Skip to main content

Gift Guide: Bartender’s Swiss Army Knife—Bar10der

Bar10der mixology bartender bartending gift guide alcohol cocktail shaker mixer tools bar present
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Because really, what cocktail loving person doesn’t want a veritable swiss army knife of mixing tools in which to create spirited masterpieces? Even if they’ve already got every single tool that’s ever been used in the long history of mixology, the Bar10der is still an item they’ll thank you for adding to their stash. Why? 10 stainless steal and/or BPA-free plastic tools (bottle opener, corkscrew, strainer, stirrer, knife, zester, jigger, channel knife, reamer and muddler) housed in an either green, purple, blue or orange non-slip rubber handle that fits snuggly in almost any sized kitchen drawer and is perfect for leaving by the bar when entertaining. Which, actually, will make you feel kinda proud when guests start talking about it at your pals next house party.

$49.99 at thebar10der.com

Matt Bell
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Matt Bell is a travel and grooming writer. He's endured Thai face slapping massages, swam in a cage with crocodiles and…
Chocolate-covered espresso beans: The ultimate combination of sweet and bitter
A coffee lover's perfect snack
chocolate espresso

Chocolate and coffee go together like peanut butter and jelly or wine and cheese. It just makes sense. Despite these commonly known food pairings, many chocolate and coffee lovers have forgotten the ultimate snack: chocolate-covered espresso beans. Many of us get stuck in our food "hyper fixations," as I call them, where we tend to gravitate toward the same foods or snacks until they're replaced with a new option.

As it turns out, this snack is just as delicious as I remembered them. No matter how long it's been since you've snacked on them, consider this your reminder to fall in love with chocolate covered espresso beans all over again.
The appeal of chocolate covered espresso beans

Read more
Bottomless portafilter vs. regular: Which one makes better espresso?
What makes each portafilter different?
espresso filter

One thing I love about brewing espresso is that it can be adjusted and adapted for any skill level. Whether you're a coffee nerd or a barista who wants to perfect every part of the brewing process, you can brew espresso. Regardless of your skill level, you need to learn about one of the most critical components of an espresso maker: the portafilter. You can't brew espresso without it -- unless you're using a capsule-style system like a Nespresso Veruto.

There are two types of portafilters that you can use with your espresso maker, yet neither is better than the other. Both the bottomless portafilter and a regular, spouted portafilter do the trick to brew delicious espresso. With this in mind, the winner of the bottomless portafilter vs. regular debate comes down to your preferences and how deeply invested you are in the art of brewing espresso. Here's what to know about each type of espresso filter.
Bottomless portafilter vs. regular

Read more
This is how to make beef tips worthy of the Kentucky Derby
Chef Robert Lopez spills the tea on how to make slow-cooked beef tips
Horses racing in the Kentucky Derby

When it comes to the Kentucky Derby, the spectacle isn’t just on the racetrack. The annual event is synonymous with Southern tradition, elegance, and indulgence, which makes it the perfect backdrop for a curated, high-end dining experience. Chef Robert Lopez, Senior Executive Chef at Levy Restaurants and Head Chef at Churchill Downs, has crafted a Derby-inspired menu that blends tradition with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients to capture the essence of this legendary horse racing event.

Lopez is known for his attention to detail and deep respect for classic Southern flavors, and he has carefully and thoughtfully selected dishes like the Bluegrass Fields Salad and drinks like the mint julep that evoke both comfort and refinement. You’re in for a treat, as we had the pleasure of speaking with the chef and picking his brain on how he selected these recipes for this year's menu. One of the most popular dishes that he has on there are the slow-cooked beef tips, and we were eager to learn not only how to make beef tips, but also how to do them the Kentucky Derby way.

Read more