Essential Bar Tools

A well-stocked home bar doesn't need a professional kit -- a small set of reliable tools covers nearly every technique you'll use, from shaking and stirring to straining and garnishing. Here's what each of these tools does and why it earns a place on your bar cart.

Shaker

A cocktail shaker is a device used to mix beverages by shaking, arguably the most essential tool in mixology. Shaking the drink gives a good mix of the ingredients and lets them chill with ice cubes. They come in various shapes and materials, the most famous types are the Boston shakers and the Cobbler ones. Sometimes known simply as a 3 piece cocktail shaker, the cobbler is a good starting point for beginners.

Cocktails that use a Shaker: Air Mail, Algonquin, Angelo Azzurro, Applejack Rabbit

Muddler

As any bartender knows, a muddler is an indispensable tool for mashing fruits, spices or herbs in the bottom of a cocktail glass to release their flavors. The most common cocktails that require a muddler are: Mojito, Caipirinha, Caipiroska or Mint Julep. Also called a 'cocktail mixing spoon', the extra-long handle makes it easy to reach the bottom of tall glasses and pitchers to thoroughly stir in and blend cocktails.

Cocktails that use a Muddler: Caipirinha, Mint Julep, Mojito, Old Fashioned

Strainer

Known also as a bar strainer, the cocktail strainer is typically used after a drink has been shaken or stirred to remove the ice, fruit or other solids from the liquid. There are three primary types of cocktails strainers: the Hawthorne Strainer, the Julep strainer and the fine mesh strainer. For beginner bartenders, the Julep strainer seems to be a popular choice until they get their technique down.

Cocktails that use a Strainer: Acacia, Air Mail, Algonquin, Angelo Azzurro

Mixing Glass

Among the key tools of a good bartender, the mixing glass is a mostly important tool for those cocktails that need to be mixed. Using a mixing glass to stir a cocktail instead of shaking it lets you maintain its texture while controlling the amount of dilution. For home bartending it's recommended a pint glass, tapered toward base, with a 16 oz capacity.

Cocktails that use a Mixing Glass: Acacia, Black Russian, Brandy Sangaree, Caipirinha

Jigger

A jigger, alcohol jigger or bar jigger is a double ended hourglass-shaped bartender measuring tool used to ensure that you pour accurate amounts of alcohol into every drink. Usually is made of metal and contain two different measuring amounts – one on either side of the hourglass. Modern day jiggers also come in every style and measuring unit imaginable. There are jiggers in ounce or milliliter measurements. The standard jigger is shaped like an hourglass, with 1 side measuring 1.5 oz, which is the size a traditional shot. The smaller side of the jigger typically measures 1 oz.

Bottle Opener

A widely used bar tool, more than necesary in any home.

Corkscrew

The wine opener is simply another basic tool to have for a home bar or professional bartenders.

Cutting Board

Any home bar should have at least a couple of cutting boards in order to prepare the garnishes and ingredients.

Peeler

For those cocktails that are embellished with a peel garnish you’ll need a sharp and sturdy peeler.

Picks

Essential for garnishes. They come in many different designs and materials, from plastic to sterling silver.

Ice Cube Mold

The molds create solid balls of ice that keep a drink cold, but hardly melt at all in the drink.