(Part 3) Best bar & wine tools according to redditors

r/ProductPorn might love this.

Also, here it is if someone interested: https://www.amazon.com/SUCK-UK-Pirate-Bottle-Opener/dp/B00FR8F4CO

Gifts I've given, or considered giving, over the years -- descending price order

• AeroGarden (about $150)
  
• Klhip Nail Clippers (about $80-$100)
  
• Vera Bradley purse (about $60)
  
• Kindle cover with light (about $60, obviously this only works if she has a Kindle)
  
• Squirrel Proof Bird Feeder (about $50)
  
• Frog-shaped humidifier (about $40)
  
• Planet Earth (about $35-$40)
  
• Box of candy types from the decade they were a kid (about $30)
  
• Less crazily priced but still good fingernail clipper and toenail clipper (about $30)
  
• If she entertains guests ever, maybe a party game like this one (about $25)
  
• Travelocity gnome (about $25)
  
• Some good quality bath towels ($20 and up, multiple brands, my mom liked these)
  
• Wine chiller (about $20)
  
• Eye glass holder (about $20)
  
• Maybe she needs more drink coasters, here's just one of many types (about $20)
  
• Odd little windup-toy (about $15)
  
• Light blanket / throw (about $15)
  
• Wine Saver Set (about $15)
  
• Slinky! (about $6)
  
  Variably priced gift ideas
  
  
• Does she have a hobby? Search the internet for a good book / movie /class related to said hobby
  
• Bath & Body Works is a good bet, though it can help if you are able to snoop on your mom's favorite (spy in bathroom, ask family member or friend to spy) -- or go with eucalyptus, because my mom likes that one -- from $10 on up
  
• There's more than chocolate and flowers, do a search to find a bonsai tree to send her, or specialty foods if she has something she likes (e.g., gluten-free, low-carb, etc.), or just something different (honey-baked ham, omaha steaks, etc.) -- variable cost
  
• Gift certificate (or otherwise 'your treat' money) for a pedicure, manicure, massage, meal prep visit (search for 'meal prep cityname' to see what I'm talking about) -- $25 - $100
  
• Offer to pay for a night at a nice local hotel for her and a spouse/partner to get away -- or a local theater production, night out at the movies, restaurant gift certificate, etc. -- variable cost
  
  Some other places I look
  
  
• /r/BuyItForLife -- I get ideas of quality-type products here sometimes
  
• SkyMall -- some super-expensive stuff, but some interesting ideas and more reasonably priced stuff
  

IIRC they've recently updated rules on "bring your own cup day"; to where it has to actually be something a person would actually drink from. IE: No inflatable pools, but something like this would be allowed

https://www.amazon.ca/BigMouth-Inc-Gigantic-Red-Party/dp/B00DJAYRIO

One option that will remove the cork without leaving any residue in the bottle would be a "butler's thief" cork puller. They're usually quite inexpensive and will take the cork out without damaging it further.

Here's one on Amazon at a pretty reasonable price. https://www.amazon.com/Norpro-A2B-Cork-Puller/dp/B000HMDOBI/

Here's a video that shows how to use this style cork puller.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ila1A8VMRIY

I'll just go ahead and list a few of the things I use on a regular basis.

Koriko shakers are awesome. They look cool and function amazingly. Good investments. End of story.
http://www.cocktailkingdom.com/Koriko-set-of-2-Weighted-Tins-large-and-sma-p/sha_korikoxxxx_0028_set.htm

I prefer using a julep strainer over a hawthorne strainer, it works fine for me when I'm not muddling things into the drink I don't want served.
http://amzn.com/B001VZAMPQ
http://amzn.com/B000H7VF64

Get speed pourers. Even if you don't plan on free-pouring, they're nice to have a more standardized pouring speed so you can pour out of an entirely full bottle without worrying about spilling too much.
http://amzn.com/B002J8RRAM

A cheap bar spoon is an awful experience. A decent bar spoon is fine. An overpriced barspoon is (generally) just overpriced metal. However, the Tanqueray spoons and the Standard Spoon on kickstarter are actually pretty nice quality stuff. But that said, almost everyone I've met likes the regular old bar spoon.
http://amzn.com/B000VQOP5O
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/workofmyhands/standard-spoon-for-craft-cocktails

Have a jigger on hand, even if you free pour. Just for when you have nicer ingredients and want to try out a drink with them and would rather have the proportions right than have to revive the drink.
http://amzn.com/B00080B07Y

I make a lot of bitters myself or super small batch infusions, so having a set of mason jars on hand has been extremely helpful.

