With so many bartending tools available, Michael Thompson shows you what should be behind your home bar.
Bar Gadgets
Trying to think of a gift that will keep on giving? Why not mix up a great cocktail? To get started, all you really need are the right bar tools to wow your guests.
Start by rifling through the drawers to see what you’ve already got. Then add some of the following items to ensure you have the essential bar tools needed to serve your guests and family members their drink of choice.
1. Cocktail Shaker
A metal shaker with a tight-fitting top that covers a strainer, or one that fits into a bar tin. Cocktail shakers are available in all sorts of stylish designs and are the perfect addition to any home bar.
2. Hawthorne Strainer
For drinks that are shaken or stirred with ice before being served, you may need a strainer – especially if your cocktail shaker doesn’t have one built in. A strainer comes in handy for separating the ice and any fruits, herbs or other solid ingredients from the liquid. Nobody wants something stuck in their teeth at a party!
The Hawthorne Strainer is a flat-topped, perforated metal device with a continuous coil of wire around its perimeter, which helps keep the strainer in place. The short handle and either 2 or 4 tabs that extend from the top and sides are designed to keep it in place and allow the bar tender to use only one hand – although beginners might want to use two.
3. Jigger
This metal measuring device usually has two cones, one on either end. The larger cone or cup typically holds 1 ½ ounces while the smaller cup holds ¾ or 1 ounce. It helps ensure precise measuring of liquids, and that means more consistent cocktails.
4. Bar Spoon
A bar spoon is different from a regular spoon. It typically has a long, spiraled handle, and its small bowl has holes. The long handle is for reaching the bottom of tall glasses. The spiral handle helps with twisting and stirring and the bowl with holes is for floating liquors on the tops of drinks – and for fishing olives or cherries out of jars too.
5. Corkscrew
There are many different types of corkscrews, with some that look as if you could easily land a space shuttle with them! But the important thing to remember here is to have one that works and that you are able to use with ease. Try out a couple of different variations to see which you feel most comfortable with, and then ensure you store it with your other essential bar tools.
5. Small Cutting Board & Paring Knife
You likely already have these in your kitchen, but you might consider buying a small stylish board and cutting knife to store with your bar tools. A small board will also free up room on your bar, making your cocktail mixing experience more orderly.
And for the more adventuresome, there are a few other tools that can aid in the making of the fancier, decorated drinks.
6. Channel Knife
A Channel Knife is a small spoon-shaped knife with a metal tooth. It’s used for peeling long, thin spiral twists from citrus fruit, commonly used for garnish.
7. Grater or Zester
A Zester is often used for grating items such as nutmeg or chocolate onto the top of cocktails or for making a fine lemon zest. Look for a small, hand-held one to use at your bar.