Have you ever fantasized about having your own bar at home? Then going through the nitty-gritty of the tools, spirits, and blends selections, and skills that come with it, you’ll find yourself going back to your favorite bar again. But, did you know that there is a cocktail machine that can take care of all of everything, bartender included?
A cocktail maker machine provides the technology of mixing and dispensing premium cocktail drinks that taste like what bars offer. It omits the need for separate tools that may also require certain skills to use. You also have options for fully automatic or something that still provides certain customization and control on your end. Regardless, you can now make and enjoy cocktails at home with less effort and on-demand.
There are different cocktails and drink maker options that can fit your preference. You can choose the level of control you’ll have with the cocktail machine. Some models use pods, just like some coffee machines, that contain pre-mixed concoctions. Just put it on the machine, fill it with water, and your cocktail comes out in less than a minute. Some models use a combination of pods and your choice of spirits. This allows you to use your favorite brand that will surely satisfy you.
Another variation of a cocktail machine is frozen drink makers. Cocktails like margarita use ice crushed ice as an ingredient, and these machines already incorporate ice as it dispenses the drink.
A cocktail machine is pretty straightforward with its functions so you do not have to worry about learning how to run it. But, for cocktail lovers or those who love to want to make an impression at the party, it is one of the best investments you can make. Here are the products that made it to our top list this 2021.
Top Cocktail Machine for Cocktails on Demand – (Comparison)
| Name | Key Feature | |
| Bartesian Premium Cocktail and Margarita Machine for the Home Bar – (Editor’s Choice) | Automatic operation – machine draws the right amount of alcohol depending on the pod | Check Price |
| Drinkworks Home Bar Pro by Keurig, Single-Serve, Pod-Based, Premium Instant Cocktail Maker | Comes with a CO2 cartridge for carbonation | Check Price |
| Margaritaville Bali Frozen Concoction Maker with Self-Dispensing Lever and Auto Remix Channel, DM3500 | Comes with 4 pre-programmed settings – margaritas, coladas, daiquiris, smoothies | Check Price |
Bartesian Premium Cocktail and Margarita Machine for the Home Bar – Editor’s Choice
If you want a certain level of control over how your drinks will come out, then this cocktail machine is your best option. It uses Bartesian pods but also allows you to blend them with your favorite brand of spirits. Thus, you will see a reservoir for the alcohol and another one for water at the back, and a space to put the pods on.
This Bartesian machine is easy to operate. The pods have barcodes that the machine reads and suggest to you the type of glass you’ll use it with. It will also allow you to choose your type of cocktail – whether a mocktail, light, regular or strong one. Each selection automatically measures and draws the right amount of alcohol on the reservoir to mix on the concoction inside the pod.
This cocktail machine also rinses automatically after dispensing the drink so if ever your friend wants a different drink, the tastes will not mix.
The Bartesian cocktail machine offers plenty of cocktail pods to choose from. It also offers curated themed pod packs for those who wanted to try different flavors. Bartesian claims to have worked with expert professional mixologists to come up with these flavors that taste premium, just like what you get from bars. You can use your favorite alcohol brand with this cocktail machine to satisfy your cravings and your personal preferences. In turn, it draws out the right amount of alcohol automatically based on your pod/choice of drink.
This cocktail maker also offers pod subscriptions so your pods can be delivered monthly or before your stock runs out. Meanwhile, environment-conscious consumers will be delighted to know that Bartesian uses recyclable pods.
Pros
- Uses pods and your choice of spirit/alcohol
- Automatic operation – machine draws the right amount of alcohol depending on the pod
- Dispenses the cocktail in about 20 seconds
- Automatic rinse after dispensing
- Wide selection of pods
- Uses recyclable pods
Cons
- No chilling feature – use cooled spirits or water
Conclusion
The Bartesian Premium Cocktail and Margarita Machine for the Home Bar make it easy and convenient to enjoy different types of cocktails at home.
Drinkworks Home Bar Pro by Keurig, Single-Serve, Pod-Based, Premium Instant Cocktail Maker
Now, if you want an all-in-one cocktail machine, the Drinkworks Home Bar Pro by Keurig, Single-Serve, Pod-Based, Premium Instant Cocktail Maker is a top-of-mind choice. Unlike Bartesian, Drinkworks pods already contain alcohol. Therefore, you do not need to buy separate spirits to go with your cocktails. It saves you money, and you have fewer parts to clean.
