I Tested the Bartesian Cocktail Maker—Here's Why It's a Great Gift for the Hostess with the Mostess

• Value: 18/20
• Cocktail Quality: 20/20
• Functionality: 20/20
• Ease of Use: 20/20
• Aesthetics: 17/20

TOTAL: 95/100

There are two types of at-home bartenders. Bartender A is a total mixologist and uses fancy tools (from a muddler to a cocktail shaker) to create bar-quality drinks. Whereas, bartender B is *super* laid-back and uses whatever they have in the kitchen and hopes for the best. I used to be bartender B (making terrible drinks), but then the Bartesian cocktail maker ($350) came into my life, and I became the hostess with the mostess. If you ask me, I think it's one of the coolest gifts you can buy yourself or someone else this holiday season. However, at $350, you may think twice about buying it, which I totally get. I had reservations too. But, after making more than five craft cocktails (from a spicy margarita to a lemon drop and rum runner), I'm convinced it's worth every penny. Here's why.

Want to save *big* this shopping season? Sign up for our Deal of the Day email to get all the best sales delivered straight to your inbox.

I've never been good at making cocktails at home. As I mentioned, I used to make drinks using whatever was in my kitchen so they've never been top-tier. After setting up my Bartesian (in less than 20 minutes, may I add), I was hopeful that my luck would turn around. And not so much to my surprise, it was everything the brand—and Oprah—claimed it was. Yes, that's right. The machine made it on Oprah's Favorite Things List in 2019, and I believe it's about to make a *major* comeback, especially once I tell you how good the drinks are.

On a random weekend, my boyfriend (a more experienced drinker), my cousin (a non-drinker) and I (a moderate drinker) conducted a taste test using seven fan-favorite Barestian drinks. We started with spicy margaritas, and were surprised at how flavorful they were. All three of us weren't expecting it to be blended to perfection (i.e. not too sweet or spicy). We moved on to old fashioneds next and were blown away by how the machine delivered on the crisp and smoky taste that could rival one at a top-notch bar. A rum runner, a long island iced tea, a cosmopolitan and a lemon drop later, we ended our test with a Grinch appletini (one of the brand's holiday cocktails). With the perfect balance of sweet and tart (like green apple candy), it's safe to say it was unlike any cocktail we've tried before. That said, when it comes to Bartesian drinks, you're not likely to be disappointed, no matter what kind of drinker you are.