10 Bar Tools Every Bartender Should Own

LAST UPDATED ON May 18th, 2020

Whether you have a regular home bar or a man cave bar, you need to have the right bartender tools. These will help you make the perfect mix of cocktails and fruit drinks in the comfort of your own space. We have compiled a list of essential bartender tools that will help you get started. Whether you’re a seasoned barista or just a casual cocktail connoisseur, this list has something for everyone.

1. Cocktail jiggers

Mixing liquor quantities requires speed and precision in order to get the proportions right and bring out the best flavors from the drink. Having stainless steel jiggers is handy for this purpose as it preserves the temperature and flavor while you prepare the cocktail. An added benefit of having a multi-level jigger is being able to get the measurements down to the last drop perfectly whether it is in ml, oz, or tbsp. This will ensure that you can follow a cocktail recipe and get your desired mix.

bartender tools

OXO Stainless Steel Double Jigger

$10 | Amazon

2. Cocktail shakers

You can choose between two common cocktail shakers: the Boston shaker and the Cobbler shaker. Based on your preference and skill level at making cocktails, there are pros and cons to using either of the two. The main difference between them is that the Cobbler shaker has a built-in strainer whereas you would need to use a Hawthorne strainer with the Boston shaker.

bar tools and equipment

LUCKYGOOBO Cobble Cocktail Shaker (24 oz)

$18 | Amazon

The trade-off for convenience is the capacity: Boston shakers can take in a larger volume than Cobbler shakers which is why professional bartenders prefer them over Cobblers. But since you won’t need to serve multiple cocktails in one night, Cobbler shakers should suffice.

bartenders tools

Top Shelf Bar Supply Premium
Boston Shaker Set

$25 | Amazon

3. Mixing glass

A Boston shaker usually comes with a mixing glass and a shaker tin so that’s another advantage to getting a Boston shaker. Normally, you use mixing glasses for drinks that are stirred and not shaken. It also enables you to see the ingredients coming together as you stir them. Using an ordinary glass should be fine however, if you want to get the best experience out of mixing your own cocktails at home, then we suggest buying a Yarai mixing glass which looks more professional and durable.

bartender tools kit

Mofado Crystal Cocktail Mixing Glass

$22 | Amazon

4. Liquor pour spouts

One of the most useful bartender tools you can have is a liquor pourer or liquor pour spout. You place the pourer at the mouth of the bottle to help you control the amount of liquid coming out. This way, you won’t have to worry about spilling any alcohol and you will be able to measure quantities with accuracy so that your drinks will have consistent flavor, texture, and aroma. Various pour spouts are available in the market, the most popular ones being the speed pourer for a smooth flow and the measured pourer for precision.

liquor pour spouts

12 Pack Stainless Steel Bottle Pour Spout with Rubber Dust Caps

$12 | Amazon

5. Hawthorne strainer

After shaking your ingredients, it is necessary to strain them from all the solid materials like ice and fruit. For those who chose a Cobbler shaker, you don’t need to look for a separate strainer because it has one integrated with it. However, for Boston shakers, it is a must to get a cocktail strainer. By far, Hawthorne strainers are the most popular types as they are flexible, efficient, and inexpensive. They also work well with the shaker tins that come with your Boston shakers.

professional bar tools

OXO Stainless Steel Non-Slip
Cocktail Strainer

$8 | Amazon

6. Swizzle stick

You should never underestimate the importance of bartender tools, no matter how they look. Don’t be fooled by their measly appearance. Swizzle sticks, also called cocktail stirrers or bar spoons, play a big role in ensuring that your drink will have the right amount of dilution. Because of their sleek design, they allow for a faster and smoother motion in mixing your drink so that you will not end up with a cloudy mixture but a clear cocktail.

best bar tools

Hiware 12-inch Stainless Steel
Swizzle Stick

$8 | Amazon

7. Cocktail muddler

Essential bartender tools come in all shapes and sizes, and the muddler much like the swizzle stick is no exception. Think of it as the bartender’s pestle. The cocktail muddler crushes fruits, herbs, sugar cubes, and other ingredients in preparation to mix them together with your drink. Different muddlers exist in the market and choosing among them depends on preference. Muddlers usually come in similar lengths and basic designs, the only difference being the material they are made from. Wood muddlers are the most popular because of their efficiency and durability while plastic and stainless steel muddlers are preferred for the ease of cleaning them.

cocktail muddler

OXO 9-inch Cocktail Muddler with Non-Slip Grip

$15 | Amazon

8. Winged corkscrew

Having a corkscrew makes opening wine bottles easier and safer. You just stick the corkscrew in and pull the cork out. Some corkscrews also come with a built-in foil cutter or beer bottle opener. Not only are these great as bartender tools, but they also make great gifts for whiskey drinkers and wonderful wine accessories that you can use for any occasion.

bar tools list

IPOW Wing Corkscrew and Beer Bottle Opener

$16 | Amazon

9. Ice bucket & scooper

Having an ice bucket and scooper or tongs as bartender tools is necessary for hygiene. You don’t want to use your hands to pick up ice and contaminate your drink. Plus it looks more stylish and professional that way. It’s also nice just to have some around to use special occasions. This combo is pretty much a must-have whether you have a wet or dry bar.

Oggi Stainless Steel Ice Bucket + Scooper

$24 | Amazon

10. Wine bottle stopper

Oftentimes, you will be unable to finish a whole wine bottle and you will want to save it for later. But since you have already opened the bottle, it has already been exposed to the air and it might change the way the wine would taste. Thankfully, you can preserve the freshness of the wine or other liquor that you have by putting a bottle stopper on it. Another one of the essential bartender tools you need to have in your collection.

bartender tools

Vacu Vin Wine Saver &
Vacuum Stoppers

$12 | Amazon

These are the basic bartender tools that every mixologist or aspiring bartender should own. You can actually buy most of these items as a bar tools set, it’s a lot cheaper than purchasing them individually. So, which of these bar tools is your favorite?

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