Review: The Bartesian Cocktail Maker Delivers Bar-Worthy Drinks With The Push Of A Button

What is the Bartesian?

Bartesian was founded by CEO Ryan Close, who, after bartending in college, often felt daunted by customers ordering complex drinks that required specific ingredients and skills he believed he didn't possess. This challenge extended to his home life, where he longed for a delicious cocktail but lacked the energy and supplies to make one. "Bartesian was designed to be a solution for everyday 'bartenders' at home," he shared in an interview with leadership expert Adam Mendler.

And that's precisely what this device offers. With the ability to mix over 60 different cocktails—ranging from classics like the lemon drop and old fashioned to contemporary favorites like the honey deuce and the ever-popular espresso martini—all at the touch of a button, Bartesian eliminates the need for elaborate ingredients, prioritizing efficiency in both space and time.

At first glance, it resembles a Keurig machine. It includes a removable water reservoir, a dispenser, and a holder equipped with a puncturing needle for the pre-packaged cocktail capsules that contain a blend of bitters, juices, and extracts. Additionally, it features refillable canisters for various spirits—vodka, rum, gin, tequila, or whiskey—and a smart control panel that lets you adjust the strength of your cocktail, from strong to a non-alcoholic mocktail if preferred. I must also highlight the charming fitted bar mat that mimics the look of your favorite local bar.

Cost and availability of the Bartesian

Bartesian offers two models: the Bartesian Classic ($349.99), which includes five 900-milliliter glass canisters for a genuine home bar experience, and the more compact Duet ($259.99), designed with the same great features but featuring two 1-liter canisters instead of five. If you prefer sticking to your favorite drinks, the Duet might be the perfect choice for you. Personally, as someone who tends to steer clear of tequila due to some memorable college experiences, I can see myself not needing all five canisters.

The capsules are sold separately, providing a fun shopping experience with a wide variety to choose from. Single-flavor capsules are available in 8-packs for $19.99 and 32-packs for $71.99. Bartesian also offers exciting themed combinations, such as the Whiskey Lovers Variety Pack and the Poolside Vibes Variety Pack, available in the same pack sizes and prices. New flavors and cocktails are regularly introduced, and subscription plans are available to keep your machine stocked.

Additionally, there are bundles, starter kits, and gift cards for those looking for a (particularly generous) gift. A range of accessories is also available, including the Bartesian Clear Sphere Ice Maker, a capsule drawer, travel bag, various glassware, salt rimmers, and more. All products can be found on Bartesian's website, as well as through various online retailers like Amazon and in physical stores.

Yes, using Bartesian is that easy

When it comes to getting this device up and running, it’s as easy as it sounds. Just insert the pod, press a button, and enjoy a cocktail. However, there are a few essential steps to set everything up and ensure your push-button drink is as delicious as possible. Luckily, Bartesian simplifies the process with a clear instruction manual and an intuitive, responsive control panel.

Since I have the Duet model, I decided to start with some vodka-based and whiskey-based cocktails. After filling the water reservoir and completing a quick initial setup to prime the machine, I poured my spirits into the canisters, attached the convenient spirit markers—reminiscent of those fun silicone bracelets with motivational phrases—and I was all set.

To make a drink, select a capsule, open the top—just like you would with a Keurig—and insert it. Bartesian scans the barcode on the capsule to determine which spirits canister to use. The digital control panel then guides you through the next steps, first instructing you on what type of glass or container to prepare, and then allowing you to choose your drink strength—light, regular, strong, or a non-alcoholic mocktail option. After that, it’s smooth sailing. Just press the button and wait about 30 seconds for your drink to be dispensed. If you’re using a glass, feel free to garnish it as you wish and dive right in. If you’re using a shaker, give it a good shake and serve.

