Now, that #Halloween is over I can start to look forward to Thanksgiving and began my Christmas Shopping List for Charlie and David. Every year, I struggle with figuring out what to purchase David for Christmas. He’s one of those men who, if he wants something, will usually go out and buy it for himself.
Although, more times than not, he’ll do without the things he’d really like to have because he thinks there’s something Charlie or I might need instead. And, if I’m being completely honest with you, more times than not, he’s probably right. But this year is going to be different!
I can’t wait to surprise David because I have something I know he’s truly going to enjoy, and it’s from ORI Future.Their products will give David a new way to enjoy the adult beverages he likes to have in the evenings. I think he’s going to be especially excited when he sees all the different shapes and designs.
The only thing I wish were different is that we’re no longer in our mobile home, where I once had room for a bar. I loved having that space! David does, however, have his man cave, and after Christmas, I’ll be adding a shelf where he can display and keep the gifts he receives.
That shelf will include the products from ORI Future that we were able to review. We’re grateful, thankful, and blessed that Suzy and her team thought enough of our family to send such a generous collection. Now, let’s take a look at what arrived! But we need to hurry so I can hide it from David and Charlie so David will be surprised for once.
When the packages started arriving, I discovered several products that I think will make interesting Christmas gifts for the men on our shopping lists. ORI Future is a design-driven home beverage brand that brings together shaped ice, cocktail flavors, and home entertaining accessories.
One thing I noticed right away is that these aren’t ordinary bar accessories. The different shapes give someone an opportunity to add a little personality to their drinks and entertaining space. One of the Gifts we received was the Halo Smoker: giving me something different for David’s Home Bar.
The Halo Smoker is an electric, rechargeable cold smoker designed to add smoky aromas to drinks and food. It doesn’t require a butane torch or an open flame. Which I like a lot because knowing me I would have burnt myself if it had a open flame because I am a clumsy person.
For someone like David who enjoys bourbon, Scotch, or cocktails, being able to introduce smoky aromas to a glass or prepared drink offers a different experience. You can smoke an empty glass, a glass containing ice, or a drink after pouring it which David will enjoy doing.
I like that the smoking process is enclosed inside the device because there is no, smoke to bother me with.. Opening it automatically interrupts operation.The smoker also comes with different wood and spice selections, which we’ll discuss in more detail below.
Now this is where I’m going to have to keep this Gift away from Charlie and I because we also received GLAZER Mini Ice Molds: and because of this I have a question for you Who knew Ice could be so much fun? Not, me. How about you? Now we’re getting to some of the designs that really caught our attention!
The GLAZER mini collection offers shaped ice molds using directional freezing to help create clearer ice. We discovered several different shapes, and I can already imagine how much fun these could be when entertaining.
The Sphere– Sometimes classic is best. A sphere is a familiar choice for someone who enjoys a traditional-looking drink which is what David would like.. The Skull– This one immediately made me think about David’s love of unusual and interesting things. It would be right at home in his man cave! But I could see Charlie wanting it as well for his Soda because he is under age and will not be using Alcohol. If David isn’t carful I may use it as part of my #Halloween decorations next year. The Baseball– Take Me Out to the Ballpark! When we discovered the baseball design, I immediately thought about Bradley but he will not be using this either because he is under 21 but I know the baseball fans in our family will like it.. Like my nephew David M. who loves baseball, this is a fun way to bring a little personality to a home bar. The Soccer Ball– Soccer ball, anyone? This is another sports-inspired design that caught our attention. It’s something different from the ordinary ice cubes most of us are accustomed to seeing. But #soccer is something near and dear to our hearts so all three of us would like to use lt. The Magic 8 Ball– Remember being a child and picking up a Magic 8 Ball to ask it a question? You would shake it, turn it over, and wait for an answer. When we discovered this design, it brought back those memories and made us smile. I don’t know if this one can answer all our questions, but it certainly makes an interesting addition to the collection!
The different designs are what make these products fun to explore. Instead of giving someone another ordinary bar accessory, you’re giving them something that can become a conversation starter. And for someone who enjoys collecting unusual things, I think these are worth checking out.
One thing Suzy explained is that the GLAZER mini uses directional freezing which was a #teachingmoment for my family. Rather than freezing water in every direction at once, the system allows the water to freeze slowly from top to bottom. Air bubbles and impurities move toward the bottom, helping produce clearer ice.
