Austin Gift Guide: Best Gifts for Party Lovers & Home Bartenders

Austin Gift Guide: Best Gifts for Party Lovers & Home Bartenders

Austin is a city that knows how to celebrate. From backyard BBQs and rooftop happy hours to Lake Travis boat parties and epic bachelorette weekends, entertaining is woven into the fabric of this city. If you've got someone on your gift list who loves to host, mix drinks, or throw unforgettable gatherings, you've come to the right place.

As Austin's premier alcohol delivery service, we've helped stock thousands of parties, events, and celebrations across the city. We know what makes a great home bar, which tools every host needs, and how to elevate any gathering from ordinary to extraordinary.

This gift guide covers every budget - from small stocking stuffers to full bar setups that will make any entertainer's heart sing.

Stocking Stuffers & Small Gifts Under $50

You don't need to break the bank to delight the cocktail lover in your life. These thoughtful gifts under $50 show you understand their passion for hosting and mixing.

Bar Tools & Accessories

Every home bartender needs quality tools. These essentials make great gifts:

• Japanese-style jigger ($12-20) - Precision measuring for perfect cocktails every time
• Muddler ($10-15) - Essential for mojitos, old fashioneds, and smashes
• Cocktail picks ($8-15) - Upgrade their garnish game with stainless steel or bamboo picks
• Speed pourers ($8-12 for a set) - Makes pouring smooth and consistent
• Bar spoon ($10-18) - The long twisted handle is designed for stirring and layering

Austin Local Favorites

Support local Austin businesses while gifting something unique:

• Yellowbird Hot Sauce gift set - Perfect for Bloody Mary lovers
• Austin Eastciders variety pack - Local craft cider for the non-spirit drinker
• Nixta Licor de Elote - Award-winning Austin-made corn liqueur (great in margaritas)
• LALO Blanco Tequila - Premium Austin-connected tequila brand

Books & Education

For the cocktail nerd who wants to learn:

• "Death & Co" cocktail book ($25-35) - The bible of modern cocktails
• "Meehan's Bartender Manual" ($30) - Comprehensive guide to technique
• "Smuggler's Cove" ($25) - For the tiki enthusiast

Quality Mixers & Bitters

Elevate their cocktail game without breaking the bank:

• Angostura bitters set - The classic plus orange
• Fee Brothers variety pack - Explore unique flavors like black walnut and aztec chocolate
• Fever-Tree mixers gift pack - Premium tonic, ginger beer, and club soda
• Q Mixers - Spectacular ginger beer and tonic water

The Sweet Spot: Gifts $50-$100

This is where you can really impress. Gifts in this range feel substantial and show you put thought into the selection.

Cocktail Kits - The Perfect Gift

Pre-assembled cocktail kits are one of the best gifts for anyone who loves to entertain. They include everything needed to make a specific cocktail (except the spirit), making it easy to try something new.

What makes a great cocktail kit:

• Quality mixers and syrups
• Fresh garnishes or garnish ingredients
• Recipe card with technique tips
• Enough for multiple servings (great for hosting)

At Party On Delivery, we offer curated cocktail kits that pair perfectly with our alcohol delivery service. Gift the kit, and they can order the spirits to match - delivered right to their door.

Popular cocktail kit themes:

• Margarita Kit - Premium lime, agave, and Tajin rim
• Old Fashioned Kit - Bitters selection, demerara syrup, orange peel
• Espresso Martini Kit - Cold brew, vanilla, coffee liqueur mixer
• Spicy Margarita Kit - Jalapeño-infused elements and citrus

Glassware Sets

Beautiful glassware elevates every drink. These make stunning gifts:

• Coupe glasses (set of 4) - $40-70 - For martinis, daiquiris, and champagne
• Rocks glasses (set of 4) - $35-60 - Essential for whiskey and old fashioneds
• Highball glasses - $40-65 - Perfect for gin & tonics, mojitos, ranch water
• Nick & Nora glasses - $50-80 - The elegant, vintage-inspired choice

Local Austin Distillery Bottles

Support local while gifting something special:

• Treaty Oak Ghost Hill Bourbon (~$50) - Dripping Springs distillery, excellent for sipping
• Desert Door Texas Sotol (~$40) - Unique West Texas spirit, great conversation starter
• Still Austin Bourbon (~$45) - Grain-to-glass Austin whiskey
• Tito's Handmade Vodka gift set - The Austin original with branded glasses

Experience Gifts

Sometimes the best gift is an experience:

• Cocktail class gift certificate - Several Austin bars offer classes ($50-75)
• Distillery tour tickets - Treaty Oak, Still Austin, or Desert Door
• Wine tasting in Fredericksburg - Hill Country day trip experience

Premium Gifts: $100-$250

For the host who has everything - or deserves something exceptional.

