Recommended Bar Tools
I hope you find some items you love!
Strainers
| Hawthorne Strainer | Julep Strainer | Fine Mesh Strainer | Ultra-fine Mesh Strainer |
|---|---|---|---|
Hawthorne Strainer: If you're going to buy a strainer, this is the one you need to have. A Hawthorne strainer can be used to strain a shaking tin or a mixing glass! (The Julep strainer is made just for mixing glasses ; it's hard to use to strain a shaking tin.) A Hawthorne strainer is also great because you can take the coil off the strainer and use it IN the shaking tin to help froth an egg white cocktail.
Julep Strainer: Technically "needed"/used for straining drinks stirred in a mixing glass. This is not a necessity, though, since the Hawthorne strainer can do the same thing. However, this is a good tool to have if you are looking to have a complete bar.
Fine Mesh Strainer: Used WITH the Hawthorne strainer. When something is "double strained" the Hawthorne strainer is used on the shaking tin and the fine mesh strainer is used above the glass to grab anything that happens to gets through the Hawthorne strainer. Good to have to make sure no fruit pulp or ice shards get into the final product.
Ultra-fine Mesh Strainer: For drinks in the here and now, the fine mesh strainer is perfect. For batching cocktails in advance I want to really make sure ALL particles are filtered out to prevent/slow down oxidization. (This strainer is for the serious bar folk!)
Jiggers and Stir Sticks
| Japanese Jigger | OXO Jigger | Angled Jigger | Bar Spoons |
|---|---|---|---|
Japanese Jigger: My Go-To jigger for quick measurements. Inside the jigger is where the measurements are etched in (0.5oz, 0.75oz, 1.0oz, etc.) so the outside is nice and sleek. This jigger is for the more advanced bartender; because it is so thin/sleek, it can be hard to use efficiently if you are new to the game. For the newbies, I suggest the OXO Jigger...
OXO Jigger: This is a great jigger to start out with. Notice the rubber in the middle of the jigger? That helps keep it balanced and ensures a firm grip while pouring. The Japanese jigger is more sleek (visually appealing) and requires more practice to use. Start here, perfect your skills, and then graduate to a Japanese jigger!
Angled Jigger: Technically a "Steel Angled Measuring Jigger," this is my favorite to use when I am home making cocktail orders. It's very precise and easy to use. However, if you are planning to "put on a show" for friends or family, this isn't the hottest item to use. But if you're just looking for a jigger that gets the job done, this one is for you!
Bar Spoons: I didn't realize how many options there are for bar spoons out there! That being said, I saw a lot that I would not recommend. These are the bar spoons I keep with me at home or if I am working an event. They are sleek and well made - you don't have to be a bar nerd like me to be able to tell these are quality bar spoons.
Shaking Tins, Mixing Glasses, & Bar Mats
| Koriko Shaking Tin (Large) | Koriko Shaking Tin (Small) | Mixing Glass | Bar Mat |
|---|---|---|---|
Koriko Shaking Tins (Large and Small): If you search Amazon for "bar shaking tins" you will get a million items!!!! And I'll tell you what: after working at probably 30 bars in my career, I found the Koriko shaker tins to be the best. Other tins are not well made and the seal breaks while you're shaking, or it DOESN'T break when you actually try to break the seal! Too many messes, too much stress... unfortunately the Koriko tins are sold separately! But these tins are well worth the investment.
Mixing Glass: Honestly, any glass can mix a drink. But if you are looking for quality, this is my choice. It's seamless and handblown, sturdy (doesn't feel like you will break it when you are washing it!), and it just looks/feels like a piece of art in your hands. I've worked with mixing glasses that break easy, fall over easy; just poorly constructed. This mixing glass is amazing because it has a very thick base, and I've never had to worry about it falling over. Also this mixing glass is handmade! 10 out of 10 rating!
Bar Mat: This is my bar mat of choice when I work an event, or even if I am making drinks at home! It's sturdy / not flimsy, which means it doesn't have "waves" when you set it up ; lays flat when you set it on your bar top or counter. It is not all black - it does have a white border on it and honestly I like that little elegant touch. Easy to wash in the dishwasher and after a million washes this bar mat still looks just as good as the day I bought it!