{"id":7030133,"date":"2026-08-06T12:05:36","date_gmt":"2026-08-06T12:05:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/peraltafinancing.com\/alcohol\/bar-tools-every-mixologist-should-have\/"},"modified":"2026-08-06T12:05:36","modified_gmt":"2026-08-06T12:05:36","slug":"bar-tools-every-mixologist-should-have","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=7030133","title":{"rendered":"Bar Tools Every Mixologist Should Have"},"content":{"rendered":"


\n<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\"individual<\/p>\n

Copyright A Bar Above<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Mixology is an art form\u2013 It\u2019s not just mixing drinks but also putting together flavor combinations in unique and interesting ways. As a mixologist, you need to have the right bar tools to make cocktails that look and taste amazing.<\/p>\n

Whether you\u2019re a beginner or a seasoned pro, having the best bar tools<\/a> is seriously crucial to your success. You don\u2019t want to get slowed down by inefficient barware! So today, we\u2019re going over the essential bar tools<\/a> that every mixologist should have in their toolkit, including cocktail shakers, strainers, muddlers, jiggers, and bar mats.<\/div>\n
\n
\"A\"A<\/p>\n

Boston Shakers, Copyright A Bar Above<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Cocktail Shaker<\/h2>\n
The cocktail shaker<\/a> is probably the most essential bar tool. There are three common types of cocktail shakers: Boston shaker, cobbler shaker, and French shaker. The Boston shaker<\/strong> consists of two metal mixing tins\u2013 one larger and one smaller\u2013 or one tin and a mixing glass. This is our personal favorite shaker for its ease of use and cleaning.<\/div>\n

Meanwhile, the cobbler shaker<\/strong> has three parts: a metal shaker tin, a strainer, and a cap. While convenient to have a built-in strainer, they often don\u2019t work super well, if we\u2019re being honest. They are small and can get clogged, so you\u2019re probably going to need a separate strainer anyway, just as a heads-up.<\/p>\n

\n
\"a\"a<\/p>\n

Copyright A Bar Above<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

BUT\u2026 That\u2019s why we designed our own cobbler shaker<\/a><\/strong> this past year, built to fix all the common issues with this style. If you\u2019re married to the idea of a one-stop shaker, definitely check out ours.<\/div>\n

The French shaker<\/strong> is a two-part shaker that has a tall, metal shaker tin and a metal cap that seals it. This is the least popular shaker type here in the States, but it at least deserves an honorable mention.<\/p>\n

To use a cocktail shaker, add ice (depending on the recipe\u2013 sometimes you\u2019ll do what\u2019s called a \u201cdry shake\u201d without ice first, but that it\u2019s typical) and your cocktail ingredients, and then shake vigorously.<\/p>\n

The Boston shaker is the most common type used by professionals because it allows for a better seal and is easier to clean. The cobbler shaker is the easiest for beginners, but it can sometimes be difficult to open. The French shaker is a hybrid of the Boston and cobbler shakers and is becoming more popular among mixologists, although it\u2019s still rare to see behind the bar.<\/p>\n

\n
\"Various\"Various<\/p>\n

Copyright A Bar Above<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Cocktail Strainer<\/h2>\n

A cocktail strainer<\/span><\/strong> is a bar tool that is used to remove ice cubes, fruit pulp, herbs, and other solid ingredients from a mixed drink. There are three main types of strainers: Hawthorne strainer, julep strainer, and fine mesh strainer.<\/p>\n

\n
\"2\"2<\/p>\n

Copyright A Bar Above<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Hawthorne Strainer<\/h4>\n<\/p>\n
The Hawthorne strainer<\/a><\/strong> is the most common type and is used with a Boston or French shaker. It features a metal coil that fits perfectly on the rim of any shaker. To use a Hawthorne strainer, place the strainer over your shaker, and then pour the contents into the serving glass. The strainer will prevent any ice, pulp, or herbs from falling into the glass.<\/div>\n
\n
\"Mini\"Mini<\/p>\n

Copyright A Bar Above<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Fine Mesh Strainer<\/h4>\n
This type of strainer is utilized for smaller particles and works great for removing any residue from cocktails or syrups. It\u2019s usually used in conjunction with another strainer to double-strain a cocktail with egg whites, fruit, or herbs. A fine strainer<\/a> is used with a Hawthorne strainer, really filtering out any tiny ice shards and creating a super smooth drink. This technique is called \u201cdouble-straining.\u201d<\/div>\n