I use cheapo squirt bottles ( http://amzn.com/B007OM9W2E ) to store simple syrup or other infused simple syrup.

If you get super into infusions and stuff like that, I've heard a lot of good things about the iSi system; I have a friend with one, he absolutely loves his. I have to admit, it takes a lot of work and patience out of infusion. As well as whipped cream, or carbonating things, or what have you... now I might want to get one.

These two items are somewhat paired (at least for me) -- a water filter and an ice tray. For ice, I'm talking like the Tovolo King Size ice trays. Water filter -- doesn't matter, as long as it filters from what I can tell.
http://amzn.com/B00395FHRO

Something that's nice to have on hand so you can double-strain is a fine-mesh strainer. Can be harder to find on the cheap though, I ended up breaking down and going to a Bed Bath & Beyond for mine since everything on Amazon was fairly expensive the thrift shops near me didn't have one.

Get nice glassware. I remember when I was younger and someone demonstrated the importance of having nice glass when tasting wine. The same thing applies. This isn't exactly bar-tools, but it's critical to your cocktail experience. Drinking out of cheap glasses, or the wrong glasses, will really hurt the presentation and your perception of the cocktail. In essence, t's important to take pride in both how you make the cocktail and how you serve the cocktail.

That's all I got for now.

As you can see this is an older bottle of Scotch, bottled in 2004. The cork broke on me and this opener worked like a charm to extract the broken piece from the neck. Came out clean without a single piece of cork falling in. I've only had to use this thing a few times, but it's real nice to have when you need it. This one is the Ah So wine opener, comes in a nice little case and everything: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0774XBXN6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Furthermore, keep those corks. I have a big old bag of corks collected from every bottle I've killed, I was able to find a replacement no problem.

Buy a shaker setup that is just a pint glass and large metal shaker, which is essentially a large metal drinking glass. (Like this, but obviously you still need a pint glass). The fancier setup that consists of a pint glass with a two part lid/strainer ends up leaking and is useless. (Like this). There's a reason bartenders use the former. As a setup, it's BIFL worthy in comparison, works better, and is much easier to clean. You can buy a strainer that fits on that type of setup, too. (Like this).

What other pieces are you looking for?

A stepped corkscrew is a good place to start. An Ah-So is good for older wines. For very fragile corks, try a Corkpops or Durand which is basically an integrated Ah-so and corkscrew.

I would never go for a manhattan shaker. They are notorious for locking up, as soon as there's a bit of liquid in the cracks (unless you buy really expensive japanese ones). They are also harder to clean than the simple two cups of a boston shaker, and the extra strainer isn't really hard to use.

I haven't used a parisian shaker, but that seems like it could do fine, but might lock up on you.


My own kit is made of a lot of individual stuff. Some from amazon, some from local shop, and some from china. If you want, I can do a writeup of where i got it, but since it's from china, it will take a month before you will receive the goods. However, the guys behind AbarAbove.com recently launched their quality bar tools line. They have a complete set of tools, which all seem to be of great quality. They have only gotten 5-star reviews so far: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LVY7VMH. It's $63 for the complete set.

Or you can just buy their boston shaker for $20, and this excellent strainer from OxO ($7), along with this measuring cup ($5)

Then you have a pretty good starter set. A fine strainer can be bought in most dollar stores locally for next to nothing, or you can find one on amazon. They are pretty much all the same, but it isn't really required if you're just starting out. I also have a bar spoon, a mixing glass and a muddler, but to be honest, I rarely use them. If you need to muddle something, use a wooden spoon or something. If you decide you really need one, look for one which is at least 6 inches long, to avoid bashing your knuckles on the edges of the shaker, or google "morgenthaler homemade muddler".

Hope your GF will be happy with your gift!


EDIT: Missed the part about you being from UK. Here's an updated list. I'll let the other one be for any americans who might wander through here.

