While a single-malt scotch or premium gin, rum, or liqueur is always sure to please the cocktail geek in your life, an assortment of small homemade and store-bought gifts can bring an extra-special personal touch.

We were thinking about taking the “stocking-stuffer” approach this year and filling up an inexpensive cocktail shaker or small basket with tiny surprises.

Here are some of our mix-and-match suggestions to fit a wide range of interests - and budgets:

Homemade Touches
(made from recipes found in our archives)

• Homemade simple syrup in a pretty bottle
• Homemade grenadine syrup
• Homemade cocktail onions
• Homemade maraschino cherries
• Homemade spiced nuts for nibbling with a favorite drink

For Extra Color - and Flavor

• Fresh lemons and limes
• Orange flower water or rosewater
• Cocktail bitters
• A personalized sampler of spirits in airplane-sized bottles
• Small packets of kosher salt and sugar for rimming glasses
• Sugar cubes for making champagne cocktails, Sazeracs, and Old Fashioneds - and for serving absinthe

For Added Style

• Knotted bamboo cocktail skewers
• Vintage barware or glassware (thrift store or eBay finds)
• An absinthe spoon
• Funny bar napkins

For Inspiration

• Favorite cocktail book
• Subscription to Imbibe Magazine (www.imbibemagazine.com)
• Mixology workshop at a local store or school (check out Astor Center if you’re in NYC - any suggestions for other cities?)

Tools of the Trade

• Jigger for measuring ingredients
• Bar spoon for mixing cocktails
• Silicone ice cube tray for making perfect cubes
• Muddler for extracting flavor from fresh fruit and herbs
• Citrus reamer for squeezing fresh juice
• Paring knife for slicing fruit garnishes

Related: Affordable Wines for Gift-Giving: Red and Sweet Wines

(Images: Nora Maynard; Imbibe Magazine via Amazon.com)

-Nora