Top-notch bar equipment every mixologist should have
In the world of mixology, having the right tools can make all the difference in crafting the perfect cocktail. For a beginner bartender aiming to make the best drinks, the recommended essential bar tools include a cocktail shaker, jigger, Hawthorne strainer, bar spoon, and muddler.
A cocktail shaker is fundamental for mixing cocktails that require shaking, such as margaritas and daiquiris. The Boston shaker, consisting of two parts (a metal tin and a mixing glass), is preferred by many professionals, while the Cobbler shaker, which includes a built-in strainer and cap, is more beginner-friendly and easier to use without needing extra strainers.
A jigger is a measuring tool that ensures precise and consistent pours of spirits, which is crucial for cocktail balance. It typically has different measurement markings and is often made of metal for durability. A Hawthorne strainer is essential for straining ice, pulp, and other solids from the cocktail after shaking, ensuring a smooth drink.
A bar spoon is a long-handled spoon used for stirring, layering drinks, and retrieving small garnishes. Its length makes it suitable for tall mixing glasses or shakers. A muddler is used for crushing herbs (like mint) and fruits (like limes) in cocktails, releasing their flavours into the drink.
Additional useful tools include a citrus juicer or reamer to extract fresh juice for cocktails, a mixing glass for stirred cocktails, a fine mesh strainer for double straining to remove finer particles or seeds, and a funnel for decanting flavoured syrups and spirits into bottles, preventing spills and messes.
Having a set of appropriate glassware corresponding to the cocktails being made is also important. This includes a rocks glass for whiskey-based cocktails, a highball glass for tall, mixed drinks, a cocktail (martini) glass for up drinks, a coupe glass for shaken cocktails without ice, and wine glasses for versatility.
A portable ice crusher allows you to use it without being confined to one spot, and you can choose between manual, electric, or blender ice crushers, depending on the size of your bar. Using an ice crusher eliminates the need to purchase store-bought ice, reducing operating costs. A Julep strainer is a scoop-shaped cup with a handle used for serving Mint Juleps, and a mixing beaker is a large vessel used for stirring cocktails.
In sum, a beginner bartender’s toolkit should prioritise a shaker, jigger, strainer, bar spoon, and muddler to cover the majority of classic cocktail preparations, with additional tools added as experience grows. With these tools, you'll be well on your way to creating delicious cocktails that impress your guests.
A beginner bartender's toolkit should also include a citrus juicer for extracting fresh juice, a mixing glass for stirred cocktails, and a fine mesh strainer for double straining. To broaden the options in food and drink, a set of appropriate glassware for cocktails is crucial, such as rocks glasses for whiskey-based drinks, highball glasses for tall mixed drinks, cocktail glasses for up drinks, coupe glasses for shaken cocktails without ice, and wine glasses for versatility. For more convenience, a portable ice crusher allows for flexibility in creating ice, reducing operating costs. In the realm of lifestyle and fashion-and-beauty, personalizing one's toolkit can also have an impact, with a Julep strainer adding a touch of traditional elegance to serving Mint Juleps, and a mixing beaker providing a sleek design for stirring cocktails. In the realm of technology, a digital scale can aid in precise measurements, and a smart cocktail maker can automate the process of creating drinks, catering to the needs of modern business and the demands of personal finance. When shopping for these tools, income-conscious consumers may opt for more affordable yet durable options, guided by the goal of striking the right balance between cost and quality.
