Welcome to Shake, Sip, Serve, your one-stop shop for all things bartending.
I’m your host, KAD, and I’ve been slinging drinks and navigating the world of hospitality for over two decades. I’ve perfected my bartending skills, experimented with countless flavor combinations, and learning a thing or two about how to keep the party going behind the bar.
Whether you’re a seasoned bartender like me just looking for some fresh inspiration or a complete beginner who is eager to whip up impressive cocktails at home, Shake, Sip, Serve is here to be your guide. In the below blog, I’ll be sharing my knowledge and experience on everything from classic cocktails and innovative new creations to essential bartending techniques and industry secrets.
I’ll also be offering tips on stocking your home bar, mastering the art of presentation, and creating a memorable experience for your guests. So, grab your shaker, dust off your favorite glassware, and get ready to embark on a delicious journey into the world of bartending!
Let’s Shake, Sip, and Serve up something amazing together.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Why Tools Matter Behind the Bar
Bartending is part skill, part theatre — and your tools are your instruments. Just like a chef needs their knives, bartenders need the right equipment to mix, shake, and serve consistently. Having the right kit also helps with RSA compliance: accurate measuring tools like jiggers ensure you’re serving safe, legal standard drinks.
The Must-Have Starter Tools
You have made it past the hard part which was to obtain your RSA and now it is time to learn the tools of the trade.
If you’re just getting started, these are the essentials you can’t live without:
Cocktail Shaker
- Boston Shaker: Two-piece (tin + glass or tin + tin), favoured by professionals for speed.
- Cobbler Shaker: Three-piece (tin + strainer + lid), beginner-friendly and less messy.
I started with a cobbler shaker, as this was all my bar had to offer.
There was a night where I had completed a rockstar shift at a bar for a friend who needed some extra help one night and was handed a Boston shaker and nearly died.
I could not for the life of me work out how to get the seal unstuck. A few tips from the other bartenders though out the night helped me through it and can hand on heart state that once you get the hang of the “seal and smack” technique, you’ll never look back.
Strainer
- Hawthorne Strainer (spring-loaded): Fits over a shaker tin, great for most cocktails.
- Fine Mesh Strainer: Catches small ice shards or pulp for smooth drinks (like a Daiquiri).
Jigger
Your best friend for accuracy.
- Common sizes: 30ml/15ml or 60ml/30ml.
- Ensures you serve standard drinks legally under RSA rules.
In most night clubs we had speed pourers that were capped at 30 ml shots. I very rarely started using a jigger until I landed a job in a cocktail bar when a jigger become my new best friend.
Bar Spoon
- Long handle for stirring, layering drinks, and fishing out garnishes.
- Often has a twisted stem for controlled pours.
A spoon isn’t just for stirring it’s a precision tool that keeps carbonation in highballs and layers in shooters intact.
Optional Extras You’ll Eventually Want
Once you’ve mastered the basics, here are tools that make life easier and drinks fancier:
- Muddler: For crushing limes, mint, or berries (think Mojitos & Caipirinhas).
- Citrus Press or Juicer: Fresh juice > bottled every time.
- Peeler/Zester: For citrus twists that add aroma and flair.
- Channel Knife: Makes decorative citrus spirals.
- Pour Spouts: Speed and consistency when free-pouring spirits.
- Ice Tools: Lewis bag + mallet for crushed ice; tongs or scoop for hygiene.
- Mixing Glass: Essential for stirred classics like Martinis or Negronis.
- Bottle Opener/Wine Key: Non-negotiable if your venue serves wine and beer.
One of my first “aha” moments was realising how much difference a proper muddler made. No more splintered wooden spoon handles or uneven lime juice just clean, flavour-packed cocktails.
Maintaining and Cleaning Your Tools
A great bartender respects their tools. Here’s how to keep your kit in top shape:
- Wash immediately: Don’t let citrus, sugar, or alcohol dry on metal.
- Air dry properly: Prevents rust on strainers and spoons.
- Polish glassware & mixing glasses: Presentation matters.
- Replace worn-out gear: Bent jiggers or loose strainer springs lead to sloppy pours.
- Sanitise regularly: Especially if working in commercial bars, hygiene = professionalism.
👉 Pro Tip: If you’re working at home, invest in a small drying rack just for bar tools. Keeps them neat, dry, and ready for your next round.
Where to Buy Affordable Bar Kits in Australia
Getting started doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are a few options:
- Hospitality suppliers: Companies like Barware.com.au and BarGeek stock professional-grade kits.
- Amazon Australia: Plenty of starter kits under $60 with shakers, jiggers, and strainers included.
- Kmart / Big W / Target: Budget-friendly, though quality varies.
- TAFE hospitality shops: Sometimes sell starter kits for students.
- Specialty cocktail stores (Sydney/Melbourne): Pricier but durable tools.
👉 Tip: If you’re serious, invest in stainless steel over cheap tin-plated gear. It lasts longer and looks sharper behind the bar.
My favourite starter kit is the 23 pc set you can pick up from amazon. It has everything you need as a first time bartender. ( check it out here )
Takeaways
- The starter tools every bartender needs: shaker, strainer, jigger, and bar spoon.
- Optional extras add flair and efficiency as you grow in confidence.
- Regular cleaning and maintenance extend the life of your tools and improve hygiene.
- In Australia, affordable bar kits can be found both online and in-store — invest wisely.
The bartending community is a vibrant and supportive one, and I’m excited to build that community here on Shake, Sip, Serve.
I’d love to hear your thoughts, questions, and experiences in the comments below.
What are you shaking up these days?
What topics would you like to see covered in future posts?
Let’s connect and continue the conversation!
Liquor & Gaming NSW: This website provides information on liquor licensing, responsible service of alcohol (RSA) training, and regulations for serving alcohol in NSW. It’s essential for anyone working in the hospitality industry in NSW. You can find it here: https://www.liquorandgaming.nsw.gov.au/
You know the tools but do you know some basic cocktails to get you by? > Keep reading