6 Essential Tools To Have In A Bartending Kit
Whether one is a mixology beginner or is setting up a home bar, a bartending kit is an essential apparatus to have which will make mixing drinks a smooth process. Bartending tools differ from kitchen apparatuses like spoons and stirrers as they are sturdy yet proportionate to the size and make of the cocktail shakers and mixing glasses used as the containers for assembling ingredients.
So, while putting together a home bar or bartending kit, one ought to have tools dedicated to mixing drinks.
There are a number of bartending apparatuses out there for blending cocktails but there are some essentials which never go out of vogue. With these handy tools one can blend a variety of drinks without the need for bringing in too many complicated contraptions. A simple mix of a cocktail shaker, muddler and jigger can go a long way in preparing different drinks like a martini cocktail, gin and tonic, whisky sour, daiquiri and more.
Here are some of the essential tools that have to be a part of one’s bartending kit while trying a hand at mixing different alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks:
Cocktail Shaker
One of the most essential elements required for mixing cocktails is a shaker. This container can be used for assembling different ingredients like spirits, juices and citruses together before shaking them for about 15 to 30 seconds until the drink mixes and cools uniformly.
Containers like the boston shaker with a separate tin or glass as well as the cobbler shaker with an in-built strainer are among some of the shakers that can be put to use.
A simple cobbler shaker and its strainer is suitable for beginners for mixing different cocktails containing juices and syrups so they can be strained before serving.
Jiggers
What is perhaps one of the most significant tools in a bartender’s arsenal is the jigger. This is used to measure spirits before pouring them into a cocktail shaker.
Since balancing ratios is an essential part of making cocktails, a double-sided jigger with 1 and 2 ounces or approximately 30 ml and 60 ml on each side respectively can be procured to measure spirit ratios. Jiggers carry measurement markers in between making it easier for beginners to proportionately add spirits like rum, tequila and vodka to varied cocktail mixes.
Muddler
Another essential tool for a bartender is a muddler. This resembles a pestle and is used to press gently on ingredients like herbs and citruses so they release their juices and aromas into the cocktail container.
Muddlers are particularly useful in making drinks like mojitos and old fashioneds as they contain mint or citrus bitters whose flavours slowly seep into cocktail blends.
Go for a muddler with a textured end so it can be used to extract maximum flavours from different juicy ingredients.
Mixing Glass
A mixing glass generally has a wide base and long walls which allows a bartender to stir a drink without spilling it. Mixing glasses are used for making spirit-forward drinks put together by pouring a simple mixer over 30 ml or 45 ml of alcohols like rum or vodka.
Such a container is often used for preparing a martini cocktail or an aperitif like negroni which is given a gentle stir before serving.
Strainer
Yet another bartending essential is a strainer which is particularly required when drinks are prepared by muddling ingredients like herbs, spices or lemons. Strainers get rid of the extraneous materials in drinks like herb sticks or ice shards leading to the crafting of a smooth drink.
A simple hawthorne or fine mesh strainer can be used while making several cocktails like hot toddies and punch.
Citrus Juicers
Reamers or citrus juicers can be added to one’s mixology kit especially if one is fond of making orange or lemon-forward drinks. Reamers can be used to extract juices from citrus fruits like lemons, oranges and melons which can then be added to a cocktail shaker for blending drinks with a fine, smooth texture.
Reamers and juicers get rid of the excess pulp in citrus juices rendering them a silky touch useful in making elegant aperitifs and floral mixes.
Drink Responsibly. This communication is for audiences above the age of 25.
