As the world becomes more and more sophisticated, people have developed a taste for fine dining and drinking. With the rise of craft cocktails and artisanal beverages, barware essentials have become an important part of any household. Whether you are a seasoned mixologist or just starting out, having the right tools in your bar can make all the difference. In this article, we will go through some of the essential barware tools that you need to have in order to make the perfect drink.
- Cocktail Shaker
A cocktail shaker is perhaps the most important tool in your barware arsenal. It allows you to mix ingredients and create cocktails that are both well-balanced and well-mixed. There are two main types of cocktail shakers: the Boston shaker and the cobbler shaker. The Boston shaker consists of two pieces: a mixing tin and a metal cap. The cobbler shaker, on the other hand, has three pieces: a mixing tin, a strainer, and a cap. Both types of shakers have their own advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to choose the one that suits your needs best.
- Mixing Glass
A mixing glass is another essential tool in any bar. It is used to stir cocktails that are made without citrus or other fruit juices. A good mixing glass should be large enough to hold ice and the necessary ingredients, but not too large that it becomes difficult to stir. The most popular type of mixing glass is the Yarai glass, which is made of heavy, clear glass and has a spiral pattern etched into it. This pattern helps to create a vortex when stirring, which helps to chill the cocktail quickly and evenly.
- Jigger
A jigger is a measuring tool that is used to ensure that you add the right amount of ingredients to your cocktail. It is a two-sided tool that typically measures 1 oz and 1.5 oz, although some jiggers have additional measurements on them as well. Using a jigger ensures that you have consistent measurements for each cocktail, which is important for creating a well-balanced drink.
- Strainer
A strainer is used to strain out ice and any other unwanted ingredients from your cocktail. There are two main types of strainers: the Hawthorne strainer and the julep strainer. The Hawthorne strainer is the more popular of the two and is typically used with a cocktail shaker. The julep strainer, on the other hand, is used to strain cocktails that are stirred in a mixing glass.
- Muddler
A muddler is a tool that is used to crush herbs, fruits, and other ingredients in order to release their flavors. It is typically used when making cocktails such as mojitos or mint juleps. A good muddler should be made of wood and have a flat end for muddling and a pointed end for garnishing.
- Citrus Juicer
A citrus juicer is an essential tool for any bar that uses citrus fruits in its cocktails. It allows you to easily extract the juice from lemons, limes, and oranges without making a mess. There are two main types of citrus juicers: the manual juicer and the electric juicer. The manual juicer is typically cheaper and easier to clean, but the electric juicer is faster and more efficient.
- Ice Bucket and Tongs
An ice bucket and tongs are necessary for keeping ice cold and hygienic. They are used to scoop ice from the bucket and place it in your cocktail. A good ice bucket should be large enough to hold plenty of ice, but not so large that it takes up too much space on your bar.