In the realm of mixology, the alchemy of crafting the perfect cocktail extends beyond just the choice of ingredients—it encompasses the mastery of tools. A well-equipped home bar is incomplete without the essential cocktail kit, serving as the cornerstone for both novice enthusiasts and seasoned bartenders alike. To guide you through the vast array of options available, we've consulted five distinguished mixologists to unveil their top recommendations. Join us as we delve into their expert insights, unveiling the quintessential cocktail kits they swear by and the rationale behind their choices.
#5 - SaloonBox Cocktail Set
Reviewed by @Homebarnetwork
SaloonBox offers monthly membership packages including rotating recipes from real working bartenders. Starting at $69.99 (with alcohol), each kit includes two unique recipes, each serving two, totaling four cocktails per monthly kit. Spirits, ingredients, and recipe cards are included. Shipping is also included!
What the expert said:
“SaloonBox is expertly curated including a recipe from an actual real working bartender.”
Q: Why is this cocktail kit at the top of your list?
A: SaloonBox is expertly curated including a recipe from an actual real working bartender.
Q: What makes this kit unique?
A: We love how the subscription includes premium spirits in addition to the non-alcoholic ingredients because most online cocktail kits we've seen do not offer this option.
Q: Who would you recommend this kit to?
A: Anyone looking to explore new cocktail techniques, recipes and spirits.
- Price: $67.99 (monthly subscription with alcohol)
- Where to buy: www.saloonbox.com
#4 - Shaker & Spoon Cocktail Kit
Reviewed by @kindred.spirits.cocktails
Shaker & Spoon offers a huge variety of cocktail kits (nearly 100 different variations!) with each box based around a single spirit. Between their recipe cards how to videos, users get step-by-step instructions for building and garnishing cocktails. You'll even learn some bartending lingo!
Each box includes all of the ingredient (besides the booze) to make 12 cocktails (4 from each recipe). They send you the building blocks—syrups, bitters, garnishes, aromatics, and more—and you add the liquor. Simple as that!
What the expert said:
“I really love the Shaker and Spoon cocktail kits that you can have sent to you! They always have creative cocktails to try out and unique ways to explore seasonal flavors and themes.”
Q: Why is this cocktail kit at the top of your list?
A: Every single month there is something new I want to try! They pull together the most amazing recipes and ingredients. They also make amazing purchases for hosting a party because every kit offers multiple cocktail recipes and enough ingredients for 12 cocktails. If you are hosting a themed event and want to up your cocktail serving game, these kits do so much of the work for you!
Q: What makes this kit unique?
A: One of the things I really appreciate about this kit is that they highlight bartenders in the field. These are the creative and passionate folks that truly make the industry what it is, so I love learning more about them through their recipes and stories.
Q: Who would you recommend this kit to?
A: Anyone! Whether you are new to cocktails or a seasoned cocktail crafter, you are going to be able to engage with these recipes, learn something new, and drink something delicious!
- Price: $59.99
- Where to buy: www.shakerandspoon.com
#3 - Barfly by Mercer - Diamond Lattice Barware Set
Reviewed by @Alfattori
"I love these tools because they are made with high quality materials, going deep in the details, the grip that is on each tool makes them very handy."
Q: Why is this cocktail kit at the top of your list?
A: I love these tools because they are made with high quality materials, going deep in the details, the grip that is on each tool makes them very handy. My kit is composed of:
- 28 oz. & 18 oz. Diamond Lattice Shaker/Tin set in stainless steel, available in multiple colors, presented in an elegant etched diamond lattice pattern with capped bottom for greater durability and satin finish interior to hide wear. Very comfortable even on wet hands (Obviously I always suggest working with dry hands, safety first!).
- 1X02 oz. Diamond Lattice Japanese Style Jigger, presented in an elegant etched diamond lattice pattern, rolled top edge strengthens and maintains shape, easy to clean and easy pouring, precise accurate and consistent measurements for exact pours, It's very important for the perfect and balanced cocktail!
- Diamond Lattice Heavy-Duty Spring Bar Strainer, the filter for a clean and unique cocktail! It's presented in a super elegant diamond pattern and super handy, the heavy of the tool is a signature of quality. Heavy gauge stainless steel for superior durability. A diamond is forever!
- 13 3/16" ( 33.5 cm) Diamond Lattice Japanese Style Bar Spoon , the art and elegance of stirring. Twisted design for better control and grip. A Unique piece!
Q: Who would you recommend this kit to?
A: I highly recommend this kit to anyone looking to enhance their mixology experience to a superior level!
- Price: $67.65
- Where to buy: https://www.amazon.com/Barfly-Diamond-Lattice-Basics-Stainless/dp/B0CKGXB61F
#2 - A Bar Above 10-Piece Stirred Craft Cocktail Set (Gold)
Reviewed by @Jadevon_drinks
They deserve all the praise they get for their quality products, but their equipment takes center stage in my bar because they're just so damn pretty!
