{"id":1762374,"date":"2022-05-19T09:12:55","date_gmt":"2022-05-19T13:12:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/?post_type=listicle&p=1762374"},"modified":"2025-01-22T09:24:16","modified_gmt":"2025-01-22T15:24:16","slug":"cocktail-kits-to-buy","status":"publish","type":"listicle","link":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/collection\/cocktail-kits-to-buy\/","title":{"rendered":"7 Best Cocktail Kits That’ll Bring Out Your Inner Bartender"},"content":{"rendered":"[SINGLE_AFFILIATE_PRODUCT superlative=\"Best Overall Cocktail Kit\" product_name=\"Happy Hour at Home Set\" pros=\"Comes with an assortment of drink starters\" pros1=\"Optional add-on includes barware spoon and jigger\" pros2=\"Sleek, giftable packaging\" pros3=\"Includes high quality, gourmet mixers and garnishes\" pros4=\"Great for both stocking a bar or gifting\" cons=\"Pricey\" image=\"1977187\" image_credit=\"EMILY WAY\/TASTE OF HOME\" pr_name=\"Here Here Market\" pr_url=\"https:\/\/hereheremarket.com\/products\/gourmet-craft-cocktail-set\" pr_display_text=\"Shop on Here Here Market\" \/]\r\n\r\nWhether you're looking for cocktail kits to keep or to gift, you can't go wrong with the Happy Hour at Home<\/a> gourmet cocktail kit from Here Here Market. Similar to GoldBelly<\/a>, Here Here Market offers an array of snacks and gourmet ingredients in both a buy-it-now format or as subscription-based food boxes<\/a>. Boasting a sleek, giftable branded box and bursting with high quality inclusions, this cocktail kit sparks endless inspiration for both cocktail connoisseurs and budding bartenders alike.\r\n\r\nChoose from a cocktail box that includes barware, or opt for the more inexpensive version if you already have a barware spoon<\/a> and jigger<\/a> in your arsenal. I tested the kit that includes the barware. Both pieces are sturdy and impressive\u2014I expect to get years of use from each.\r\n\r\n\"Happy\r\n\r\nThe contents of this kit is by far the most impressive out of all the cocktail kits I tested. Inside is a jar of cocktail cherries and a glossy gold serving spoon from Cellar Door Preserves, Good 'Old Fashioned' Chicago cocktail syrup, strawberry lavender rosemary tulsi tea from Enroot, Sweet Haven Tonics ginger lime and peppercorn concentrate and the Disco Citrus variety pack by Earl Giles Bottling Co. The kit also works well as a companion to a charcuterie gift<\/a>.\r\n\r\nNot only did the contents feel handpicked and high quality, but I loved that each inclusion had its own card with brand information and a QR code to repurchase. I particularly enjoyed the Enroot tea and cocktail cherries\u2014both completely blew away my expectations. I can confidently say that this is the\u00a0<\/em>set I'll keep in mind for future gifting, and I even came away with a few new favorite brands to stock my home bar cart<\/a>!\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n[SINGLE_AFFILIATE_PRODUCT superlative=\"Best Cocktail Kit Gift\" product_name=\"Sugarwish Cocktail Mixer Gift\" pros=\"Recipient chooses their own flavors\" pros1=\"Choice of 2, 3, 4, 6, 9 or 12 mixers\" pros2=\"Beautiful, giftable display box included\" pros3=\"More than 20 mixer options\" pros4=\"Generously-sized bottles\" pros5=\"Made with fresh fruit and all natural ingredients\" cons=\"No garnishes or barware included\" image=\"1977195\" image_credit=\"EMILY WAY\/TASTE OF HOME\" pr_name=\"Sugarwish\" pr_url=\"https:\/\/sugarwish.com\/products\/cocktail-mixers\" pr_display_text=\"Shop on Sugarwish\" \/]\r\n\r\nDon't guess which spirit your giftee prefers. Instead, send them a Sugarwish gift<\/a> and let them choose their own favorites! This easy-to-use gifting service is already our go-to for giving candy, cookies<\/a>, coffee<\/a> (check out our full review<\/a> of all three here!), so when we discovered that they also send all-natural fruit cocktail mixers we\u00a0had<\/em> to give it a try.