Here at Distillery Nearby, we want to help you become a master of mixology right in the comfort of your own home. From blogs about liqueurs, spirits, and cocktail recipes to glassware comparisons, you can find all of the information you need to become an at-home bartender. Did you know that having the right tools at your disposal can make a huge difference to your drink mixing experience? Today, we’re going to explore the essential mixology tools you need to elevate your home bar and craft impressive cocktails that will leave your guests in awe. So, let’s get started, shall we?

Why Is Having the Right Bar Tools Important?

Before we take a look at all the various bar tools, let’s discuss why they are crucial. To many people, mixology is an art that requires precision, consistency, and creativity. The tools you use play a pivotal role in achieving these goals. 

From measuring ingredients accurately to muddling herbs without destroying the flavor, having the right tools ensures that your cocktails turn out exactly as you envision them. Having the right tools can make mixing drinks easier, more fun, and less of a chore. In this blog, we’re going to cover all of the different tools you might see at a bar, but keep in mind that you may not need all of these. In an upcoming section, we’ll have a pared-down list that you can start out with at home.

What Are the Different Types of Bartending Tools?

There are a variety of different bar tools, all of which have their own special function. We can categorize them into five main categories: measuring, stirring and mixing, straining, muddling, and garnishing tools. You may also find that you already own some of the tools in the etcetera category – these are used for frozen drinks, preparing liqueurs, preparing simple syrups, and more.

Measuring Bar Tools

There are many different ways you can measure your drink components. Many people like to use jiggers, for example, but others may find that they’re messy. You can find a variety of different measuring tools, so just pick what works best for you. Here are your options:

• Jigger: The jigger, with its double-sided design, allows for precise measurement of spirits, ensuring your cocktails are perfectly balanced. Simply fill to the rim and dump.
• Measuring Spoons: Measuring spoons come in handy for accurately adding smaller quantities of ingredients like syrups, bitters, or herbs.
• Basic Measuring Cups: You could also invest in a nice measuring cup set. For pitcher cocktails, the larger ones are useful, but they also pull double duty in your kitchen. 
• Glass Measuring Glasses: Some brands make small glass, “cup-shaped” fluid measuring glasses – these are great for measuring liqueurs, carbonated waters, and spirits, as they can hold up to 4 oz.

Pro Tip: If you don’t have bar tools specific for measuring yet, ⅛ cup is 1 oz and ¼ c is 2 oz. 1 tbsp is roughly equal to a ½ oz, too.

Stirring and Mixing Bar Tools

Another critical type of bar tool is an apparatus for mixing the different components of your drink together. For some recipes, you’ll need to stir gently, like when carbonated mixers are involved. For other drinks, vigorous shaking is required to ensure a frothy texture. Here are the two main ways you will mix drinks at home:

1. With a Bar Spoon: A long-handled bar spoon is essential for stirring cocktails gently, preventing excessive dilution while blending flavors seamlessly.
2. With a Shaker: Shakers come in various styles, including cobbler, Boston, and Parisian. They are indispensable for thoroughly mixing ingredients and chilling the cocktail.

Straining Bar Tools

Cocktail strainers are indispensable tools, serving to separate liquids from any unwanted solids or ice. These bar tools ensure that only the part you want makes its way into your glass. The key to a well-balanced cocktail lies not only in the ingredients but also in the control over its texture and consistency. This is where cocktail strainers come into play.

Types of Strainers

There are two main types of cocktail strainers commonly used in mixology, each with its unique features and advantages:

• Hawthorne Strainer: This tool fits snugly into a shaker and helps strain cocktails, keeping ice and solid ingredients out of your glass.
• Fine Mesh Strainer: For cocktails that require an extra level of refinement, a fine mesh strainer ensures a silky-smooth texture.

Incorporating the right strainer into your mixology toolkit will elevate your cocktail-making skills and allow you to create drinks that are not only delicious but also visually appealing and consistent in quality.

