Over the years I’ve tried a number of subscription boxes but none of them have been as cool as Shaker & Spoon! This monthly subscription gives you nearly everything you’ll need to make bar-worthy cocktails from the comfort and ease of your kitchen. This is the perfect gift for the bartender wannabe, craft cocktail enthusiast, or really anyone who likes their alcohol with a little flare.

Each box includes all the additions you’ll need, think bitters, syrups, lemons, limes, grapefruit peels, mint, etc… The box also includes perfectly clear instructions on how to make each of that month’s three-featured drinks, as well as a glossary of terms in case muddled has you, well, muddled. The box contains enough ingredients to make four of each drink, giving you 12 cocktails per box, and more importantly the knowledge and know-how to make more in the future.

What do you need beyond the contents of the box?

• The alcohol of the month. This time around it was amber run that all three drinks used.
• Ice. Obviously that doesn’t come stowed away in the box.
• Glasses. Break out your collection, because each drink is meant to be served in a different kind of glass. Don’t have the kind of glass the recipe calls for? No worries. Make due with what you have.
• Various bar equipment. For instance: A shaker, a measured shot glass to get the ounces correct, a muddler, strainer, etc…

When the box arrives in the mail be sure to refrigerate immediately since there are perishable items (think limes) in there. The arrival of the box gives you the perfect excuse to have some friends over and play bartender for the night.

So what did this month’s box contain?

• The Rum Buck, which is made with hibiscus syrup, lime juice, ginger beer, and fresh kaffir lime leaves. This one was a girly favorite, especially given the pink color.
• The Rum Smash, which consists of Angostura bitters, lemon, and cinnamon syrup. I added a cinnamon stick as a garnish and have to admit this was my favorite of the three.
• The Rum Old Fashioned, which is a strong drink made of Angostura bitters, orange bitters, and our black pepper–ginger syrup.

 

 

A little preview of what’s to come…

• January - Winter Bourbon Box, which will include a Inca Berry Sour.
• February - Pink Gin box, which will help kick off the month of love with the Juliet & Romeo.
• March - Tequila Box, which includes the Old Oaxaca.

Sidenote for my Chicagoans… All of this month’s recipes were curated and created by Chicago local Michael McAvena, who is currently the beverage director at Pub Royale.

Want to order a Shaker & Spoon alcohol subscription box of your own? Have the friend this would be perfect for? You’re in luck. Use the code MODLYCHIC15 to get 15% off your purchase. Not a bad deal right before the holidays. One month retails for $40. Three months for $110, before the discount.