Essential Tools Of The Trade: Must-Have bar tools equipment list

Behind every successful bartender is a set of essential tools and equipment. Get your bar tools equipment list

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.
The past 15 years, 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. 

Creating exceptional cocktails is a blend of artistry and precision, and the right tools are essential for achieving both. This comprehensive guide explores the essential bar tools, their functions, and best practices for building a well-equipped bar, whether for professional use or home enjoyment.

1. The Foundation: Core Bar Tools and Their Functions:

A well-equipped bar begins with a core set of tools that perform fundamental tasks in cocktail creation.

• Jiggers & Measuring Tools: Accurate measurement is paramount in mixology. Jiggers ensure consistency and balance in every cocktail.

  • Standard Double-Sided Jigger: A versatile tool featuring two common measurements (e.g., 1oz/2oz or 30ml/60ml) for efficient pouring.
  • Japanese Jigger: Known for its elegant design and precise markings, often including finer gradations for greater accuracy.
  • Measuring Spoons: Ideal for small quantities of ingredients like bitters, syrups, or spices.
    
    

• Shakers: Shakers are used to combine ingredients and chill cocktails that benefit from vigorous mixing.

  • Boston Shaker: The professional standard, consisting of a metal tin and a separate mixing glass, offering versatility and a tight seal.
  • Tin-on-Tin Shaker: Two metal tins that fit together, offering durability and efficient chilling.
  • Cobbler Shaker: A three-piece shaker with a built-in strainer, suitable for beginners but less versatile than the Boston shaker.
    
    

• Strainers: Strainers remove ice and solid particles from cocktails, ensuring a smooth and refined final product.

  • Hawthorne Strainer: The most common type, featuring a spring to filter out ice and larger particles from shaken drinks.
  • Julep Strainer: A perforated spoon-shaped strainer used for stirred cocktails served from a mixing glass.
  • Fine Mesh Strainer: Used for double straining, removing fine particles for a crystal-clear cocktail.
    
    

• Bar Spoons: Bar spoons are essential for stirring cocktails and layering ingredients.

  • European Bar Spoon: Features a long, twisted handle for smooth stirring and layering, often with a flat or concave disc at the end.
  • American Bar Spoon: Typically shorter with a muddler or spoon on the opposite end, offering dual functionality.
    
    

• Muddlers: Muddlers gently crush fruits, herbs, and spices to release their essential oils and flavors.

  • Wooden Muddler: Traditional and cost-effective but requires careful cleaning to prevent flavor absorption and cracking.
  • Stainless Steel Muddler: Durable, hygienic, and easy to clean, ideal for frequent use.
    
    

• Mixing Glasses: Mixing glasses are used for stirred cocktails, allowing for gentle chilling and dilution without aeration.

  • Yarai Mixing Glass: A Japanese-style mixing glass with a thick base and elegant design, often preferred for its aesthetic appeal.
  • Standard Mixing Glass: Can be a pint glass or a dedicated mixing glass with a spout for easier pouring.
    

2. Juicing and Processing: Extracting Fresh Flavors:

Freshly squeezed juices are essential for creating vibrant and flavorful cocktails.

• Citrus Juicers:

  • Handheld Juicer: Affordable and easy to use for small quantities of juice.
  • Lever Juicer: Provides greater leverage for juicing larger quantities of citrus.
  • Electric Juicer: Efficient and convenient for high-volume juicing, saving time and effort.
    
    

• Blenders: Blenders are used for creating frozen cocktails and blended drinks.

  • Standard Blender: Versatile for most blending needs, including crushing ice and mixing ingredients.
  • High-Powered Blender: Ideal for crushing ice into fine textures and creating ultra-smooth frozen drinks.

3. Pouring and Serving: Presentation and Precision:

The way a cocktail is poured and served contributes significantly to the overall experience.

• Speed Pourers: Speed pourers attach to bottle necks, allowing for controlled and consistent pouring, improving efficiency and reducing spillage.