Bar Cart Essentials Package

Help them build or upgrade their home bar with a curated selection:

Essential spirits starter set:

• Quality bourbon (Buffalo Trace, Four Roses)
• Versatile gin (Hendrick's, Empress)
• Premium tequila (Espolon, Altos)
• Solid vodka (Tito's, Grey Goose)

Party On Delivery Gift Cards

Let them choose exactly what they want. Our gift cards can be used for:

• Full alcohol orders for parties and events
• Cocktail kit deliveries
• Bar setup consultations
• Last-minute celebration supplies

Why this is a perfect gift: No guessing their taste preferences. They get exactly what they need, delivered to their door with our 72-hour advance ordering or express 3-hour delivery options.

High-End Spirits

For the connoisseur:

• Japanese whisky - Suntory Toki, Nikka Coffey Grain ($70-120)
• Premium mezcal - Del Maguey Vida, Montelobos ($45-80)
• Aged rum - Diplomatico Reserva, Ron Zacapa ($40-70)
• Small-batch bourbon - Blanton's, Eagle Rare (if you can find them!)

Complete Barware Sets

All-in-one solutions for the aspiring mixologist:

• Cocktail shaker set - Shaker, jigger, strainer, muddler, bar spoon ($60-120)
• Ice tools kit - Large cube molds, ice bucket, tongs ($50-80)
• Garnish prep set - Citrus tools, channel knife, peeler ($40-60)

Luxury Gifts: $250 and Up

Go all out for the person who deserves the best.

Full Home Bar Setup

The ultimate gift for a new homeowner or serious entertainer:

Complete bar package includes:

• Core spirits (bourbon, gin, vodka, tequila, rum)
• Liqueurs (triple sec, amaretto, coffee liqueur)
• Bitters and vermouths
• Premium mixers
• Full tool set
• Glassware essentials

Party On Delivery can help curate and deliver a complete home bar setup. Contact us for custom packages tailored to their taste preferences.

Stock Their Next Party

Give the gift of a fully stocked celebration:

• Dinner party package - Wine, spirits, and mixers for 8-12 guests
• Cocktail party setup - Everything needed for a signature cocktail bar
• Holiday entertaining bundle - Champagne, spirits, and festive mixers

This is what we do best. Tell us about the party, and we'll handle the rest - delivered chilled and ready to serve.

Premium Collection Bottles

For the collector or special occasion:

• Allocated bourbon - Pappy Van Winkle, Buffalo Trace Antique Collection (if available)
• Vintage champagne - Dom Perignon, Krug
• Rare scotch - Macallan 18, Glenfiddich 21
• Artisan mezcal - Single village, small batch productions

Experience Packages

Unforgettable experiences for the entertainer:

• Private cocktail class for groups - Bring the party to them
• Lake Travis boat party - We can help coordinate beverage service
• VIP distillery experience - Behind-the-scenes tours at local distilleries
• Hill Country wine tour - Full day of tastings and scenery

Austin-Specific Experience Gifts

Austin offers unique experiences you won't find anywhere else. These make memorable gifts for locals and visitors alike.

Distillery Tours & Tastings

• Treaty Oak Distilling - Beautiful Dripping Springs location with restaurant
• Still Austin Whiskey Co. - South Austin grain-to-glass distillery
• Desert Door Texas Sotol - Unique Texas spirit, Driftwood location
• Deep Eddy Vodka - Dripping Springs facility with tastings

Cocktail Classes

Several Austin spots offer hands-on cocktail education:

• Drink.Well - Craft cocktail bar with occasional classes
• The Roosevelt Room - Classic cocktails in a speakeasy setting
• Private group classes - Many bartenders offer private instruction

Hill Country Wine Experiences

For wine lovers, the Texas Hill Country offers world-class tastings:

• Fredericksburg wine tours - Dozens of wineries within an hour of Austin
• Duchman Family Winery - Italian varietals in Driftwood
• Fall Creek Vineyards - Lake Travis views and excellent wines

Last-Minute Gift Ideas

We've all been there - suddenly realizing you need a gift tomorrow. Here are options that don't sacrifice quality for speed.