Each set includes:
- An insulated outer cup
- A silicone mold
- Two plastic liners
You use one liner at a time and keep the other as a spare. We’ll be following the instructions when making our shaped ice, because there are a few things first-time users should know.
Looking at everything together, I can see why ORI Future would appeal to someone who enjoys having friends and family over. Between the different ice shapes and the Halo Smoker, there are several ways to make an evening at home a little more interesting. These products would make thoughtful Christmas gifts for husbands, fathers, brothers, adult sons, bartenders, and adults who enjoy whiskey, bourbon, cocktails, and home entertaining. Which is why I will be sharing these products with Santa as we load the sleigh this year and you will find them inside our Christmas Gift Guide/ Wish List.
Now, let’s talk about some of the questions I had before we started putting this feature together.
Questions We Asked Suzy at ORI Future
When reviewing a product, I don’t want to simply tell you what arrived in a package. I want to understand how the products work, what comes with them, and what someone should know before spending their hard-earned money. I reached out to Suzy Law, Global Marketing and PR at ORI Future, with several questions. She was kind enough to take the time to answer them.
Here is what we learned.
1. What Are ORI MIX Flavor Pods?– One of the things that initially interested me was the ORI MIX flavor pod system.
The pods are individual flavor-building ingredients rather than complete cocktails in a capsule. Each pod contains 15 ml of flavor, and recipes combine specific pods with spirits or liqueurs, water, and an acidic ingredient. Each Experience Pack contains nine pods, which are portioned to make three drinks using the accompanying recipes.
There are two Experience Packs.
Experience Pack 1 includes:
- Pineapple: 2 pods
- Lemon: 2 pods
- Grapefruit: 1 pod
- Cherry Raspberry: 2 pods
- Cinnamon: 1 pod
- Pomegranate: 1 pod
The featured drinks are Golden Tsunami, Singapore Sling, and Berry Margarita.
Experience Pack 2 includes:
- Popcorn: 2 pods
- Pear: 1 pod
- Lemon: 3 pods
- Blackcurrant: 1 pod
- Cherry Raspberry: 2 pods
The featured drinks are Corn Candy, Enzoni, and Cherry Campari. The Complete Experience includes both boxes, giving you 18 pods in total for six drinks. One important detail: Complete Experience does not include the citric acid solution or pod opener.
2. What Drinks Can You Make With the Flavor Pods?
Suzy shared information about six featured drinks. Golden Tsunami: Rum with pineapple, grapefruit, and cinnamon for a tropical flavor profile. I bet David would enjoy. Singapore Sling: Pineapple, lemon, and cherry notes paired with gin and orange liqueur. This reminded me of the Tom Cruise movie Cocktail. How about you? Berry Margarita: Berry and citrus flavors with tequila and orange liqueur. You can also serve it in a salt-rimmed glass. Leave off the Salt and I might try it. Corn Candy: Popcorn sweetness paired with whiskey in a whiskey sour variation. I can hear David now, Popcorn I gotta try it. LOL Enzoni: Gin and Campari’s bittersweet character combined with bright, fruity notes. Cherry Campari: Cherry and berry flavors with Campari, moving from an initial bitterness to a sweet-and-tart finish.
David would probably enjoy Golden Tsunami and Corn Candy. I was especially interested in Singapore Sling and Berry Margarita. We were also curious about Enzoni and wanted to learn more about Cherry Campari. It’s nice to have different choices because not everyone enjoys the same flavors.
3. How Do You Make a Drink Using the Pods?– For someone who wants to experiment with the flavors manually, Suzy explained that you need:
- A compatible pod opener
- A measuring cup or jigger
- A mixing glass or cocktail shaker
- Ice
- Serving glasses
You measure the ingredients according to the recipe, add the full contents of the specified pods, and then stir or shake before serving. Each featured recipe uses between two and four pods. The recipes also call for the appropriate spirits or liqueurs, water, and an acidic ingredient.
For example, the Enzoni recipe calls for:
- 30 ml gin
- 30 ml Campari
- 5 ml of the specified citric acid solution
- 35 ml water
- One #53 Blackcurrant pod
- One #15 Lemon pod
Suzy also explained that the concentration of the citric acid solution matters. A different concentration shouldn’t be substituted in the same quantity.
