When in doubt, bring a bottle. That's my philosophy when choosing gifts [1] for friends who drink [2]. But chances are, the cocktail lovers [3] 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.
City Map Glass
I love the idea of mixing and matching a set of these City Map Glasses [5] ($16 each) for a giftee who has ties to several cities.
Highland Park Full Volume
Liquor in clever packaging makes an even better gift than a basic bottle, and Highland Park Full Volume [6] ($118) is aged in ex-bourbon casks, and comes in a box inspired by guitar amps.
The Essential New York Times Book of Cocktails
The Essential New York Times Book of Cocktails [7] ($18) looks great alongside retro barware.
NOLET'S Silver Dry Gin
The distillery behind NOLET'S Silver Dry Gin [8] ($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.
The Spirit of Gin: A Stirring Miscellany of the New Gin Revival
For people who really, really love gin, The Spirit of Gin: A Stirring Miscellany of the New Gin Revival [9] ($25) by Matt Teacher is great for reading or resting cocktails on.
Brass Pineapple Tumbler
A Brass Pineapple Tumbler [10] ($45) would be perfect for mixing tiki cocktails — or any cocktails, really.
Beachbum Berry's Potions of the Caribbean
For a super-fun gift, pair the pineapple shaker with a copy of Beachbum Berry's Potions of the Caribbean [11] ($30) by Jeff Berry.
Bitters: A Spirited History of a Classic Cure-All, With Cocktails, Recipes, and Formulas
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 [12] ($21) by Brad Thomas Parsons.
Mason-Jar Cocktail Shaker
I personally believe one can never have too many cocktail shakers, and this Mason-Jar Cocktail Shaker [13] ($28) is especially great for colorful drinks.
Buffalo Trace Bourbon
The Manhattan is my cocktail of choice, and Buffalo Trace Bourbon [14] ($33) is not only my favorite for mixing but also highly sippable on its own.
Carpano Antica Formula Vermouth
Hands down the best vermouth for a Manhattan, Carpano Antica Formula Vermouth [15] ($26) is worth every penny.
Spherical Ice Cube Molds
Mildly ridiculous? Yes. But these Spherical Ice Cube Molds [16] ($10) really put the "ball" in highball.
Schott Zwiesel Old Fashioned Glasses
These Schott Zwiesel Old Fashioned Glasses [17] ($10 each) would look great with a big round ice cube.
Luxardo Maraschino Cherries
When giving a gift of cherries, splurge on the finest Luxardo Maraschino Cherries [18] ($30 for two).
PDT Cocktail Book
From the New York speakeasy that started the speakeasy craze, the PDT Cocktail Book [19] ($21) reveals quality bartender secrets.
Carry On Cocktail Kit — The Old Fashioned
This Carry On Cocktail Kit — The Old Fashioned [20] ($17) is a great gift for frequent fliers and cocktail snobs.
Yarai Mixing Glass
Cocktails that are stirred, not shaken, call for a Yarai Mixing Glass [21] ($31) and a pretty barspoon.
Twig Bar Spoon
This sophisticated Twig Bar Spoon [22] ($8) is a step up from plastic cocktail stirrers stolen from hotel bars.
Vintage Cocktails
Vintage Cocktails [23] ($34) by Laziz Hamani makes a great coffee table book — or should I say, bar top book?
Cocktail Picks
These reusable Curl Stainless Steel Cocktail Picks [24] ($19 for 4) are both trendy and useful.
Hella Bitter Craft Your Own Bitter Kit
For the DIY-er drinker in your life, why not gift a Hella Bitter Craft Your Own Bitter Kit [25] ($40)?
Mikasa Solid Copper Hammered Mint Julep Cup
A Mikasa Solid Copper Hammered Mint Julep Cup [26] ($30) can double as a bud vase when it's not mint julep season.
Julep Strainer
Why does one need a special Julep Strainer [27] ($12)? I'm not sure, but I bet a serious bartender would know.