• Shaker: Homekeros sems to have a good one. (£16, £19 with a strainer) The strainer looks fine.
  
• Shaker (alternative): If budget is a concern, then the Mezclar Tin on Tin Boston Shaker (£6) looks fine. One reviewer said, however, that the small tin was so tiny, it almost dropped to the bottom before making a seal. The other 9 reviews are happy with it though. Still, It's an amazing price!
  
• Strainer: The OXO strainer (£5.43 + £3.19 S+H)
  
• Measuring Cup: OXO angles measuring cup (£4.25)
  
• Citrus juicer: I kind of forgot about it in the main post, but this is a tool that get used every time I use the shaker and sometimes also just for cooking. Very useful. I recommend the Chef'n freshforce citrus juicer (£22.32)
  
  Seeing as there is a shipping charge, I probably wouldn't go for the OXO Strainer unless there's something else that you need from the american amazon. The one from the Homekeros set should be adequate.

Do NOT get a cobbler. They are a pain to get apart and I haven't used one yet where the top part hasn't all but sealed shut completely. You want a metal on metal shaker. Steel has the best thermal properties and isn't ever going to break.

I personally would advise the following:

Shaker:
https://www.amazon.com/Stainless-Steel-Boston-Shaker-Professional/dp/B06Y2NN5N3/ref=sr_1_5?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1501019324&sr=1-5&keywords=boston+shaker

Spoon:
https://www.amazon.com/Hiware-Inches-Stainless-Pattern-Cocktail/dp/B00IRY8CJ2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1501019552&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=bar+spoon&psc=1

Jigger
https://www.amazon.com/Vking-Japanese-Jigger-Stainless-Cocktail/dp/B0126GQ806/ref=sr_1_8?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1501019600&sr=1-8&keywords=jigger

Strainer:
https://www.amazon.com/Winco-Stainless-Steel-4-Prong-Strainer/dp/B000H7VF64/ref=sr_1_4?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1501019642&sr=1-4&keywords=bar+strainer

Muddler (Edit): https://www.amazon.com/HIC-Muddler-FSC-Certified-Beechwood-8-75-Inches/dp/B00KLHNH34/ref=sr_1_14?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1501019848&sr=1-14&keywords=muddler

Barmat (Edit, but HIGHLY recommended): https://www.amazon.com/BonBon-Professional-Bar-Service-Mat/dp/B06X93XN69/ref=sr_1_4?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1501019915&sr=1-4&keywords=bar+mat

I'd search for a Bartenders Kit - something like this - to get a good sense of what equipment you might want for the types of drinks you'll be making. I definitely wouldn't buy one of those kits because they're almost always crap, but just for reference.

Basics that I have in my bar are:

• mixing tins (I like the full-metal ones, others prefer the Boston Shakers w/ the glass)
  
• a stainless bar strainer
  
• a layering spoon/tool (yes, I have the turtle)
  
• a long cocktail spoon for stirring drinks
  
• some cocktail rimmers for rimming margaritas, lemon drops, etc.
  
• some jiggers for your higher-end stuff and pour-spouts for the basic stuff
  
• and a wine key + decanter + aerator if you're into wine (plus a vacuum pump for bottles you don't finish off right away).
  
  I just included the links for reference - you'll probably want to search a little for the highest-quality tools, because you really don't want flimsy stuff.
  
  For glassware, I like to just pick out unique stuff that I find in my travels, but I have all the basics - rocks glasses, highball glasses, long-stem martini glasses, margarita glasses, pint glasses, Guinness glasses, a couple of snifters, and a Chimay glass.
  
  For the booze it's kind of up to you, but just think about what liquor types a bar has in its speed-well for your base, and then just add higher-end, unique stuff from there. I always have a nice vodka, rum, tequila, gin, bourbon, irish whiskey, cognac, and brandy in the cabinet.
  
  Then I have the popular mixers/liquers - Grand Marnier (skip the Triple Sec and get the good stuff), Bailey's, Kahlua, Amaretto, Limoncello, Frangelico, Chambord, White/Dark Creme de Cacao, Blue Curacao, Sweet/Dry Vermouth, sour mix and simple syrup, soda + tonic, juices, Fireball, various Schnapps, etc.
  
