Bartending is more than just a job – it’s an artform. The ability to create stunning cocktails in a matter of seconds, mix and serve drinks for all occasions, and understand the perfect garnish for each beverage can go a long way. Whether you’re looking to earn higher tips, expand your range or just impress your friends, you need a good set of barware utensils.
But what does that mean? Why is a cocktail shaker’s shape so important? What’s the difference between a regular spoon and a serving spoon? And what does a Mexican Elbow even do? We’ll answer all this and more in our comprehensive guide to some of the best tools a bartender can have – read on to find out more!
An absolute must for anyone who prefers their martinis shaken over stirred, a cocktail shaker is perfect for thoroughly mixing ingredients. A good cocktail shaker is designed with a sloping frame and comes with a fitted lid to work quickly and effectively with beverages of all sizes. This is one for the showboaters – make a bit of noise with the spectacle of holding this up over your shoulder and giving it some gusto!
The Beaumont deluxe range is built for style and practicality. With both a large 26oz edition cocktail shaker, and an 8oz edition suitable for single serves, all needs are met. These tools are lightweight, meaning not only are they easy to use, but also easy to store and transport. If you’re just learning to mix cocktails, there’s no better place to start.
Mixing spoons (sometimes simply referred to as cocktail spoons or bar spoons) are thin, small spoons with long handles. Often this long handle is designed with a spiraling groove. The reason? These spoons are designed to offer meticulous balance to the process of stirring and muddling measures together.
Take a look at the wide range of stirring spoons we offer on our online store, available in steel, brass or copper. You can even mix things up with our mixing forks, designed to maximising the speed with which beverages can be created.
Precision matters in mixology. A jigger is a small hourglass-shaped measuring tool that allows bartenders to pour exact quantities of spirits and mixers. Most jiggers have two sides, often measuring 25ml and 50ml. Accurate measurements not only maintain balance and flavour but also help control alcohol usage, which is crucial for cost-effective bartending.
Fresh citrus juice elevates any cocktail. A Mexican Elbow, or citrus reamer, helps you quickly squeeze lemons and limes, ensuring your drinks are fresh and vibrant. While bottled juice might be tempting, nothing beats the brightness of freshly squeezed citrus.
As simple as it may seem, you can save a lot of time and effort with this tool. It’s fun to use as well!
Mastering bartending starts with mastering the basics. These essential tools provide the foundation for crafting everything from simple highballs to complex, layered drinks. By understanding what each tool does and how to use it properly, you’ll not only improve your drink-making skills but also enhance the overall experience for your guests—and yourself.
Have fun, and don’t forget Glassjacks is your one-stop shop for all of this barware and more. Cheers!