  • Standard Speed Pourer: A classic design with a tapered spout for smooth pouring.
  • Measured Speed Pourer: Dispenses pre-measured amounts of liquid, useful for standardized recipes and speed.
    
    

• Wine Keys (Corkscrews): Wine keys are essential for opening wine bottles.

  • Waiter’s Corkscrew: A compact and versatile tool with a foil cutter, corkscrew, and lever for easy cork removal.
  • Wing Corkscrew: Simple to use with levers that assist in cork extraction.
    
    

• Ice Scoops and Tongs: Proper ice handling is crucial for hygiene and presentation.

  • Ice Scoop: Used for safely and efficiently scooping ice from buckets or bins.
  • Ice Tongs: Allow for precise and hygienic handling of individual ice cubes.

4. Garnishing and Presentation: The Finishing Touch:

Garnishes elevate cocktails from simple drinks to works of art.

• Garnishing Tools:

  • Channel Knife: Creates citrus twists and peels for garnishing.
  • Zester: Produces fine citrus zest for adding aromatic oils to cocktails.
  • Paring Knife: A versatile knife for cutting fruits and creating various garnishes.
  • Cocktail Picks: Used for spearing olives, cherries, and other garnishes.
    
    

• Glassware: The choice of glassware significantly impacts the presentation and enjoyment of a cocktail.

  • Martini Glass: The iconic V-shaped glass for classic cocktails.
  • Coupe Glass: A stylish alternative to the martini glass, also used for “up” cocktails.
  • Highball Glass: Tall and slender, ideal for long drinks and cocktails with a high proportion of mixers.
  • Rocks Glass: Short and sturdy, perfect for spirit-forward cocktails served on the rocks.
  • Shot Glasses: Used for serving small portions of spirits or layered shooters.

5. Bar Organization and Extras: Maintaining Efficiency:

A well-organized bar promotes efficiency and a professional workflow.

• Bar Mats and Organizers:

  • Bar Mats: Provide a non-slip surface and protect the bar top from spills.
  • Bar Caddies: Keep essential tools organized and within reach.
  • Condiment Holders: Store garnishes, straws, and other accessories neatly.
    
    

• Glass Racks and Storage: Proper glass storage prevents breakage and keeps glassware readily accessible.

  • Wall-Mounted Glass Racks: Maximize space utilization and create a visually appealing display.
  • Under-Bar Glass Racks: Store glasses safely and conveniently under the bar.
    
    

• Ice Buckets and Wine Coolers:

  • Ice Buckets: Keep ice readily available for cocktails and service.
  • Wine Coolers: Maintain the ideal temperature for serving wine.

6. Building Your Bar: A Step-by-Step Approach:

Building a bar can be approached systematically:

1. Start with the Essentials: Begin with the core tools: jigger, shaker, strainer, bar spoon, muddler.
2. Prioritize Needs: Focus on tools based on your cocktail preferences and frequency of use.
3. Invest in Quality: Choose durable, well-made tools that will last.
4. Expand Gradually: Add specialized tools as your skills and interests evolve.

7. Level Up Your Bar Game: Advanced Tools and Techniques:

As your mixology skills progress, consider adding advanced tools:

• Citrus Zester/Microplane: For fine citrus zest and aromatic oils.
• Atomizer: For adding aromatic sprays or mists to cocktails.
• Smoking Gun: Infuses cocktails with smoky flavors.
• Swizzle Stick: For mixing and frothing Tiki drinks.
• Lewis Bag and Mallet: For crushing ice into various textures.

By understanding the function and proper use of each tool, and by implementing efficient organization and maintenance practices, you can create a professional and enjoyable cocktail experience, whether you’re a seasoned bartender or a passionate home enthusiast.

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!

GET TO KNOW KAD xo

Check out more :

Essential Bar Tools Every Mixologist Needs
How to Use a Jigger for Precision
How to Use A Muddler In Cocktails
Guide to the Best Cocktail Strainers
How To Properly Store And Care For Bar Tools
Bar Spoons And Stirrers
Choose Perfect Glassware for Elevating Cocktails
Finding Your Perfect Cocktail Shaker

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.