- Boston Shaker
– mix your favorite ingredients in this classic Boston shaker, a favorite among bartenders
- Cobbler Shaker
– if the two piece shaker isn’t your thing and you’re afraid of spilling then go with a cobbler style shaker like this one
- Strainer – if you’re using a Boston shaker or a mixing glass you’ll need to pour your drink from your shaker into your drinking vessel, use this to make sure any unwanted ice or ingredients don’t fall into your cocktail glass when pouring
- Oxo Jigger
– this is my FAVORITE tool in my entire kitchen, especially for cocktails. Compared to a typical jigger this angled measure holds 2 oz and is very easy to read. The measurement lines are displayed in both ounces and tablespoons so you don’t have to worry about doing conversions in your head. The wide mouth is big enough to squeeze a lemon or lime over without getting juice on the counter, and the pour spout makes it easy to transfer your liquid without spilling any precious booze. A MUST HAVE!
- Muddler
– muddle herbs, fruit, sugar cubes, and your other favorite ingredients for mojitos, smashes, and your other favorite concotions
- Bar Spoon
– long handled bar spoons make for easy stirring with lots of ice
- Lemon
& Lime Squeezers
– top rated and easy to use citrus juicers that make sure you squeeze every ounce out of your fruit for fresh squeezed cocktails
- Lemon
& Lime Saver
– perfect for storing citrus garnishes or leftover lemons and limes
- Bitters
– a must have ingredient for classics like an old fashioneds, manhattans, and sazeracs
- Simple Syrup
– another must have ingredient for almost any cocktail that contains fresh squeezed citrus to balance out the acidity and tartness
- Agave Nectar
– if you like fresh margaritas this is definitely a must have! Swap out your sugar based sweetener for agave nectar in tequila cocktails and other drinks. See our margarita recipe below!
- Rocks or Old Fashioned Glasses
– Well, you’ve gotta drink your cocktail out of something! How about these classic rocks glasses for your old fashioneds, sours, and margaritas to name a few. They’re even made in the USA!
- Corkscrew Bottle Opener
– and last but not least, if you’re serving cocktails there’s always going to be someone who wants a beer or glass of wine instead. Have this quality corkscrew and bottle opener on hand so you can readily serve your guests. Makes a great gift idea too!
Test out your tools with some of our favorite cocktail recipes below:
Margarita
2 oz tequila
1.25 oz fresh squeezed lime juice
.25 oz agave
Add all ingredients to shaker with lots of ice, shake, serve on the rocks
Old Fashioned
2 oz bourbon
1 sugar cube
3 dashes bitters
1 maraschino cherry
1 orange slice
Splash of water
Muddle sugar, bitters, and water. Add ice and bourbon, stir, garnish with cherry and an orange slice. Kick it up a notch and garnish with a flamed orange peel.
Whiskey Sour
2 oz bourbon
¾ oz lemon juice
¾ oz simple syrup
1 maraschino cherry
Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice, shake, strain, and serve on the rocks. Garnish with a maraschino cherry and splash of cherry juice.
Cheers!
Wanna get fancy? Check out our other article Take Your Cocktails To The Next Level With These Tools