To perfect a chosen craft, you have to have the best tools. And that’s especially true with making drinks. Small additions to your home bar can make a huge difference in your cocktail game. If you’re trying to make a cocktail from your favorite bar at home, these tools are a must. Here are the top 10 bar tools of 2019 as suggested by some of the most well-known mixologists and bartenders.
Professional bartenders love that the Boston Shaker comes with two separate top and bottom pieces rather than the all-in-one options. With this shaker, you’ll circulate more air around for a more properly diluted drink.
A bar spoon is a go-to gadget for drinks that are primarily made with booze and little else. Classic Manhattans and other cocktails that are better stirred benefit from this type of bar tool.
Any drinks that call for an optional citrus garnish need a zester or grater to maximize the flavor. As an added bonus, this bar tool can be used in the kitchen too.
Is an Old Fashioned your drink of choice? Having a muddler in your bar is a must because the pestle mashes the fruit or herbs that your recipe calls for. Pro tip: a stainless steel version leaves less residue.
Need an instant zest for any cocktail recipe? Look no further than lemon or lime. It’s easy to manually add juice but a juicer helps you get every last drop minus any pesky seeds.
Cherry Bourbon Bitters, $12.24
If Angostura Bitters is the only bitters in your home bar, you need to up your game. Might we suggest this spiced cherry bourbon barrel-aged bitters? It’s perfect for bourbon and whiskey cocktails.
An infusion is an easy (and low cost) way of sprucing up your favorite whiskey. A mesh cocktail strainer is the best way to catch any loose herbs or fruit pieces.
A paring knife works just fine with almost every recipe. But if you want to splurge on a bar knife, this version has a few bartender-specific design tweaks.
What’s a good cocktail if you don’t have the right glass? This ice block rocks glass is perfect for serving whiskey on the rocks or neat.
Most bartenders use a metal jigger for measuring, but if you aren’t yet good at eyeballing the right amounts, a measuring cup can help. This stainless steel angled cup measures from 2 ounces down to .25, so you can get the proper pour.
