Buying guide for best flasks
Flasks may not be quite as popular as they were when they were first invented in the mid-nineteenth century, but they’re an accessory that never quite goes out of style. Whether you want to purchase one as a gift or buy one for yourself so you can discreetly enjoy your favorite spirits on the go, the right flask is a practical accessory that gives you an undeniable air of sophistication.
Unfortunately, not all flasks are created equal, so choosing the right one among the various options can be a challenge. You have to determine the best size, material, shape, and accessories to make sure that it suits your drinking preferences. Because there are so many flasks on the market, sorting through the choices can get frustrating.
If you’re in the market for a new flask and want to buy with confidence, we've established our top picks that you can pick from. If you’re just looking for some general tips on how to choose a flask, read our shopping guide.
What is a flask?
A flask is a small, flat container designed to hold distilled spirits. It’s usually compact enough to stash in a pocket, so you can easily carry it with you. Flasks are often given as commemorative gifts, so many feature some type of decorative engraving.
Preparing a flask for use
A new flask may still have some residue inside, a remnant of the manufacturing process or shipping, and this can affect the taste of any spirits you put in it. Before you fill your flask with alcohol, fill it with hot water and empty it several times.
If your flask has a strong smell, heat a mixture of equal parts water and distilled white vinegar and carefully pour it into your flask. Fill it halfway, secure the cap, and shake the flask well. Rinse, and repeat the process if necessary. Allow the flask to air-dry.
What to put in a flask
While you can technically put any liquid that you like in a flask, they’re meant for use with alcoholic beverages. But they really only work well for hard liquor – beer and wine have a lower percentage of alcohol, making them poor choices to be carried in an uncooled container. Spirits with an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 40% to 60% are your best bet, so vodka, tequila, rum, and whiskey are good options.
If you fill your flask with a spirit that contains sugar, such as flavored vodka or peach schnapps, make sure to thoroughly clean the flask as soon as it’s empty to keep it from getting sticky.
Caution
Carrying a flask is illegal in many areas of the United States because of open container laws. Check your local laws to make sure that you’re allowed to carry one.
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Flask features to consider
Size
Flasks are designed to be taken with you and easily concealed, so they’re usually fairly small and compact. But there is a range of sizes, from extremely small flasks that attach to a keychain and only hold a single shot, to larger flasks that can hold an entire bottle of alcohol. The standard flask size is eight ounces.
Material
The material that a flask is made of is important because it can affect the taste and appearance of the alcohol you put in it. Traditional metals like pewter, silver, and gold aren’t found as much any more because they’re expensive, and some of them present toxicity concerns.
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Stainless steel: Stainless steel is the most common material for modern flasks. It’s highly durable and isn’t prone to rust, so it holds up very well to prolonged use. A stainless steel flask isn’t too heavy, and it offers a sleek, stylish look. Best of all, the stainless steel won’t affect the taste of the alcohol. Some stainless steel flasks are plated with gold to look like solid gold. (Solid gold flasks aren’t as easy to find as they once were.)
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Leather: Some modern flasks are made of stainless steel encased in leather. These flasks have all the benefits of a stainless steel flask, but they offer a slightly more decorative appearance than plain metal.
- Plastic: A flask made of plastic can be taken through metal detectors without setting them off. But plastic isn’t the best option for a flask because it can easily absorb the flavors and aromas of the alcohol, which can affect the taste.
Shape
Flasks come in a variety of shapes. The shape doesn’t affect the flask’s utility, so choosing one is largely a matter of personal preference.
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Kidney: Most flasks are kidney shaped (when looked at from above). These flasks feature rounded corners and a curved body, a shape that is easy to hold and easy to carry because the curve fits comfortably against your body in a pocket.
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Straight: Straight flasks are the second most popular option. These flasks have a rectangular shape but aren’t entirely straight or flat. A slight curve helps them conform to the shape of your body so they fit comfortably in a pocket.
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Round: Round flasks aren’t as common or as large as other shapes. These are often marketed to women because they’re believed to have a more feminine shape.
Accessories
Many people give flasks as gifts on special occasions, so some come in gift sets that include extras, such as shot glasses and a decorative box for storage. The most important accessory to look for is a funnel, which makes it much easier to pour your favorite spirits into the flask without spilling.
Flask prices
Flask prices vary based on the size and material from which it is made. Most models range from $5 to $180.
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Budget friendly: Small flasks made entirely of stainless steel usually cost from $5 to $15. Standard flasks made entirely of stainless steel usually cost from $15 to $30.
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Mid-range: Small flasks made of stainless steel and leather usually cost from $30 to $75.
- Expensive: Standard flasks made of stainless steel and leather usually cost from $75 to $180.
FAQ
Q. How long can I leave alcohol in my flask?
A. It isn’t recommended that you leave alcohol in your flask longer than three days. If you leave a flask filled for longer than that, the alcohol will no longer be fresh, and it can even start to take on a metallic taste. For the best-tasting spirits, only fill the flask with as much alcohol as you plan to drink in a day or two.
Q. How do I wash my flask?
A. Always wash your flask immediately after use to prevent any sticky residue from developing. Use warm water and dishwashing liquid, not soap (soap can leave behind a residue that’s difficult to wash away and may affect the taste of your alcohol). If there is any residue in your flask, you can use a bottle brush to gently scrub the interior.
Q. Where should I carry a flask?
A. Most flasks are designed to be carried in a jacket pocket, but you can also place it in a hip pocket or purse. The shape of the flask you buy will probably determine the most comfortable place to carry it.
