HOLIDAY GIFTS FOR THE BARTENDER IN YOUR LIFE
There are so many lists out there on what to buy people for their home bar, what to buy the cocktail enthusiast and so on and so on, and while a lot of these lists do have great suggestions I don't believe there really is a good guide on what to buy someone who actually tends bar. Here’s a few alternatives that show you put a little thought into your gift.
WHAT THEY DON'T WANT
Gag Bottle Openers: Chances are the bartender in your life already has a ton of bottle openers. They’re given out heavily by liquor brands at events and most department store bottle openers, while tendy, wont hold up over time.
WHAT THEY DO WANT
Bottled Craft Beer: Many local brewiers run winter specials that can only be bought at their brewery and not found in most grocery stores, and as bartenders who are extremely busy during the holidays they might not get a chance to enjoy the festivities as much as they’d like to. Let them put all those bottle openers to use by enjoying a taste of the holidays they might have missed out on otherwise.
WHAT THEY DON'T WANT
Run of the Mill Recipe Books: While high-quality bar books are key to furthering one's skill behind the bar, there has been a rise of subpar recipe books in the last few years there simply not up to snuff for the professional bartender. Steer clear of the ones that look corny and are filled with neon colored cocktail photos.
WHAT THEY DO WANT
Limited Edition Menus: A lot of high end cocktail bars SELL their menus. We’ve been to some bars that have insanely beautiful and creative menus that even people who don't drink would love to display on their coffee table. If you are at a famous bar you know they haven’t been to it never hurts to ask if you can buy a copy of their menu.
WHAT THEY DON'T WANT
Beer Koozies: It’s winter so chances are this person isn’t particulary worried about keeping their drinks cold. These are also another item that are heavily given out at events so your bartender friend most likely has a few in their kitchen junk drawer they’ve never even used before.
WHAT THEY DO WANT
Non-Branded Growlers: With so many breweries refusing to refill a growler with someone else's logo, having a non-branded one, can be indispensable for not only picking up some beer, but also cold press coffee, and kombucha. They are also great for batching a punch when attending cookouts, barbecues, etc.
WHAT THEY DON'T WANT
Unnecessary Barware: Just like bottle openers, chances are that the bartender in your life already has plenty of glassware and bar tools in their cupboards that are tried and true, and the last thing that they need is yet another shaker set or mixing glass.
WHAT THEY DO WANT
Scented Candles: Since you want to give a gift that has both a function and is appealing to the eye I am going to suggest a candle instead. But not just any candle! When we were at the Four Roses Distillery in Kentucky a few years ago they had a lot of items in their gift shop that I hadn’t seen in other distilleries before, and the one thing I loved the most we’re their candles! Their website currently has two different scents and really a nice candle is ALWAYS something nice to receive.
WHAT THEY DON'T WANT
Home Brew Kit: Honestly this isn’t a horrible gift (for most people!) but you have to keep in mind that this person works with alcohol for a living and even the most enthusiastic bartender might want a break from making drinks while at home.
WHAT THEY DO WANT
Massage or Spa Gift Certificate: Since it's the holiday season the bartender in your life is probably working extra shifts to account for the holiday rush and to cover for co-workers who might be taking time off, they’ll greatly appricatiate some forced relaxation vs. a new project they might not have wanted to undertake.
WHAT THEY DON'T WANT
More Liquor: Unless you are attending a holiday party and you are giving this as a host gift and the bottle will be enjoyed at the party, I think you should stay away from hard liquor as a gift for a bartender. People who don't work in bars typically go hard during the holidays and resolve to take it easy after January 1st, surprisingly a lot of bartenders choose this time to focus on their health by eating better and drinking less.
WHAT THEY DO WANT
Coffee & Tea: If your bartender friend is really into their craft, then guess what, they like other beverages too! A lot of coffee shops now sell cold brew in growlers, which your friend will be grateful for when they over sleep for a shift, or have to work a double. Another good gift is tea and local honey, loosing your voice or worse, catching a cold will damper anyones holiday spirit. Give a gift that shows you really care about your friends health and well-being and skip the liquor isle.