Best cocktail mixers according to redditors

A big-ass bottle of Angostura bitters. Make a lifetime supply of manhattans and old fashioneds, add it to dishes, put it in your water, drink it straight because you're a man and real men don't need to dilute their bitters.

I like using bitters (like the kind you use for cocktails). A few dashes in a glass will give the water some flavoring without making it sweet--think LaCroix rather than sugary soda. A full size bottle of the good stuff can be expensive (like $15-20) but will last for an incredibly long time. Orange bitters are a good place to start, and I really like lavender bitters in the evening before bed. Scrappy's Bitters also makes these sampler packs that give you 4 tiny bottles of different flavors.

You can get Angostura for ~$13 for a 4 ounce/118ml bottle – scale that up to standard 750ml size bottle and it's $81.90. Not too absurd considering it's very high quality, 89.4 proof, and is only used in dashes and drops.

Sure, some craft/artisanal/etc. bitters are going to be more expensive, but those are specialty products.

P.S. buy the bigger bottle of Ango and you're getting a much better deal – 4 cents/ml vs. 11 cents/ml.

For the first woman, maybe this cocktail mixers set and a bottle of something she might enjoy to go with it.


as for your sister, do you know any of her interests or hobbies? Or maybe you could see if she has a pinterest page for gift inspiration.

We use fee brothers Old Fashioned bitters

Basically they taste like ango with more cinnamon - and more allspice but cinnamon is the major player.

Buy olive juice instead of olives

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001HBTGI8?pc_redir=1411578324&robot_redir=1

Where do you live where you have easy access to a Crate and Barrel but no access to Angostura? It's available on amazon. I've never tried Hella Bitters Aromatic, and I'm sure they are somewhat similar, but honestly Angostura is just a classic flavor profile. It's worth having a bottle if only so you can make a proper, traditional version of some very classic cocktails (old fashioned, Manhattan, etc.)

I just got it on Amazon. Well worth the investment. It goes great in Manhattans and Old Fashioneds too.

This is a weird thing I do: take a Michelob Ultra and add grapefruit hops bitters. It's almost like having a pale ale.

Scrappy’s Firewater Bitters

https://www.amazon.com/Scrappys-Bitters-2150-Firewater-Tincture/dp/B00GXCD61Y/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?hvadid=77790510741139&hvbmt=bb&hvdev=m&hvqmt=b&keywords=scrappy+bitters&qid=1562719632&s=gateway&sr=8-3

Makers Mark all the way. I prefer to sip my Woodfords. Wild turkey 81 is decent too. As you say tho it is deffo each to their own. I love quite a bit of bitters where as some people find it too much.

I got a great starter kit for bitters. www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B006ZMHWAI/

http://www.amazon.com/Bittermens-Hopped-Grapefruit-Cocktail-Bitters/dp/B004Y4Z9EA

or really these are fine, though not as good (but convert 5 drops to 1 dash) http://www.amazon.com/Fee-Brothers-Grapefruit-Bitters-5oz/dp/B008L180Z2/ref=sr_1_1?s=grocery&ie=UTF8&qid=1452573255&sr=1-1&keywords=grapefruit+bitters

-Brie Baker with all the ingredients to get started (Brie cheese, fruit, nuts, honey)

-Butter Bell with a loaf of locally made bread

-Mariposa Napkin Box with Weights and Cocktail Napkins

-Cocktail Shaker Set with Bitters, Stirrers, and a nice bottle of liquor

-Cool coffee table book (esp. if it matches a gift set mentioned above (The Art of Mixology or Magnolia Table) or it's hostess-themed, such as Kate Spade's All In Good Taste or Emily Post's Manners for Today)

-Guest Book for house/bathroom/guest room (and this is always fun because you can be the first one to sign it and everyone at the housewarming party can sign it/write a message). Look around Etsy for these...I'm not crazy about the ones on Amazon.

Hope this helps! Happy housewarming to your friend!

Also, I totally botched the link, but I’m glad you found it!

https://www.amazon.com/Scrappys-Bitters-Classic-Exotic-Bundle/dp/B00ZRZ1I7W/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?crid=6DX4KEF05FNQ&keywords=scrappys+bitters&qid=1550635925&s=gateway&sprefix=scrappy’s&sr=8-3

Bitters is where it’s at! You can get so many different flavors and all bars have them.
Also, this:

Seedlip - Distilled Non-Alcoholic Spirits (Garden 108) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01GTQPI64/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_Z8kIAb0RSPQFF

It is gin-ish, but non alcoholic. I Do tonic water*+ bitters+ and this makes for a pretty great (mock) cocktail. I’ve made it with ginger beer and bitters and this spirit, but it is soooooo herbal it is an acquired taste.

