NOT SURE WHAT TO GET DAD? WE’RE HERE TO HELP! our father’s day gift guide 2023

While some people think shopping for dad is nearly impossible, we think dad is one of the easiest people to buy for. In our experience, dads are generally pretty simple and easy to please. But we understand if you need a little guidance, and we are happy to help. So here is our Father’s Day gift guide 2023 for all types of dads.

New Dad — if there is a new dad in your life, we have the perfect gift. Most dads don’t want to carry diaper bags, even when you dress them up as backpacks, it somehow still looks and feels like a diaper bag. So, this company has the perfect solution, the Dad Hoodie, the hoodie that replaces the diaper bag while making dad’s everywhere feel like MacGyver with loads of hidden pockets for baby’s essentials. Guys keep their street cred without any extra baggage while having everything they need to keep baby happy. $108.

Frat Dad — some dads never grow up and that is ok, we aren’t here to judge, we are here to celebrate all kinds of dads. Plus, we think the Shower Beer Holder is pretty brilliant as it solves a problem many of us have encountered long after we graduate, where to put our drink when we shower? Because pregaming doesn’t end when you get a job or become a dad. Not to mention, it is easy on the wallet at only $15. A Crafthouse canned cocktail would fit nicely inside of it as well.

Sports Dad — whether this dad is playing Pickle Ball or cheering on his kids on from the sidelines, he’ll appreciate this gift from Yeti. He probably already has a Yeti rambler for all his hot or cold beverage needs but this new addition to the Yeti rambler family is a game changer. Introducing the Yeti beverage bucket, a bucket big enough to hold a six pack, the entire Crafthouse line-up or three wine bottles over ice, but small enough to easily tote around. And just like any other Yeti rambler, it magically keeps everything inside of it colder, longer. The perfect tailgate and sideline companion. Available in four colors, $150.

Fashion Dad — for the dad who wants (or needs, let’s be honest) a wardrobe refresh, we can’t say enough good things about The Normal Brand. Started by brothers in St. Louis who wanted clothes that were comfortable, durable and versatile, “normal” clothes but better, and were so successful, they now have seven stores around the country. The Normal Brand kicks it up a notch without being too trendy, these are clothes that will be his go-to favorites for years to come. We recommend the Active Puremeso Tipped Polo, a refreshing take on a golf inspired classic. $62.

Good Taste Dad — for the dad who loves a good cocktail, of course we have you covered. Any dad who imbibes, will be thrilled to receive the limited release Crafthouse Coffee Old Fashioned made with rich Dark Matter Coffee, Traverse City Bourbon and house made bitters. If he likes to sip on an Old Fashioned, this is its modern upgrade…the cool guy’s espresso martini. It’s equally delicious at brunch as it is during cocktail hour. Order online with code FATHERSDAY and get free shipping. $39.99.

Bougie Dad — then there are dad’s that are extremely difficult to buy for, the guy who literally has almost everything and we have a gift for him, the Gozney Dome pizza oven. “The world’s most versatile outdoor oven” is next level in backyard entertaining, equally fun for experienced chefs as it is for the dad who just likes to cook over an open fire. Even though it’s a pizza oven, the Gozney is ready for all your culinary needs from roasting to smoking and even baking. A wood-fired dream for the guy who needs nothing doesn’t come cheap, the basic version starts at $1, 699.

Hopefully this guide has shown how easy it is to surprise the dad in your life with the perfect gift tailored just for him this Father’s Day. And to all the dads in our lives, we raise a glass to you on Father’s Day and every day for all that you do, we see you and we love you — cheers!

What’s Old is New Again (and again and…) by Charles Joly

Want to turn up the heat in a room full of bartenders? Simply chime in with your recipe for the venerable Old Fashioned.

Standing tall, center stage in the current cocktail renaissance, the Old Fashioned boasts as many iterations as it holds devotees. 

How do you make an Old Fashioned? Your answer tells me more than just your taste preference. Where you hail from. Whether you spend formative years with the Brady Bunch, Friends or Mad Men. Your grandparents had a summer cabin in Sheboygan, Wisconsin…I know. It’s written all over your drink order. 

The barroom has long been a standing pulpit for debate. Leave politics behind and let’s discuss cocktails, a far more civilized topic. Bourbon or rye? Canadian or American? Sweet or sour? Fruit salads, red glob cherries, soda water, muddlers...pineapple? They’re all part of the two century history of this little glass of liquid. 