  And then from there I just gradually collect bottles of high-end stuff that will get sipped slowly and dress the bar up a bit. Just picked up a bottle of Kraken that has one of the cooler labels I've ever seen (and tastes pretty damn good, too).
  
  Have fun!

These are the plastic tub I'm considering

[Giant ass tub for laundry] (https://www.amazon.com/United-Solutions-TU0014-Nineteen-Featuring/dp/B005SB1P82/ref=sr_1_4?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1504388045&sr=1-4&keywords=laundry+bucket)

Goes great with giant Solo cup. http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00DJAYRIO

To get started in glassware, I would keep it simple. I find that most drinks can be successfully executed with two types of glassware: a 5oz coupe/cocktail glass and an old fashioned/rocks glass. I consider a Collins glass to be optional, as I personally don't like drinking out of them (they're typically served with a straw which is wasteful). I'll often use an 11oz double old-fashioned glass in its place.

In terms of brands I own several sets of the Luminarc Barcraft series coupes (available on Amazon). I like them because they're a fair price, which is great because I don't have to feel bad if one breaks. I also have the highballs which are also pretty decent.

If you're looking for higher end, I really like the New York Bar series from Stolzle. You can checkout the whole line here.

I personally use a Top Shelf shaker which I really like. Feels much nicer then some of the cheaper ones. The strainer I have is from Modern Mixologist. After having so many of the cheaper ones break, I decided to get one that I hopefully wouldn't have to replace. So far its been great and I enjoy using it.

The other tools I would consider getting is a meddler, a fine mesh strainer, a mixing glass, and a bar spoon!

edited: typo

Quante volte ti è capitato di voler bere un bicchiere di vino ma poi dire no perché non volevi bere tutta la bottiglia?

Bene, ora non è più un problema! Prendi questa pompetta per togliere l'aria dalle bottiglie di vino (questa per intenderci)(in negozio la trovi sotto i 10€ se sei fortunato).

I tried the whisk blender bottle and the contigo one with the weighted ball and feel like the weighted ball does a better job mixing. The ball has a soft coating so would probably work fine in mason jars if you want.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00LX6VHM0/

I'm a fan of this

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00MRWGWEC/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1483778179&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=B00MRWGWEC&dpPl=1&dpID=41Msp0BLe4L&ref=plSrch

It keeps my keys from bunching up in my pocket and opens beers

https://www.amazon.com/Norpro-A2B-Cork-Puller/dp/B000HMDOBI/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1486610589&sr=8-3&keywords=cork+puller

Go get a cork puller like this.

You might look into a really dry champagne. Cook's Grand Reserve champagne is surprisingly low carb, and won't break the bank. Get a champagne stopper and you can drink one or two glasses and have the rest later :)

You could go the other way. Each one holds a 6-pack.

If you get the stones it won't water down your drink and you don't have to refill a tray.

I'm going to guess these bottle stoppers
and you're removing the ball to screw into your turned top.

Something like this is pretty basic and useful

Here is the link to the suspension clips. I just received a couple of them myself. They seem pretty good so far.

Vktech® Stainless Steel EDC Multifunction Tool Belt Key Chain Money Clip Bottle Opener (New 79096)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00UO8LPKW/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_8xjevb1JN0S1D

Edit:

I also got two of these and they have been getting more pocket time so far with my Wenger

Vktech® Stainless Steel EDC Multifunction Tool Belt Key Chain Money Clip Bottle Opener (74830)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MRWGWEC/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_2Ajevb1YWG6CM

In the event he is a star wars kind of dude- this Darth Vader Bow Tie is pretty badass.

How about a professional Bar Kit? He could make cocktails at home in his down time. Might come in handy when he finds himself another lady friend.


And for a dapper man, he needs a dandy shave kit.

https://www.amazon.com/EsmartD-Stainless-Stoppers-Wedding-Decorative/dp/B01D1HQQLU/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=metal+wine+stopper&qid=1565326595&s=gateway&sr=8-3

Don't put it in your ass

Do you have any whiskey stones? I love those things.

Another option http://www.amazon.com/Winco-CBS-1-Champagne-Bottle-Stopper/dp/B005I4GP3Y/

Whelp since everyone has suggested beer, I suggest this

But it'd shop around TBH. I THINK the sum of it's parts would even be cheaper, and then he can brag about how he made it.


