Imagine a device that combines the ease of a Keurig coffee maker with the flair of a professional bartender. That’s the promise of the Bartesian, a sleek and innovative home cocktail maker designed for anyone who loves hosting but isn’t skilled at mixing drinks. I put the Bartesian through its paces, and here’s my review of this gadget that’s making waves in the world of at-home mixology.
Where to Purchase
You can pick up the Bartesian on Amazon for about $350.
Unboxing the Bartesian
The Bartesian arrives well-packaged, complete with accessories that make setup straightforward. Alongside the main unit, which features receptacles for vodka, gin, rum, tequila, and whiskey, I received two cocktail capsule collections: the Classic Collection and the Poolside Vibes Collection. Each capsule contains mixers (no alcohol) and features a barcode that the machine scans to create the perfect drink.
The capsules include ingredients for such drinks as Long Island Iced Tea, Cosmopolitan, and Mai Tai, along with details about serving sizes and nutritional information. At approximately $2.50 per capsule, these pre-measured mixers aim to simplify cocktail creation without sacrificing quality.
How It Works
Using the Bartesian is intuitive. After cleaning and filling the water reservoir, you load the alcohol bottles into their designated slots and select a capsule. Once inserted, the machine reads the capsule’s barcode, mixes the ingredients with precision, and dispenses the drink. You can even customize the strength of your cocktail: mocktail, regular, or strong.
For my first test, I made a Long Island Iced Tea. The machine prompted me to place a highball glass with ice under the spout. In less than a minute, my drink was ready. The process was fast, and the cocktail was impressively flavorful. I also tried an Old Fashioned and several other drinks over the course of a couple of days, each delivering consistent results.
Pros of the Bartesian
- Ease of Use: With clear instructions and a user-friendly interface, the Bartesian is accessible to everyone, even those with no bartending skills.
- Variety and Customization: With over 40 cocktail options and adjustable strength settings, it caters to diverse preferences.
- Consistent Quality: The drinks tasted as expected, mirroring what you’d get at a professional bar.
- Space and Cost Efficiency: By eliminating the need for numerous mixers and tools, the Bartesian simplifies cocktail preparation for social events.
Cons to Consider
- Price: At around $350 for the unit and $2 to $2.50 per drink, it’s a premium product.
- Glass Compatibility: The machine could better communicate the type of glass needed for each drink upfront, as this information is only displayed after the capsule is inserted.
- Dripping Issue: Closing the lid can cause the machine to drip before the glass is properly placed.
- Alcohol Slot Limitation: Gin and rum share the same slot, requiring a cleaning cycle when switching between these spirits.
Final Verdict
The Bartesian is ideal for anyone who enjoys cocktails but dislikes the hassle of preparation. Its sleek design, consistent performance, and variety of drink options make it a good fit for social gatherings, from casual pool parties to upscale cocktail hours. While the price might be a deterrent for some, the convenience and quality it delivers could make it a worthwhile investment for frequent hosts.
If you’ve tried the Bartesian or a similar product, share your experiences in the comments. Cheers to stress-free mixology!
Video Review
You can check out my full review in the video below.