4. Are There Alcohol-Free Possibilities?– Yes!Suzy also shared some ideas for experimenting with alcohol-free drinks. Some possibilities include combining pineapple with grapefruit or cherry raspberry with lemon, adding soda water and ice. You mix the flavor ingredients first, then add soda water and stir gently. These are serving suggestions rather than official measured recipes.
I appreciate that the flavors can be explored in different ways, although removing spirits from an existing cocktail recipe will change its flavor and balance. But that is okay with me because I don’t drink that much Alcohol but David does.
5. How Long Do the Flavor Pods Last?– The pods have a 12-month shelf life, with the applicable dates shown on the batch markings. Unopened pods should be stored in a cool place away from direct sunlight. Once opened, they should be used promptly. The accompanying recipes use the full contents of each specified pod, so there is no need to save leftovers.
6. What Is the ORI MIX Cocktail Maker?– ORI MIX is a cocktail-making system that combines the flavor pods with your own spirits or liqueurs. According to Suzy, users connect their bottles, register them in the app, scan their pods, select a recipe, and load the required pods as directed.
The machine handles measuring, dilution, and the mixing actions required by the recipe. Users choose their glass, add ice, and finish with a garnish. The preparation cycle takes under 60 seconds, although preparing the ingredients and garnishing take additional time.
The app also supports adjustments to acidity and alcoholic strength, along with alcohol-free versions. This is a separate product from the Halo Smoker and the ice molds. We did not receive the cocktail maker in our package. You can learn more here: ORI MIX Cocktail Maker
7. How Do the GLAZER Mini Ice Molds Work? This was another question I wanted answered because I know some readers will be trying these for the first time. Suzy explained that the molds use directional freezing. Water freezes slowly from top to bottom, moving air bubbles and impurities toward the bottom to help produce clearer ice. The compact design fits most home freezers. Each set includes an insulated outer cup, a silicone mold, and two plastic liners. Only one liner is used at a time.
8. What Should You Know Before Making Your First Batch of Ice?– Suzy provided several helpful instructions.
- Make sure the liner is firmly seated.
- Add water.
- Gently insert the silicone mold.
- Place the assembly upright and level in your freezer.
She recommends boiled and cooled tap water or mineral water. If your freezer temperature is adjustable, the suggested setting is between -10°C and -15°C. If you cannot adjust the temperature, try placing the mold on a middle shelf near the freezer door, away from the back wall. Freezing usually takes approximately 18–24 hours. The actual time and clarity depend on the water, freezer conditions, and setup.
9. What Is Different About the Second-Generation GLAZER Mini?– This was one of the practical questions I wanted to ask.
According to Suzy, the second generation is 10 mm taller than the first generation. The functions and operating steps remain the same. The additional space at the bottom gives impurities more room to collect, helping improve the likelihood of clearer ice. Results can still vary from one batch to another. You can find the instructions here: GLAZER Mini User Guide
10. What Makes the Halo Smoker Different? The Halo Smoker is an electric smoker that doesn’t require a butane torch. The burning process is enclosed inside the device, and opening it automatically interrupts operation. It can be used to add smoky aromas to beverages and food. For bourbon, Scotch, and cocktails, you can smoke an empty glass, a glass containing ice, or the drink after pouring. Its purpose is to enhance aroma rather than heat or cook food.
11. What Smoking Materials Are Available?– Suzy shared eight different wood and spice selections.
Six types of wood:
- Apple
- Pear
- Cherry
- Hickory
- Oak
- Beech
Two spice selections:
- Ginger
- Cinnamon
Refills are available separately. This gives someone the opportunity to explore different smoky aromas depending on the drink or food they’re preparing.
12. What About Charging, Cleaning, and Safety?– The Halo Smoker charges using USB-C with a 5V/2A power supply. A full charge takes approximately 40 minutes and provides around 80–100 uses, up to 100 cycles. One important instruction: Do not use the Halo Smoker while it is charging. After each use, clean the smoke passage and removable combustion tray. Remove any chip buildup around the heating coil. Keep the chips dry, and take care not to discard the reusable combustion tray when emptying it.