The Drinkworks by Keurig is all set with water, ice, and pods. It also comes with a CO2 cartridge so it can carbonate the water if needed on your choice of cocktail. It can also chill the water ready; just make sure to keep it plugged in even when you do not use it so the water remains cold. Don’t worry about energy consumption since the machine will automatically go into sleep mode after a while.
This cocktail machine is automatic, which means it draws the right amount of water from the reservoir depending on your type of drink. It reads the pod’s barcode and does the necessary measuring and operation. You can get your cocktail in less than a minute, not including the cooling and carbonation (as necessary).
The Keurig Drinkworks offers a wide selection of pods for a variety of cocktails and mixes. With the included carbonation feature, you get to enjoy more drinks, with or without alcohol. As mentioned, pods already contain alcohol so you do not need to buy them separately, same as with add-ons like carbonated water, sparkling water, tonic, or soda.
The Drinkworks Home Bar collaborated with known spirits makers to concoct different types of alcoholic cocktail mixes. This broadens your options and still get to enjoy your favorites. You get brands like Jack Daniels, Stella Artois Cidre, etc. Keurig also partners with beer brewers for their own creations. And among them, of course, is a complete line of classics, and some themed pods.
Users of this cocktail machine can also take advantage of its sustainability program. The pods are recyclable and can be returned to the company for recycling. Every pod purchase comes with a pre-paid return envelope where you can put your used pods.
Pros
- Drinkworks pods already contain alcohol
- Comes with a CO2 cartridge for carbonation
- Can chill the water ready
- Compatible with a wide selection of pods
- Sustainability program for return and recycling of pods
- Collaborated with known spirits makers and beer brewers to concoct different types of alcoholic cocktail mixes
Cons
- You cannot choose your type of alcohol
Conclusion
The Drinkworks Home Bar Pro by Keurig, Single-Serve, Pod-Based, Premium Instant Cocktail Maker provides you with hassle-free cocktails so you can have plenty of time to enjoy your cocktails.
Margaritaville Bali Frozen Concoction Maker with Self-Dispensing Lever and Auto Remix Channel, DM3500
If you are looking for a cocktail machine that allows you to share the goodness of your cocktails minus the need to hire a barista, every party host should have the Margaritaville Bali Frozen Concoction Maker with Self-Dispensing Lever and Auto Remix Channel, DM3500. This margarita maker comes in a large 60-ounce jar for that flowing instant margarita or other frozen alcoholic delights in your party.
The Margaritaville margarita maker comes with pre-programmed settings – a total of 4, so you can have instant margaritas, coladas, daiquiris, and even smoothies. This cocktail machine is equipped with a self-dispensing, lever-operated, dispenser so your guests can get as much as they want. You can also adjust the mixing either going half-chamber or full-chamber via its dedicated rotary control.
This frozen margarita machine utilizes either shave or blend setting so you can control the consistency of your cocktails. This cocktail machine also comes with a large chamber for the ice, which holds enough to match the capacity of the 60-ounce jar beneath it. Your frozen drinks will have consistently shaven or blended ice with its premium-designed blade. Meanwhile, the remix channel ensures that every glass contains freshly-blended cocktails on-demand.
The Margaritaville drink maker is like your bartender companion at your parties.
Pros
- Comes in a large 60-ounce jar and a large ice chamber
- Comes with 4 pre-programmed settings – margaritas, coladas, daiquiris, smoothies
- Self-dispensing, lever-operated, dispenser
- Half-chamber or full-chamber option
- Shaven or blended ice settings
Cons
- The jar is not insulated so you can’t keep the drinks frozen for so long
Conclusion
The Margaritaville Bali Frozen Concoction Maker with Self-Dispensing Lever and Auto Remix Channel, DM3500 adds life to your party even without a human barista onboard.
Final Verdict
If you love cocktails but the pandemic is keeping you out of bars and parties, then having a cocktail machine can help you to still enjoy them while at home. It has straightforward features so it is easy to operate. The use of pods also makes it even more convenient.
I find that the Bartesian Premium Cocktail and Margarita Machine for the Home Bar is my choice as the best cocktail machine on this list.
The Bartesian Premium Cocktail and Margarita Machine for the Home Bar still provide you with certain control over the output, making your drinks more personalized. I love the freedom to choose the level of alcohol on my booze. I also dig this cocktail machine’s wide array of cocktail pods to choose from, which suits every craving or curiosity.