First impressions

At first, I was concerned that the machine might be more complicated than it appeared. How could a single device possibly create a decent Long Island iced tea? (It's worth noting that the Long Island iced tea requires three different types of alcohol, so it only works with the larger Bartesian model.) However, I found that this is a simple bar appliance that is nearly as easy to use as plugging it in. I appreciate that each cocktail capsule has a barcode that the machine scans and processes accordingly. It even recommends the appropriate glass to use — including whether a martini shaker is needed — and whether to add ice. I especially liked the option to customize the drink's strength, allowing me to adjust based on how intense that Monday afternoon meeting was (strong), if I was enjoying a pre-dinner drink (light or regular), or if I needed a mocktail for taking my kids to baseball practice. The digital control panel is user-friendly, and the dial-style selection tool is both sleek and satisfying to use.

Additionally, it’s an attractive appliance that fits nicely on a countertop, yet it’s compact enough to be easily stored away if you prefer a more minimalist aesthetic. Cleaning it turned out to be much simpler than I had anticipated, which I initially thought would be the biggest drawback. There are handy settings that guide you on how to switch out spirits in the canisters and rinse the dispensing lines. The water reservoir and spirits containers can be easily removed for straightforward cleaning with just water and detergent.

Test 1: the Cosmo

How are the drinks, you ask? I decided to kick things off with a classic: the Cosmopolitan. I wanted my first experience with the Bartesian to feature a vibrant, iconic cocktail, and I felt confident in my ability to evaluate it since I had enjoyed a few during my "Sex and the City" days.

After setting up the machine, I inserted a Cosmo capsule, and sure enough, the control panel scanned the barcode and prompted me to place a cocktail shaker filled with ice beneath the dispenser. This clarified my initial question about how to achieve an instantly chilled martini ("Oh! We dispense into a shaker, not directly into the glass this time!"). In fact, this clever little barcode holds details about whether to use a glass or shaker, the type of alcohol needed, and the precise amounts of alcohol and water to mix based on the strength selected on the touch screen.

When it was time to choose, I went for a regular-strength cocktail and hit the "next" button to get the process underway. The control panel displayed a charming message, "No tab to settle and no last call," as it began to pour my Cosmo into the shaker. I secured the lid, gave it a vigorous shake, and then poured it into my waiting martini glass. The drink emerged in a vibrant ruby-pink hue, perfectly balancing sweet and tart flavors, with refreshing notes of lime and a robust cranberry taste. It was a delicious, unmistakable (if slightly more intense) Cosmo.

Test 2: the espresso martini

With the Cosmo already in hand (or rather, in glass), I decided to experiment with cocktail strength and try something a bit more modern while still sticking to vodka, as one of my canisters was dedicated to this popular clear spirit. Given that the espresso martini is currently trending, it was the clear choice. Fortunately, Bartesian has an espresso martini capsule ready for use.

I inserted the capsule and followed the same steps as I did for the Cosmo, but this time I chose a "light" preparation. The machine quickly got to work, dispensing a rich, chocolatey brown liquid into my martini shaker. After giving it a few quick shakes, I poured it into a fresh martini glass.

The drink had a medium-espresso hue topped with a frothy, crema-like layer — it looked perfect. After taking a sip, I couldn't help but exclaim to my 8-year-old, "Wow, this is delicious." Although I’ve never been particularly fond of this popular cocktail, the Bartesian might just change my mind.

Test 3: the whiskey sour

After two martinis—just to clarify, I sipped and discarded them—where were my happy hour companions when I needed them the most? It was time to switch to whiskey. Since I had already filled my second canister with this spirit, I didn’t need to adjust anything in the machine.

Whiskey is my go-to spirit for cocktails, and I particularly enjoy any whiskey drink that incorporates a touch of acidity, like citrus. Naturally, I have a fondness for a well-crafted whiskey sour, that smoky and tangy cocktail that manages to be both classic and effortlessly timeless.

This time, when I inserted the capsule into the machine, the control panel prompted me to place a lowball glass filled with ice beneath the dispenser. I chose the regular-strength option again and let it do its thing. A few seconds later, a pale golden liquid flowed into my glass, and the machine notified me with a cheerful "Cheers! Open the lid and remove the capsule" when my drink was ready. Speaking of being ready, after just one sip of this impeccably made whiskey sour, I felt inclined to shut my laptop until next year and declare a personal sabbatical on the couch. It struck the perfect balance of robust whiskey with zesty lemon notes and a delightful froth on top—I can definitely see this becoming a staple for my Friday evenings.

