Wine isn't the only beverage that benefits from a little air. Vinturi's Spirit Aerator is designed with a built-in jigger for measuring cognac, Scotch, port, whiskey, even aged tequilas. The liquid flows through a chamber that blends air into the spirit, enhancing the aroma and flavor of what ends up into your glass. The Spirit Aerator slips into a little black bag for chic portability. $39.95 and spirit shops and housewares stores.
Courtesy of Vinturi
Will the spirited trend of signature cocktails and fresh mixology move from hip bistros and bars to suburban homes? A growing segment of housewares manufacturers is banking on it as evidenced by the number of cocktail accessories unveiled earlier this month at the International Home and Housewares Show in Chicago.
The halls at McCormick Place Exposition Center overflowed with new twists on classic gear like shakers and muddlers, as well as newfangled contraptions that make layered drinks and gadgets that keep wines and liqueurs well chilled.
Yet Gunars Kulanas, spirits buyer at Dobby's World Wide Liquors in Palatine, says he thinks getting those products on the suburban shelves will be an uphill battle.
"Some bartenders, mixologists if you will, are making up special drinks, but most people, younger people, are grabbing flavored vodkas and mixing it with whatever," said Kulanas, who has 37 years experience in the liquor industry. "A young person not making a whole lot of money is not going to spend $20 on a cocktail shaker."
Brian Erker of Skokie-based Zevro hopes his line of bar gear is unique enough and priced right to entice cocktail enthusiasts in all income brackets. His Adjustable Jigger, Gravity Release Jigger (at right) and combination ice scoop/ice tong come with the suggested retail prices of $7.99 to $9.99.
Here's a look at some of the new items that caught my eye. Some of them are available in stores now; others will roll into stores later this year. Check company websites for availability.
iSi Gourmet Whip Plus is good for more than whipping up cheesy appetizers and frothy purees. Use it to rapidly infuse your favorite spirit for signature cocktails. Fill it with the likes of orange slices, cucumbers or Skittles and then add vodka, rum or tequila. Activate the nitro-cartridge and in mere minutes, as opposed to days, enjoy the flavored liquor. $130 at housewares shops and online retailers.
Courtesy of Isi
Raspberries, lime wheels and rose petals become beautiful in-drink garnishes with these ingenious Ice Balls from Prepara. The reusable, spill-proof molds form 2-inch icy orbs that will chill your Long Island Iced Tea or Arnold Palmer. $9.99 for a pack of four at housewares shops and online retailers.
Courtesy of prepara
Made in Vermont from natural soapstone, Wisky Stones keep whiskey and other straight-up cordials chilled without diluting the flavor. The stones are nonporous, and can be used again and again without absorbing flavors. Freeze them for three hours and they’re ready to go. $20 for a set of nine; or $60 for a set of six stones and two tumblers at wine and spirit and cigar shops.
Courtesy of Teroforma
Guests will surely to be impressed with colorful layered cocktails made with Skokie-based Zevro’s Gravity Release Jigger. Heavier spirits go in first then the lighter liqueurs trickle down a wand and puddle neatly on top. A simple button releases the liquor and the wand comes out for easy cleaning. $7.99 at $START_URL$zevro.com;http://www.zevro.com$STOP_URL$.
Courtesy of Zevro
Keep Corkcicle in the freezer and never worry about too-warm wine again. The icicle-shaped implement is filled with nontoxic freezer gel. Once inserted into a bottle, it will keep whites chilled and cool reds to cellar temperature. The tight-fitting cork reduces likelihood of spills. $24.95 at specialty homegoods shops and $START_URL$corkcicle.com;http://www.corkcicle.com$STOP_URL$.
Courtesy of Corkcicle
No more wrestling with the cold, condensation-laden lid of your cocktail shaker to get it off. Vacu Vin's new Cocktail Shaker features a glass compartment, strainer and flexible lid with a patented locking system that keeps liquids contained during vigorous shaking. Fill, lock, shake, pull, pour and repeat. Repeat. Repeat. $19.99 at housewares stores and online retailers.
Courtesy of Vacu Vin
No more wrestling with the cold, condensation-laden lid of your cocktail shaker to get it off. Vacu Win's new Cocktail Shaker features a glass compartment, strainer and flexible lid with a patented locking system that keeps liquids contained during vigorous shaking. Fill, lock, shake, pull, pour and repeat. Repeat. Repeat. $19.99 at housewares stores and online retailers.
Courtesy of Vacu Vin
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