Muddling Bar Tools

A muddler is a humble yet indispensable tool in the mixologist’s arsenal. This simple tool is designed to extract flavors and aromas from fresh herbs, fruits, or sugar cubes. Shaped like a sturdy, elongated pestle, a muddler typically consists of a comfortable grip at one end and a flat, blunt surface at the other. Its primary purpose is to gently crush or “muddle” ingredients. Muddling enhances the depth of flavor in your drinks and is essential for crafting classics like the Mojito or Old Fashioned.

Different Types of Muddlers:

• Wooden Muddlers: Wooden muddlers are a classic choice. They are gentle on ingredients and have a natural, rustic charm. Look for muddlers made from hardwoods like maple or walnut.
• Stainless Steel Muddlers: If you prefer a modern aesthetic and durability, stainless steel muddlers are an excellent option. They are easy to clean and maintain.
• Plastic Muddlers: Lightweight and budget-friendly, plastic muddlers are a practical choice for beginners. They come in various colors and designs.
• Textured Muddlers: Some muddlers feature textured surfaces, which can provide extra grip when muddling tough ingredients. These are great for those who want a little extra control.

How to Use a Muddler

To make the most of your muddler, with a firm but gentle grip on the muddler, press down on the ingredients in a twisting motion. Avoid excessive force, as it can release bitter compounds from citrus peels or herbs.

Pro Tip: The muddling process should release the flavors and aromas without turning your ingredients into a pulp. Aim for a balance that complements your cocktail.

Garnishing Bar Tools

There are several types of garnishing tools that can help you elevate your drinks. Keep in mind that garnishes, while not 100% necessary, are a critical component of a cocktail that can elevate the “aesthetic” of it significantly. Here are a couple of tools that are a good addition to your at-home bar:

• Citrus Zester: Create beautiful citrus zest garnishes to enhance both the visual appeal and aroma of your cocktails.
• Channel Knife: Perfect for creating intricate citrus twists to adorn your drinks.

Etcetera:

There are also several “non-bar” tools that can be incredibly useful for creating various cocktails. These include things like saucepans and whisks for creating custom simple syrups, mini or large blenders for crafting frozen cocktails, juicers for creating homemade mixers, and specialty ice cube trays for fancier presentations. Some of these things you’ll already have lying around, while others may be a good buy.

I’m a Beginner: What Are the Basics I’ll Need?

If you’re just starting your mixology journey, don’t fret; you don’t need a vast collection of tools to begin. Here are the basics every beginner mixologist should have:

1. Measuring cups and spoons (you probably already have these!) or a jigger.
2. A Cocktail Shaker
3. A Bar Spoon
4. A Hawthorne Strainer
5. A Muddler (some bar spoons have a muddler on the end)

You may even be able to find a complete kit that contains everything you need! With these fundamental tools, you’ll be well-equipped to craft a variety of classic cocktails and experiment with your creations. While a citrus juicer is nice to have, you don’t need one to make yummy cocktails.

What About Glassware?

The glassware you serve your cocktail in also contributes to the overall drinking experience. And, we’ve already covered this, too! For a comprehensive guide on selecting the right glassware for your cocktails, visit our previous blog: Sipping in Style: A Guide to Choosing the Perfect Glassware for Cocktails & Spirits.

What About Alcohol?

Obviously bar tools and glassware are paramount considerations for mixing drinks. However, the spirits and liqueurs you use are just as important! Here at Distillery Nearby, we recommend you invest in high-quality spirits, if you can. They go a long way to improve the taste of your cocktails. To find distilleries near you to support, check out our by-state directory. You can search by spirit or simply browse through all the listings, if you like.

Visit our distillery directory →

Get Your Home Bar Set Up With All the Bar Tools You Need!

In conclusion, mixology is an art that can be mastered with the right tools at your disposal. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned enthusiast, having the essential mixology tools is key to crafting impressive cocktails. From measuring and stirring to straining and garnishing, each tool plays a unique role in the creation of a perfect cocktail.

Now that you know the must-have mixology tools, it’s time to stock your home bar and start experimenting! Elevate your cocktail game, impress your guests, and create memorable experiences with your friends and family!

Happy Mixing!