As for me, I don't need much to be happy, because love never felt so good.

Ooh, I can help with that! This guy saves my life (and my liver). I buy prosecco by the case because I love me some prosecco cocktails, and with this guy I don't have to drink the whole bottle. Also, I reccommend champagne/prosecco cocktails to everyone, really drinkable and you can try out some fun cordials like violette.

I've been happy using this shaker from Amazon. It's a little more weighted compared to most other shakers out there

Piña Barware Stainless Steel Commercial Bar Boston Shaker Tin Set - 28oz. & 18oz. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HHMFQOI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_fbORDbPV9K6MB

Cork puller: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0774XBXN6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_--zyDbP8YZEDF

Wine tends to oxidize quickly once it's opened. Wines have a large and complex number of aroma and flavor compounds in them which are fairly unstable and will react with oxygen in air to form less wonderful compounds, kinda like cast iron turns to rust, but more quickly. White wine will turn brown (or darken) and will start to taste a bit like vinegar or sherry. Whenever I open a bottle, I either drink it all (my personal favorite, heehee), or suck most of the air out with a winesaver and keep it in the fridge. It will still go bad (oxidize) within a few days, but if you leave the air in the bottle and don't refrigerate it, it won't be drinkable for more than a day.

[Bottle] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LX6VHM0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_26buybH7PDB9T)

Wallpaper

Balisong tricks and get this.

Followup:

Luchador bottle opener


Really cool stickers of currently popular wrestlers

Funny RKO shirt (This is Randy Orton's finisher)

Vintage trading cards

Macho Man Randy Savage Eating Ice Cream In Heaven (Hell, I want this.)

Amazon has this Magnetic Bottle Opener regularly $59.99 for $29.99 prime.

Bar spoon

Tin

Hawthorne strainer

Jigger

This is a fairly cheap startup kit that will cover your bases.

Old Fashioneds are stirred in the rocks glass directly. Bitters, simple syrup, orange peel -> muddle -> add ice -> add whiskey -> stir til diluted properly.

Use a pint glass with the tin for shaken cocktails. You can also use a pint glass for stirred cocktails that are served up (Manhattan, Martini). Throw down on a Yarai mixing glass if you get really serious, they're awesome.

If you decide to get more serious tools, I've got a ton of stuff from Cocktail Kingdom - really high quality, sees 4 days a week of hard bar use and a bit of work at home, but not cheap. I'd start with their shaken kit, add a spoon and a muddler, and possibly a Yarai glass and fine mesh strainer. Their shipping is a little outrageous, so I usually pick up as much as I can at once to justify it.

$60 seems really pricy. Just a quick search on amazon brought me up a 13 piece set for $12^1 and then toss in a muddler (if your doing a fruited old fashioned) for $13.^2 Take the money you save and spend it on booze!

^1 (http://www.amazon.com/13-Piece-Professional-Bar-Set/dp/B004LD54OO/ref=sr_1_16?ie=UTF8&qid=1394728318&sr=8-16&keywords=boston+shaker)

^2 http://www.amazon.com/OXO-3104900-SteeL-Muddler/dp/B003AIKP0O/ref=sr_1_1?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1394728467&sr=1-1&keywords=oxo+muddler

This Because when your drinking good beer and having a good time you don't have to hunt around for a bottle opener. You just have that shit on your finger. Pretty epic

you really just need a vessel that can hold your fermentor. Many people use something like these rope bins to put their fermentor into, and then fill around the outside with water.

Oxygen is not a friend of wine. The minute you open a bottle, the wine starts to change. Other factors like age of wine, how it's been stored and if you vacuum seal or add gas effect wines shelf life after opening.

If you open the wine and plan on drinking later, try to consume within a day or so. The wine will taste different, so buying an expensive vacuum seal will leave you with better wine 24-48 hours after opening. A bottle can also be topped with gas which will let you keep the wine up to a week with less change to the overall taste after opening, in cooler temps. You can find various vacuums and gasses at most places where wine is sold.

If you are using the wine to cook, freezing remaining wine in ice cube trays and then transferring wine cubes to a zip top bag has worked great for me, they last months and are a nice time saver. Cheers!