If you\u2019re double-straining, simply place the fine strainer<\/strong> right above your cocktail glass and pour your drink through both strainers.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\"a\"a<\/p>\n

Copyright A Bar Above<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Julep Strainer<\/h4>\n
Designed to fit into the bowl of a shaker or mixing glass, a julep strainer<\/a> is made from perforated metal and is best suited for spirit-forward, stirred cocktails. To use a julep strainer, place the strainer over the mixing glass and do the same.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\"Hardwood\"Hardwood<\/p>\n

Copyright A Bar Above<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Cocktail Muddler<\/h2>\n

The cocktail muddler<\/span> is a bar tool that is used to mash or crush ingredients, such as fruit or herbs, to release their flavors. The most common types of muddlers are made from wood, metal, and plastic.<\/p>\n

The wooden muddler is the most common type and is preferred by most mixologists because it does not scratch the inside of the glass, but it\u2019s usually not dishwasher safe. Our food-safe plastic muddler isn\u2019t the common choice but is easy to clean by throwing it in the dishwasher.<\/p>\n

To use your muddler, place the ingredients in the mixing glass or shaker, and use the muddler to mash or crush the ingredients lightly. This will help to release the flavors and oils from the ingredients, creating a better-tasting cocktail. Just make sure not to over-muddle herbs so that they don\u2019t release a bitter taste.<\/p>\n

\n
\"Stainless\"Stainless<\/p>\n

Copyright A Bar Above<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Cocktail Jigger<\/h2>\n

The cocktail jigger<\/span> is used to measure ingredients accurately and is therefore a really important piece of barware. There are several types of jiggers, including the Japanese jigger, the OXO jigger, the cup jigger, and the bell jigger. We make a sleek Japanese jigger and a vintage-style bell jigger.<\/p>\n

The Japanese jigger is the most common type and is preferred by most mixologists because of the way it feels in between the fingers.<\/p>\n

Our jiggers have been painstakingly tested for accuracy so that you\u2019re guaranteed a consistent pour every time you make a drink.<\/p>\n

To use a cocktail jigger, fill the jigger to the desired measurement, and pour the ingredient into the mixing glass or shaker. The jigger ensures that the ingredients are accurately measured, resulting in a perfectly balanced cocktail every time.<\/p>\n

\n
\"mixing\"mixing<\/p>\n

Copyright A Bar Above<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Mixing Glasses<\/h2>\n

These thick-walled glasses come in a range of sizes and shapes and are used for many classic cocktails that are stirred, such as an Old Fashioned or Manhattan. Traditional mixing glasses tend to have straight sides, making them easy to pour out of and measure into, while other types feature tapered or curved shapes that make them slightly easier to hold in the hand.<\/p>\n

When purchasing mixing glasses, it\u2019s important to consider the type of drinks you plan to serve and the frequency with which you\u2019ll use them. If you expect to use your glass on a regular basis, opting for one made with thicker glass is wise. Thin-walled glasses may look elegant but won\u2019t stand up to repeated use as well as those made with sturdier materials.<\/p>\n

In order to get drinks out quickly but safely, invest in high-quality mixing glasses that will last longer and help ensure that each drink you serve has been created with care.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\"black\"black<\/p>\n

Copyright A Bar Above<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Bar Mat<\/h2>\n

A bar mat<\/strong> is a bar tool that is used to keep the bar clean and tidy. It is typically made of rubber or silicone (ours are silicone) and is placed on the bar top to catch spills and prevent glasses and bottles from slipping. A bar mat is a great tool for any mixologist because it keeps the bar clean and hygienic and can also prevent accidents.<\/p>\n

So there you have it: That\u2019s what you need to get started in your mixology journey. Having the best bar tools is necessary to making great cocktails\u2013 really, it is! These tools help create cocktails that are visually appealing, balanced, and flavorful.<\/p>\n

\n
\"gold\"gold<\/p>\n

Copyright A Bar Above<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

When selecting bar tools, it\u2019s essential to choose high-quality tools that are durable and easy to use so that your cocktail-making process is more efficient and enjoyable.<\/p>\n

Investing in the best bar tools and using them correctly will take your cocktails to the next level. By mastering these essential bar tools, you\u2019ll be able to create cocktails that look and taste amazing, impressing your customers and earning a reputation as a skilled mixologist.<\/p>\n