\r\n\r\nSugarwish offers the option to choose several gift sizes, from a small three-bottle box to a behemoth variety pack containing 12 different choices. Simply choose the size you'd like to gift, then enter the recipient's email address. They'll then get the option to pick their own favorites. I snagged a large box and chose the simple margarita, blackberry lemonade, spiced cherry mule and pineapple mule options. From there, the box arrived on my doorstep just a few days later.\r\n\r\n\"Sugarwish\r\n\r\nI've both gifted and been the recipient of a Sugarwish snack box<\/a> in the past, but the box the cocktail mixers come in is by far the prettiest one I've received. It's sleek, pretty and sturdy enough to reuse for storage later. Inside, my cocktail kit came with four eight-ounce glass bottles (enough for at least two drinks each), each with its own charming label. The gift box<\/a> also arrives with a coaster featuring a QR code you can scan for recipes.\r\n\r\nMost of the options I chose\u2014aside from the simple margarita\u2014offered two different spirit suggestions and a no-frills recipe on the back of the bottle. This is especially helpful for anyone new to mixing their own cocktails. No garnishes or barware are required or included, though it might be a cute idea to bundle this gift with a few barware accessories<\/a> to go alongside. Each mixer is flavorful and fresh, and I was glad to see they're made with only natural ingredients.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n[SINGLE_AFFILIATE_PRODUCT superlative=\"Best Old Fashioned Kit\" product_name=\"5 O'Clock Box Old Fashioned Kit\" pros=\"Chocolate bitters and three-chile simple syrup offer a twist on this classic\" pros1=\"Comes with a jigger for measuring bourbon or whiskey\" pros2=\"Includes mandarin chip garnish\" pros3=\"Yields eight cocktails\" pros4=\"Clean, gift-ready packaging\" pros5=\"Affordably priced\" cons=\"Not as spicy as expected\" image=\"1977208\" image_credit=\"EMILY WAY\/TASTE OF HOME\" pr_name=\"Uncommon Goods\" pr_url=\"https:\/\/www.uncommongoods.com\/product\/spiced-old-fashioned-cocktail-kit\" pr_display_text=\"Shop on Uncommon Goods\" retailers_2_name=\"Zola\" retailers_2_url=\"https:\/\/www.zola.com\/shop\/product\/the5oclockbox_chile_spiced_old_fashioned_cocktail_kit1\" retailers_2_display_text=\"Shop on Zola\" retailers_3_name=\"Gardenuity\" retailers_3_url=\"https:\/\/gardenuity.com\/products\/5-oclock-box-cocktail-kit?variant=40408357044306\" retailers_3_display_text=\"Shop on Gardenuity\" \/]\r\n\r\nFlower subscriptions<\/a> make great gifts, but sometimes spicy is the vibe. The 5 O'Clock Box comes in an array of options that cover a wide strata of drinks, but our favorite is the classic Old Fashioned cocktail kit<\/a>. Each comes bursting with a sweet and spicy kick. It's the perfect pick for anyone who wants to experiment with a spin on one of the most popular cocktail drinks.\r\n\r\n\"5\r\n\r\nEverything inside the kit is neatly packed and presented, making it a great gift (or self care package<\/a>!). Kicky three-chili syrup brings much needed heat, whereas the chocolate bitters offer a deep, rich flavor profile. I especially enjoyed the inclusion of a small jigger, biodegradable cocktail stirrers and dried mandarins for garnish. By the time my cocktail was ready, it was almost too pretty to enjoy\u2014almost<\/em>.\r\n\r\nWhile I personally could have done with a little more heat from the spiced three-chili syrup, I can't think of a better companion to my collection of cheese subscriptions<\/a>. The cocktail kit comes with an easy-to-follow instruction card that's a good guideline, but it's totally possible to tailor the recipe to your taste, too.