Sort of like a tool

cheap but classy

https://www.amazon.com/Stainless-Steel-Boston-Shaker-Professional/dp/B01F2LAZB0/ref=sr_1_5?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1484426815&sr=1-5&keywords=boston+shaker

i use this one, but jesus, it was 15 bucks when i bought it. probably not worth 28 imo
EDIT definitely not worth 32 lol

EDIT2 it is now on sale for a very reasonable 19.99

http://www.amazon.com/Original-BOTTLEFLY-Butterfly-Bottle-Opener/dp/B005HJHUKW/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1415900205&sr=8-2-fkmr1&keywords=ttle+opener+balisong

I put my fermenting carboy in one of these buckets filled with water. Evaporation keep temps 10 degrees cooler and the extra water mass keeps temps stable. They can be had super cheap at Walmart or local grocery store. Throw in an aquarium heater if you want temp control heatwise.

https://smile.amazon.com/United-Solutions-TU0014-Nineteen-Featuring/dp/B005SB1P82/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1524337358&sr=8-4&keywords=keg+bucket

Give your girlfriend a thoughtful box of rocks.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00ARLHYMO/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?qid=1451312099&sr=8-2&pi=SX200_QL40&keywords=whiskey+stones&dpPl=1&dpID=41vzUphMmyL&ref=plSrch

I own about 12 blender type bottles 8 of them actual blender brand a couple of cheap freebee type and two contigo bottles and I like the contigo ones best. they are easier to clean and have the heavier plastic mixer ball inside.

https://www.amazon.com/Contigo-Shake-Shaker-Bottle-Carolina/dp/B00LX6VHM0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1491864733&sr=8-1&keywords=contigo+mixer+bottle

http://www.amazon.com/Original-BOTTLEFLY-Butterfly-Bottle-Opener/dp/B005HJHUKW

Piña Barware makes some wonderful shakers. Well priced and the best quality and durability I've found as a professional. It's what I buy for my working bar.

Shaking works better than stirring for certain drinks because it creates more aeration and dilution than just stirring. Flash blending also fits this purpose, in a slightly different way.

https://www.amazon.com/Pi%C3%B1a-Barware-Stainless-Commercial-Boston/dp/B01HHMFQOI

OMG, but check this! No one ever washes these =)

Like this?

This is what I have. You can make just about any basic drink with this and the right glasses.

For alcohol this takes a while to build up, but in the beginning buy a handle of your favorite version of

• Dark Rum
  
  
• Light Rum
  
  
• Vodka
  
  
• Irish or Rye Whiskey
  
  
• Bourbon or Scotch Whiskey
  
• Gin
  
  
• Tequila
  
  
• Vermouth
  
  
• Curacao (Cointreau)
  
  And then mixers
  
  
• Club Soda / Seltzer / Tonic water
  
  
• Coke & Gingerale
  
  
• Cranberry Juice & Orange Juice
  
  
• Bitters (ok technically not a mixer but you know)
  
  Glasses you'll want
  
  
• Red and white wine glasses
  
  
• Highball and rocks glasses
  
  
• Pint glasses & beer mugs
  
  
• Martini glasses
  
  
  All in all you can get all this for under $1000, but not much under, so take your time building this up. Start with what you know and like, and expand from there.

A tub like this size?

https://www.amazon.com/United-Solutions-TU0014-Nineteen-Featuring/dp/B005SB1P82

"Amazon" was all I got out of her. She is currently trying to wrestle our 2 week old daughter to sleep.
T
Edit: looks like this may be it. Magnetic Bottle Opener https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00K5FO3OY/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_jN6-ub14084DF

Edit^2: this is it. www.etsy.com/shop/JTWoodDesigns

Problem solved.

wino
Really, on a Monday?
Have a good bday!! Big plans for the big day?

That's a good reply. I'd just add a recommendation for:

• shaker
  
• jigger
  
• and hawthorne
  
  (Just because it's one piece of information I searched in this sub, got a recommendation, and I'm very happy with the product.)

You can save an opened bottle of champagne for up to 3 days if you use a locking bottle stopper.

Do not recork. The gas will escape and the thing will blow out.

This is available to purchase. I got mine before a year or so.

Here it is if you are interested.

