Bartending is an art form, and like any art, the tools used are just as important as the technique. With the best bar tools, bartenders can make cocktails that look and taste fantastic. It’s no secret that the right tools can make all the difference when it comes to creating a well-crafted drink. But what are the best bar tools every bartender should have? In this article, we’ll discuss the ten must-have bar tools for any bartender.
Table of Contents
Shaker set
One of the most critical bar tools that every bartender should have is a shaker set. A shaker set is used to mix and chill cocktails quickly. It usually consists of two or three parts, depending on the type: the shaker tin and the mixing glass or second, smaller tin; sometimes it will have a strainer top and cap. Shakers are mainly of two types of shakers: the Boston shaker and the Cobbler shaker.
The Boston shaker is the most commonly used shaker in the industry, and it consists of a metal tin and a mixing glass or two metal tins. It’s ideal for larger batches and making multiple drinks at once. On the other hand, the cobbler shaker is a three-part shaker that consists of a metal tin, a strainer, and a cap. It’s easier to use than the Boston shaker and is perfect for smaller batches or making individual drinks.
Jigger
A jigger is a small measuring cup that bartenders use to measure out the right amount of alcohol for their cocktails. It’s essential for consistency and accuracy, and every bartender should have one in their toolkit.
The main two types of jiggers are the Japanese-style jigger and the classic jigger. The Japanese-style jigger is taller and narrower than the classic jigger, which makes it easier to use and more precise. The classic jigger has a more traditional look with shorter cups on each side and is also usually less expensive. There is also a rounded bell jigger, which is more vintage-looking.
Mixing Glass
A mixing glass is another essential bar tool that every bartender should have. It’s a large, clear glass that is used to mix cocktails with ice. A mixing glass is the perfect tool for stirring cocktails and allows the bartender to see the ingredients as they are combined.
It’s an essential tool for making spirit-forward, classic cocktails like the Manhattan or Old Fashioned. The best mixing glasses are made of high-quality glass and are durable enough to withstand frequent use.
Strainer
A strainer is a small tool that is used to strain cocktails as they are poured into a glass. Any bartender must have one because it helps prevent ice chips and other debris from getting into the finished cocktail. There are three types of strainers: the Hawthorne strainer, the julep strainer, and the fine strainer.
The Hawthorne strainer is the most commonly used strainer in the industry, and it fits inside a cocktail shaker tin to strain out ice and other debris like fruit pulp or herbs. The julep strainer is a bowl-shaped strainer that fits over a mixing glass and is ideal for straining cocktails that are stirred and served up.
A fine mesh strainer is cone-shaped with a fine mesh basket used to strain out even the smallest ingredients like egg white residue, lime pulp, and tiny fruit suits. You use a fine strainer at the same time as one of the others to double-strain your cocktail.
Bar Spoon
A bar spoon is a long, thin spoon used for stirring cocktails. It allows you to stir cocktails without diluting the ingredients too much with ice chips. Bar spoons usually have a twisted handle that helps with stirring and layering drinks. There are two common types of bar spoons: the European-style bar spoon and the Japanese-style bar spoon.
The European-style bar spoon is the most common type of bar spoon, and it has a twisted handle that is perfect for stirring drinks. The Japanese-style bar spoon is longer and thinner than the European-style bar spoon and is ideal for layering drinks. There are many other kinds of bar spoons, some with flat muddling pieces on the end.
Muddler
A muddler is a small tool that is used to mash or crush fruits, herbs, and other ingredients to release their flavors. It’s an essential tool for any bartender who wants to make fresh and flavorful cocktails.
The two types of muddlers are the traditional wooden muddler and the metal muddler.
The traditional wooden muddler is the most commonly used muddler and is perfect for muddling fruits and herbs. The metal muddler is ideal for muddling hard ingredients like ginger or sugar cubes. Some muddlers are also made of plastic; just make sure yours is strong and food-safe.
Ice bucket & Tongs
An ice bucket and tongs are essential tools for any bartender. An ice bucket is used to store ice and keep it cold, while tongs are used to grab ice cubes and add them to drinks. A good ice bucket should be large enough to hold a significant amount of ice, and the tongs should be easy to grip and maneuver.
Citrus Squeezer
A citrus squeezer is a small tool that is used to extract juice from fruits like lemons and limes. It’s an key tool for any bartender who wants to make fresh and flavorful cocktails. There are two main types of citrus squeezers: the hand-held squeezer and the press-style squeezer.
The hand-held squeezer is the most commonly used citrus squeezer and is perfect for squeezing lemons and limes. The press-style squeezer is ideal for squeezing larger fruits like oranges and grapefruits.
These are the 10 must-have bar tools every bartender should have in their arsenal. With these tools, you can create a wide range of cocktails and serve your customers or party guests efficiently. Whether you’re a professional bartender or a home bartender, investing in high-quality bar tools is essential for making great drinks. So go ahead and add these tools to your collection and elevate your cocktail game!
