Essential Tools For A Home Bar

If you’re looking to create a home bar, having the right tools is essential to making great drinks. Whether you’re a seasoned mixologist or just starting out, having the right tools can make all the difference. In this article, we’ll highlight some essential tools for a home bar.

Cocktail Shaker

A cocktail shaker is a must-have for making shaken cocktails. There are a variety of shakers on the market, but the most common are the Boston shaker and the Cobbler shaker. The Boston shaker consists of a large metal tin and a smaller glass or metal tin that fit snugly together, while the Cobbler shaker is a three-part shaker that consists of a metal tin, a strainer, and a cap with a built-in strainer.

Mixing Glass

A mixing glass is essential for stirring cocktails. It’s a tall, narrow glass that allows you to stir ingredients together without spilling. Mixing glasses are typically made of glass or stainless steel.

Jigger

A jigger is a measuring tool used for precision mixing. It typically has two sides, one for measuring one ounce and the other for measuring half an ounce. A jigger ensures that you’re using the right amount of each ingredient in your cocktail.

Bar Spoon

A bar spoon is a long spoon used for stirring cocktails. It’s typically made of stainless steel and has a twisted handle that allows you to easily stir your drink without spilling.

Strainer

A strainer is used to strain cocktails into a glass. There are two types of strainers: the Hawthorne strainer and the Julep strainer. The Hawthorne strainer fits over the top of a shaker or mixing glass and has a spring that helps strain out any ice or fruit. The Julep strainer is a flat, perforated spoon that fits inside a mixing glass or shaker.

Muddler

A muddler is a tool used for crushing ingredients like herbs or fruit. It’s typically made of wood or stainless steel and has a flat bottom that’s used for muddling ingredients in the bottom of a glass or shaker.

Ice Bucket and Tongs

An ice bucket and tongs are essential for keeping ice on hand. A good ice bucket should be able to hold a lot of ice and have a lid to keep it from melting too quickly. Tongs are used to grab ice cubes and add them to your drink.

Cutting Board and Knife

A cutting board and knife are essential for cutting garnishes like lemons, limes, and oranges. A good cutting board should be made of plastic or wood and have a non-slip surface. A sharp knife is important for cutting through tough fruit and creating precise garnishes.

Glassware

Having a variety of glasses for different types of cocktails is essential for any home bar. Some common types of glasses include:

• Highball: A tall glass used for drinks like the Gin and Tonic or the Bloody Mary.
• Martini: A stemmed glass used for drinks like the Martini or the Manhattan.
• Collins: A tall, narrow glass used for drinks like the Tom Collins or the Mojito.
• Rocks: A short glass used for drinks like the Old Fashioned or the Whiskey Sour.

Conclusion

Having the right tools is essential for creating great drinks at home. Whether you’re a professional mixologist or just starting out, investing in essential tools like a cocktail shaker, mixing glass, jigger, bar spoon, strainer, muddler, ice bucket and tongs, cutting board and knife, and a variety of glassware can make all the difference. So, stock up your home bar with these essential tools and get ready to impress your guests with your mixology skills. Cheers!