The tools professional bartenders use every shift and how to use them correctly.
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 guide below, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about becoming a bartender in Australia, from getting your RSA to landing your first job and developing the skills that can turn bartending into a rewarding career.
Introduction
One of the biggest mistakes new bartenders make is thinking they need dozens of tools to start making cocktails.
Walk into a professional bar and you’ll see drawers full of equipment. Walk onto Amazon and you’ll find bartending kits containing 20, 30 or even 40 pieces.
The truth is much simpler.
Most bartenders use the same handful of tools hundreds of times every shift.
Master those tools and you’ll be able to make the majority of classic cocktails found on any cocktail menu.
In this guide we’ll break down the essential bartending tools every beginner should know, what each tool does, how to use it correctly and the common mistakes that separate beginners from professionals.
The 7 Tools Every Bartender Uses Daily
If you’re just starting out, focus on these seven tools first:
- Jigger
- Boston Shaker
- Hawthorne Strainer
- Fine Strainer
- Bar Spoon
- Muddler
- Pour Spouts
Everything else can come later.
1. The Jigger
What Is It?
A jigger is the measuring device used to ensure cocktails are made consistently.
Most Australian bars use double sided jiggers with measurements such as:
- 15ml
- 30ml
- 45ml
- 60ml
Why It Matters
Every cocktail recipe is built around balance.
Too much spirit and the drink becomes harsh.
Too much juice and it becomes watery.
Too much syrup and it becomes overly sweet.
The jigger removes guesswork.
Beginner Mistake
Many new bartenders rush their pours and spill over the top.
Professional bartenders fill the jigger to the brim while keeping it level.
Practice Exercise
Measure 30ml of water fifty times.
You’ll quickly develop muscle memory.
Image Suggestion
Close up of a stainless steel Japanese jigger being filled with bourbon.
2. The Boston Shaker
What Is It?
The Boston Shaker consists of:
- One large metal tin
- One smaller tin or mixing glass
This is the shaker used in most professional cocktail bars.
What Is It Used For?
Shaking combines ingredients while simultaneously:
- Chilling
- Diluting
- Aerating
Drinks Commonly Shaken
- Margaritas
- Daiquiris
- Espresso Martinis
- Whiskey Sours
- Cosmopolitans
Beginner Mistake
Shaking too gently.
A cocktail should be shaken hard and confidently.
How To Practice
Fill a shaker with ice and water.
Practice creating a seal and breaking it safely.
Image Suggestion
Brunette female bartender performing a two handed shake behind a dark cocktail bar.
3. The Hawthorne Strainer
What Is It?
The strainer with the spring around the edge.
It sits on top of a shaker tin and prevents ice from falling into the glass.
Why Bartenders Love It
Fast.
Simple.
Reliable.
Common Cocktails
- Margarita
- Daiquiri
- Espresso Martini
Beginner Mistake
Holding it too loosely and allowing ice to escape.
4. The Fine Strainer
What Is It?
A small mesh strainer.
Used together with a Hawthorne strainer.
Why Use It?
It catches:
- Ice shards
- Fruit pulp
- Mint fragments
- Egg protein
This creates a smoother drink.
Professional Tip
If the cocktail contains citrus juice, double strain it.
The presentation instantly improves.
5. The Bar Spoon
This is the most misunderstood tool behind the bar.
Most beginners think it is simply a long spoon.
It actually serves several purposes.
Stirring Cocktails
Used for:
- Martinis
- Manhattans
- Negronis
- Old Fashioneds
Layering Drinks
The twisted stem allows liquids to flow slowly.
Measuring
Many bartenders use the spoon bowl as a rough measurement.
Beginner Mistake
Stirring like a cup of coffee.
Professional stirring is smooth and controlled.
6. The Muddler
What Is It?
A tool used to release flavour from fresh ingredients.
Common Ingredients
- Mint
- Lime
- Strawberries
- Basil
Drinks That Use A Muddler
- Mojito
- Caipiroska
- Bramble
Biggest Beginner Mistake
Destroying herbs.
Mint should be gently pressed.
Not smashed into pieces.
7. Pour Spouts
What Are They?
Metal or plastic attachments inserted into spirit bottles.
Why They’re Important
They provide:
- Faster service
- Better control
- Consistent pours
Beginner Tip
Learn accuracy before learning speed.
The Tool Every Beginner Actually Needs
If you’re learning at home, buying tools individually becomes expensive.
A quality starter kit gives you almost everything needed to practise the techniques covered in this guide.
The Barillio Bartending Kit is one of the more complete beginner sets because it includes:
- Boston shaker
- Jigger
- Hawthorne strainer
- Bar spoon
- Muddler
- Pour spouts
More importantly, it allows you to practise the same tools used in real bars rather than novelty gadgets you’ll never use again.
Tools You Can Ignore For Now
Many beginners waste money on equipment they won’t touch for months.
You do not need:
- Smoking guns
- Electric cocktail machines
- Fancy ice moulds
- Atomisers
- Molecular cocktail equipment
Focus on mastering the basics first.
Final Thoughts
Bartending isn’t about owning the most tools.
It’s about mastering the right tools.
If you become confident with a jigger, shaker, strainer, bar spoon and muddler, you’ll already have the skills needed to make most classic cocktails served in bars across Australia.
Every great bartender starts with the basics.
Master these tools first and everything else becomes much easier.
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.
Module 3: Bartending Tools
✅ Bartending tools
✅ Jiggers
✅ Boston Shaker
✅ Cobbler Shaker
✅ Strainers
✅ Non Slip Shoes
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