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. Over the past few years, I’ve perfected my bartending skills, experimented with countless flavour combinations, and learned a thing or two about how to keep the party going behind the bar.
Whether you’re a seasoned bartender like me looking for fresh inspiration or a complete beginner eager to whip up impressive cocktails at home, Shake, Sip, Serve is here to be your guide.
In the blog below, 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 offer 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 favourite 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.
If you’ve ever stood behind a busy bar, you’ll notice something quickly:
Professional bartenders don’t use flashy tools.
They use reliable ones.
After years in hospitality, training staff and building bar setups, I’ve learned that good tools are not about gimmicks. They are about precision, speed and durability.
If you’re building your home bar properly, these are the professional bar tools that actually make a difference.
1. A Weighted Boston Shaker
This is non-negotiable.
Nearly every commercial bar uses a weighted stainless steel Boston shaker.
Why?
• Faster chilling
• Stronger seal
• Fewer mechanical failures
• Better balance
If you’re serious about cocktails, start here.
If you need recommendations, I’ve broken down the best cocktail shaker sets in Australia here.
2. A Hawthorne Strainer
A Boston shaker requires a separate strainer.
Look for:
• Tight spring coil
• Solid handle
• Durable stainless steel
Cheap strainers bend easily and lose tension over time.
A good Hawthorne strainer should last years.
3. A Precision Jigger
Guesswork ruins cocktails.
Professional bartenders measure consistently.
Look for:
• Clear internal measurement lines
• 15ml / 30ml / 45ml options
• Solid stainless steel construction
Avoid printed measurement markings that fade.
Precision equals repeatability.
4. A Proper Bar Spoon
A bar spoon is not just a long spoon.
It should:
• Have a twisted handle
• Balance comfortably in your hand
• Allow smooth stirring
Cheap spoons feel awkward and slow you down.
You use this more than you think — especially for spirit-forward cocktails.
5. A Fine Mesh Strainer
If you want smooth drinks without ice shards or herb fragments, you need a secondary fine mesh strainer.
Professional bars use this for:
• Espresso martinis
• Clover Club
• Fruit-based cocktails
It creates a cleaner final presentation.
6. A Quality Mixing Glass
For stirred drinks like:
• Negronis
• Manhattans
• Martinis
A thick mixing glass improves control and temperature retention.
You do not need crystal. You need weight and durability.
7. Ice Moulds That Actually Matter
Ice affects dilution.
Professional bars use:
• Large cube moulds
• Clear ice
• Properly shaped spheres
Small freezer tray cubes melt too fast.
If you’re making whiskey-based cocktails, upgrade your ice.
8. A Cocktail Smoker (Optional but Powerful)
While not essential, a smoker can elevate presentation dramatically.
If you enjoy smoky Old Fashioneds or entertaining guests, it adds theatre and aroma.
You can see my breakdown of the best cocktail smoker kits in Australia here.
What Professionals Don’t Waste Money On
Let’s be honest.
Many beginner bar kits include tools you rarely use:
• Muddlers with poor grip
• Cheap corkscrews
• Plastic pourers
• Decorative but fragile tools
Professionals prioritise durability over aesthetics.
Build slowly. Buy once.
Boston vs Cobbler: What Professionals Choose
If you’ve read my Boston vs Cobbler shaker guide, you already know:
Professionals overwhelmingly choose Boston shakers.
They are simpler, more durable and easier to maintain long term.
If your current shaker leaks, read why your cocktail shaker leaks here.
Building a Professional-Level Home Bar
You do not need everything at once.
Start with:
- Weighted Boston shaker
- Hawthorne strainer
- Jigger
- Bar spoon
Add:
• Mixing glass
• Fine strainer
• Ice moulds
• Smoker (if desired)
That setup covers 90 percent of cocktails.
Final Thoughts
Professional bar tools are not about status.
They are about consistency.
A solid shaker. A reliable jigger. A proper strainer.
Those three alone elevate your drinks more than any rare spirit ever will.
If you’re upgrading your home bar, choose tools that last.
And if you want a shortcut, I’ve listed the most reliable cocktail shaker sets available in Australia here. (Internal link)
Thanks for Joining Us Behind the Bar
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: Liquor & Gaming NSW.
If you’re looking to complete your RSA in any state or territory across Australia, you can find the full details here.
Want to know more about Cocktail Shakers?
→ We have your full guides here…
Best Cocktail Shaker Sets
Boston vs Cobbler Shaker
How to Use a Boston Shaker Properly
Why Your Shaker Leaks
Best Professional Bar Tools