Essential Bar Equipment: Tools Every Bartender Needs
Whether you’re setting up your home bar or equipping a professional venue, having the right tools is crucial to crafting perfect cocktails. With so many gadgets and accessories available, it can be overwhelming to determine what’s truly essential. This guide breaks down the must-have bar equipment, explaining how each tool is used and grading its necessity on a scale of 1 to 10.
1. Cocktail Shaker
Use: The cocktail shaker is the cornerstone of any bar setup. It’s used to mix ingredients with ice, ensuring a well-chilled and properly diluted cocktail. There are two main types: the Boston shaker (a two-piece set) and the cobbler shaker (a three-piece set with a built-in strainer).
Need Level: 10/10
Why: Essential for making shaken drinks like the Margarita, Daiquiri, and Cosmopolitan. Without a shaker, it’s nearly impossible to achieve the right texture and balance in these cocktails.
2. Jigger
Use: Precision is key in cocktail making, and the jigger is your measuring tool. It ensures consistent proportions by allowing you to measure out specific amounts of liquid, typically in ounces or millilitres.
Need Level: 9/10
Why: A crucial tool for accuracy, especially when making complex cocktails with multiple ingredients. Eyeballing measurements can lead to inconsistent and unbalanced drinks.
3. Bar Spoon
Use: The bar spoon is used for stirring cocktails, particularly those that are served straight up, like the Martini or Manhattan. Its long handle allows you to reach the bottom of a mixing glass or shaker without creating too much aeration.
Need Level: 8/10
Why: Essential for stirred cocktails, where the goal is to chill and dilute the drink without shaking. It’s also handy for layering ingredients in a drink or scooping garnishes.
4. Muddler
Use: A muddler is used to crush or press ingredients, such as fresh herbs, fruits, or sugar cubes, to release their flavours. It’s an essential tool for cocktails like the Mojito or Old Fashioned.
Need Level: 7/10
Why: While not every cocktail requires muddling, it’s indispensable for those that do. Without a muddler, you’ll struggle to extract the essential oils and flavours needed for certain drinks.
5. Strainer
Use: Strainers are used to remove ice and solid ingredients from a cocktail after shaking or stirring. The two most common types are the Hawthorne strainer (with a spring) and the Julep strainer (a perforated spoon).
Need Level: 9/10
Why: A must-have for ensuring a smooth, well-filtered drink. Without a strainer, your cocktails will be over-diluted or filled with unwanted bits of ice and other solids.
6. Mixing Glass
Use: The mixing glass is a heavy, wide glass used for stirring cocktails. It’s perfect for drinks that need to be stirred rather than shaken, allowing for control over dilution and temperature.
Need Level: 6/10
Why: While you can stir cocktails in a shaker tin or any other large glass, a dedicated mixing glass offers better control and is easier to use with a bar spoon.
7. Ice Tools (Ice Cube Tray, Mallet, Lewis Bag)
Use: Ice is one of the most important ingredients in a cocktail. Proper ice tools ensure you have the right type of ice for your drinks. The tray makes uniform cubes, while a mallet and Lewis bag help create crushed ice.
Need Level: 8/10
Why: The quality and type of ice can dramatically affect a cocktail’s texture and dilution. Having the right tools ensures you’re not just dumping any old ice into a finely crafted drink.
8. Citrus Juicer or Elbow Press
Use: Freshly squeezed citrus juice is far superior to pre-bottled varieties, and a juicer or elbow press makes quick work of extracting juice from lemons, limes, and oranges.
Need Level: 7/10
Why: Essential for cocktails like the Margarita, Daiquiri, and Tom Collins, where fresh juice is key to the drink’s flavour. A good juicer can save time and ensure you get every drop of juice.
9. Bottle Opener & Corkscrew
Use: While not specific to cocktails, a bottle opener and corkscrew are essential for opening bottles of beer, wine, and certain spirits. These tools ensure you’re ready for any request from guests.
Need Level: 6/10
Why: Versatile and practical, though less directly related to cocktail making. Still, they’re indispensable in any well-rounded bar setup.
10. Fine Mesh Strainer
Use: A fine mesh strainer is used for double-straining cocktails, which removes tiny ice shards and pulp from freshly squeezed juice. It ensures a smoother, more polished final product.
Need Level: 7/10
Why: While not strictly necessary for all drinks, it’s crucial for achieving a refined texture in cocktails like the Clover Club or a clarified whiskey sour.
11. Speed Pourers
Use: Speed pourers are attachments for bottles that allow for a steady, controlled pour of spirits and syrups. They’re essential for quickly and accurately pouring liquids into a jigger or directly into the glass.
Need Level: 5/10
Why: They add efficiency and precision to the pouring process, especially useful in high-volume settings or for bartenders aiming for consistency.
12. Peeler & Channel Knife
Use: Garnishes are an important aspect of cocktail presentation, and a peeler or channel knife is used to create twists, strips, or other decorative elements from citrus fruits.
Need Level: 6/10
Why: While you can make do without them, these tools add a professional touch to your garnishes, enhancing the overall aesthetic of your cocktails.
13. Tasting Straws
Use: Tasting straws are used to sample cocktails before serving to ensure they’re balanced and well-mixed. This is particularly important when experimenting with new recipes or adjusting a drink’s flavour.
Need Level: 4/10
Why: While not essential for every bartender, they’re useful for quality control and maintaining consistency, especially in a professional setting.
14. Bar Mats & Towels
Use: Bar mats help keep your workspace clean by catching spills, while towels are essential for wiping down surfaces and tools. They’re the unsung heroes of a tidy bar.
Need Level: 5/10
Why: Keeping a clean and organised bar is crucial for efficiency and professionalism, making these items important for maintaining order during service.
15. Glassware
Use: Different cocktails call for different glassware, and having a selection of appropriate glasses can enhance both the presentation and the drinking experience. From coupes and highballs to old-fashioned glasses, each has its purpose.
Need Level: 8/10
Why: The right glass can make a significant difference in the enjoyment of a cocktail. While you can serve drinks in any vessel, proper glassware elevates the experience.
Conclusion
Setting up a bar, whether at home or in a professional setting, requires careful consideration of the tools you’ll need. While some equipment is absolutely essential, others are more about refining your craft and adding that extra touch of professionalism. By prioritizing the items on this list based on their necessity, you’ll be well-equipped to create a wide range of cocktails, from the simple to the complex, with confidence and style.
