There are many people in the world who enjoy drinking cocktails (I’m one of them) but not all of them know how to make one. If you’re buying a gift for someone like this, then a cocktail-making kit may be just what they need!
Cocktail-making kits are a unique gift idea and there are plenty of them that you can buy.
There is nothing quite like the experience of making your own cocktail, however, it isn’t always easy to find the right kit for someone, so we have put together our Top 5 Cocktail making kits which will make great gifts for any occasion!
What to Consider in a Cocktail Making Kit
1. What is the Cocktail Making Kit Made of?
Perhaps the most important facet of any cocktail kit is the material that’s it’s made of. Stainless steel is the best option, by far, as it is resistant to dents and scratches, and it’s highly rust-proof.
Not only that, it often comes polished to a shine, and it will keep your freshly mixed drinks nice and cool. Conveniently, stainless steel kits can also usually go in the dishwasher!
2. How Much Does the Cocktail Making Kit Cost?
Some cocktail kits are a bit pricey, which isn’t the best for everyone’s budget. It’s also just not necessary to spend so much for a quality kit. You can find plenty of kits that are top-notch on the lower end of the price spectrum, from just $20-$30.
On the other hand, if you want the extra accessories, you can go for those from $50-$100.
Ultimately, the right price depends on your budget and what you’re looking for.
3. What Accessories Does the Kit Offer?
There are cocktail kits that come with just the essentials, that is, a mixer, a pourer, glass tongs, a strainer, and a muddler; and those that also include bottle openers, lemon squeezers, even various kinds of strainers.
These can also streamline your cocktail-making process, for a cocktail that is more delicious and precisely made than ever!
Then again, all of these accessories may not be strictly necessary, especially for a beginner. Once more, it depends on what you’re looking for!
4. Does it Have a Recipe Book?
Some kits come with a handy, starter recipe book. These are especially suitable for a beginner!
5. Does it Come with a Stand?
Many cocktail-making kits will come with stands, for storage, organization, and stylish display. Others may come without (or instead come with a bag for travel).
Read our complete guide to making cocktails as a new hobby here!
Budget Kit: Appolab Cocktail Kit
While the Appolab Cocktail Kit is only $19.55, it includes 7 pieces, making it perfect for both the experienced cocktail maker and the beginner. The 550ml martini shaker is crafted from ultra-durable 304 18/8 stainless steel.
It has a mirror finish that is rust, dent, and scratch-resistant, so the shaker can maintain its lovely, polished look.
Also included in this kit are ice tongs, a bar spoon, two liquid pourers, and a strainer. It also has the essential double jigger, for measuring out your liquor, and a muddler, to crush the juices and essential oils from fruit, herbs, and other ingredients, and extract the maximum flavor!
All of this and the Appolab mixer can be cleaned conveniently in the dishwasher!
Pros:
- Dent, scratch, and rust-proof
- Can go in the dishwasher
Cons:
- Some shakers have a higher capacity than 550 ml
Editor’s Choice: Kunminger Cocktail Kit
The Kunminger 12-piece kit has everything you could possibly need to whip up any cocktail (except the fruit, veggies, and of course the liquor).
It comes with a large, 750 ml cocktail shaker, which has its own, built-in strainer, to help you achieve the smoothest possible drink.
Along with this, you’ll get ice tongs, a mixing spoon, a dual-capacity jigger (15ml/30ml), a muddler, two liquid pourers, two bottle stoppers, and even a corkscrew (everything you need – and more).
The entire kit is crafted from top-quality 304 stainless steel, which is rust-resistant, and scratch and dent-proof.
What’s more, the Kunminger Cocktail Kit comes with its own stylish and eco-friendly bamboo stand/holder, to store and display all of your cocktail-making gear!
Pros:
- Extra accessories (like the bottle stoppers and corkscrew)
- Large 750 ml shaker
Cons:
- Some would like a larger jigger larger than 1 oz and 1/2 oz
Highest Reviews The Mixology and Craft Cocktail Kit
The Mixology and Craft Cocktail kit was designed with the passionate cocktail-maker in mind. Not only does it come with a mixer, a beechwood muddler, and other essentials, it even includes extra accessories, like a lemon squeezer, a double lever corkscrew, lewis icebag, a bottle opener, and a lemon zester!
The entire 17-piece kit is crafted from heavy-duty stainless steel. It comes in a reinforced canvas tote bag with straps made of leather. This organizes the items neatly and looks both rustic and sleek.
It’s also a great way to present it as a gift to a fellow cocktail-lover!
Along with this, the Mixology and Craft Cocktail Kit includes Boston cocktail tins, which are Premium SST grade and rust-proof; a dual-capacity 1 and 1 and ¾ jigger (complete with imperial and metric markings); two liquid pourers; ice tongs; and three different kinds of strainers: a Hawthorne strainer, a Julep strainer, and a fine strainer. There’s not a lot more you can ask for!
Pros:
- Comes with a bag carrier
- Lots of accessories and useful gear
- Allows you to organize your kit
- Easy access to your kit wherever you travel
- All items in the kit can be placed in the dishwasher
- Has a stylish look
Cons:
- A bit costlier
Beginners Choice: The Highball and Chaser Cocktail Kit
The Highball and Chaser Elite Bartender Kit is the ideal choice for a beginner. It comes with everything you need, no more, no less, and all is crafted from stainless steel.
The kit includes the essential cocktail shaker (18 oz), a dual capacity (1 oz and ½ oz) jigger, ice tongs, a muddler, a cocktail spoon, and a strainer.
The Highball and Chaser Cocktail Kit even comes with a dark-stained Bamboo stand, for organized storage and a striking display. This kit is nice and user-friendly, making cocktail-making simpler and faster than ever!
Pros:
- Super user-friendly
- Ideal for a beginner
- Quality stainless steel
- Stand for storage, organization, and display
Cons:
- Only basic accessories on offer
Our Readers Pick: Eocolz Cocktail Shaker Kit
For storage, organization, and display, the Eocolz Cocktail Shaker Kit comes with a bamboo holder.
The kit itself is made of a durable SS304 steel alloy, with a polish that’s the color Silver! Included in the Eocolz Cocktail Shaker Kit are a 550 ml shaker, a dual-capacity jigger, a bar spoon, a muddler, a strainer, a bottle opener, and a liquid pourer.
It even has recipe cards, making it highly suitable for either expert or beginner!
Pros:
- Can be cleaned in the dishwasher
- Quality stainless steel
- Includes a stylish organization and display holder
Cons:
- Some prefer a higher capacity mixer than 550 ml
How Do You Use Your Cocktail Making Kit?
- Mixer. The mixer is what you use to shake up your choices of juices, herbs, ice, and liquor. This is your penultimate cocktail maker!
- Strainer. This will sift out bits of ice, and seeds, skin, and pulp from veggies and fruit, for a drink them is silky-smooth and clear!
- Cocktail spoon. Use a cocktail spoon to layer your drink, and to double as a secondary muddler (to crush juice from produce, etc.).
- Ice tongs. Ice tongs serve to deposit ice neatly onto your drink.
- Muddler. A muddler can be used to crush juices out of fruits, veggies, and herbs, to extract the maximum, essential flavor.
- Jigger. Jiggers exist to measure out flavorings and liquor, and are often dual-capacity, with, say, 1 oz on one side and 1 and ½ oz on the other!
