While a shaker, some mixing tools, and ice are enough to get the job done, modern technology has made it possible to invent some impressive gadgets to up your at-home bartending game.
From machines that prepare cocktails in seconds to smart coasters that guarantee a perfect pour, here’s an overview of some devices you should consider adding to your bar.
Baltesian Cocktail Maker – $349
Pressing a button to summon a cocktail may sound like something out of science fiction, but it already exists.
Bartesian’s Cocktail Maker is one of the most popular robot bartenders on the market, able to prepare cocktails on demand in about 30 seconds. Fill the machine’s designated reservoir with your favorite spirit, then insert the cocktail capsules (an eight-pack costs about $20 and makes eight drinks) containing a mixture of juice, bitters, and extract.
Use the touchscreen to adjust your desired strength from Mocktail to Strong and press Mix.
iGulu – $549
Beer lovers will agree that there is no experience quite like drinking your own beer. iGulu’s automatic beer brewer works using a packaged ingredient kit that includes everything you need, including extracts, hops, bitters, dry yeast, and ground grains, which takes the grunt work out of the entire process. Just fill it up and add water. Even complete beginners can start brewing right away.
Each kit is designed to brew 1 gallon or 8 pints. Fermentation can take anywhere from 7 to 13 days, depending on the recipe. Built-in container keeps beer cold and fresh for at least 30 days.
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You can also connect your brewer to an app to monitor fermentation time and carbonation levels, and adjust the temperature as needed.
This device is also incredibly versatile. In addition to beer, iGulu can also be used to make non-alcoholic beverages such as hard apple cider, kombucha, fruit wine, fermented tea, sparkling water, and yogurt.
Barsys Smart Coaster – $69
From the people who created the $1,500 robot bartender, the Barsys Coaster offers a more budget-friendly option for those learning how to avoid over-pouring when making cocktails.
This smart coaster aims to help you prepare well-blended drinks by showing you when to start and stop pouring each ingredient with lights. Simply connect to the Barsys app, select your recipe, place your cup on the coaster, and follow our step-by-step guide.
Smokpub Electric Smoker – $55
Why not splurge a little and serve a smoked cocktail? Even if you don’t, a cocktail and whiskey smoker is a fun tool to have.
This one from Smokpub lets you add a smoky flavor to your drinks without using an open flame. Just fill it with wood chips. Flavors include oak, apple, hickory, cherry, pear, and beech. Place the safety cover on the glass, press the electric ignition button and pour the smoke into your drink.
SipVault Smart Liquor Dispenser – $55.95
It may not be the flashiest choice on the list, but automatic dispensers are a practical choice for pouring consistent drinks and preventing spills, especially when mixing multiple drinks. As the holiday season approaches, this may come in handy if you want to avoid accidentally knocking over an expensive bottle with clumsy hands at your next holiday party.