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n[SINGLE_AFFILIATE_PRODUCT superlative=\"Best Cocktail Smoker Kit\" product_name=\"Aged and Charred Cocktail Smoker Kit\" pros=\"Comes with torch and butane\" pros1=\"Offers four different types of wood chips to start\" pros2=\"Smoking lid is easy to use and high quality\" pros3=\"Kit comes with an extra mesh and cleaning brush\" pros4=\"Detailed instructions included\" cons=\"Lid won't fit all glasses\" cons1=\"No mixers or garnishes included\" image=\"1977235\" image_credit=\"EMILY WAY\/TASTE OF HOME\" pr_name=\"Aged and Charred\" pr_url=\"https:\/\/go.skimresources.com?id=131817X1598243&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.agedandcharred.com%2Fproducts%2Fsmoke-lid-kit-a-cocktail-smoker-kit-no-butane%3F_pos%3D1%26_sid%3D987969314%26_ss%3Dr&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.agedandcharred.com%2Fproducts%2Fsmoke-lid-kit-a-cocktail-smoker-kit-no-butane%2F\" pr_display_text=\"Shop on Aged and Charred\" retailers_2_name=\"Amazon\" retailers_2_url=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B09B47CX61\/?tag=tohmke-20\" retailers_2_display_text=\"Shop on Amazon\" retailers_3_name=\"Walmart\" retailers_3_url=\"https:\/\/www.walmart.com\/ip\/Cocktail-Smoker-Kit-Torch-Butane-100-USA-Oak-Smoker-High-End-Set-Old-Fashioned-Whiskey-Bourbon-Gifts-Men-Gift-Wife-Daughter-Son\/906434331\" retailers_3_display_text=\"Shop on Walmart\" \/]\r\n\r\nAfter gifting my dad a cocktail smoking set for his birthday, I was secretly curious about making my own smoky drinks. After tons of research and some firsthand testing, I found that the Aged and Charred cocktail smoker kit<\/a> is the best option on the market.\r\n\r\nNot only is it budget friendly for being so high quality, but this cocktail kit includes nearly everything necessary to start smoking cocktails for parties or happy hour. Inside the kit is an array of four different types of wood chips, a butane torch, fuel, two meshes, a cleaning brush and the smoker lid. There's also the option to snag a box without the butane or an upgraded version<\/a> with a gift friendly wooden crate that doubles as storage.\r\n\r\n\"Wielding\r\n\r\nAdmittedly, I'm a bit of a klutz, so the prospect of wielding a torch frightened me a bit. However, a card containing very detailed instructions (along with helpful illustrations) set me at ease. It's surprisingly simple and safe. While the beveled lid that holds the wood chips offers lots of room, it's worth mentioning that it may not fit on all glasses. That said, I had no trouble with mine.\r\n\r\nThe butane torch filled up and operated flawlessly. It's super satisfying charring up the wood chips and watching the smoke drop into the glass. From there, just pop the lid on top of the smoking block to seal in the flavor for a few minutes.\r\n\r\nMy result was a smoky bourbon that soaked up the Applewood flavor of the wood chips beautifully. According to the company, these kits can even function as smokers for small amounts of food like cheese. Talk about upgrading your culinary skills with a cocktail kit!\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n[SINGLE_AFFILIATE_PRODUCT superlative=\"Best Travel Cocktail Kit\" product_name=\"W&P Travel Cocktail Kit\" pros=\"Fits right in your pocket\" pros1=\"Very inexpensive\" pros2=\"Comes with mini barware\" pros3=\"Mixer inclusions are high quality and TSA-friendly\" pros4=\"Three cocktail options to choose from\" cons=\"Only comes with enough for two cocktails, but easily refillable\" image=\"1977247\" image_credit=\"EMILY WAY\/TASTE OF HOME\" pr_name=\"W&P\" pr_url=\"https:\/\/wandp.com\/products\/dyi-craft-cocktail-making-kit\" pr_display_text=\"Shop on W&P\" retailers_2_name=\"Amazon\" retailers_2_url=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/MAS-CARRY-KIT-Cocktail-Fashioned-Cocktails-Approved\/dp\/B076MLKQKS?tag=tohmke-20\" retailers_2_display_text=\"Shop on Amazon\" \/]\r\n\r\nHopping on a train or hitting the trail? This small, portable travel cocktail kit<\/a> contains everything necessary for two craft cocktails\u2014and it fits right in a pocket! While there are a few popular cocktails to choose from, I tried the TSA-friendly old fashioned kit, which is a good pick for both gifting and enjoying yourself.