Gift Guide for Cocktail & Mocktail Lovers
Your search for the perfect gift for cocktail and mocktail lovers ends here. Whether you're shopping for a seasoned mixologist or a host who loves to entertain, this guide has everything you need to shake up your gifting game.
Keep reading to learn:
- Why a home ice maker is a must-have for every cocktail enthusiast
- How a slushie machine helps hosts serve restaurant-quality frozen cocktails and mocktails with ease
- Additional ideas, from stocking stuffers to gifts that amaze
With this ultimate cocktail gift guide, you’ll never run out of inspiration again. And if you’re a cocktail aficionado yourself, don’t be surprised if you end up adding a few items to your own wish list.
Never Run Out of Ice with a Portable Ice Maker
For cocktail and mocktail lovers, having enough ice on hand can be a problem. Sure, you can use old-fashioned trays or your kitchen refrigerator ice maker. But these are slow, limiting the amount of ice you can make for a party.
And those last-minute grocery store runs? Nobody wants to leave their own party just to haul back melting bags of ice. Plus, who has room in the freezer for all that bulk?
The solution: a portable ice maker!
This compact appliance is a gift any cocktail aficionado would appreciate. It lets you make batches of ice in as little as 15 minutes, so you never run out when entertaining guests. Its countertop-friendly design means it fits easily into any home bar, kitchen, or outdoor setup.
As the holidays approach, a portable ice maker makes entertaining effortless. Bring it out for cozy indoor gatherings, set it up on the patio for summer barbecues, or take it tailgating in the fall. RV travelers and snowbirds also love the convenience of having perfectly chilled drinks on every adventure.
How does a portable ice maker work? You simply plug in the unit, add water to the reservoir, and turn the machine on. The ice maker does the rest, turning water into cubes, bullets, or nuggets within a few minutes.
Most ice makers have insulated compartments to hold the ice until you need it. Some let you vary the size of the ice produced, while others make special clear ice for presenting picture perfect cocktails and sipping a well-aged bottle of whisky.
A Slushie Machine for Frozen Cocktails and Mocktails
Some drinks simply taste better frozen—think piña coladas, margaritas, and frosé. But crushing ice in a blender can be noisy, messy, and inconsistent. Instead, make it effortless for the cocktail lover in your life with a slushie machine that’s built for creating restaurant-quality frozen cocktails and mocktails at home.
The Luma Slushie Machine is the ultimate addition to any home bar setup. It delivers the perfect icy texture for frozen drinks, no extra ice required. Simply pour in your favorite ingredients, select your preferred setting, and let the machine do all the work.
Why cocktail lovers can’t get enough of the Luma Slushie Machine:
- 88-ounce capacity to make eight servings at once
- Quick, easy cleanup with dishwasher safe parts
- Customizable thickness settings for everything from light slushies to dense frozen cocktails
- Effortless serving right from the machine’s container
- Versatile presets for a variety of icy beverages
In fact, the lucky recipient of a Luma Slushie Machine can use it every day, not just for hosting. You can make milkshakes, frappes, and ice coffee drinks for the whole family too. It’s great for summer barbecues and poolside snacks as well as for holiday parties and taco Tuesdays to break up winter doldrums.
For the ultimate home bar setup, pair the Luma Slushie Machine with a Newair portable ice maker. Together, they create a powerhouse duo that keeps every guest refreshed and every host relaxed. From handcrafted cocktails to kid-friendly mocktails, you’ll be ready to serve up something special in every season.
More Home Bar Gift Ideas
Looking for something extra to go with a compact appliance for the cocktail (or mocktail) enthusiast in your life? Here are even more gift ideas for cocktail lovers, from timeless bar essentials to standout luxuries that will elevate any home bar.
Barware Essentials
Every mixologist needs the right tools. A classic three-piece shaker is a must-have, along with accessories like strainers, stirring spoons, jiggers, bar knives, and peelers for citrus twists. For martini lovers, a vermouth mister is a thoughtful, crowd-pleasing touch.
Glassware
Different types of cocktails deserve their own glasses. Specialty cocktail glasses are designed to enhance the aroma, taste, and appearance of beverages. Some common shapes and sizes include:
- Rocks
- Highball
- Shot
- Martini
- Coupe
- Margarita
- Collins
- Hurricane
- Flute
- Irish coffee
Infusion Kits or Smokers
For the adventurous bartender, infusion kits and cocktail smoker kits make unforgettable gifts. Infusion kits typically come with ingredients to infuse alcohol with tastes like citrus, herbs, and spices. Cocktail smoker kits add woody, smoky notes to drinks like scotch and bourbon.
Crystal Decanters
To bring a touch of refinement to the home bar, a crystal decanter set is a stunning choice. These elegant containers elevate the experience of serving whiskey, rum, or brandy, transforming every pour into a statement.
Specialty Liquors
Most cocktail enthusiasts have the basics on hand. But who doesn’t love a bottle of something special to take their creations to the next level? Consider products like Bordiga Extra Dry Vermouth, Pierre Ferrand Dry Curaçao, or Novo Fogo Cachaça for a next-level mixology experience.
Mocktail Ingredients
Don’t forget your alcohol-free aficionados. A gift set of premium syrups, botanicals, or aromatics can make mocktails just as exciting. With these bold flavors, no one will miss the spirits.
Personalized Coasters or Napkins
Add style to every gathering with custom coasters or monogrammed napkins. These small, thoughtful details make entertaining feel polished and personal.
Bar Cart
For hosts who love to entertain, or those short on space, a bar cart is both practical and chic. Choose a modern rolling cart or a vintage-inspired piece that fits their home décor and lifestyle.
Cocktail Recipe Book
For the cocktail enthusiast just starting out, or for someone who wants to branch out more, a volume of cocktail recipes is just the thing. Look for one with gorgeous photographs, hand-drawn illustrations, or a bit of history about each cocktail. Did you know that British Prime Minister Winston Churchill’s mother was originally (and probably mistakenly) credited with inventing the Manhattan cocktail?
Above and Beyond
If you really want to impress, consider one of these show-stopping upgrades:
- A beverage or wine fridge to hold more beverages at the home bar
- A humidor for cigar aficionados who enjoy a fine smoke with their drink
- A mixology class to learn how to make all the classic cocktails
- A private home session with a professional bartender to learn mixology
Newair Has Great Gifts for Every Home Bar
Ready to find the perfect portable ice maker or slushie machine for the cocktail lover on your list? Head to Newair to shop our collection of compact appliances designed to make entertaining effortless. Order early to ensure your gifts arrive before the holiday rush!
Our US-based business makes returns easy, and we offer customer service. Newair compact appliances also carry a stellar warranty—just remember to have the recipient register it once it arrives.