Test 4: the margarita

You can't host a cocktail party without margaritas, so for the next round, I switched to tequila. Initially, I was apprehensive about changing spirits in the Duet, but I found it to be incredibly straightforward, as the machine walks you through each step. All it took was a few prompts on the control panel, a quick line purge at the touch of a button, a refill of the canisters with the new spirits, and we were all set.

I chose a classic margarita at regular strength (though I had the option of mango, passion fruit, pineapple, and blackberry capsules available), as this is a well-known flavor that I could easily compare to a margarita from a bar or restaurant. The machine recommended serving it in a lowball or rocks glass with ice, but you could also shake it in a cocktail shaker and strain it into a traditional margarita glass if you preferred.

As always, the drink was prepared quickly and efficiently. However, of all the cocktails I sampled, this one was my least favorite. It might be because I'm not typically a fan of tequila (thanks to my college days), or perhaps because I prefer margaritas made with fresh lime juice rather than margarita mix. This drink had a slightly artificial, sweet-and-sour mixer flavor that I didn't particularly enjoy. That said, I’m sure it would hold its own at any two-for-one margarita night at your local taco Tuesday spot.

Test 5: the Uptown Rocks

Last but certainly not least, I had to experiment a bit with gin mixology. When I swapped out the spirits and added tequila, I also filled the other canister with gin, preparing for this round. I had never encountered an Uptown Rocks before, but after some research, I discovered it can be crafted with various spirits, is somewhat akin to a classic sidecar cocktail, and typically features a blend of citrus, stone fruit, and tropical flavors. Bartesian's rendition promises "an elegant floral and sweet gin cocktail with a combination of peach, white grape, and lemon juices, complemented by a delicate cilantro twist." My interest was definitely sparked.

Served over ice, this might have been my favorite cocktail of the bunch. It delivered everything Bartesian described—a delightful fusion of juicy, ripe peach, a hint of citrus, and an enchanting herbal note that truly elevated the drink. Since the machine self-cleans after each use and the capsules contain no alcohol, I even whipped up a mocktail version for my 10-year-old son, who loved it.

The final word: Is it worth it?

Not only was this test drive a blast, but the ability to whip up push-button cocktails at home made me feel like I had jumped into the future. It's no wonder that Bartesian has garnered various accolades, including the distinction of being one of Oprah's Favorite Things. The more pressing question is whether its steep price is justified, especially when considering the ongoing expense of the capsules.

Crafting cocktails at home is seldom a budget-friendly venture. Specialty mixers, juices, and equipment can add up and are often perishable. While Bartesian's cocktail capsules do have expiration dates due to their natural ingredients, their shelf life is generally longer than, for instance, that carton of orange juice needed for the ideal Sex on the Beach. Additionally, each capsule includes all the necessary components for each cocktail, no matter how intricate, including that Long Island Iced Tea.

In summary, this bar appliance is worth every cent if you enjoy entertaining or simply appreciate a well-made mixed drink regularly. I did miss the hands-on, meditative aspect of mixology—slicing fruit, muddling, and measuring—but the convenience and stylish design more than compensated for it. Moreover, if you wanted, you could use the time saved by skipping those steps to explore creative techniques like smoking your cocktails or perfecting clear ice spheres.

Methodology

I got my hands on the Bartesian Duet cocktail machine along with three sets of cocktail capsules: the Classic Collection, the Tropical Margarita Collection, and the Vodka Lovers variety pack. Using filtered water from my fridge, I ran multiple rounds of cocktails, which involved swapping out spirit canisters, flushing the lines, and cleaning the machine.

In total, I crafted five cocktails and one mocktail. My review is informed by my extensive background in the drinks industry as a journalist, beverage professional, and consultant, as well as my passion for wine and spirits.