The standard kit includes:
- Halo Smoker
- Six boxes of wood chips
- Two boxes of spice chips
- Combustion tray
- Cleaning brush
- USB-C cable
- Tweezers
- User manual
Everything is presented in gift packaging. You can explore the product here: Halo Smoker Kit
13. Where Can You Purchase ORI Future Products?– Suzy explained that the products can be purchased through the ORI Future website. The ice molds, flavor pods, Halo Smoker, and selected accessories are available individually, with combination sets also offered.
Some of the gift sets she mentioned include:
Christmas Pack
- Jolly Santa
- Christmas Tree
- Snowman
Gamer’s Ice Pack
- Diamond
- Skull
- D20
Complete Smoke Set
- A GLAZER mini in your choice of shape
- Halo Smoker
- Glass smoking dome
These combinations give shoppers different ways to put together a gift depending on the recipient’s interests. You can explore the collection here: Shop ORI Future Products
Suzy also shared that the ORI MIX Cocktail Maker’s U.S. Super Early Bird offer allows customers to reserve it with a $100 deposit and secure a $459 price. The Early Supporter Kit includes two Flavor Pod Starter Packs, citric acid solution, and a pod opener. That is different from purchasing Complete Experience separately. Prices and promotional offers can change, so check the website for current availability and terms.
As much as we enjoyed opening everything, there was one part of the original collaboration we were especially looking forward to exploring. The ORI MIX flavor pods and matching pod opener weren’t included in this shipment. Suzy explained that the matching opener hadn’t arrived yet, so they proceeded with the revised product selection, including additional GLAZER mini shapes and the Halo Smoker.
She also confirmed that she understood how important trying the different flavors was to our experience and would arrange for the pods and opener to be sent together next time. I appreciate her explaining that rather than leaving us wondering where those products were. We look forward to exploring the flavor system when those items become available to us.
Three More Things We’re Hoping Santa Will Bring!– Of course, looking through everything ORI Future offers has given us a few more ideas for our Christmas wish list. There are three things we’re hoping, praying, and believing Santa will bring us!
1. GLAZER D20 Ice Mold– The D20 design is something we’d love to add to the collection. It’s a fun option for adults who enjoy gaming and unique designs. 2. ORI MIX Flavor Pods– We haven’t had the opportunity to try the flavors yet, and I’m especially interested in exploring the different combinations Suzy described. 3. ORI MIX Pod Opener– Since the pod opener is needed for the manual flavor-pod experience, this is another item we’re hoping to receive.
Santa, if you’re making your list, please don’t forget these three! And while we’re talking about future products, we have one more suggestion for ORI Future. How about a basketball-inspired Q someday? We think that would be another fun addition to the collection!
As I mentioned at the beginning, shopping for David isn’t always easy. He’s a man who tends to put his family first, and sometimes that means going without something he’d really enjoy. That’s why I’m especially excited about this Christmas surprise. After Christmas, I’ll be adding a shelf in David’s man cave where he can keep and display his new gifts, including the products from ORI Future. I can’t wait to see his face when he discovers all the different shapes in person.
And we’ll be sharing those Christmas moments with our Greatful Moments readers, including Charlie’s reaction to seeing the unusual designs. Although some of these designs are fun and bring back childhood memories, the bar, cocktail, and alcohol-related products are intended for adults 21 and older. Our gift recommendations are for the grown-ups on our Christmas lists.
What I appreciate most is that ORI Future has brought together several different ideas for someone who enjoys entertaining at home. The Halo Smoker, shaped ice molds, and ORI MIX system each offer something different. I also appreciate Suzy taking the time to answer our questions. When I write a feature, I want readers to have more than a pretty picture and a shopping link. I want them to understand what they’re considering purchasing.
We’re looking forward to seeing what else ORI Future introduces in the future, and we certainly hope Santa remembers our three additional wishes! Thank you to Suzy and everyone at ORI Future for thinking of our family and giving us the opportunity to introduce these products to our readers.
Sometimes the best Christmas gifts aren’t necessarily the things someone goes out and buys for himself. Sometimes they’re the things someone else thinks he deserves. And this year, I’m grateful to have found something special for David. Grateful, Thankful, and Blessed!
Disclosure: Greatful Moments received products from ORI Future for editorial consideration. We appreciate the opportunity to explore the products and share our honest impressions with our readers. Our opinions are our own. Some products discussed, including the ORI MIX Flavor Pods and Pod Opener, were not included in the shipment and are items we hope to explore in the future. Alcohol-related products and beverage suggestions are intended only for adults 21 and older.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
