Stocking Your Home Bar With the Right Equipment
Home bars have come a long way. Not only are we building exciting entertainment spaces in our homes, we are stocking our home bars with bigger assortments of spirits, mixers and garnishes.
Creating an authentic pub or bar experience to entertain friends and family at home has become an obsession for many.
But like any good bar, it would not be complete without a basic set of bar tools. There are a wide variety of bar tools that bartenders use to prepare cocktails and other drinks. Here are some of the most common types of bar tools:
- Shaker: A two-piece metal or glass container used to mix ingredients together by shaking. There are two types of shakers: the Boston shaker (a metal shaker tin and a mixing glass) and the cobbler shaker (a three-piece shaker with a built-in strainer).
- Jigger: A measuring tool used to measure and pour precise amounts of liquid. Jiggers come in various sizes and shapes.
- Strainer: A tool used to separate the liquid from the ice and other solid ingredients in a cocktail. There are two types of strainers: the Hawthorne strainer (a flat, perforated metal disk with a coil spring around the edge) and the julep strainer (a perforated spoon-like tool).
- Muddler: A long, slender tool used to crush herbs, fruits, and other ingredients in the bottom of a glass to release their flavors.
- Bar spoon: A long-handled spoon used to stir cocktails and measure small amounts of liquid.
- Citrus juicer: A tool used to extract juice from citrus fruits such as lemons, limes, and oranges.
- Ice bucket and tongs: A container used to keep ice cubes and crushed ice cold, along with tongs to pick up the ice.
- Bottle opener: A tool used to remove caps from beer and soda bottles.
- Wine key: A tool used to remove corks from wine bottles, also known as a corkscrew.
- Blender: A machine used to mix and blend ingredients to make frozen drinks and other blended cocktails.
These are just a few examples of the many types of bar tools that are used in the bartending profession and that you should consider to make your home bar more authentic.
What is the most important bar tool
The most important bar tool will depend on the specific drink being made and the bartender’s individual style. However, some of the essential bar tools that are required to make a wide range of cocktails include a shaker, jigger, and strainer. These tools are fundamental for combining and measuring ingredients, as well as achieving the desired consistency and texture of the drink. The importance of each tool also varies based on the specific drink recipe and the techniques used by the bartender. Ultimately, having a well-stocked bar with a variety of high-quality tools is crucial for creating delicious cocktails with consistency and efficiency.
Which bar tools are used with which drink
The specific bar tools used for each drink will depend on the recipe and the technique used by the bartender. However, here are some examples of common bar tools used with specific drinks:
- Martini: A cocktail shaker and strainer are typically used to combine and chill the ingredients.
- Old Fashioned: A muddler is used to mash sugar and bitters together with a small amount of water or club soda before adding whiskey and ice.
- Margarita: A shaker is used to combine tequila, lime juice, and triple sec with ice before straining into a salt-rimmed glass.
- Mojito: A muddler is used to crush fresh mint and sugar before adding rum, lime juice, and ice, and then topping with soda water.
- Whiskey Sour: A shaker and strainer are used to mix whiskey, lemon juice, and simple syrup with ice before straining into a glass.
- Manhattan: A mixing glass and bar spoon are used to stir whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters together with ice before straining into a chilled glass.
These are just a few examples of how specific bar tools can be used with particular drinks. It is essential to have a variety of tools available to prepare a wide range of cocktails effectively. Additionally, some drinks may require unique tools or techniques, so it’s essential to refer to the recipe.
How much do bar tools cost
The cost of bar tools can vary widely depending on the quality, material, and brand of the tool. Here are some general price ranges for some of the most common bar tools:
- Shaker: $10 to $50
- Jigger: $5 to $20
- Strainer: $5 to $20
- Muddler: $5 to $20
- Bar spoon: $5 to $20
- Citrus juicer: $10 to $30
- Ice bucket and tongs: $10 to $30
- Bottle opener: $5 to $15
- Wine key: $5 to $20
- Blender: $30 to $150
Again, the prices listed above are just general ranges, and the cost of each tool can vary significantly based on factors such as the quality, material, and brand. Additionally, some bartenders may opt for more expensive or specialized tools based on their preferences or the demands of their specific workplace. It’s always a good idea to shop around, compare prices and read reviews before investing in bar tools.
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