Presents in the form of alcohol are聽great聽but eventually run out. That's why we like gifting home bar聽gear instead. Here are five聽sure-fire gifts under $40 that聽any drinking buddy will love, all of which come聽recommended from our favorite bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts.
Imbibe聽by David Wondrich ($15)
You can find the recipe for any cocktail on your smartphone, but gives you the recipe for your favorite classic cocktails and puts them in historical context with fascinating stories about the individuals who carved out the bar scene in the United States.
Whiskey Ball Svere Ice Tray ($20)
Round ice melts slower than square ice, and聽quite frankly, looks better in a glass. The mold creates six, 2.5-inch diameter聽balls of ice.
Neighborwoods City Coasters ($36)
Made from naturally aromatic cedar,聽 are laser etched with maps of hipster havens like聽Brooklyn, Austin, and San Francisco.
Standard Spoon Mixing Glass ($35)
Most classic cocktails are actually stirred, not shaken, so every home bar should be equipped with a mixing glass. The hammered texture on from Standard Spoon is stunning and holds 24 ounces so you can whip up two聽martinis at the same time. Pair it with the ($35).
Machine Era Godwin Bottle Opener ($30)
You can open a bottle with just about anything, but this beauty is a conversation piece. Handmade from steel and leather in Virginia, it鈥檚 a heavy, timeless tool that鈥檚 pretty enough to hang on the wall.