Q: Why is this set at the top of your list?
A: I'm a home bartender with an affinity for ice-cold martinis after a long day. My bar cart proudly touts a gorgeous stirring glass, an adorable gold bell jigger, a dashing julep strainer to match, all from A Bar Above. They always catch the eyes of my guests, too. I use their stirring glass, jigger, and bar spoon in almost every single drink tutorial I post. Especially when I use these most often for martinis, a gorgeous drink in its own right, the gorgeous equipment bringing it to life makes me feel like a million bucks.
Q: What makes this kit unique to others like it?
A: On a technical level, A Bar Above knocks it out of the park. The stirring glass is completely seamless, which might not matter to most, but I'm particular about my sensory experience. Stirring in this glass can be quiet as a mouse, with no quilted glass or janky logo in the way of watching the magic happen, just pure function. The bell jigger has a nice weight to it, and sounds like a soft meditation instrument when you clink it against glass or metal. The bar spoon has a sturdy, thick base and makes for leisurely stirring. I usually loathe julep strainers in favor of hawthorne strainers --it's like driving a horse and buggy on the freeway. Take a car, it's 2024!-- but I happily use my gold julep strainer for stirred drinks because, again, it's just so beautiful. To top it all off, the golden cocktail picks carry that beauty all the way to your last sip.
Q: Who would you recommend this kit to?
- Price: $59.99
- Where to buy: https://shop.abarabove.com/products/10-piece-stirred-craft-cocktail-set-gold
#1 - Crew® Cocktail Infusion Kit
Reviewed by @AssembleCocktail
From prep to pour, Crew's Cocktail Infusion Kit comes with everything you need to create an unforgettable infusing experience. Each kit contains a ready-to-infuse mix of dried fruits and herbs as well as all the equipment you need to bring your recipe to life. With cocktail flavors ranging from Sangria to Whiskey Smash, your sure to find something that suits your palate. Crew's easy-to-follow "recipe coasters" make it remarkably simple to craft impressive cocktails at home. The best part? The bottles are reusable and make the perfect device for olive oils or other creative infusions.
“What makes this kit a real winner in my book is how darn easy and no-fuss it is. You don't need to be a mixologist to get it right. Just rip open a pouch, dump it into your favorite vodka or gin bottle for a quick flavor boost, or mix it with hot water if you're after a sweet syrup base”
Q: Why is this cocktail kit at the top of your list?
A: What makes this kit a real winner in my book is how darn easy and no-fuss it is. You don't need to be a mixologist to get it right. Just rip open a pouch, dump it into your favorite vodka or gin bottle for a quick flavor boost, or mix it with hot water if you're after a sweet syrup base. And you're not stuck with a jar or some fancy container you'll feel bad about tossing later. It's simple, it's smart, and it feels like less waste, which I'm totally here for.
The Crew Infusion Kit, especially when it comes to the Lavender Lemonade flavor, is honestly my go-to pick from all the cocktail kits you can find online. Here's why I'm all about it: the lavender in this thing is just right. It's there, making its presence known, but it doesn't smack you in the face. That's key because too much lavender and you might as well be drinking a flower garden.
Q: What makes this kit unique?
A: It's not just about being easy to use. Opening up one of these kits is like diving into a "choose your own adventure" book, but for making drinks. They throw in tips and tricks on how to mix things up or what to pair your drink with, which I think is pretty cool. It's like they're right there with you, guiding you through making something awesome without making it feel like rocket science.
Q: Who would you recommend this kit to?
A: I'd tell pretty much anyone who enjoys a good drink to check out this kit. Whether you're throwing a party, looking for a neat gift, or just want to up your home cocktail game, this kit's got you covered. It's perfect for folks who love the idea of playing around with flavors and making something that's both high-quality and unique, without needing a bunch of fancy equipment or ingredients. Trust me, it's as fun as it is tasty.
- Price: $59.00
- Where to buy: https://crewhome.com/products/cocktail-infusion-kit
Conclusion
In summary, the art of mixology transcends the mere concoction of drinks—it embodies a harmonious fusion of creativity, precision, and craftsmanship. Whether you're embarking on your mixology journey or seeking to expand your repertoire, these top picks from seasoned professionals offer a gateway to unparalleled libation experiences. Elevate your cocktail game today with one of these meticulously curated kits, and embark on a journey of flavor exploration and mixology mastery.
For more tantalizing home bar ideas and expert insights, explore our blog for a treasure trove of tips, recipes, and inspiration to elevate your libation endeavors. Cheers to the art of mixing and the camaraderie it inspires!
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