Introduction to Tools
Hello Cocktail Clan. Today we are talking about the tools that you will need for your home bar. You have spirits, syrups, glassware, and bitters. The last piece is the tools needed to create the cocktails and show off to your family and friends. With the proper tools, you can mix, shake, strain, and garnish your cocktails just like a seasoned bartender. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to upgrade your setup, understanding which tools you need and how to use them is crucial. Let’s get started on which tools you will need.
Cocktail Shaker
Description
The cocktail shaker is arguably the most important tool in any bar. It’s used to shake ingredients, chill drinks, and create a well-integrated cocktail. There are two main types of shakers: the Boston shaker. Most of the time you are going to have two tins for the Boston Shaker. One larger tin and one smaller that will sit inside the larger tin when you shake the cocktail. The second type of shaker is the Cobbler shaker (a three-piece shaker with a built-in strainer and cap). This type of shaker is a bit tricky as the lid can stick and be difficult to open. The cap for the top will also fly off on occasion if you are shaking some carbonated liquid and can again be difficult to open.
Uses
Shakers are used for any cocktail that requires vigorous mixing, especially those with ingredients like citrus juice, egg whites, or syrups. Shaking with ice not only chills the drink but also adds little bits of ice into the cocktail for dilution to enhance the flavor of the cocktail.
Tip
The Boston shaker is favored by professionals because it holds more liquid and is faster to use, but the Cobbler shaker is beginner friendly with its built-in strainer. IMHO you should start with the Boston Shaker. Once you get the trick of sealing the shaker you will be able to shake with more ice and liquid. Also opening the shaker is a trick but, really easy once you understand to open it you hit the shaker opposite of the lean of the top tin. and opening the shaker and pour with the hawthorn strainer you will look like a professional making your cocktails. The Cobbler shaker is just hard to open and clean and the lid can be tough to stay on and sealed. You can go expensive and get a shaker with a jigger all in one. Here is a link.
Jigger
Description
A jigger is a small, double-sided measuring tool that ensures your cocktails have the right proportions. It typically comes in two sizes: 1 ounce on one side and 2 ounces on the other. You will want t jigger that has lines for other measurements like .25 oz, .5 oz, .75 oz and then 2 oz. This way you will not need to eyeball those sizes or use more than one jigger to mix those sizes.
Uses
Precision is key to making a well-balanced cocktail, and the jigger helps you measure out each ingredient accurately. Cocktails rely on specific ratios, and too much or too little of one ingredient can throw off the balance of the drink.
Tip
With the precision of the jigger and multiple measurements ensure that you can pour to the lower amounts and be able to do this while you are looking at the outside of the jigger. This will take a bit to learn but, then you won’t have to stare down into the jigger and can just pour. If you want to step your game up even more, you will want to ensure you have the same pourers on your bottles and learn to count to pour 1 oz or 2 oz of spirit.
Bar Spoon
Description
A bar spoon is a long, slender spoon designed for stirring cocktails in mixing glasses. The handle is often twisted, which helps you smoothly stir liquids around ice without overagitating the drink. The spoon’s length also makes it easy to reach deep into tall glasses or pitchers.
Uses
Bar spoons are primarily used for stirring cocktails that are spirit forward and don’t require shaking. Stirring gently chills the drink without diluting it too much, and it maintains the drink’s clarity.
Tip
When stirring, aim for about 20 to 30 seconds to properly chill and dilute the cocktail without making it watery. For more delicate ingredients like mint, you can use the end of the bar spoon to muddle the mint more gently than the bigger muddler.
Hawthorne Strainer
Description
The Hawthorne strainer is a tool used to strain ice and other solids from your cocktail after shaking or stirring. It features a spring coil around the edge, which allows you to fit it over a mixing tin or shaker. The coil catches ice and other large ingredients, ensuring only liquid pours into the glass.
Uses
Strainers are essential for achieving smooth, debris free cocktails. You’ll use a Hawthorne strainer when pouring drinks from a Boston shaker or mixing glass into a serving glass.
Tip
Make sure to press the strainer lightly against the shaker for a tight seal and better control over the pour.
Muddler
Description
A muddler is a tool used to mash ingredients like fruit, herbs, or sugar at the bottom of a mixing glass or your shaker. It helps release essential oils, juices, and flavors from the ingredients, intensifying the cocktail’s taste.
Uses
Muddlers are essential for cocktails that use fresh ingredients like mint, citrus, or berries. Muddling breaks down these ingredients and releases their aromas and flavors, making the drink more flavorful and aromatic.
Tip
Be gentle when muddling herbs to avoid over crushing and releasing bitter compounds. Use the back of the bar spoon to muddle herbs and other delicate ingredients. When muddling these ingredients, you are just trying to get the oils and essence out of them and not crush them. Use a firmer motion for fruits like citrus or berries.
Mixing Glass
Description
A mixing glass is a heavy, widemouthed glass used for stirring cocktails. It’s designed to allow plenty of room for ice and the ingredients for your cocktail. The mixing glass should have a spout on for easier pouring of your cocktail into the glassware. The mixing glass will also be heavy enough to let you stir your cocktail vigorously without a change of flipping over.
Uses
Mixing glasses are used for spirit forward cocktails that don’t require shaking. The wide mouth allows you to easily stir and add ingredients, and the thick glass helps maintain a cold temperature.
Tip
Chill your mixing glass in the freezer before use to keep your cocktails cold throughout the stirring process.
Citrus Juicer
Description
A citrus juicer is a handheld or countertop tool used to extract juice from lemons, limes, oranges, and other citrus fruits. Fresh juice is a critical ingredient for many cocktails, adding a bright, fresh flavor that bottled juice simply can’t replicate.
Uses
Juicers are used to extract fresh juice quickly and efficiently, ensuring you have the freshest possible ingredients for your cocktails. Handheld squeezers are perfect for single drinks, while larger juicers are ideal for batch cocktails.
Tip
Always use fresh citrus juice in cocktails. The difference in flavor between fresh and bottled juice is significant and will elevate the quality of your drinks.
Ice Molds
Description
Ice molds create large, slow melting ice cubes or spheres that keep cocktails cold without diluting them too quickly. Unlike standard ice cubes, these larger ice formats melt more slowly, ensuring your drink remains flavorful for longer. You can buy a variety of different molds. Don’t go crazy to start. Settle on Round or Square. From here you can get diamonds, dice, skull, and so many more. Ensure you have freezer space for all of the molds.
Uses
Ice molds are perfect for spirit forward cocktails that are served on the rocks. Large ice cubes or spheres chill the drink while maintaining its integrity, so you don’t end up with a watered-down cocktail.
Tip
Invest in high-quality silicone ice molds for easy removal of cubes and spheres without breaking the ice. Plan ahead as many of the molds only create 4 – 6 cubes. If you are having a party you will want to ensure plenty of ice which means plan ahead.
Conclusion on Tools
Finishing your home bar with the right tools aids you in creating the best cocktails in your home bar. From the essential cocktail shaker and jigger to specialized tools like muddlers and Hawthorne strainers, each tool serves a unique and important role in elevating your home bartending experience. With these tools, you’ll be well-equipped to create professional quality drinks right at home, impressing both yourself and your guests. So, stock up, get familiar with your equipment, and enjoy the art of cocktail making from the comfort of your own bar.
The Cocktail Clan