• sone people have very strong feelings on tonic water in pregnancy, but I’ve done my homework and personally feel 100% comfortable drinking my 5oz of tonic water a few times a week. To each their own!

This was what I used. It seems a little pricey but it's bitters, therefore, pretty potent. Even after 5 tiny Mic Ultra 8oz cans (and I wasn't being stingy with it) it doesn't look like I used any. I'm sure any brand will do. https://www.amazon.com/Bittermens%C2%AE-Hopped-Grapefruit-Bitters-5oz/dp/B004Y4Z9EA

Simple Syrup is a mix of sugar and water, it's used as a sweetener. Sour mix is supposed to taste like citrus juice + sugar, so it's both sweet and sour.

Bitters usually refer to these. The bottle has a limiter so you just add a dash (and only a few drops will come out).

For tasting, you use a straw, stick it in, cover the top with your thumb, and take it out to taste.

You should have used Woodford bitters and Woodford bourbon aged cherries.

Alcohol based cocktail ingredient.


https://www.amazon.com/Angostura-Aromatic-Cocktail-Bitters-Bottle/dp/B0037X4QDO/ref=pd_aw_sim_79_2/144-8206770-8320317?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B0037X4QDO&pd_rd_r=804c0bf1-c44a-41af-b489-b1e677b00648&pd_rd_w=pPU1Q&pd_rd_wg=RQMkm&pf_rd_p=daeb2ab7-3cb7-4369-a59f-058fab894db6&pf_rd_r=KM52J74BNF6DRJ2T1PGM&psc=1&refRID=KM52J74BNF6DRJ2T1PGM

One can celebrate special events just fine without resorting to eating carbs. It just takes a little foresight:

https://www.amazon.com/Baja-Bobs-Margarita-32-Ounce-Bottles/dp/B002I9UKWE?th=1

There's no rule against you having a birthday cheesecake:

https://www.reddit.com/r/ketorecipes/search?q=cheesecake&restrict_sr=on

Based off your description, Here are some things off Amazon that you might like, or that may inspire some ideas! Hope this helps a bit!

Cocktail Mixers Gift Set- https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07F7MVZFS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_uXq9BbWTST8M3

Paladone The Legend of Zelda Pin Badges- https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B01DIT4WG2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_DWq9BbC4ESJS1

Adult mad libs- https://smile.amazon.com/dp/0843180714/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_GVq9BbSZ7E55P

Man candle- https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B0764GS616/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_FTq9Bb96QEV8C

Playstation Metal Drink Coasters https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B079CCD5BG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_IZq9BbGCW4XX5

OTS NFL Minnesota Vikings Raised Cuff Knit Cap, Black, One Size https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B0725B5R7C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_z0q9Bb3VJSZ86

Since you mentioned dirty humor you could also make him something like a sex coupon book.

Try here...

Get ghost peppers, or whatever the hottest pepper you can find (habaneros if in the US), cut into a few pieces, shake with your liquor of choice, strain and save. Use this for shots, it should be plenty spicy. https://www.amazon.com/Scrappys-Bitters-2150-Firewater-Tincture/dp/B00GXCD61Y these also work pretty well, but they're more along the lines of normal spicy, "my aunt from India" levels will require something else. Alternately just get ridiculous hot sauce, add as much as needed to the shots.

https://www.amazon.com/Top-Hat-Craft-Ginger-Syrup/dp/B01D9MBW3E/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?keywords=top+hat+ginger+beer&qid=1565143666&s=gateway&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1

Unfortunately it doesn't seem to be on Amazon Canada (high five from a Canadian/US dual citizen, grew up in Calgary to be specific). It's got a great tartness and spice to it. I've tried some of the other ginger beer mixes and they have either been to sweet or not had enough ginger flavor. This one can be pretty tart for some people, so often times I'll add a little bit of the soda stream ginger ale to even it out, but it's a really tasty mix. Their other mixes are really good as well. They aren't as syrupy as the soda stream mixes so you will need to mix in 1.5-2x what you would mix with the sodastream flavors.

I’ve tried a bunch, pretty happy with these:

Bloody Mary Seasoning Mix - 12 Pack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0764C9SNV/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_DPbNBb56ADCX1

As mentioned, sugar-free syrups are an option. You can also find unsweetened flavorings, like from Capella, or extracts, or bitters. There are flavored coffee grinds, personally I'm digging Happy Mug's Banana Nut Bread, Apple Pie, and Winter Grogg.