Scrappy's Exotic Bitters Set
In flavors like cardamom and lavender, the Scrappy's Exotic Bitters Set [28] ($20) will inspire drinkers to mix things up.
The Craft Cocktail Party: Delicious Drinks For Every Occasion
Every kickass bartendress deserves a copy of The Craft Cocktail Party: Delicious Drinks For Every Occasion [29] ($15) by Julie Reiner, owner of the Clover Club in Manhattan.
The Macallan Double Cask 12 Year Old
Scotch can be a polarizing liquor, but The Macallan Double Cask 12 Year Old [30] ($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.
Winter Cocktails
For obvious reasons, Winter Cocktails [31] ($17) by Maria del Mar Sacasa, would be a great gift during the holiday season.
Nambe Zest Citrus Reamer
If you've ever made mojitos for a crowd, you will understand the need for a spouted Nambe Zest Citrus Reamer [32] ($45).
American Atelier Moscow Mule Mug
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 [33] ($12, originally $18).
Kate Spade Two of a Kind Less/More Jigger
For the bartender with a sense of humor, the Kate Spade Two of a Kind "Less/More" Jigger [34] ($20) also looks great on top of a home bar.
Kikkerland Spray Can Cocktail Shaker
For your quirky and artsy drinking friends, may we suggest this Kikkerland Spray Can Cocktail Shaker [35] ($23)?
Savora Strainer
This Savora Strainer [36] ($7, originally $17) looks like a piece of art and avoids many of the practical annoyances of other strainers.
Crafthouse by Fortessa Set of Four Tritan Crystal Collins Glasses
A good bartender knows the importance of proper glassware, and these Crafthouse by Fortessa Set of Four Tritan Crystal Collins Glasses [37] ($60) up the chic level.
Shrub Mix Trio
Shrub is a hot cocktail ingredient lately, and any cocktail aficionado will enjoy experimenting with this Shrub Mix Trio [38] ($30).
Hotel Collection Bar Cart
The midcentury look of this Hotel Collection Bar Cart [39] ($230, originally $385) is just part of its charm; the three-tiered design also makes it very practical.
Brouk & Co Shake 'Em Up Cocktail Shaker
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 [40] ($27, originally $80)?
Gift Boutique Hard Stuff Decanter
Decanters come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, but I'm partial to this cheeky Gift Boutique Hard Stuff Decanter [41] ($60).
William Yeoward Palmyra Cocktail Jug with Stirrer
The etched palm design on this William Yeoward Palmyra Cocktail Jug with Stirrer [42] ($290) adds an unexpected twist.
Nambe Mikko Ice Bucket
Not only does this Nambe Mikko Ice Bucket [43] ($108) look super cool, but the tongs fit right into the lid.
HIC Stainless Steel Drink Straws
Avoid tacky straws and plastic waste with a set of four HIC Stainless Steel Drink Straws [44] ($7).
Crate & Barrel Pryce Gold Coupe Glass
The Crate & Barrel Pryce Gold Coupe Glass [45] ($15) looks way more expensive than it is.
Patrón 2017 Limited Edition 1 Liter Bottle
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 [46] ($58) is intricately decorated with a handcrafted pewter label.
Berghoff Orange Citrus Squeezer
It's hard to go wrong with this classic Berghoff Orange Citrus Squeezer [47] ($18).
Flavored Simple Syrup Set
Another fun tool for inventing new cocktails at home is this Flavored Simple Syrup Set [48] ($30).
Imbibe by David Wondrich
This entertaining read is a must-have for any cocktail-lover. Imbibe [49] ($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.
Patron en Lalique Serie 2
For the drinker who seriously has everything, the Patron en Lalique Serie 2 [50] ($7,500) is a very special tequila in a very special bottle, crafted by French crystal makers Lalique.
The Art of the Shim: Low-Alcohol Cocktails to Keep You Level
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 [51] ($25) by Dinah Sanders.