Top 13 Accessories Every Mixologist Should Have For A Home bar
Crafting the perfect cocktail is an art form that requires not only skill but also the right tools and accessories. Whether you're a seasoned mixologist or a home enthusiast, having the right accessories can make all the difference in your creations. In this article, we'll explore the essential items every cocktail maker needs to elevate their drink-making game.
The Essential Tools
Shaker
A shaker is arguably the most important tool in any cocktail maker's arsenal. It allows you to mix ingredients thoroughly and chill them quickly. There are two main types of shakers: the Boston shaker and the Cobbler shaker. The Boston shaker consists of two parts—a metal tin and a mixing glass—while the Cobbler shaker includes a built-in strainer and cap. Both have their pros and cons, so choose one that suits your style.
Jigger
Precision is key when it comes to making cocktails, which is why a jigger is indispensable. This small measuring device ensures you pour accurate amounts of each ingredient, maintaining balance in your drinks. Jiggers typically come with two different measurements on each end, making it easy to switch between quantities. Check out our .05oz-2oz Cocktail Jigger or our Cocktail Bar Kit that comes with a classic 1oz/2oz jigger!
Strainer
A strainer is used to remove ice and other solid ingredients from your mixed drink as you pour it into a glass. There are different types of strainers, including Hawthorne/Double Ear strainers with their spring coils and fine mesh strainers for catching smaller particles like fruit pulp or herbs. The mesh strainers make straining our Cocktail Infusion Kits super easy. Check out our Fine Mesh Cocktail Strainer.
Glassware
Highball Glasses
Highball glasses are tall and typically used for cocktails that include a large proportion of mixer along with spirits, such as gin and tonic or rum and coke. Their height allows for plenty of ice and mixer while still leaving room for garnishes.
Old Fashioned Glasses
Also known as rocks glasses or lowball glasses, these are shorter but wider than highball glasses. They are ideal for drinks served on the rocks or cocktails that require muddling ingredients directly in the glass, such as an Old Fashioned or Mojito. For a unique twist on the traditional lowball glass, check out our Finished Beech Wood Drinking Glass.
Martini Glasses
Martini glasses are iconic for serving up classic martinis but can also be used for other "up" drinks—those served without ice. Their unique shape helps keep aromatic elements close to your nose while sipping.
Mixing Accessories
Bar Spoon
A bar spoon has a long handle that makes it easy to stir drinks in tall glasses, shakers, or cocktail mixing glasses without splashing. Its twisted handle design helps create smoother stirring motions, ensuring all ingredients blend well together. Check out our favorite Teardrop Bar Spoon Cocktail Mixing Spoon.
Muddler
A muddler is essential for crushing fruits, herbs, or spices at the bottom of your glass to release their flavors into your drink. Whether you're making a Mojito with fresh mint leaves or an Old Fashioned with sugar cubes and bitters, a good muddler will make all the difference. Check out our Cocktail Bar Kit that comes with a classic unique double ended muddler!
Garnishing Tools
Peeler/Zester
A peeler or zester allows you to add citrus zest as garnishes easily. Zest not only adds visual appeal but also imparts aromatic oils that enhance your cocktail's flavor profile.
Cocktail Picks/Skewers
Cocktail picks or skewers are perfect for adding garnishes like olives, cherries, or citrus twists neatly onto your drinks without them sinking into the liquid.
Ice Accessories
Ice Molds/Trays
Ice plays an important role in cocktails by chilling them without diluting too quickly. Specialty ice molds can create large cubes or spheres that melt slower than regular ice cubes—ideal for spirits served on the rocks like whiskey or bourbon.
Lewis Bag & Mallet
For crushed ice lovers out there—think Mint Juleps—a Lewis bag paired with a mallet lets you crush ice finely at home without needing an expensive machine setup!
Storage Solutions
Bar Cart/Station
Having all these tools organized within reach makes crafting cocktails much easier! A dedicated bar cart/station keeps everything from spirits & mixers down through utensils neatly arranged so nothing gets lost during prep time!
Conclusion
Creating amazing cocktails isn't just about following recipes; it's about having quality tools & accessories at hand! From shakers & jiggers ensuring precise measurements through specialized glassware enhancing presentation down towards garnishing tools adding final touches—all these elements contribute towards elevating one's mixology skills significantly! So next time before hosting friends/family over consider investing wisely into some top-notch drink accessories—you won't regret it!