Personally my cozy winter drinks were chai lattes and hot ciders (Starbucks Caramel Apple Spice-- good god!). I've found you can make some really tasty and cozy masala chai teas at home, no sugar needed. My favorite blend is actually Adagio's Rooibos Vanilla Chai, which bonus is an herbal tea (so no caffeine, good for "dessert"... my other favorite dessert tea is Nelson's Really Rootbeer). Both really come to life with a little heavy cream. Apple Cider substitutes are much harder... no tea comes close to the sugar-bomb of apple juice or the fruity complexity of unfiltered cider. The best apple tea I've had so far is Stash's Maple Apple Cider, which is good, but I'm always on the lookout for something better.

Part of what makes delicious cozy holiday drinks so delicious is a stupid amount of sugar. But part of what makes them good is a lot of milk. A little heavy cream can go a long way, it adds richness and body (and a subtle sweetness). "Lattes" can be made with unsweetened almond or coconut milk (although my experiments with this have gone poorly, TBH). I actually think this would be a great use for ultra-filtered milk like Fairlife (8g net carb per cup).

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00S8J7J6I/ref=sxts1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1485276029&sr=1

good to know! I've got the [Old Limestone Bourbon Mixing Water] (https://www.amazon.com/Old-Limestone-Bourbon-Bottles-Pouring/dp/B00S8J7J6I/ref=pd_nav_hcs_bia_t_1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=HTG408DD08HH7WGPDBA7), too...so I'll def add a few drops of water to it to see how it opens up. I originally thought this water was just a gimmick because of the name...but was pleasantly surprised at how it made a big difference compared to a bottled water like Poland Spring. Also drank it straight up and was amazed at the velvety smooth mouth feel and clean taste.

Well that sucks. If you're gonna break down and order from Amazon, you might wanna go with a sampler like the one linked below. It's got good Aromatic and orange bitters, but then also a couple other good ones for when you wanna branch out. With these they say 8 drops is equivalent to a normal dash, so they last longer than you'd think.

Scrappy's Bitters Classic Bitters Mini Set, 4 ct, 0.5 Ounce(Orange, Aromatic, Orleans, and Celery) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00N1EOFS0/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i_vILRDbS7VDVY7

I’d say their tonics are better than Schweppes, but there’s better things you can do to bring up your G&T.

A nice big twist of lemon peel (not a slice of lemon) twisted, rubbed round the inside of the rim and dropped in is probably the most bang for your buck in a G&T.

After that, you could look at adding flavour and depth with some bitters, which is what the flavoured fever tree tonics are emulating. Something like this Bitter Truth Selection Tin will give you a good selection (celery, orange and aromatic bitters in particular are great in a G&T).

To be honest, using either of the above you can make a top notch gin and tonic with supermarket own tonic water.

By the time you drive all over the place trying to find the bitters, you could have them at your doorstep, probably for less $$. Bittermen's, Xocolatl Mole Bitters.

I just tried this at speakeasy last weekend. It was fantastic, and might work as a signature drink:

Don Lockwood:

1oz Bourbon

1oz Islay Scotch

3/8oz Maple Syrup

1dr Bitters, Bittermens Xocolatl Mole (which, you can buy on Amazon, which I know because I just went to buy some myself)

Boulevardier

• 1 ½ ounces bourbon ( I used Jeffersons)
  
• ¾ ounce sweet vermouth (I used Antica Formula)
  
• ¾ ounce Campari
  
• 1 Maraschino Cherry
  
  Vieux Carre
  
  
• 1/2 teaspoon Benedictine
  
• 1 dash Peychaud’s Bitters
  
• 1 dash Angostura Bitters
  
• 3/4 ounce rye whiskey (I used Whistlepig Farmstock)
  
• 3/4 ounce cognac (I used Hennessy)
  
• 3/4 ounce sweet vermouth (I used Cochi)
  
• 1 Maraschino Cherry

https://www.amazon.ca/Angostura-Aromatic-Bitters-16oz-Pack/dp/B0037X4QDO/ref=sr_1_cc_5?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1474234493&sr=1-5-catcorr&keywords=angostura+bitters


link to 16oz bottle for 100$

At home I swear by Baja Bob's mix. The Triple Citrus variety is amazing! I've served these up to non-keto friends and family who have universally declared that it's actually nicer than standard full-sugar Margarita mixes.

When out at bars and restaurants, though, I normally just order tequila with club soda and fresh lime juice served in a salt-rimmed glass. Then when it comes I add a few drops of Ez-Sweetz to taste (I always carry a little bottle of it with me for coffee etc.) It's admittedly not a direct substitute for a Margarita, but it's definitely margarita-like as well as being refreshing and delicious in its own right and has become my go-to drink.

Hope this helps! :)

Link for those not on mobile.