Because you know we love a good accessory.
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For the wine lover
You’ve seen them graduate from boxed wine to bottled, and now they’re pronouncing sangiovese and nebbiolo like it’s their native tongue. It’s definitely time for a decanter upgrade. A-grade glass decanters like the Stolzle Classic, put simply, make wine taste better. When you decant the bottle, the wine gets some air, which softens it and brings out all those lovely aromas and flavours. In the case of an older bottle of red, it also separates the wine from the gritty sediment, which stays behind in the bottle. Smoother, clearer, fancier wine? Sold.
If you’re going to buy nice bottles of wine, you want something beautiful and reliable to open it with. The Laguiole By Louis Thiers Corkscrew Waiter's Friend would be better described as a waiter’s best friend. Handmade from high-quality stainless steel and natural snakewood, with a redesigned corkscrew that ensures it won’t shred or bury the cork, this will elegantly pull and lift the cork out. Designed to last, this is a corkscrew with the makings of a family heirloom (so maybe get it for someone you’re in-line to inherit it from).
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The SaluteCo Leather Wine Bottle Carrier looks a little like bottle bondage, but it is practical AF. This is a super handy carry case for romantic picnic vino sessions, safeguarded with a corkscrew attached, because nothing ruins the moment more than not being able to open the bottle. It’s made of faux leather, so it’s vegan friendly and also surprisingly light. A gift for your new flame, perhaps.
We all have that friend who has the best intentions but always runs out of time. They want to host a fancy dinner but get caught up, so the prep doesn’t start until late and you end up eating around midnight. They want to do the big friends getaway, but couldn’t decide on the AirBnB, so everything gets booked out. The Coravin Pivot is a failsafe for that friend, so next time they have a really nice bottle to share with you, they won’t have to worry about decanting it. This bad boy gives the aeration equivalent of 90 minutes in an instant, and it keeps the wine fresh for four weeks, too. What a gift.
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Everything tastes better out of a good wine glass: Champagne, reds, whites, water – everything. If there’s someone on your gifting list who never has enough glasses (or none that you actually want to drink out of) do them – and you – a favour and splurge this year on the special Riedel Vinum Pinot Noir glasses. They’ll never have to suffer through thick, unrefined tumblers again.
For the cocktail maker
Call us biased, but we think The Dan’s Cocktail Book is one of the best gifts out there this year. It’s an especially great idea for that friend who’s never realised how easy it is to make so many different cocktails (from the comfort of their own home). While we have hundreds of cocktail recipes in our online collection, this book pulls together 68 of our favourites, along with all sorts of handy tips and tricks. We’re pretty sure they’ll find some new favourites to whip up and, with a little luck, they’ll test them out on you.
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Just thinking about wrapping this up, handing it over and telling the receiver to “guess” is enough to validate the Barfly Teardrop Bar Spoon as a great gift. What’s it for? Glad you asked. This is a tool for anyone who takes their Manhattans, Negronis and garnishes seriously. It also helps if they’re pretty keen on a bit of performative hosting, too. The weighted end allows for precision stirring, while the bowl of the spoon can be used for layering, placing garnishes, or, in a pinch, measuring (5mL per spoonful). The twisted handle is for grip – and flair.
Olsson’s Salt Smokin’ Chilli Cocktail Salt is great for your Friday night homemade Spicy Margs, but soon enough you’ll be sprinkling this stuff on everything. Salt makes the sweet and sour flavours in a cocktail more vibrant, but it also takes the edge off any bitterness. Either way, your drink ends up tasting way more delicious. We reckon this is an unexpected yet perfect gift for the budding mixologist.
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If there was a competition for the best gift for the least money, this jigger would be a strong contender. A quality jigger is essential mixology equipment and it never hurts to have a spare, so grab them this Bar Station Double Jigger. Having to measure out cocktails in a pyrex jug is just not the same. You make gravy in that. Have a little dignity.
A bauble-level shiny shaker set
This Barcraft Matte cocktail set feels like an ideal gift for anyone who’s had a year of renovating. You know the one – they’ve been saying since January that “It will be done by Christmas” but getting less and less certain each time. Well, you know what is finished, shiny and new, and requires no upkeep from them other than a wash after use? This cocktail shaker set. We’re all about making things easier for them – they’ve had a big year.
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Muddlers are one of the key bar tools that needs a more regular update, which is something you usually don’t realise until you’ve promised a round of Mojitos and have a bucket-load of limes to crush. Spikes that have lost their point just don’t have the same effect. Pair the Bar Station Platinum Cocktail Muddler with a bottle of good white rum and a bag of limes, and they might even make you one.
For the spirits enthusiast
Gin lovers finally get their own glass
Designed in consultation with some of Australia’s most prestigious gin producers, the Denver & Liely Gin Glass is a world first. Looking to make the most of your next gin cocktail? This baby is shaped to give you the best taste and sipping experience. Made from hand-blown, hand-cut, hand-polished lead-free crystal, this is a glass with some serious engineering. Your gin fan will be impressed for sure.
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This is for the spirits drinker who knows temperature is the most important element of any drink, but doesn’t want their tipple watered down, no matter how long they sit on it. These Whiskey Drinking Round Reusable Ice Stone Balls are especially made for that person. Plus, they double as a beauty tool for depuffing in the morning. Don’t pretend you haven’t seen the TikToks.
For the fan of whisky (and random facts)
The Glencairn Whisky Glass is the first glass endorsed by the Scotch Whisky Association and it’s used by every whisky company in Scotland to test, try and serve their precious drams. Ooh la la. Raymond Davidson of Glencairn Crystal invented the unique inward-curved glass to better experience a whisky’s aromas, encouraging a user to appreciate the ‘nose’ of the whisky as well as the palate. This glass is the ultimate gift for the whisky lover. Nailed it.
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For everyone else
The gift they never knew they wanted
There is deep satisfaction to be gained when your giftee has to double take, read the box, then reread the box to figure out what you’ve given them. You get to watch them slowly realise that it is, in fact, the best present ever. The IceMule Coolers Pro Backpack Cooler is exactly that for a very specific person in your life. They’re probably into premixes or beers and prefer to walk or bike everywhere. They don’t trust a communal esky at a party, probably have a lot of camping gear and are usually hard to buy for – but not this year. You’re welcome.
Fun for the whole family
If you come from a family that loves a game (Cluedo, cricket, Charades, you name it), then turning up to the festivities packing a giant Jenjo tower (it stands at 54cm tall) will make you the favourite of the day. Can this count as your gift for everyone? Depends how you sell it. We recommend devising an after-lunch tournament in the backyard that gets everyone from Grandad to your little niece involved, and then say loudly, “I’m so glad you love it”, to no one and everyone.
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For the new sake devotee
Sake’s star has been rising as more people discover this complex liquor. While you can now get sake in everything from premixed cans to very expensive bottles, it’s traditionally sipped from a small ceramic or porcelain glass (ochoko). Even if your giftee has gone down the canned sake route, who wouldn’t want to serve it in this cute little Solkatt Designs Traditional Japanese Ceramic Sake Set?
