The Basics
Boston Shaker
A metal-on-metal shaker set is my preferred tool to shake drinks in. Not only is it safer than the typical glass-on-metal (yikes!), it also has much less thermal mass, making it superior for chilling your drinks. I love this set from Cocktail Kingdom. It has a good weight, great seal, and feels comfortable in my hands.
Yarai Mixing Glass
This extra large mixing glass has been my favorite stirring vessel for over five years. It’s sturdy, beautiful, and large enough to handle the volume of more than a few drinks at a time.
Japanese Style Jigger
Japanese-style jiggers are by far the most accurate, easy to use, and well designed way to measure your ingredients. These ones from Cocktail Kingdom have an excellent weight and balance to them and are a pleasure to use.
Hawthorne Strainer
OXO is a fantastic company, and I love pretty much everything they make. This Hawthorne strainer is no exception, and is one of the best tools I own. The extra short handle stays out of my way when I’m moving fast, and the finger grip on the top allows for excellent gate control.
Fine Strainer
Sometimes Hawthorne and Julep strainers just don’t cut it, and for that you turn to your fine strainer. Easily remove ice chips, berry seeds, and those little flecks of mint that always seem to get stuck in your teeth. This one from Cocktail Kingdom is great. It has a wide top and conical shape, which helps funnel your drink into one point, eliminating spillage. The one flaw I’ve found with EVERY brand I’ve used is that the welds from the handle to the basket are a little flimsy and prone to break with consistent heavy use. Not a problem for home bartenders, but if this is in your professional kit make sure you keep a backup handy, just in case.
Y-Peeler
OXO knocks it out of the park yet again. This Y-peeler is comfortable in your hand, easy to use, and sharp as all living hell. Enjoy making citrus twists at the speed of light, and watch your fingers.
Bar Spoon
When choosing a barspoon I look at 3 criteria:
Good Balance
Decent Weight
Tight Twist
This one checks all my boxes and has performed well for me for years.
Citrus Press
There is just no substitute for fresh squeezed juice. These presses from OXO are sturdy and dependable, and have a great rubberized grip that really helps when you’re working with wet hands.
Paring Knife
A good sharp paring knife is worth its weight in gold behind the bar, and they disappear accordingly. These knifes are sharp, have a sheath, and come in a variety of colors so nobody “accidentally” mistakes it for their dull one.
Badass Muddler
As Advertised.
The Badass Muddler from Cocktail Kingdom is pretty much my universal muddling tool. It’s heavy, durable, and is the only muddler that won’t be destroyed if you use it in liquid nitrogen. Plus it doubles as a handy-dandy ice mallet!
First Aid Kit
Working around knives, glass, and slippery floors, an injury is inevitable. And I’ve never worked in a bar that has a first aid kit that is kept fully stocked at all times. Whether it’s you or someone else, be at the ready to help with bandages, finger cots, and antiseptic.
Pour Spouts
There are never enough pour spouts to go around. Be everybody’s hero by keeping a few extra in your bar kit. They’re also great to have around your home bar for quick and consistent pours. Do yourself a favor, though, and don’t bother with fancy ones. These basic ones are the industry standard for a reason.