I ended up buying a few of these as gifts. Quality looks good, happy with the purchase.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00K5FO3OY/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1418469451&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SY200_QL40

I used to carry a blender bottle style bottle when I was drinking soylent for breakfast daily, it was one of these from Contigo: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LX6VHM0/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_4aGMxbZD2V04T

I got it from Walmart and snapped a carabineer on it, it was great. The bottom is rounded on the inside so there aren't corners for powder/drink mix to hide from the ball, the ball is easier to clean than the little wire ones in other blender cups, and the ball weighs more too, so it does a better job of breaking up tough clumps. I highly recommend it if it fits your needs. Walmart will usually have them in store as well

It's not an /r/cigars post without a crotch shot right?!

It's a luchador bottle opener my brother gave me for Christmas.

http://i.imgur.com/aNOqb3Z.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/MCokgv8.jpg

Buy it here: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B007HI3EIS?pc_redir=1395223292&robot_redir=1

Don't do Manhattan, really well built ones are near impossible to come by and will lock up and leak all over the place. Simple Boston style two-tin is easiest. Doesn't really take long to get the hang of how to use them. These are the ones I use. Good quality tins are important for a good seal. She'll need a Hawthorne strainer. After that a few jiggers of different sizes so that she can measure all increments of 1/2 oz and you'll be set for most shaken drinks.

This bottle-opener ring is super nifty for a frequent beer and handmade soda drinker like myself.

I nominate my mum because she is the strongest and most loving mother <3 She has been through two terrible marriages both with my half siblings dad and my father and still never made her love for us change or disappear...absolute unconditional love. She is the most selfless person I have ever met and will bend over backwards, forwards, to the side, and inside out for her children despite ANYTHING. I really wish I will be a mother like her, if I ever decide to have children. She's the person I admire most and love her with all my being <3

Oh, did I mention she is also really awesome?! She is taking bartender classes at her workplace after work, so she would very much love this bar set or this mp3 player for her unique and ridiculously fun music taste :)

This is the one that I have, and it's been just fine:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0774XBXN6

Specifically, this

Wine bottle stopper and a wine bottle drip ring.

Ok, here's what I did... and I recommend doing this right before you leave (the night before should be fine), because if you hold onto it a few days the alcohol will evaporate a noticeable amount.

Note: We were allowed two wine bottles (750ml each) per stateroom but... Fuck wine, Everclear is better.

Step 1: Buy a bottle of Woodbridge brand wine (dark wine bottles work best, i think) - http://www.epermarket.com/Resource/ProductPic/P46/WZ02040004L.jpg

The top should look like the bottle in the picture, no foil covering or anything.

Step 2: Acquire one of these - https://www.amazon.com/Vinara-Bottle-Opener-Remover-Pressure/dp/B00H22W5ZC?ie=UTF8&*Version*=1&*entries*=0

Step 3: Acquire Krazy Glue

Step 4: Acquire bottle of Everclear, or equivalent. (unopened is best, so the volume matches)

Step 5: Remove the small "seal" at the top of the Woodbridge cork. It's easy as pie, I used a safety pin.

Step 6: Use air pump to remove cork. (The air pump is used because it has a needle that goes straight down)

Do not remove cork unless you're ready to refill the bottle. If you remove the cork and let it sit outside the bottle for a few days it will expand slightly and become VERY difficult to put back in the bottle. Learn from my mistakes.

Step 7: Empty wine into another container.

Step 8: Carefully pour Everclear (or equivalent) into wine bottle. If it's anything like here in Georgia, they'll be the same volume (750ml).

Step 9: Push/hammer the cork back into the wine bottle. A dime works just right to help nudge it those few extra millimeters past the top of the cork (place dime on cork and use something thin and sturdy, like a nail, to transfer the force of the hammer to the dime).

(Also make sure the cork is facing in the same direction as it originally was. Again, learn from my mistakes!)

Step 10: Use Krazy glue to attach the "seal" back onto the top of the cork.

Step 11: Keep bottles upright as long as possible, as the alcohol will eat away at the cork material and it'll be floating around in the bottle... Thrice now, please learn from my mistakes!

Step 11: CONGRATULATIONS!! Your bottle should appear the same as it originally did on the shelf!

