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For the amateur mixologist who’s always hosting, I salute you, because that’s me, too. You’re the one who’s never content just pouring wine. No, you’re slicing fresh citrus, making ice cubes with edible flowers, and whipping out cocktail books when most people are still looking for the bottle opener.
And here’s the thing: you don’t need a full-blown bar or professional certification to bring serious flavor (and fun) to the party. You just need the right mix of tools, ingredients, inspiration, and let’s be honest, a flair for the dramatic.
I’m not a professional bartender. But I’ve been curating my home setup for years, obsessing over drink pairings, and hosting more themed cocktail nights than I can count. Over time, I’ve found the little things, the right syrup, the perfect glass, the unexpected garnish, make all the difference.
Let’s talk about everything I love using, gifting, and recommending for fellow cocktail lovers who know their way around a shaker and a playlist.
Table of Contents
The Magic of Craft Cocktail Syrups
I mentioned earlier how I first fell in love with craft syrups, and it bears repeating: they make life easier and drinks more delicious.
But let’s dig into some DIY vs. store-bought wisdom, because I’ve done both.
When I Make My Own
I’ll whip up a simple syrup (1:1 water to sugar) in a saucepan with:
- Fresh ginger for spicy Moscow Mules
- Cinnamon and clove for winter punches
- Citrus zest + thyme for a summer spritz
There’s a satisfaction in making your own, especially if you bottle it in a cute jar and label it with washi tape.
When I Buy It
There’s no shame in grabbing a professionally made syrup, especially when they’re complex, shelf-stable, and freaking delicious. A few more favorites I didn’t mention earlier:
- Liber & Co. Fiery Ginger Syrup – A punchy addition to whiskey sours and dark ‘n stormys.
- Jack Rudy Elderflower Tonic Syrup – Makes a killer gin and tonic with floral notes that feel way fancier than they should.
- Proof Syrup Pecan Old Fashioned – Literally tastes like Thanksgiving in a glass. I pull this one out every fall.
A quick tip: refrigerate after opening, and label the date. Syrups can last a few months, but freshness matters.
Smoking Cloche: The Unexpected Crowd-Pleaser
It’s dramatic. It’s unnecessary. And I love it.
Here’s a fun story. I once hosted a holiday party where I set up a DIY smoked cocktail station. I pre-mixed two base cocktails,-one bourbon-based, one mezcal- so guests could pour them and use the cloche with their choice of smoke: hickory, dried orange peels, or cinnamon sticks.
Was it a mess? A little.
Did people LOVE it? Absolutely.
Was my kitchen smoky for two days? Also yes.
Totally worth it.
I now use the cloche sparingly for “main event” drinks. My tip? Use chilled glassware to help trap the smoke longer and give the drink time to absorb the flavor.
Also- don’t forget the torch. Mine came in a kit, and I feel like a mad scientist every time I light it.
Enter the Smoker Bubble Gun: Cocktail Theater at Its Best
Okay, so if you really want to impress your guests- or let’s be honest, feel like a cocktail magician- get yourself a smoker bubble gun.
I got mine as a gift last year, and I’ll never forget the first time I used it. Picture this: I’m mid-party, jazz playing in the background, everyone’s gathered around the kitchen island. I top off a smoky mezcal margarita with a translucent bubble that literally trapped smoke inside.
Cue gasps. Followed by phones out. Followed by “Wait, how did you do that?!”
It’s cocktail theater in its most extra form- and I’m so here for it.
How It Works:
- Fill the bubble gun chamber with smoke flavor (usually from wood chips or a smoking liquid pod).
- Dip the nozzle into the bubble solution (yes, it’s safe and food-friendly).
- Aim it at the top of your glass and pull the trigger.
- Watch a gorgeous bubble form, hovering on the rim, swirling with smoky magic inside.
Guests can pop it or wait for it to dissolve – either way, it smells amazing and infuses a subtle aroma into the drink.
Why I Love It:
- Instant drama with zero mixology experience required.
- Fun for themed nights– I’ve used it for Halloween parties, fancy New Year’s cocktails, and even a Gatsby-themed dinner.
- Pairs well with bold spirits like mezcal, rye whiskey, and aged rum.
I’ve even used flavored smoke pods- like cherry or vanilla wood chips- to layer in something extra. And yes, it works great with martini glasses, rocks glasses, and even coupes.
My current favorite combo:
Smoked Bubble Paloma
- Grapefruit juice
- Tequila reposado
- Dash of lime
- A smoky citrus-flavored bubble on top
Hosting with a Smoker Bubble Gun: Pro Tips
If you’re going to make this part of your home mixology kit, here’s what I’ve learned:
- Test it first– do a dry run before the party. You don’t want your first try to be mid-toast.
- Use a thick glass rim– flat, wide rims work better for catching the bubble.
- Keep a cloth nearby– the solution can drip a little.
- Have fun with the reveal– don’t rush. Let the bubble sit. Let them marvel. Then… pop!
Combine with a mixology book on at home smoked cocktail recipes like: Smoked Coctails: The Ultimate Home Bartender’s Guide to Smoked Cocktails and Mixology
Honestly, this tool alone has turned skeptics into cocktail fans. Even friends who “don’t drink much” still want to hold the smoky glass just to smell it. It’s like a tiny campfire you can sip from.
So for the amateur mixologist who’s always hosting- you deserve the bubble gun.