If you’ve been acquainted with the Old Fashioned prior to say, 2000, chances are you reach for the orange slice and cherries-  weathered muddler at the ready, prepared to pulverize said fruit.

My friends from the Badger state vehemently clutch the brandy bottle. Their Old Fashioned concluded with a splash of 7-Up or “sour mix” propelled from a sticky gun, holstered at the ready behind so many well worn bars.

The modern enthusiast has adopted a much simplified approach. Although, not modern in itself at all. This stripped down, “chopper” of a cocktail long predates its fruit laden progeny. Take a trip with me. The Old Fashioned is, in fact, the very definition of “cocktail”.

A short and slightly blurry history

You see, the word “cocktail” hasn’t been traced in text prior to 1803. In a booze filled stroke of serendipity, a New York publication actually defines the word for us after its second appearance in 1806. Upon seeing it in print, a curious reader inquired about its meaning to the editor. The paper obliged and eureka!, we have a definition:  “... a potent concoction of spirits, bitters, water and sugar.”

Americans were just beginning their love affair with these convenient, single serving drinks. Punch had long been king (and would retain great popularity for decades to come). Our fledgling country had work to do. All of that work meant we were more thirsty than ever. We just didn’t have hours to tick away, crushing gallons of punch.

Liquid evolution

Simple in its preparation. Accessible in its ingredients. Forgiving in its proportions. Endlessly customizable. The Old Fashioned has all of the makings of a timeless classic. No ice? No problem. Citrus? A treat if you had it. Rye? Cognac? Rum? Bourbon? Moonshine? Yep, yep, yep, yep, yep.

Americans are a curious bunch. Our drive to innovate is as strong as our thirst. As we inched toward the 20th century, rapid globalization was occurring. Imports flooded in from Europe. Exotic liqueurs, wines and spirits began to entice the public’s palate. The humble cocktail sprouted wings and took on new dimensions. 

Amidst the excitement of curacao, maraschino and vermouths from far away lands, many seasoned drinkers still had a taste for simpler times. They wanted their cocktail- a mix of spirits, bitters, sugar & water.* A skilled bartender has always been one to oblige a parched patron. So in the 1880s we began to see this well known mixture given a name- The Old Fashioned (and many variants thereof). The nostalgic imbiber could now walk into a bar, “I’ll have an Old Fashioned whiskey cocktail.” And so the humble c-o-c-k-t-a-i-l becomes a Cocktail.

(*To be sure, variants abound even in the Old Fashioned’s early life. Syrup or rough sugar? Muddle or shake? Chunk of ice or pieces? And on and on… Many brave writers have explored the subject. May I suggest “The Old Fashioned” by Robert Simonson for a deeper dive.)

Time moves on, the old bartenders step down and tastes change. The Old Fashioned seems to become the victim of a decades long game of “telephone”. Versions emerge on the other side of prohibition, two world wars and the Depression tattered and barely recognizable. The streamlined, old, Old Fashioned is largely buried until the modern cocktail renaissance. 

To be fair, I’m quite happy it remained on life support, even as the fruit, sour mixed soaked version. After all, taste is taste. The drink you order is yours to enjoy. The duty falls on the bartender to explore your preference. I’ve always asked “Fruit salad in? Or stripped down, old school style?” (If you must use fruit, I recommend looking for a quality maraschino cherry like those imported from Italy. Otherwise, making your own is a fun and easy project.)

But happy times are here again and we welcome the sleek, sexy and sophisticated version home. And how its return has been welcomed! (I was personally waiting at the airport for this cocktail’s triumphant return: hand-drawn sign, oversized teddy bear & muddler in hand.) Find a watering hole that’s paying attention to the craft of bartending and they’ll be at the ready to make you the 19th century classic. Sometimes now referred to as the Old-Old Fashioned. Spirits, bitters, water (ice), sugar (and a twist). 

Option B: Grab yourself a bottle of our Rum Old Fashioned. This is the version I’ve found my enjoying over the past years, so I couldn’t have been happier to be able to bottle it for you.

