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Before owning a bar and having to learn all this stuff, I would have assumed the tools and techniques I saw in cocktail bars just were not for me. BUT here’s the thing – you have access to the exact same tools we use. And they’re reasonably priced.
Cocktail Mixing Glass from A Bar Above: Not only is this mixing glass beautiful, it is thick and sturdy. It fits any cocktail strainer, so you can mix your drink and strain it right into your glass. It’s also big enough to mix multiple drinks at a time (I think we maxed out at four French 75 cocktails last week). Just like with any glass product, beware of quick and drastic temperature changes. If you keep your mixing glass chilled like we do, wait a bit to put it in your freezer after taking it out of a dishwasher. It will crack.
A Bar Above Weighted/Unweighted Boston Shaker Set: You’ve probably seen the shakers that basically have a lid and then a removable top revealing a strainer. They are absolutely perfectly fine for a home bar, but these are just so much fun. They are super durable and dishwasher safe, and more importantly, you can get them in multiple colors. I love my rose gold shaker (she basic). The seal is tight for shaking and you can use the smaller tin as a mixing glass if you don’t have one. There is definitely a technique to using a Boston Shaker, and it took me a while to figure out how to to crack it open without hitting on the counter (don’t do that). I love making drinks with these.
A Bar Above Hawthorne Strainer Seeing a theme here? A Bar Above makes great products for professional or home use. If you’re using a mixing glass or Boston Shaker, you’ll need a strainer. This one includes tight coils to catch (most) pulp or ice shards (we’ll get to fine straining in a minute), so you’ll get a nice clean cocktail. Again, it’s very durable and dishwasher safe. And the price point is great for something you’ll be able to use for a long time.
OXO Cocktail Strainer This is another great cocktail strainer option. The coils are not as tight, so if you’re making a drink with fresh citrus that may have pulp or that you want to make sure is clean without ice shards (a martini for example), you’ll want to also use a fine strainer, as well. It’s very durable just like A Bar Above products, and you can probably even find this one at your local Target.
Barfly Japanese Style Jigger Trying to teach my partner that a proper cocktail is more than just pouring ingredients in a glass was like a revelation for him. A good cocktail has to have the right ingredients in the right amounts. This jigger has internal markings for 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, 1, and 1 1/2 ounces. The shorter side measure one ounce when filled to the top, and the taller side measures two.
glacio Ice Mallet and Lewis bag In the mood for a Mint Julep, a Wisconsin Old Fashioned, or a tiki cocktail? Crushed ice is essential. We use this in my bar, mostly for the Wisconsin Old Fashioned and for the Zombie, which was one of our Halloween specials. Just put your regular ice in the bag and use the mallet to crush it. Crushing ice is also kind of fun – I have to admit.
More recommendations to come. Have fun creating your perfect home bar!
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