Monogrammed Bar Tools That Spark Joy
Let’s talk aesthetics. I didn’t realize how much looking the part boosted my confidence until I got a beautiful set of monogrammed bar tools in matte black with gold detailing.
They now live on a wooden tray on my bar cart next to my decanter and bitters collection. Friends walk in and say, “Whoa. Okay. We’re getting fancy tonight.”
Yes. Yes, we are.
Monogrammed tools also make incredible gifts for:
- Groomsmen (add a bottle of their favorite whiskey)
- New homeowners
- Engagement parties (Mr. & Mrs. sets? Chef’s kiss)
Bonus points for pairing it with:
- A recipe card
- A bar towel
- A little bag of dehydrated citrus slices or cocktail garnishes
Mixology Books That Go Beyond the Basics
Good cocktail books are a treasure trove of creativity.
Here’s how I actually use my books:
- Sticky notes on favorite recipes
- Margin notes for tweaks (“Add more lemon” or “Try with tequila next time”)
- Theme night planning – I flip through for inspiration and plan drinks for upcoming parties. Check out our 5 Creative Summer Dinner Party Themes to Try This Season
More must-reads I love:
- The Art of Mixology – This is the one I always pull out when a friend wants to learn the ropes. It’s approachable, beautifully laid out, and includes everything from foundational classics to creative spins. I love that it includes glassware guides and bar basics, but also gives room for experimentation. It makes a great gift, too- I’ve bought it three times already.
- Death & Co: Modern Classic Cocktails – If you’re ready to get a little nerdy (in the best way), this is next-level stuff. Think bartender wisdom, deep dives on ingredients, and recipes that’ll make you rethink what a cocktail can be.
- Cocktail Codex – This one breaks down the six “root” cocktails and how almost every drink evolves from them. It changed how I think about drink building. Once I learned the “template” method, I started making my own creations, and they actually tasted good!
- Meehan’s Bartender Manual – More of an encyclopedia vibe, but if you’re hosting regularly, it’s a solid reference guide for everything from spirits to setup.
- “Booze & Vinyl” – Pairings for records and drinks? Count me in. Great for music lovers who host.
Don’t Forget the Ice (Seriously)
This might sound obsessive, but I swear by clear ice.
I bought a directional freezer mold off Etsy and never looked back. Clear ice doesn’t just look better, it melts slower, which means your drink stays cold without diluting too quickly.
I also freeze fruit-infused cubes:
- Mint + lime juice for mojitos
- Blueberries + lavender for gin cocktails
- Cold brew + sugar for espresso martinis
It’s a small touch that always gets a reaction.
My Hosting Formula (aka, How I Keep It Fun and Chill)
Let’s be real, hosting can get overwhelming. But with a system? It gets way easier. Here’s what I do every time I host:
1. Choose a Signature Drink
I pick one that I can pre-batch in a pitcher or serve quickly. I might also print a cute sign with the name- yes, I’ve gone full Pinterest.
Examples I’ve used:
- “Winter Heat” – Spiced bourbon + cider
- “Blush & Bashful” – Rosé spritz with hibiscus syrup
- “Garden Party Gimlet” – Gin, lime, cucumber, + smoked rosemary garnish
2. Set Up Stations
One area for mixing
One for mocktails
One for glassware and garnishes
3. Keep It Simple (and Smart)
I prep citrus ahead of time, pre-chill glassware, and use trays to keep things clean.
4. Create a Vibe
Always:
- A playlist (I have a go-to Spotify mix called “Shaken, Not Stirred”)
- Candles or dim lighting
- A couple unexpected touches, like edible glitter in the prosecco or pretty cocktail napkins.
Hosting Tips for Fellow Mixologists
I’ve picked up a few tricks along the way:
- Offer a welcome drink. Something light to sip while everyone settles in.
- Use chalkboard labels on syrups. No one wants to guess what’s in the unmarked amber bottle.
- Buy reusable cocktail picks. They look fancy and save waste.
- Batch mocktail bases. Soda water + syrup + fresh fruit = mocktail magic.
- Have a hydration station. Infused water in a glass pitcher with mint or citrus. Looks great, tastes better.
Gift Ideas for the Cocktail-Obsessed
A few more thoughtful gift ideas for your favorite home bartender (or for yourself):
- Custom recipe journal – For jotting down drink experiments
- Ice sphere molds – They make every drink feel like a craft cocktail
- Bitters sampler set – A fun way to explore different profiles
- Cocktail smoker gun – Like a smoking cloche, but handheld
- Dehydrated citrus wheel set – They last forever and look so cool on a coupe glass
Want to go bigger? Build a custom bar kit:
The “Host Like a Pro” Box
- Personalized bar tools
- A fancy syrup
- Clear ice mold
- A classic cocktail book
- Garnishes
- A handwritten note with your favorite drink recipe
The Final Shake
For the amateur mixologist who’s always hosting-this is your sign to keep going. To keep experimenting. To keep inviting people in and making drinks that turn an ordinary night into something memorable.
Don’t worry about being perfect. You don’t need to have the trendiest bitters or a $500 ice machine. You just need curiosity, generosity, and a willingness to stir (or shake) things up.
Whether it’s a citrus-forward summer spritz, a smoked winter Old Fashioned, or your own off-the-wall concoction using leftover jam (yes, I’ve done that-it was amazing), you’re creating connection, one glass at a time.
So cheers to you, to your bar cart, and to the next unforgettable night you host.
If you’ve got a favorite drink or hosting hack, send it my way. I’m always looking to try something new.
With love,
Bri & Cat
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