Digital Gift Cards

Instant delivery, endless possibilities:

• Party On Delivery gift cards - Order online, delivered to their inbox immediately
• Local restaurant gift cards - Many Austin spots sell digital versions
• Experience gift cards - Distillery tours, classes, and more

Same-Week Delivery Options

Need something physical but running short on time?

Party On Delivery offers:

• 72-hour scheduled delivery - Plan ahead for the best selection
• Express 3-hour delivery - Premium fee, but gets it there fast
• Curated gift bundles - Pre-assembled options ready to go

Printable Gift Certificates

Create your own "IOU" for:

• A stocked party delivery
• Cocktail kit of their choice
• Home bar consultation
• Night out with drinks on you

How to Choose the Right Gift

Not sure which direction to go? Consider these factors:

For the beginner home bartender:

• Bar tool sets
• Cocktail books
• Quality mixers and bitters
• Simple cocktail kits

For the experienced mixologist:

• Premium or rare spirits
• Unique bitters and ingredients
• High-end glassware
• Experience gifts (classes, tours)

For the party host:

• Gift cards for alcohol delivery
• Glassware sets
• Full party packages
• Bar cart accessories

For the Austin local:

• Local distillery bottles
• Austin-made products
• Hill Country experiences
• Support local businesses

Frequently Asked Questions

What's a good gift for someone who loves making cocktails at home?

The best gifts for home bartenders include quality bar tools (jigger, shaker, bar spoon), cocktail kits with premium ingredients, cocktail recipe books, and unique bitters or mixers. For a bigger impact, consider a complete barware set or gift card to a premium alcohol delivery service so they can choose their own spirits.

Can I get alcohol delivered as a gift in Austin?

Yes! Party On Delivery offers alcohol delivery throughout the Austin area. You can purchase a gift card for the recipient to use, or coordinate a delivery on their behalf. We require 72-hour advance notice for scheduled deliveries, with express 3-hour options available for last-minute needs. The recipient must be 21+ and present to receive the delivery.

What are the best local Austin gifts for cocktail lovers?

Austin has an incredible local spirits scene. Great local options include Treaty Oak bourbon or gin from Dripping Springs, Desert Door Texas Sotol, Still Austin whiskey, Nixta corn liqueur, and of course Tito's Vodka. You can also gift experiences like distillery tours at these local producers.

How much should I spend on a gift for someone who loves to entertain?

Gift budgets vary based on your relationship and occasion. For a thoughtful gesture, $25-50 covers quality bar tools, books, or mixers. For a more substantial gift, $75-150 gets you premium spirits, cocktail kits, or glassware sets. For a truly impressive gift, $200+ can cover a full home bar setup or party delivery package.

What's a unique gift for someone who has everything?

For the person who has it all, consider experience gifts: private cocktail classes, distillery tours, Hill Country wine tastings, or a Lake Travis boat party. You can also gift a "stocked party" - we'll deliver everything they need for their next celebration, so they just have to show up and enjoy.

Give the Gift of Celebration

Whether you're shopping for a cocktail enthusiast, a frequent host, or someone who simply loves bringing people together, the right gift shows you understand what makes them tick. Austin's vibrant food and beverage scene offers endless options - from local spirits to unique experiences to premium delivery services.

At Party On Delivery, we're here to help make every celebration memorable. From cocktail kits to full party setups, gift cards to custom orders, we've got you covered.

Ready to find the perfect gift?

• Browse our products: Shop Now
• Gift cards available: Contact us for custom amounts
• Questions? Call us at (737) 371-9700 or email info@partyondelivery.com

Happy gifting, Austin!

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Looking for more party planning inspiration? Check out our guides to Austin Bachelor Parties, Bachelorette Weekends, and Corporate Events.