I make mine with “whiskey drinker’s rum” - long aged, loaded with character and a bit of funk. We were able to call our friends at Plantation Rum and source the very same, top-quality booze. Add in some incredible chocolate bitters from Bittered Sling and the balance of mocha, coffee and ex-bourbon barrels sign together harmoniously. Topped off with a spritz of orange oil from a twist and I’d wager this will become your go-to as well.

Find the book “Old Fashioned” 

https://www.indiebound.org/book/9781607745358?aff=penguinrandom

Tools to Make Your Own

Garnish Your Cocktail:

https://www.amazon.com/Crafthouse-Fortessa-Professional-Barware-Charles/dp/B01LYBUJB5?th=1

Find Charles On Instagram:

@CharlesJoly

@TellTailVintage

Find Bitters:

https://www.bittersandbottles.com/search?type=product&q=bittered*+sling*

The Crafthouse Cocktails Father's Day Gift Guide

Working in a company where you are the only woman has its privileges. One of them being that when you ask for good Father’s Day gift ideas, you get a great response. While I am accustomed to buying for men (1 dad, 1 husband, 3 brothers, 1 brother in-law, 1 father-in-law), sometimes a girl needs fresh ideas. We came up with so many inspiring ideas, I decided to compile and share them on the blog. So here goes, the first ever Crafthouse Cocktails Father’s Day Gift Guide.

FOR THE COCKTAIL LOVING DAD:

1. A mix & match case of Crafthouse Cocktails Bottles. Our online partner, Bounty Hunter Wine is offering a GREAT deal, 20% off a case of our bottles using code CRAFTCASE20 (but hurry the deal ends on June 13th). This is perfect for the cocktail lover in your life who can’t get Crafthouse near him. Plus, with bars and restaurants closed during the pandemic, dads everywhere are tired of mixing their own cocktails. A full case of 12 bottles that serve 6 ready-to-drink cocktails each, will keep any dad happy and his glass full for a long time -- just open, pour over ice and enjoy a perfectly crafted cocktail anytime, anywhere.

2. Speaking of cocktails at home…does your home bar need an upgrade? Crafthouse by Fortessa is a classic line-up of barware designed by (Crafthouse co-founder) Charles Joly. The glassware is solid and beautiful yet durable and dishwasher safe…and on sale using code DADJOKES (love that!). If you have plenty of glassware but are looking for pieces to make his bar legit, take a look at their shaker set or the masculine tool set-- because what dad doesn’t like tools? If he’s a sophisticated cocktail-making man then the smoking box will elevate his bar to pro status and make him the envy of every dad in the neighborhood.

3. We’re going to keep the cocktail and home bar ideas going with Bittered Sling Bitters Aromatiques gift pack ($54). This set provides cocktail and culinary creations, both savory and sweet, with a set of flavorful tools to inspire creativity. Produced exclusively in Canada, Bittered Sling's award-winning, small-batch cocktail bitters incorporate locally-sourced herbs, fruits and spice. Step up your flavor game and have fun experimenting with flavors in everything from cocktails to marinades.

4. A book that is equally as beautiful as it is useful for the cocktail lover in your life. The Aviary Cocktail Book ($85) features over 100 innovative and delicious recipes from the acclaimed Chicago bar The Aviary, created by Chef Grant Achatz and Nick Kokonas, owners of the world-famous restaurant Alinea. This ultimate bar guide will be equally at home in your kitchen, the basement bar, or on your coffee table. Endlessly engaging, this is not your gentleman’s guide to cocktails – it’s the definitive word on 21st century cocktails.

THE SELF CARE DAD:

5. There are a lot of parts of a man’s body that I like and even admire…but men’s feet are not one of them, especially this time of year when they are on full display in man sandals. Any product that can help improve men’s feet gets a thumbs up from me. Footnanny created a line of products just for men and their feet. The Foot Soaking Salt ($25) combines a powerful mix of all-natural salts and eucalyptus essential oil to pull the maximum amount of stress, swelling and impurities from the feet. A great gift for the guy who’s always on the go and on his feet.

6. Men might look more distinguished as they get older but that doesn’t mean he likes aging. The Lumin Age Management Set ($48) is an easy way for dad’s to restore their youthful glow while preventing the signs of aging. This is especially helpful in the summer when too much sunshine can accelerate aging and leave him looking older. This kit comes with Moisturizing Balm, Dark Circle Defense eye cream and Anti-Wrinkle Serum.

