Bars aren’t always the best places to get a drink. There’s a line to get to the bartender–who will expect a tip of at least one buck per drink. Ugh. Why not save your money and frustration by picking up the best bar stuff to bring home?
– Everyone already has that cocktail shaker shaped like a penguin. But does anyone else have the bowling pin cocktail shaker? This 16-ounce shaker is made from stainless steel; park it next to the bowling ball ice bucket, a 7-inch stainless steel ball with a lid that is shaped like a bowling ball. $48.95 for the bowling ball ice bucket, $21.95 for the shaker at wrapables.com or call 877-411-9600.
– Got a heavy-handed friend? Better ease up; alcohol and mixers aren’t cheap. The Bar-Tender from Global Decor holds four, 1-liter bottles and pours 1.5-ounce shots, no measuring required. Rotate among the four bottles to mix a drink without bumbling bottles. Available at ama zon.com for $39.99.
– The good news? The cork isn’t floating in the wine bottle. The bad news? It ripped in half. Time for a replacement bottle stopper. The Wine Bucket Bottle Stoppers from Prodyne are shaped like mini wine bottles inside ice buckets. Much more stylish than a broken cork. A set of three costs $14.99 at prodyne.com or call 909-484-1212. Also available in JC Penney stores.
– Company is coming in 20 minutes, and no one put the white wine in the fridge! Instead of dropping ice cubes into a guest’s wineglass, fill up the Cooper Cooler with ice and water. Push the button, and it will chill your bottle in just six minutes. Bottled beer chills in three minutes and cans in just one minute. Or fill it with warm water and bring a cold bottle of red wine to room temperature. Suggested retail price starts at $79.99 for the silver model, available at some Bed Bath & Beyond stores, including 1800 N. Clybourn Ave., and macys.com.
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