Let’s be honest, adulting is challenging in itself, which is why at least getting your favorite cocktail shouldn’t be. Going to bars and pubs to get your favorite cocktails can get old and expensive pretty quickly. On the other hand, making a drink of your choice at your home bar gives you comfort and freedom; on some days, that’s all we need!
But, cocktail–making is an art and all artists need the right tools at their disposal! Here are our suggestions for must-have cocktail tools for your home bar. So, not only can you be the perfect host when required but also be equipped to try out those delicious cocktail recipes whenever you want to.
Jiggers
We’re sure you’ve seen those adorable double-ended vessels used by bartenders to measure your drinks – they’re known as ‘jiggers’. A jigger is a must-have cocktail tool for your home bar if you’re planning to experiment with different cocktails at home. They look beautiful on the bar cart, and in terms of utility, they help a lot in getting the measures right when following a cocktail recipe. You can easily get a classic jigger online; they’re generally pretty inexpensive.
Also Read: 5 Bars Where Popular Cocktails Were Invented
Bar Spoon
If cocktail-making is an art, your bar spoon is a brush, and we all know how important it is to have the right brush. A bar spoon is not like your ordinary spoon. Rather, it is a long-handled spoon specially used for mixing and layering alcoholic beverages.
The bar spoon can generally take the same amount of liquid as a regular spoon but is fancier and more decorative. Plus, its length allows for it to be able to reach the bottom of the tallest glasses or tumblers to properly mix and layer ingredients. Spend your money on a sturdy, good-quality bar spoon and it will make your cocktail-making fun while being a pretty addition to your home bar.
Also Read: 5 Cocktails To Try At Colaba’s Miss T
Mixing Glass
The right kind of glasses can definitely enhance your whole drinking experience. Sure, you can stir your cocktails in regular glasses. But if you’re adding to your bar cart, why not get those beautiful mixing glasses? The whole purpose of mixing glasses is to make cocktail-making more convenient and functional. A mixing glass helps you get that optimum chill to your drink without diluting it; simply throw in your potion along with some ice, give it a good stir, and strain the ice out.
We’ll advise you to go for a thick glass with a spout, or a crystal-cut Japanese mixing glass. They come in beautiful designs, are pretty affordable, and look great on the bar, so go ahead and buy some!
Also Read: 3-Ingredient Vodka Cocktails That You Can Make
Peeler
Many recipes call for fruits and lemons to be added to cocktails, so having a peeler as a cocktail tool for your home bar makes a lot of sense. You don’t want to be running around your house to grab a peeler, so it’s best to have a peeler in your home bar itself. It gets the job done and doesn’t occupy a lot of space either.
Muddler
The muddler is a really important tool to add to your home bar when making your cocktails. We’re sure you’re aware of the importance of balanced flavors when it comes to cocktails, and a muddler helps you get that. It is a tool specially designed to mix and smash ingredients like mint leaves, spices, and fruits. Muddlers are particularly used for Mojitos, Caipirinhas, and the good and reliable Old Fashioned. Take our word, investing in a good muddler is certain to make your life easier. If you do not want to spend on a muddler, you can use a wooden spoon but trust us, it will not be the same!
Also Read: 3 Cocktails To Make For New Year’s Eve
Corkscrew
Corkscrews are often overlooked, but if you ask us, they should be a staple when it comes to a home bar. Corkscrews are generally used to get the corks out of bottles, especially wine bottles. When you have the right music, alcohol, and mood to make a cocktail, you wouldn’t want to waste time struggling to open a bottle. Having a corkscrew in your home bar can save you from these kinds of annoying moments when you risk getting pieces of cork in your beautiful alcohol. Definitely add it to your home bar.
Shaker Tin
As we said, cocktail-making is an art and the right kind of shaker tin is like the final stroke of color that can make or break your masterpiece. A shaker tin is a must-have in your home bar, especially if you are fond of cocktails. It generally consists of two pieces, one being a glass and the other being a metal tin. To describe it simply, a shaker tin is where all the shaking magic happens. This is where all the ingredients of your cocktail come together and are finally mixed with ice. Once done, you are ready to serve your cocktails nice and cold!
Strainer
Strainers are generally used to strain your drinks – well, no surprises here! Strainers help you to separate any unnecessary pulp or solid items from your drinks so that you can have a smooth cocktail. Hawthorne strainers are specially used in the case of shaken cocktails because they are made to fit perfectly on the top of a shaker tin. After the drinks are shaken, the strainer is used to strain any thick ice or additional pulp. It’ll help you have a smooth cocktail and your bar space will also be pretty maintained without unnecessary spillage.
Summing Up
Making a home bar is always exciting, especially when you are a fan of cocktails. Just like a cocktail requires the right proportion of ingredients, a good home bar also needs the right tools. We are sure our picks of must-have cocktail tools for your home bar will give you the right push to experiment and entertain!
FAQs
How Do You Stock A Basic Liquor Cabinet?
To stock a basic liquor cabinet, start with your go-to drinks. If you’re a whiskey person, get a bourbon or rye for the cabinet. Expand at your own pace as per your budget. Get some vodka and gin as they work as a great base for cocktails. If you have the budget, you can also go for some special editions of your favorite type of alcohol.
How Much Liquid Is In A Jigger?
A jigger usually can contain 1 1/2 fluid ounces. The most common jiggers are designed like hourglasses with 2 cone-shaped cups attached to each side.
How Can I Make A Cheap Bar?
It’s always smart to have a budget and stick to it. Even if you have a limited budget, you can make a home bar. Just get some bottles of your go-to drinks, these tools from our list of must-have cocktail tools, and glasses, and you are all set!
How Do You Decorate The Top Of A Bar Cabinet?
The top shelf is generally an ideal place to keep your pretty bar tools. You can keep your jigger, muller, strainer, bar spoon, and even corkscrew in there so they are right in front of your eyes.
What Is The Most Important Tool At A Bar And Why?
Many tools are important when it comes to a home bar but jiggers can definitely be considered the most important. They help you get the right proportions of alcohol which is very crucial when it comes to cocktails.
What Should I Stock My Bar Cart With?
You should stock your bar cart with different kinds of alcohol, various drinking glasses, and necessary bar tools. You can expand as per your space and budget. Don’t hesitate to get creative and add decorative pieces as per the vibe of your bar.
What Can I Use If I Don’t Have A Muddler?
Muddlers are a great tool to have if you enjoy cocktails. In case you do not have a muddler, you can use a flat wooden spoon to get the job done!
What Do Bartenders Use To Measure?
Bartenders use cocktail jiggers to get the right proportion of drinks while mixing. Many jiggers have measuring lines inside and outside to help you get the exact proportions.