7. Voted the best all-around razor, the Philips Norelco One Blade Electric Trimmer and Shaver ($34.97) is a versatile tool that can easily tackle both facial and body hair. You can trim, shave, edge or groom on wet or dry hair and with or without shaving cream. It is the perfect razor for daily use, traveling and even camping. If your man has let everything go and grow during quarantine, this is the gift to get.

8. A healthy scalp leads to healthy hair and can even help prevent hair loss. Briogio Scalp Revival charcoal + coconut oil micro-exfoliating shampoo ($42) detoxifies, exfoliates, soothes, and balances the scalp for optimal scalp health. This award winning shampoo is 98% natural, sulfate free, gluten free, dye free & vegan. You can feel good about buying it and he will love how his scalp feels refreshed and moisturized. This definitely isn’t your dad’s dandruff shampoo but he will love the upgrade.

FOR THE OUTDOOR DAD:

9. Yeti. Basically anything Yeti. We love Yeti. Dad’s love Yeti’s. Everyone loves Yeti. They are well made and durable while also being incredibly good looking. If you want to make him extra happy and splurge on him, the coolers are a great gift. You can go small with the Hopper Flip 8 Soft Cooler ($199) – perfect for keeping things cool like the canned cocktails he’s going to enjoy while fishing, kayaking or hiking. Or go big and get something the whole family will enjoy like the Tundra 45 Hard Cooler ($299) that promises to keep everything ice cold even on the most sweltering of summer days. If he’s a Crafthouse fan, you can spend a whole lot less and get him a Crafthouse Yeti ($30), the perfect vessel to keep a Crafthouse canned cocktail cold while on the beach, a boat, or even right in your backyard.

10. While all dads love a good campfire, they don’t always want to smell like a campfire, not to mention that a campfire isn’t always safe or easy to control. That’s why we love the Solo Stove Bonfire ($269.99), a compact, portable stove that uses technology to eliminate smoke and ash. Plus, it’s stainless steel so it looks great on your patio and will last a lifetime. While there are smaller (great to take on the road) and bigger Solo Stoves, we like this one because it’s the perfect size for a backyard bonfire.

11. The best part about this next gift is that you can take it anywhere and if the dad in your life doesn’t have it already, it’s definitely on his wish list. The Eno Single Nest Hammock ($49.95 + $29.99 for the straps) is the hammock that allows dad to take a nap no matter where he is…like a 4 hour t-ball game. Find two trees, posts or a combo of the two and he is ready for instant relaxation. When folded up, the hammock is small enough to easily fit in a small backpack or the glove compartment of his car. It also looks nice enough to hang in the backyard, but watch out because then everyone will want a turn swaying in the breeze.

FOR THE SWAG DAD:

12. Is there a dad in your life who didn’t get to celebrate his birthday and/or your anniversary because of the pandemic? Make it up to him with an extra special Father’s Day gift. A watch from Chicago brand Oak and Oscar is a luxury item that he will treasure for the rest of his life. We are partial to the Humboldt Navy on Leather ($1,550) with its rugged hand-made leather strap and classic navy face. Water resistant, it’s the perfect everyday watch that he’ll never want to take off but can survive daddy duty.

13. It’s probably been awhile since dad has traveled, when he returns to the runway, have him do it in style with an Away Aluminum Carry-On Suitcase ($475). Designed to last a lifetime, Away bags are built to fit more in a smaller space with an interior compression system. They fit in the overhead bin of most major airlines and come with a battery so you don’t need an outlet to charge your phone -- no more leaving chargers behind in the airport! The aluminum style costs a bit more but he’ll feel like 007 rolling the sleek onyx black bag with 360 degree spinner wheels through the airport.

14. There is nothing worse than looking forward to your morning coffee and then realizing you are out of beans, especially when he is a coffee connoisseur and not just any coffee will do. Counter Culture Coffee offers subscriptions (starting at $13.73/month) based on your coffee drinking consumption and preferences. The beans delivered straight to your door are not only some of the best in the world but also chosen based on sustainability and social responsibility – a fully caffeinated win.

With gift ideas from $30 - $1,550, I hope our first-ever gift guide helps you find the perfect gift for the special dad in your life. Cheers to all the dads from us at Crafthouse!

Jen