Recommended Bar Tools
A lot of cocktail equipment is far from perfect for the job, so mix shake and pour brings you recommendations of the bar tools that do the job well and are built to last. All products on this page have been carefully researched, selected and tested by mix shake and pour. We only recommend products that we have hand picked and used in our own bar. Further information and some useful tips on what you will need can be found in this excellent video by Robert Hess.
Jigger
Alongside the shaker, this is the most important weapon in the bartenders armoury. Good cocktails require exact measurement of the ingredients, but most jiggers simply aren't up to the job. Fortunately, OXO have created this innovative multi measurement jigger which you can even read from above as you pour ingredients in. Unlike most other jiggers, this has half and quarter measures. With no need to guess these quantities, accurate pouring is easy and your cocktails will taste great!
The innovative OXO Jigger makes short work of cocktail ingredient measuring duties.
Mixing Tin
The mixologist's mixing tin, or shaker, is a vital part of cocktail creation. It must be practical as well as stylish. Three part shakers that have integral strainers are usually far from ideal in use, with muddled fruit becoming stuck behind the strainer during shaking. Two better options are provided here, and its really down to personal taste as to which a mixologist will want in their bar. The Parisian style, two piece shaker is the easiest to use and this example is really well made and comes with its own Hawthorne Strainer (see below). The Boston Shaker which combines both a stainless steel mixing tin and glass, requires a little more practice but is the classic choice for cocktail mixing.
The Screwpull two piece (Parisian style) shaker with Hawthorne strainer.
Strainer
Two grades of strainer are needed. A Hawthorne strainer holds back the larger pieces of muddled fruit and ice, while a fine (tea) strainer will remove smaller particles for clear and fine looking martinis. The OXO Hawthorne Strainer (shown here on the left) is sturdy with a quality straining spring and has lips to hold it tightly over the shaker. The tea strainer recommended here has a wide lip on each side allowing it to be safely rested across the serving glass freeing up the hands to manage the shaker and Hawthorne strainer when pouring.
The Norpro strainer: elegant and practical.
Muddler, Zester and Bar Spoon
A muddler is essential for crushing and breaking up fruit prior to shaking with the other cocktail ingredients (see how to muddle). Adding a garnish of spiralled citrus zest is a perfect finishing touch for a delicious cocktail. This zesting tool makes it really easy to cut the zest. A bar spoon completes the list of hand held bar tools and enables ingredients to be stirred, even in a tall glass.
Cutting citrus zest is simplicity itself with a proper zesting tool.
Ice Crusher, Citrus Press and Mister
The final cocktail tools recommended here are not absolutely essential in the home bar, but they do make things much easier and quicker. Smashing ice by hand with a cloth and rolling pin quickly becomes tedious and this mechanical crusher makes it a breeze. Its also one of the better designs and is built to last. A citrus press is another labour saver that helps you get the maximum amount of juice from your fruits with the minimum of effort. The Martini Mister won't be at the top of the list for everyone, but if you like the driest of dry Martinis this could be for you.
A solid ice crushing machine that's built to last.
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