Over the past few years, I (as well as many others) have rediscovered the joys of classic cocktails. First I dabbled with a good martini before diving head long into Manhattans, Negronis, Gin Fizzes, Aviators and many others. But my love of the cocktail didn’t stop at the bar, I had to take it home. While the new need to set up a home bar may have been my own, I was not the only one. In fact, I know many of my readers have done the same thing. As a result, I have compiled this gift guide to help you pass along the gift of drink onto your friends and family.
Craigellachie 13, $74.99-$79.95 (depending on your location) 
Everyone needs a great whisky in their home bar arsenal. The Craigellachie 13 is a great aged single malt whisky from Speyside. There are many ways to this whisky has been described before… Flames, Flared light. Fireworks. Breathe in bonfire night. Clove-studded baked apples. Sulphury cordite. Hefty, malty, mazy in the mouth. Bonnie sweet, but with fire in its belly.
To the taste this 13 year old Craigellachie delivers malty, sweet complexity, with a finish that is slightly smokey. Balanced yet complex. Not for the faint hearted, this is a single malt for those who can handle big flavor. Simply put, it’s just damn good. So good that you will want to drink it straight up or on the rocks.
Leather Roll Up Bartender Kit, $135 This roll-up leather tool kit is an elegant way to carry all your necessary bartending tools to and from work and competitions. Moreover, it is perfect for the home bartender. It easily rolls with soft fabric inside to keep your tools safe and firm black leather for protection from the elements.
The set includes: 28oz Boston Tin | 16oz Boston Tin | 16oz Mixing Glass| Barspoon with Trident | Double-Sided Jigger | Muddler | Citrus Squeezer | Tongs | Ice Scoop | Mister with Funnel | Channel Knife | Corkscrew | Speed Bottle Opener | Lighter| Fork-Tip KnifeCan Opener | Black & Tan Spoon | Pour Spouts (5)
Two-Piece Greenwich Double Old-Fashioned Glass Set by Ralph Lauren, $110
I am not normally a fan of plaid but there is something about these lead crystal low ball glasses, with their subtle plaid aesthetic, that feels like the perfect lowballs. These hand-blown lead crystal double-old-fashioned glasses are a necessity for any bar. And they are from Ralph Lauren, how could you go wrong?
Bourbon-soaked Cocktail Cherries by Jack Rudy Cocktail Co $18.75
To make his updated cocktail cherry, Brook Reitz starts with tart Oregon cherries and preserves them in Kentucky bourbon. These boozy cherry bombs are obviously the perfect finish to an Old Fashioned or Manhattan. And trying making your Old Fashioned with Whisky this time around.
Nina Simone, The Philip’s Years, $137 Vinyl or $46 CD set 
Maybe it’s the time I spend in New Orleans but you I don’t think you can properly enjoy a good cocktail without friends without some classic Jazz. If you think about it, no great bar is without great music. This should apply for the home bar as well. While others may pick some Louis or Duke, I always opt for the ladies. Either Billy or Nina are my go to. So pick up some great jazz – opt for vinyl if you are set up for it.