Every profession has its own set of tools that practitioners rely on constantly; without them, they would be seriously limited. Bartenders are no exception. They use a wide range of tools that are essential for preparing cocktails, whether at home or behind a professional bar. These bar tools not only make cocktail preparation easier, but also enhance the quality and presentation of the drinks. Let’s take a look at what these tools are used for and how they make a bartender’s job easier.
Shakers
This tool hardly needs an introduction, as most people automatically associate cocktails with shakers. The shaker is the iconic tool of cocktail making. There are three basic types: the Boston shaker, which consists of two differently sized but matching tins or glasses; the Cobbler shaker, which has a built-in strainer and lid; and the third, somewhat overlooked option, the French shaker. Shakers are used to mix and chill ingredients quickly. You can read more about shakers in this blog post.
Bar spoons
The bar spoon is one of the most important tools in a bartender’s kit. This long-handled spoon is typically used for stirring cocktails, especially those made up of multiple layers. It allows for gentle stirring without disturbing the structure of the drink. The length and twisted handle of the bar spoon are not simply there to reach the bottom of taller glasses. The spiral design helps create a smooth, controlled motion through the liquid while stirring. In many cases, the bowl of the bar spoon also serves as a rough measuring tool, as it holds about one teaspoon of liquid.
Ice scoops
The ice scoop plays an important role in transferring and portioning ice, and it allows you to handle ice without touching it with your hands, which also makes it more hygienic. It comes in handy whenever you want to add a larger amount of ice to a cocktail or mixed drink. A good ice scoop can be made of either metal or plastic, depending on the intended use and quality.
Bar mat
A bar mat is a special rubber mat placed on the counter to catch spills while also providing a stable surface for glasses. It not only helps keep the bar clean, but also protects tools and glassware from direct contact with the countertop. A bar mat is especially useful when many drinks are being prepared over the course of an evening.
Pourer
A pourer is a bar tool that makes pouring drinks easier and more precise. It fits onto the neck of most bottles and ensures a smooth, controlled flow, which is especially useful when making cocktails. Its purpose is not only to improve accuracy, but also to minimize waste and prevent unnecessary spills. The vents in the pourer also play an important role, as they regulate airflow and help the liquid flow evenly and without interruption. This makes it much easier for bartenders to control the amount they pour, which is essential when working with exact measurements.
Strainers
Strainers are particularly important when making cocktails, especially when using a shaker. A strainer helps remove ice, fruit peel, seeds, and other larger particles from the drink. There are three basic types. The first is the Hawthorne strainer, which features a coiled metal spring. This is the most common type of strainer and pairs best with the metal tin of a Boston shaker. It can hold back fruit pulp, herbs, and other larger ingredients. The second type is the Julep strainer, which, thanks to its curved shape, fits especially well over the glass part of a Boston shaker or a mixing glass. This strainer is mainly used to hold back ice. The third type is the fine strainer, a small metal strainer with a fine mesh designed to catch smaller particles such as ice shards.
Bar knives
Bar knives are essential for chopping and slicing fruits and vegetables used as garnishes or ingredients. Bartenders usually prefer knives that are shorter and sharper than traditional kitchen knives, as they allow for more precise cuts. There is also a special type of knife that many mixologists particularly like: the channel knife or spiral peeler, which can be used to create thin twists of citrus peel for garnish.
Muddler
This tool is used to crush cocktail ingredients such as fruit and herbs in order to release and intensify their flavors in the drink. Muddlers are most commonly made of wood, but stainless steel and plastic versions are also widely available. Their origins go back to ancient times, when people crushed herbs and spices for drinks or medicinal mixtures. Modern bartenders have simply refined this age-old tool to bring out the fullest possible flavor in cocktails.
Measuring cups
Measuring cups, also known as jiggers, are essential for accurately measuring cocktail ingredients. They usually have two ends of different sizes, often a smaller 30 ml side and a larger 60 ml side, although they come in a wide range of sizes between 10 and 60 ml. They help bartenders follow recipes more precisely and avoid adding too much or too little of any ingredient.
Speed Rail
A speed rail is a long, narrow bottle rack located under or behind the bar, used to store the most frequently used spirits and liqueurs. It may resemble a flower box in shape, but it is, of course, made of metal. It allows bartenders to access essential bottles quickly and prepare drinks more efficiently. The speed rail is designed to improve workflow, especially in busy bar environments.
Mixing Glass
A mixing glass is a thick-walled, wide-mouthed glass used for mixing drinks, primarily cocktails that are stirred rather than shaken, such as a Martini or a Negroni. It provides enough space for ice, liquid, and stirring, and it works perfectly with bar spoons and strainers.
…and more
There are countless other useful tools available to mixologists that may not be needed every day. But are extremely helpful when the moment comes. These include, but are not limited to, citrus juicers, ice crushers, ice picks, ice tongs, corkscrews, bottle openers, blenders, and lemon zesters. Of course, we should not forget the accessories that come into play right at the end of cocktail preparation either. These include toothpicks, straws, and small cocktail umbrellas, just to name a few.
On the Job
If we had to describe a bartender’s tools in just two words, we might call them a “complete arsenal.” And that would be fair, because as we have seen, a wide variety of tools support their work, and when used well, they help create beautiful and delicious cocktails. Whether we are talking about simple drinks or more complex creations, the tools listed above are indispensable for any bartender. Of course, if you want to make professional-quality cocktails at home, it is well worth getting at least a few of the basic tools mentioned above, even if you do not need every single one. The rest is simply a matter of creativity and skill.