When in doubt, bring a bottle. That's my philosophy when choosing gifts for friends who drink. But chances are, the cocktail lovers in your life have tastes that run beyond the everyday, so err on the side of top-notch liquors, limited-edition bottles, spirited books, and beautiful gear suited to their hobbies of choice. Maybe, if you're lucky, they'll share a drink with you in thanks.
I love the idea of mixing and matching a set of these City Map Glasses ($16 each) for a giftee who has ties to several cities.
Liquor in clever packaging makes an even better gift than a basic bottle, and Highland Park Full Volume ($118) is aged in ex-bourbon casks, and comes in a box inspired by guitar amps.
The Essential New York Times Book of Cocktails ($18) looks great alongside retro barware.
The distillery behind NOLET'S Silver Dry Gin ($49) has been run by the same Dutch family for 11 generations. Yet it's a truly fresh take on the gin, even for the most experienced connoisseur.
For people who really, really love gin, The Spirit of Gin: A Stirring Miscellany of the New Gin Revival ($25) by Matt Teacher is great for reading or resting cocktails on.
A Brass Pineapple Tumbler ($45) would be perfect for mixing tiki cocktails — or any cocktails, really.
For a super-fun gift, pair the pineapple shaker with a copy of Beachbum Berry's Potions of the Caribbean ($30) by Jeff Berry.
When drinkers need a break from drinking, they can sip on Bitters: A Spirited History of a Classic Cure-All, With Cocktails, Recipes, and Formulas ($21) by Brad Thomas Parsons.
I personally believe one can never have too many cocktail shakers, and this Mason-Jar Cocktail Shaker ($28) is especially great for colorful drinks.
The Manhattan is my cocktail of choice, and Buffalo Trace Bourbon ($33) is not only my favorite for mixing but also highly sippable on its own.
Hands down the best vermouth for a Manhattan, Carpano Antica Formula Vermouth ($26) is worth every penny.
Mildly ridiculous? Yes. But these Spherical Ice Cube Molds ($10) really put the "ball" in highball.
These Schott Zwiesel Old Fashioned Glasses ($10 each) would look great with a big round ice cube.
When giving a gift of cherries, splurge on the finest Luxardo Maraschino Cherries ($30 for two).
From the New York speakeasy that started the speakeasy craze, the PDT Cocktail Book ($21) reveals quality bartender secrets.
This Carry On Cocktail Kit — The Old Fashioned ($17) is a great gift for frequent fliers and cocktail snobs.
Cocktails that are stirred, not shaken, call for a Yarai Mixing Glass ($31) and a pretty barspoon.
This sophisticated Twig Bar Spoon ($8) is a step up from plastic cocktail stirrers stolen from hotel bars.
Vintage Cocktails ($34) by Laziz Hamani makes a great coffee table book — or should I say, bar top book?
These reusable Curl Stainless Steel Cocktail Picks ($19 for 4) are both trendy and useful.
For the DIY-er drinker in your life, why not gift a Hella Bitter Craft Your Own Bitter Kit ($40)?
A Mikasa Solid Copper Hammered Mint Julep Cup ($30) can double as a bud vase when it's not mint julep season.
Why does one need a special Julep Strainer ($12)? I'm not sure, but I bet a serious bartender would know.
In flavors like cardamom and lavender, the Scrappy's Exotic Bitters Set ($20) will inspire drinkers to mix things up.
Every kickass bartendress deserves a copy of The Craft Cocktail Party: Delicious Drinks For Every Occasion ($15) by Julie Reiner, owner of the Clover Club in Manhattan.
Scotch can be a polarizing liquor, but The Macallan Double Cask 12 Year Old ($71) has a pretty universal appeal since it's aged in Sherry-seasoned casks. Plus, it's just expensive enough to be a really nice gift, but not so expensive that it blows your gift budget.
For obvious reasons, Winter Cocktails ($17) by Maria del Mar Sacasa, would be a great gift during the holiday season.
If you've ever made mojitos for a crowd, you will understand the need for a spouted Nambe Zest Citrus Reamer ($45).
I have yet to meet any drinker who does not like a Moscow mule, and I suspect much of the appeal comes from the copper mug, such as this American Atelier Moscow Mule Mug ($12, originally $18).
For the bartender with a sense of humor, the Kate Spade Two of a Kind "Less/More" Jigger ($20) also looks great on top of a home bar.
For your quirky and artsy drinking friends, may we suggest this Kikkerland Spray Can Cocktail Shaker ($23)?
This Savora Strainer ($7, originally $17) looks like a piece of art and avoids many of the practical annoyances of other strainers.
A good bartender knows the importance of proper glassware, and these Crafthouse by Fortessa Set of Four Tritan Crystal Collins Glasses ($60) up the chic level.
Shrub is a hot cocktail ingredient lately, and any cocktail aficionado will enjoy experimenting with this Shrub Mix Trio ($30).
The midcentury look of this Hotel Collection Bar Cart ($230, originally $385) is just part of its charm; the three-tiered design also makes it very practical.
Why go for a predictable silver cocktail shaker when you can have one in rose gold, like this Brouk & Co Shake 'Em Up Cocktail Shaker ($27, originally $80)?
Decanters come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, but I'm partial to this cheeky Gift Boutique Hard Stuff Decanter ($60).
The etched palm design on this William Yeoward Palmyra Cocktail Jug with Stirrer ($290) adds an unexpected twist.
Not only does this Nambe Mikko Ice Bucket ($108) look super cool, but the tongs fit right into the lid.
Avoid tacky straws and plastic waste with a set of four HIC Stainless Steel Drink Straws ($7).
The Crate & Barrel Pryce Gold Coupe Glass ($15) looks way more expensive than it is.
People who drink tequila really like tequila, so why not give them a bottle that's a collector's item? In a nod to Mexican art deco, the Patrón 2017 Limited Edition 1 Liter Bottle ($58) is intricately decorated with a handcrafted pewter label.
It's hard to go wrong with this classic Berghoff Orange Citrus Squeezer ($18).
Another fun tool for inventing new cocktails at home is this Flavored Simple Syrup Set ($30).
This entertaining read is a must-have for any cocktail-lover. Imbibe ($19) by David Wondrich covers the early history of bartending in America, which will provide the reader with fun facts to bring up at cocktail parties.
For the drinker who seriously has everything, the Patron en Lalique Serie 2 ($7,500) is a very special tequila in a very special bottle, crafted by French crystal makers Lalique.
Even the greatest drinkers among us need a break now and then, hence The Art of the Shim: Low-Alcohol Cocktails to Keep You Level ($25) by Dinah Sanders.