10 DIY Gifts for the Whiskey Lover in Your Life

Last updated on April 28, 2025

Thoughtful, easy-to-make ideas that pair perfectly with a bottle

If you’ve got a whiskey lover on your gift list—whether it’s your partner, your dad, or your best friend who finally figured out what “neat” means—there’s no need to overthink it. Whiskey people tend to appreciate the little things: a good glass, a thoughtful detail, a personal touch.

These DIY gift ideas are simple, personal, and can be customized to fit any budget. Make one on its own, or bundle a few together with a bottle of something solid (like Jim Beam) or special (like Hibiki Japanese Harmony). Either way, it’s going to feel more thoughtful than grabbing another candle last minute.

1. Homemade Whiskey-Infused Cherries

Forget store-bought cocktail cherries. You can make your own with just bourbon, sugar, and fresh cherries (or frozen in a pinch). Store them in a small jar with a handwritten label. They’re amazing in Old Fashioneds, Manhattans, or eaten straight from the jar at midnight. Use a flavored option like Jim Beam Vanilla for an extra flavor explosion.

2. Custom Wood Coasters

A classic DIY that feels high-end if done right. Use simple wood blanks or slices, and either wood-burn, stain, or paint a whiskey-themed design—think barrels, initials, or short quotes. Wrap them up in a linen napkin or tie with leather cord for that rustic bar feel.

3. Whiskey Tasting Flight Set

Assemble three or four small bottles (miniatures or 200ml sizes work great) for a personal flight. Include a variety—maybe Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark, Bulleit Rye, and something like Buffalo Trace. Add tasting note cards and a pencil to make it interactive.

Optional upgrade: Add a tasting mat and small notebook for extra nerd points.

4. Hand-Stamped Leather Tags for Bottles

Cut small strips of leather and hand-stamp them with initials, a date, or phrases like “Open on Friday.” Attach with brass snaps or waxed cord. They’re great for bottle gifting or adding flair to a home bar setup.

5. DIY Flavored Syrup Trio

Whiskey cocktails get way more fun with house-made syrups. Make three small batches—like ginger-honey, smoked maple, and vanilla-clove—and bottle them in 2oz dropper jars. Include a card with serving ideas like “Try this in a Whiskey Sour.”

6. “Whiskey & Chill” Gift Bag

This one’s a little indulgent but low-effort. It’s the kind of gift that feels personal but doesn’t require crafting skills. Fill a small tote with:

A bottle of Jim Beam Black or similar
A snack pairing (smoked almonds, chocolate, candied pecans)
A cozy pair of socks or a candle
Optional: A printed playlist or movie recs

7. Handwritten Tasting Journal

Make or customize a small tasting notebook with pages labeled for notes on nose, palate, finish, and overall score. Add a personal note inviting them to use it during their next bottle or bar night. Bonus points if you throw in a pencil or small ruler for that “field notes” vibe.

8. Whiskey Lover’s Infusion Kit

Create a small infusion set with:

Empty bottles or jars
Spice or herb packets (cinnamon, orange peel, cloves, coffee beans)
Simple how-to instructions for DIY infusions
A small funnel or strainer

Pair with a bottle of Jim Beam as a base whiskey for experimenting.

9. Upcycled Bottle Candle

Turn an empty whiskey bottle into a handmade candle. You’ll need a glass cutter or someone who does it for you, candle wax, wick, and your choice of scent (smoky vanilla or tobacco amber fits the theme). Wrap with a custom label or wax seal for extra credit.

10. Gift-Wrapped Showstopper Bottle

Let’s be real: sometimes, the bottle is the gift—but presentation makes all the difference. Wrap a bottle of Hibiki Japanese Harmony in a furoshiki-style cloth wrap or place it in a wood box with tissue, a leather tag, and a small keepsake like a bottle opener or old-fashioned glass.