\r\n\r\n\"W&p\r\n\r\nAt less than five inches long, each tin easily slides into a pocket or bag. Inside is a recipe card, plus a little muddler spoon, measuring cup, linen carrying pouch, a small linen coaster, two sticks of cane sugar and a small 2.8 mL bottle of bitters. Just bring your own bourbon or whiskey and a glass for a truly travel-ready experience.\r\n\r\nDespite the small size, the ingredients feel high quality. The resulting drink was delicious\u2014almost as good as the old fashioned kit featured earlier, though far more traditional. The mini jigger and muddler spoon worked very well and are the perfect addition to my camp equipment. Because the kit is so small, it only contains enough ingredients for two cocktails. That said, I plan to refill mine for future escapades.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n[SINGLE_AFFILIATE_PRODUCT superlative=\"Best Mocktail Kit\" product_name=\"Raising the Bar Cocktail Subscription\" pros=\"Every box offers a few different cocktail recipes using the mocktail mixer of choice\" pros1=\"Great way to explore NA cocktail brands\" pros2=\"Sleek packaging works well as a gift\" pros3=\"Limited-time option to repurchase past boxes\" pros4=\"High quality inclusions from boutique brands and small businesses\" cons=\"Past boxes cost more than enjoying them with a subscription\" cons1=\"No barware included\" image=\"1977264\" image_credit=\"EMILY WAY\/TASTE OF HOME\" pr_name=\"Raising the Bar\" pr_url=\"https:\/\/weareraisingthebar.com\/shop\/\" pr_display_text=\"Shop on Raising the Bar\" retailers_2_name=\"Crate Joy\" retailers_2_url=\"https:\/\/www.cratejoy.com\/products\/we-are-raising-the-bar\" retailers_2_display_text=\"Shop on Crate Joy\" \/]\r\n\r\nLooking for a classic cocktail experience, but without the alcohol? Whether it's for Dry January or just because, the non-alcoholic cocktail kits from Raising the Bar<\/a> are a worthy addition to our collection of favorite subscription boxes for foodies<\/a>. The way it works is simple\u2014just subscribe to the service for a monthly cocktail kit delivery featuring the a sampling of non alcoholic ingredients.\r\n\r\nThe ingredients are incredibly high quality and arrive in sleek packaging, so it doesn't just feel like drinking another mocktail made of fruit juice. All boxes are available for one-time purchase, but only after the month concludes. Boxes are also only available as long as supplies last and usually priced higher than the monthly subscription cost, so the best and most consistent way to enjoy them is via a reoccurring delivery.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n[SINGLE_AFFILIATE_PRODUCT superlative=\"Best Cocktail Subscription Kit\" product_name=\"Shaker and Spoon\" pros=\"Nearly 50 different kits to choose from\" pros1=\"Choose from a one-time purchase or monthly subscription\" pros2=\"Comes with everything (minus the alcohol)\" pros3=\"Able to repurchase past boxes and ingredients until they sell out\" pros4=\"Easy-to-send gifting options\" pros5=\"Able to swap out upcoming boxes that don't appeal to you\" cons=\"No barware included\" image=\"1977275\" image_credit=\"CHER CHECCHIO\/TASTE OF HOME\" pr_name=\"Shaker and Spoon\" pr_url=\"https:\/\/shakerandspoon.com\/pg\/boxes\" pr_display_text=\"Shop on