Muddlers, shakers, jiggers… there’s an endless list of stuff that you need to start making cocktails at home. But like me, if you happen to have a tiny budget or you’re just too lazy to go out and find this stuff, here’s what you can use from your kitchen or buy for cheap instead.
Mason jars instead of shakers
Not only are mason jars adorable, Instagrammable glasses to serve your cocktails in, you can easily substitute them for shakers. All you need to do is add all the ingredients and ice, as you would in a shaker, and shake till chilled. You won’t know the difference!
Chopsticks instead of bar spoons
Getting the hang of bar spoons takes time and practice because like any other cocktail making process, this too is an art. Till you master this technique, use chopsticks to stir and mix your cocktails instead.
Measuring spoons instead of jiggers
Jiggers may be hard to find but measuring spoons are used daily in kitchens worldwide. Measuring out your liquors is extremely important if you want to get your cocktails just right, and what better than spoons in various sizes created just for exact measurements.
Rolling pin instead of a muddler
A muddler seems like an unnecessary investment when you just start out making simple cocktails. Crushing herbs lightly with the end of a rolling pin works the same way in releasing the flavour into your drink. Who knew a belan could do so much, eh?
Tea strainer or lid of mason jar instead of cocktail strainer
Cocktail strainers are used to sieve out the extra herbs and ingredients that you don’t want obstructing your smooth drinking experience. They come individually or built into your shaker. But why shell out for one when a tea strainer or lid of a mason jar works just as well?