Bar Tools Guide: Equipment, Uses & Buying Advice

Understand the tools behind a well-made drink. Explore shakers, measures, strainers and the small details that make a bar easier to use.

Understand Boston, Cobbler and French shakers, and choose a format that fits the way you make drinks.

Choose readable measurements and make repeatable drinks with a jigger that matches your recipes.

Learn what Hawthorne, Julep and fine strainers do and how to match them to your mixing vessel.

Find a comfortable spoon for mixing, layering and working in a tall vessel.

Choose a stable vessel with enough space for ingredients, ice and a controlled stir.

Choose a muddler with the right reach and head shape, and avoid turning delicate herbs into pulp.

Start with useful trays, a scoop and clean storage before buying specialist carving equipment.

Build a small garnish kit around a peeler, a suitable knife, a board and precise handling.

Compare a hand press, a reamer and an electric juicer by the amount of citrus you prepare.

Choose pourers, mats, openers and storage accessories that solve a real problem in your workspace.