Shaker and Spoon\" retailers_2_name=\"Crate Joy\" retailers_2_url=\"https:\/\/www.cratejoy.com\/products\/shaker-spoon\" retailers_2_display_text=\"Shop on Crate Joy\" retailers_3_name=\"Amazon\" retailers_3_url=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/stores\/ShakerSpoon\/Homepage\/page\/705AD41C-5652-4D39-BC51-5E115493A6BC?tag=tohmke-20\" retailers_3_display_text=\"Shop on Amazon\" retailers_4_name=\"Reserve Bar\" retailers_4_url=\"https:\/\/www.reservebar.com\/collections\/shaker-spoon\" retailers_4_display_text=\"Shop on Reserve Bar\" \/]\r\n\r\nShaker and Spoon<\/a> offers dozens of cocktail kits for both master mixers and budding bartenders alike. Their library of boxes covers a range of spirits, from rum to champagne and everything in between. Choose from one of their ready-made boxes, or opt for their monthly subscription<\/a> if you're interested in trying new mixers and garnishes each month. While the boxes don't include alcohol, you can head over to Curiada<\/a> and snag the Shaker and Spoon recommended selections for each box there. Or, use your favorite brands instead.\r\n\r\n\"As a budding mixologist, I was truly blown away by the attention to detail included inside this Ginspirations cocktail kit<\/a> from Shaker and Spoon,\" says Shopping Editor Madi Koetting<\/a>. \"Gin typically isn't my spirit of choice, so I chose this kit to better understand what ingredients pair well with the liquor and sharpen my gin-based cocktail chops,\" adds Madi.\r\n\r\n\"Shaker\r\n\r\n\"The box arrived with all<\/em> the ingredients and recipe cards for mixing three different cocktail recipes to serve two people (minus the gin, of course). It's the special details like salted nori extract and lavender bitters spray that truly made it feel like I was sipping drinks in a high-end cocktail lounge,\" Madi says. How's that for the best cocktail kits?\r\n\r\nIt's also the perfect pick for newbies in the cocktail space. \u201cI never would have thought to put some of these ingredients together, so it was nice to have these options to mix up my rum cocktails, especially as a Jamaican,\u201d says former Shopping Editor, Cher Checchio<\/a>, who tried the Born to Rum kit<\/a>.\r\n

Why You Should Consider a Cocktail Kit<\/h2>\r\nWhile most cocktail kits don't arrive with any alcohol due to complications shipping over state lines, they make up for that omission by offering high quality ingredients or specialty tools. Because these kits come prearranged with a m\u00e9lange of items for making one or more specialty cocktails, they simulate the experience of enjoying a drink at a fancy lounge\u2014without leaving the house. They also make fantastic birthday gifts<\/a>.\r\n\r\nBoth experienced mixologists and beginner bartenders benefit from trying out a cocktail kit, according to craft cocktail savant Lynnette Marrero<\/a>. \"The items you get in the cocktail kits tend to be a little more bespoke,\" she says. \"They are generally custom syrups or mixers and the cocktails can be very creative. Companies like Shaker and Spoon curate cocktails from Bartenders across the US and you can see some really cool combinations.\"\r\n

What to Look for When Buying Cocktail Kits\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

Quality of Ingredients<\/b><\/h3>\r\nThe best cocktail kits offer shelf-stable ingredients and often feature unique inclusions like small-batch or boutique items not found at regular grocery stores. This makes them perfect for home mixologists looking to experiment. As Marrero suggests, \"Look for items you can\u2019t usually buy for yourself. Kits that allow for a variety of cocktails are my go-to.\"\r\n

Contents of the Kit<\/b><\/h3>\r\nMany kits come with not only ingredients and recipe cards but also essential barware, such as:\r\n