Making great cocktails at home is much easier than you think! With the right tools and know-how you can make just about anything. Here are a few things I recommend you pick up to get shaking.
Shaker and Mixing Glass
Unless you are only making drinks you can serve in the glass it is made in, you will need a shaker and a mixing glass. I recommend starting off with a cobbler shaker (OXO Steel Cocktail Shaker on the left). When I first got into cocktails, this is what I leaned on the most because it is versatile and very easy to use. It can be used to shake or stir drinks, the strainer is integrated into the lid, and there is no need for a jigger because the measurement markings are in the cap. It really doesn’t get much easier than this!
Once you feel the need to expand, grab a Japanese style mixing glass (the crystal mixing glass on the right). These are perfect for stirred cocktails like an old fashioned, Manhattan, martini, etc. I would recommend not going any smaller than a 20-ounce mixing glass as it will just fit enough for two cocktails with plenty of room for ice. Any smaller and you risk making a bit of a mess.
The third shaker is a Boston shaker. It is made up of two parts (top and bottom) that fit snugly. To use, fill the smaller end with ice and the cocktail, put the top on, give it a good hit to create a tight seal, and shake away. I prefer the style where the top is metal and the bottom is glass - when shaking near your head the glass end is more muffled and wont kill your ear drums. This version also has a rubber sleeve to protect your hand from the frost that will be created within 15-20 seconds of shaking. I’ve stopped using my cobbler shaker for this - it’s a little bit easier to use, cools drinks down faster, and is much easier to clean.
If your mixing, an important tool to have is a bar spoon. It is much easier to use than a dinner spoon, trust me. It also looks cool while mixing. Not only does it allow you to stir and chill your drink quickly, but you can also use it to shape your garnish or reach into skinny jars.
Strainer
First is a Hawthorne strainer and is a must have when you need to separate the mixing ice from your cocktail. It is easy to use - it fits snugly inside the shaker or mixing glass, and is easy to hold with the same hand you are straining from. This strainer is my absolute favorite strainer above all others. It doesn’t have a long handle, it fits snugly inside all of my shakers and mixing glasses, and it has two coils that catch just about everything in your drink. When shaking, the ice breaks up into little pieces, and that’s not always what you want in your glass. There is also a little curve at the end that allows the liquid to flow right into your glass instead of around and all over your bar top.
Once you start using a mixing glass you will want to pick up a julep strainer. When mixing, the ice does break up as much, it just melts. The julep strainer fits snugly inside the mixing glass and will allow you to hold it in with the same hand you are pouring with by applying a little pressure to the handle. It’s great at catching large pieces, but if there are small bits, those will escape into the glass.
The last strainer is a mesh strainer. I use this anytime I had a cocktail with little seeds, when shaking with egg, or when I need a perfectly clear drink. You’ll pour your drink with one hand into the strainer that you are holding with your other hand over your drink. Give it a few taps to ensure all of the liquid is out, then enjoy! Be sure to grab one in the shape of a cone. You want to know where your drink is going when you pour it in.
Measuring Tools
The most common measuring tool behind the bar is a jigger. Most jiggers are 1oz/1.5oz on either side. I prefer the OXO jigger because it has the measurements nicely listed inside each end - quick and easy! These do get a little messy, so have a bar mat handy or set it on a towel between grabbing your next bottle.
If I’m being honest, I cheat and use mini measuring cups much more than I use my jiggers - its quick, easy, and can go right into the dishwasher. They also have other measurements (oz, ml, cups), so you won’t need to figure out conversions. Pick up a few. Having 2 or 3 will make your life a little easier.
Cutting/Zesting Tools
Pick up a few cheap paring knives. This will allow you to slice/shape up your garnish, zest and peel. I love these as they are easy to sharpen, they last forever, and you can toss them in the dishwasher (are you sensing a theme with me?) You can go with more expensive paring knives, but I’ve had this set for 7 years now and they are as sharp as ever… ask my fingers.
The tool I am most picky about would have to be my peeler. You just have to have a good peeler, otherwise your garnish game will not be on point. This one peels really smoothly on one end and juliennes with the other. It is super sharp, so be careful!
Juicers and Blenders
For those cocktails that require fresh squeezed juice you will want a good juicer. Below area few juicing options. I manly use the hand juicer. This brand has lasted me a while, is easy to use and clean. I have the lime one which is a bit small… if/when I need to get another, orange size will be the way to go for me. Are you planning on juicing more than just citrus? An electric juicer might be the way to go. This is a bit on the heavy side, but it is easy to set up and use. It is a bit of a pain to clean - but all electric juicers are. Do you need to destroy something? Pulverize it? Mix it up well? The blender is the tool for you. I’ve been using my Oster blender for… going on 12 years now? It has never failed me once. But I have always wanted a Blendtec blender after watching it destroy some awesome stuff (iPhone dust, don’t breath this!) Unfortunately my Oster just wont die, so I can’t justify another purchase. One day…
Muddling Tools
Brothers Muddlers - Belltown Walnut.
Another tool I am very particular about is my muddler. I’ve have a few muddlers in my way - ones with spikes on the bottom, metal, plastic, thin pieces of wood. None of them muddle properly. When muddling, you are gently mashing the item to release its oils. If it looks destroyed, you muddled too long or you have the wrong tool A good heavy duty muddler will make good work out of limes, herbs, and sugar when making mojito’s, smashes, or other muddled drinks. I prefer heavy wood because I feel it grasps what you’re muddling a little better. The smooth metal ones slide around too easily, same with the plastic. For this tool, I am not sending you to Amazon. Check out my friends at Brothers Muddlers.
Brothers Muddlers - Belltown Birch
Their muddlers are made of good solid wood, long (not short), not coated with anything potentially harmful, easy to use, and made in the US. My muddler came with a nice carry bag (or ice crushing bag) and some muddler wax. Click on the images to check them out!
Other helpful tools
Am I missing anything? Or do you have a product suggestion? Let me know!