Side note: I packed a regular corkscrew so nobody got any funny ideas while going through security.

Even though the cork was facing the wrong direction, the alcohol had evaporated slightly (different levels in the two wine bottles I had), and there were bits of cork floating around in the bottle... We still made it through without a hitch.

Moet & Chandon Imperial is a good choice and it's not that bad in price, either. As for a complimentary gift... CHEESE! Or if she likes pasta, make her a dinner and a have wine night :)
These are also good finds that go with wine!

cork/bottle opener

[napa wine chiller] (https://www.originalbos.com)

cork holder

I bought the 'B' Letter and mine is filling up! The napa wine chiller works amazing too!

I go with a simple tin boston shaker [from amazon]
(https://www.amazon.com/Stainless-Steel-Boston-Shaker-Professional/dp/B01F2LAZB0/ref=sr_1_3?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1499789596&sr=1-3&keywords=boston+shaker).

It's worked great for me, easy to seal and to open. The cheater tin is smaller than the standard pint glass, but I use it for stirring drinks and haven't had any problems.

This for those nights you shouldn't drink the whole bottle :D

Grapes are delicious!

This week, I started my new flower garden :D it made me happy and I am excited to watch my seeds grow :D

I especially like the real titanium version cause it seems to bend back if it gets bent out of shape.

I found the link:
Happu-store(TM) Stainless Steel EDC Suspension Keychain Carabiner Clip Quicklink Tool https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01D2OJVHI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_WMTSBbSN7J5AN

Also, you may like:
Vktech® Stainless Steel EDC Multifunction Tool Belt Key Chain Money Clip Bottle Opener (74830) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MRWGWEC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_LOTSBbKZQJ3M5

1. ManBug G10
   
   
2. Pocket suspension clip, with built-in tools
   
   
3. More batteries!
   
   +
   
   --------------
   
   = $103.03
   
   

Non-Mobile: http://www.amazon.com/Circle-Three-Designs-Magnetic-Bottle/dp/B00K5FO3OY

Here you go

I think this is both useful and interesting. It's also under $2 so if I win hopefully you can gift someone else.

Thanks for the contest!

I don't know if anyone's suggested this yet but everyone loves a butter fly knife bottle opener.

EDIT: There's also a whole slew of EPIC stuff here and here. Not just limited to $75-100 though. Happy shopping!

Town Drunk

I love wine :]

There is a specific Cork removal tool for older bottles. Should check it out for next time you're in this situation.

https://www.amazon.com/Norpro-A2B-Cork-Puller/dp/B000HMDOBI

I've successfully used a water bath with my Speidel. I put it in a large plastic tub (similar to this https://smile.amazon.com/United-Solutions-TU0014-Nineteen-Featuring/dp/B005SB1P82/ref=sr_1_2), then filled the tub with water approximately to the same level as the wort inside the fermenter. I placed an aquarium heater (similar to this https://smile.amazon.com/Aquarium-Heater-Submersible-Water-Thermostat/dp/B073P6NW71/ref=sr_1_2_sspa) in the water and set it to the temp I wanted. You may have to fiddle with the temperature to get it where you want, but if you're patient it will work pretty well.

Found it https://www.amazon.com/Kikkerland-Luchador-Bottle-Opener-Assorted/dp/B007HI3EIS

This needs to be higher. I have one of these and it rarely works as well as a good corkscrew. What it is good at is removing a cork that a corkscrew has torn the middle/top out of, but is still mostly intact. Frankly, in that case, I'm still more likely to try this little gem before I fall back to the "Ah-So".

Try a Contigo brand shaker bottle, the interior has a rounded base.
Contigo 28oz Shaker Bottle

Sorry I'm a terrible person. I posted this and forgot all about it. They can be found here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01D1HQQLU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_uxYKzbCPYH2D1

yaaay tiny redcups.. weve had plastic shotglasses for decades?

on another note, it's kinda sad MURICA has also made these

These work so much better

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000HMDOBI/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1458886262&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=cork+puller&dpPl=1&dpID=411tS7%2BUmML&ref=plSrch http://i.imgur.com/Lb56cgn.jpg

https://www.amazon.com/Vintage-Stainless-Champagne-Enthusiasts-Personalized/dp/B0774XBXN6