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Mixology is an art form– It’s not just mixing drinks but also putting together flavor combinations in unique and interesting ways. As a mixologist, you need to have the right bar tools to make cocktails that look and taste amazing.
Boston Shakers, Copyright A Bar Above
Cocktail Shaker
Meanwhile, the cobbler shaker has three parts: a metal shaker tin, a strainer, and a cap. While convenient to have a built-in strainer, they often don’t work super well, if we’re being honest. They are small and can get clogged, so you’re probably going to need a separate strainer anyway, just as a heads-up.
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The French shaker is a two-part shaker that has a tall, metal shaker tin and a metal cap that seals it. This is the least popular shaker type here in the States, but it at least deserves an honorable mention.
To use a cocktail shaker, add ice (depending on the recipe– sometimes you’ll do what’s called a “dry shake” without ice first, but that it’s typical) and your cocktail ingredients, and then shake vigorously.
The Boston shaker is the most common type used by professionals because it allows for a better seal and is easier to clean. The cobbler shaker is the easiest for beginners, but it can sometimes be difficult to open. The French shaker is a hybrid of the Boston and cobbler shakers and is becoming more popular among mixologists, although it’s still rare to see behind the bar.
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Cocktail Strainer
A cocktail strainer is a bar tool that is used to remove ice cubes, fruit pulp, herbs, and other solid ingredients from a mixed drink. There are three main types of strainers: Hawthorne strainer, julep strainer, and fine mesh strainer.
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Hawthorne Strainer
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Fine Mesh Strainer
If you’re double-straining, simply place the fine strainer right above your cocktail glass and pour your drink through both strainers.
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Julep Strainer
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Cocktail Muddler
The cocktail muddler is a bar tool that is used to mash or crush ingredients, such as fruit or herbs, to release their flavors. The most common types of muddlers are made from wood, metal, and plastic.
The wooden muddler is the most common type and is preferred by most mixologists because it does not scratch the inside of the glass, but it’s usually not dishwasher safe. Our food-safe plastic muddler isn’t the common choice but is easy to clean by throwing it in the dishwasher.
To use your muddler, place the ingredients in the mixing glass or shaker, and use the muddler to mash or crush the ingredients lightly. This will help to release the flavors and oils from the ingredients, creating a better-tasting cocktail. Just make sure not to over-muddle herbs so that they don’t release a bitter taste.
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Cocktail Jigger
The cocktail jigger is used to measure ingredients accurately and is therefore a really important piece of barware. There are several types of jiggers, including the Japanese jigger, the OXO jigger, the cup jigger, and the bell jigger. We make a sleek Japanese jigger and a vintage-style bell jigger.
The Japanese jigger is the most common type and is preferred by most mixologists because of the way it feels in between the fingers.
Our jiggers have been painstakingly tested for accuracy so that you’re guaranteed a consistent pour every time you make a drink.
To use a cocktail jigger, fill the jigger to the desired measurement, and pour the ingredient into the mixing glass or shaker. The jigger ensures that the ingredients are accurately measured, resulting in a perfectly balanced cocktail every time.
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Mixing Glasses
These thick-walled glasses come in a range of sizes and shapes and are used for many classic cocktails that are stirred, such as an Old Fashioned or Manhattan. Traditional mixing glasses tend to have straight sides, making them easy to pour out of and measure into, while other types feature tapered or curved shapes that make them slightly easier to hold in the hand.
When purchasing mixing glasses, it’s important to consider the type of drinks you plan to serve and the frequency with which you’ll use them. If you expect to use your glass on a regular basis, opting for one made with thicker glass is wise. Thin-walled glasses may look elegant but won’t stand up to repeated use as well as those made with sturdier materials.
In order to get drinks out quickly but safely, invest in high-quality mixing glasses that will last longer and help ensure that each drink you serve has been created with care.
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Bar Mat
A bar mat is a bar tool that is used to keep the bar clean and tidy. It is typically made of rubber or silicone (ours are silicone) and is placed on the bar top to catch spills and prevent glasses and bottles from slipping. A bar mat is a great tool for any mixologist because it keeps the bar clean and hygienic and can also prevent accidents.
So there you have it: That’s what you need to get started in your mixology journey. Having the best bar tools is necessary to making great cocktails– really, it is! These tools help create cocktails that are visually appealing, balanced, and flavorful.
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When selecting bar tools, it’s essential to choose high-quality tools that are durable and easy to use so that your cocktail-making process is more efficient and enjoyable.
Investing in the best bar tools and using them correctly will take your cocktails to the next level. By mastering these essential bar tools, you’ll be able to create cocktails that look and taste amazing, impressing your customers and earning a reputation as a skilled mixologist.
