12 Days of Dappered #6 – The Better Liquor Accompaniment

It’ll be here before you know it. Our annual 12 days of Dappered gift guide covers one item/idea each week-day for the next dozen days. All will be reasonably affordable, and at the same time they should (hopefully) appeal to someone who might drop on by this corner of the internet. So if you’re looking for ideas on what to give a decently dressed (yet budget conscious) fellow, or, if you’ve got friends/family struggling for ideas on what to get someone (you) who’s hard to buy for, check back in as this year’s 12 Days churns on. You’ll also find the growing archive here.

Again, a good bottle of Scotch, Rum, or Bourbon is going to be well appreciated by many… but it isn’t the most unique gift. Consider providing the drinker in your life with a high quality accompaniment to his favorite booze. Because top shelf stuff deserves a good dance partner when needed.

 

Bittercube Bitters Variety Pack – $54.00

“A Bartender’s Spice Rack”. Produced in the great state of Wisconsin (Forward!). It’s amazing what a drop or two of these things can do. Pack comes with one bottle of each of Bittercube’s six flavors plus a recipe card and instructions on how to access their online cocktail database.

 

Big Ice: Original Whiskey Balls – $24 | Tovolo King Cube Trays – $8.50

Large cubes or balls of ice melt slower, and that delivers a little bit (but not too much) of water to your drink . It’ll allow the booze to open up without thinning it out too much. That, and they just look much better than the standard cubes you cracked from the tray. Shop around a bit. There are plenty of silicone ice molds out there. Some expensive (like the OWBs) and some downright cheap.

 

Great Vermouth: Carpano “Antica Formula” Sweet | Dolin Dry Vermouth

For Manhattans, Martinis, and all points in between (like a Negroni) gift something that’s better than the bottom shelf syrupy vermouths most liquor stores carry. Combine Antica + Dolin for a fantastic Duplex.

 

Q Tonic Water – About $2 per 8 oz bottle

Outrageously expensive when compared to standard or store brands… but outstanding in comparison. Much lighter in taste. Let’s the gin (or vodka) shine through. No high fructose corn syrup or refined sugars. Sweetened, lightly, with agave nectar. Really… really good. Available in plenty of higher-end grocery stores, and is starting to trickle down to more mainstream markets.

 

Personalized Glassware: Red Envelope – $57.95 for four

There’s something about offering someone a drink when they step into your office or home. It’s another level when the glass you deliver it in has been monogrammed to reflect the location. It’s a very small way to showcase some pride. Lots of options out there, so shop around. Pictured above are last season’s tumblers from Red Envelope. Extremely sturdy.

 

Lewis Bag – $42.00 & Wooden Mallet – $19.52

Suggested by our official Bartender. The Lewis Bag is designed to wick moisture away from crushed ice. That means you get the driest ice possible out of the bag. More ice, less water = a different taste and texture to your drink. For those that know their way around a sewing machine, you could make your own. But there’s these on Etsy that are extremely well reviewed. Pound away with a wooden joinery mallet.

What else would you suggest for someone who appreciates a good stiff drink, other than a bottle of booze? Leave it all in the comments section below.