Bartender Guide

 
 
Barware
Some tools are essential to mix great cocktails and give the appearance you pour like a pro.

 
 

Cocktail Shaker
Buy a quality shaker set or two. There are two common types of shakers. The European style three piece shaker set, which consists of a beaker, a lid, and a built-in strainer, to hold back pieces of ice and other floating ingredients when pouring a cocktail. The American style shaker set, usually comprised of two shakers, a stainless steel shaker and a slightly smaller glass one that fits tight into the larger one. Both serve their purposes. You will likely want to own a strainer for use with the American style shaker.

Tip - To avoid unwanted flavors added and loss of temperature when mixing, shaker sets are best in glass or stainless steel.

 
  Strainer
Used with a mixing glass or shaker set, the strainer is a key part of your bartending tool set. The strainer should fit tightly over the top of either your mixing glass or your shaker, if not, take care to create a tight seal when pouring.
 

  Electric Blender
Blenders are especially helpful in crushing ice. A blender is great for exotic and tropical drinks when you are mixing up a batch at a time.
 

  Ice Bucket
Keeps ice cold and portable.
 
  Ice Tongs
At least wash your hands before dipping into the ice bucket, if you don’t own ice tongs. Stainless is again the preferred choice. Tongs can also help loosen wine and champagne bottle corks.
 
  A Cocktail Spoon
Typically made from stainless or silver and around ten inches long, the cocktail spoon is used to stir mixed drinks that aren't shaken, delivered in tall cocktail glasses or for use with pitchers and punches.
 
  Glassware
Crystal is the choice for good glassware but not required. Specialty cocktails such as martinis, margaritas and frozen tropicals have glasses specifically designed just for their presentation.


 
  Other nice tools to have:  
  • Lemon Squeezer
• Chopping Board
• Nutmeg Grater
• Sharp Knife
• Citrus Zester
• Small Dishes
• Cork with Pouring Spout
• Can Opener
• Bottle Cooler
• Toothpicks
• Drinking Straws
• Drinks Stirrers
• Coasters
• Towels and Hand Cloths