Cocktail Corner: Holiday Gift Guide

Wine Sweaters by Skedouche (courtesy photo)

Wine Sweaters by Skedouche (courtesy photo)

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! by Leslie Dinaberg |
From cocktail kits to barware, here are some of our favorite gift ideas for anyone who loves cocktails.

1. Julibox Membership

Fruit of the month clubs are great, but wouldn’t the drinkers in your life prefer a cocktail of the month instead? Enter Julibox, where each month they’ll get to try two great cocktails. Designed by world-class mixologists for easy home preparation, packages include ingredients for two of each cocktail.

2. The Drunken Botanist

There’s a good reason that Amy Stewart’s The Drunken Botanist is on so many “best of” year-end lists: growing cocktail friendly plants is a hot trend right now, and this fascinating concoction of biology, chemistry, history, etymology and mixology is a really fun read.

3. Crystal Head Vodka

Talk about a cool gift! The Crystal Head Vodka bottle was designed by none other than Dan Aykroyd (with John Alexander) and it’s the official vodka of the Rolling Stones’ 50th Anniversary. This is the perfect gift for the rock ‘n roller in your life who likes to drink the good stuff.

Tray by Rock Flowers Paper (courtesy photo)

Tray by Rock Flowers Paper (courtesy photo)

4. Cocktail Trays by Rock Flower Paper

As any hostess knows, the secret to great cocktails is at least 50% presentation. These beautiful trays (available at Santa Barbara Museum of Art Gift Shop) are available in a variety of designs to brighten up your presentation and make your cocktails shine.

5. Wine Bottle Sweaters From Skedouche

Ugly holiday sweaters are a seasonal tradition, so why share the tackiness with your wine bottles too! A perfect Secret Santa gift, these sweaters are guaranteed to generate laughs.

6. Amina Ceramic Tile Coasters

Give your drinks a taste of Santa Barbara with these handcrafted ceramic tile coasters (available from The Santa Barbara Company).

7. The Gentleman’s Guide to Cocktails

This retro-inspired cocktail guide includes suave cocktails for the debonair men (and women) in your life. Author Alfred Tong teaches you how to mix a margarita with mojo, a gimlet with grace, and a piña colada that packs a punch (Available at Industry Home).

Courtesy After Five Catalog

Courtesy After Five Catalog

8. Personalized Bar Signs

For the home bartender who has everything, look to the Goleta-based After Five Catalog for personalized bar signs for every style and taste.

9. Saddle Leather Cocktail Shaker

Add a monogrammed initial to this beautiful leather cocktail shaker and you’ve got yourself a thoughtful and practical gift for any cocktail enthusiast (available at Pottery Barn in La Cumbre Plaza).

10. The World of Pinot Noir

The delicious world of Pinot Noir is coming to the Bacara Resort Feb. 28–Mar. 1. Why not treat your loved ones (and yourself) to a delicious weekend of grape immersion.

Cheers!

 

Click here for more cocktail corner columns.

Leslie Dinaberg

Leslie Dinaberg

When she’s not busy working as the editor of Santa Barbara SEASONS, Cocktail Corner author Leslie Dinaberg writes magazine articles, newspaper columns and grocery lists. When it comes to cocktails, Leslie considers herself a “goal-oriented drinker.”