled into one. And even better, the cups are double walled stainless so your drinks won’t sweat everywhere!

5. Filled with recipes, bartender tips and tricks, and even a whole chapter on foraging and mixing with found ingredients, the Camp Cocktails book will give you great ideas for drinks to pair with your amazing outdoor experience.

6. For something completely different, I can’t wait to try this Campfire Beer Caramelizer! You heat it in the fire, dip it in your drink and it reacts with the sugars in the beverage, creating a richer and smoother taste.

7. And one of my favorite finds, the Travel Bartender Kit has everything you need to make the perfect cocktail, just bring your booze! This stylish, canvas roll-up bag will keep all the included tools organized, and comes in silver or copper.

Camping Cocktail Sets to Keep Your Drinks Cold and Contained

Would be a shame to make all those great cocktails and not have something durable and portable to drink them out of. So here are a couple great options for mixed drinks, wine and beer.

8. The Blingco 12 Oz Stainless Steel Stemless Wine Tumblers are double-walled, vacuum-insulated, and come with lids and straws. They’ll keep your drinks warm or cold and keep you from spilling them to boot!

9. The Stanley Classic Growler Gift Set comes with a 64-ounce, vacuum-insulated growler body and four 12-ounce stainless tumblers. The growler will keep your beer (or pitcher of margaritas!) cold for 24 hours, and the tumblers come with different colored neoprene sleeves to keep drinks cold and help you know which one is yours!

I hope this guide gives you some great ideas to create your own camping cocktail set and make your next camping trip a delicious one. Cheers!

The post The Camping Cocktailer’s Survival Essentials appeared first on Spilling Tequila.

20 Outdoor Drinking Accessories to Perfect Your Summer Party

Naomi Kuhlken — Mon, 08 Jun 2020 11:55:33 +0000

This post is copyright Naomi Kuhlken and appeared first on Spilling Tequila.

The weather is heating up and it’s getting to be time for some summer parties! I LOVE hosting during the summer. Drinks, grilling, games and good company, what’s not to love?!

But I can’t tell you how many times I’ve wished I had a better cooler, somewhere to put my drink, or an alternative to disposable cups! So I’ve done the research, checked all the ratings and put together a guide to the 20 best outdoor drink accessories you didn’t know you needed.

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

Whether it’s a backyard bash, a pool party or a meetup at the lake/beach we’ve got you covered!

Take the stress out of serving drinks in pretty glassware with these BPA-free plastic options! No waste from ugly disposable cups and no worry about broken glass. And your drinks will still look fabulous!

When you’re mixing up cocktails for your guests, you don’t want to have a mess of tools everywhere. You want your garnishes cold and you want your large batch drinks to look beautiful! There’s also an option for a double drink dispenser – take a look!

I don’t know about you but I could find a use for all three of these icoolers. I love the cocktail table one – dual purpose! The grey one would look gorgeous on my deck, and has space underneath for supplies. And goodness knows we could all use the wagon one with 10” wheels to make getting those cold drinks to the park or beach a breeze.

So when you’re playing a game in the yard where do you put your drink? I can’t wait to use these stakes next time we’re playing corn hole. I do much better without a beverage throwing off my balance! The Cuisinart sticks hold a beer or cup and Mind Reader has a set specially made for wine glasses and the bottle! And those little plastic beverage holders will keep your drinks from getting all sandy at the beach!

If you really want to up your drink holding game when you play corn hole, you’ve got to check out this ScoreCaddy! Keep track of your score and your drinks in one spot. And both Yard Pong and Bottle Bash sound like fun for the whole family!

For those of you spending your summers at the pool or lake, now you can keep your drink with you! An inflatable cooler with cup holders, a floating beer pong table that doubles as a lounger, super fun, floating drink holders that come in all different versions, and even floating wine glasses! Check them out!

I hope this shopping guide helps you throw the best summer shin-dig ever. We’d love to see how you’re using them to liven up your party. Post your pics and tag @spillingtequila on Instagram or Facebook! Cheers!

The post 20 Outdoor Drinking Accessories to Perfect Your Summer Party appeared first on Spilling Tequila.

11 Boozy Gifts for Dads Who Like to Drink

Chrissy Tomlinson — Mon, 18 May 2020 22:20:19 +0000

This post is copyright Chrissy Tomlinson and appeared first on Spilling Tequila.

Need a gift for a dad that likes to drink? We’ve got you covered with these great gifts for Father’s Day, birthdays, or any time!

There are so many different kinds of dads we know and love. Some dads like bourbon, some like beer. My dad likes wine. No matter what your dad likes to pour in his cup on fathers day, let’s celebrate him!

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

These T-shirts are the perfect gifts for the dad who wants to up his T-shirt game and earn best dressed honors at corn hole.

These tumblers are great for the dad who enjoys an icy cold beverage with every sip. The Yeti Rambler is the perfect size for a whiskey, a vodka soda, or even a glass of wine. The Brumate will fit 12 oz and 16 oz cans straight out of the cooler! And the Stanley growler is perfect for filling up at your local brewery to enjoy at home or on a weekend camping trip.

4. YETI RAMBLER 10 oz. LOWBALL

5. BRüMATE HOPSULATOR TRíO 3-in-1

6. STANLEY INSULATED GROWLER

If the dad in your life loves making cocktails at home, check out these extras for their home bar. Dad will be able to smoke an Old Fashioned to perfection with this smoker gun. Or he can use this elegant decanter to pour a drink for a friend like they do in the movies. This was one is seen being used by Tony Stark in one of the Marvel Movies!

7. BREVILLE DRINK SMOKER

8. WHISKEY DECANTER AND GLASS SET

Is your dad a James Bond fan? These gifts are for the dad who wishes he was a secret agent. The StowCo Cooler Bag lets him stylishly keep his drinks cold at the picnic without carrying a huge bulky cooler. And the whiskey bullets will keep his bourbon cold but not watered down. They’re sure to be a conversation starter!

9. StowCo COOLER BAG

10. BULLET WHISKEY STONES

This gorgeous bar set is perfect for the dad who likes to show off his drink crafting skills in style! It’s a little “Game of Thrones-esque” don’t you think?

11. BARTENDER COCKTAIL SHAKER SET by SkyFish

Pair any of these items with dad’s favorite spirit or beverage, and you’ve got a wonderful gift for the dad who likes to drink.

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