5 Essential Bartender Tools & Equipment Every Bar Should Have in 2020

5 Essential Bartender Tools & Equipment Every Bar Should Have in 2020

Bartending requires not only extensive skills but also the right bartender tools for you to get the job done effectively. Most high-end bars don’t compromise when it comes to barware because they understand their importance. Remember that for you to mix up tasty cocktails, you need to be precise on the measurements of ingredients. You also need to have special tools and knowledge of how they work for you to deliver your best.

The list below contains crucial bartender tools that you can’t ignore going into 2020. It’s important to note that it disregards obvious ones like bar towels, bar mats, bottle openers, cock screws, and cocktail pourers. So, read the following list to discover tools you may not know you needed to guarantee a successful year for your bar.

Bartender Tools You’ll Need for Success

1) Ice buckets

woman, bartender, liquor bottles, bar equipment, wisk

Ice buckets will forever be one of the most essential bar tools. These work as portable coolers to keep drinks cold for a more extended period. Ice buckets come in handy whenever the customer wants to have his or her drinks slowly without their temperature rising due to various reasons. You can use ice buckets to hold bottles of wine, champagne, water, and even several cans of Tecate beer.

You can also use ice buckets to hold ice straight from the crusher or refrigerator. That is why most ice buckets come with matching tongs to enable you to pick up ice and drop it into your customer’s drink.

When selecting the right ice bucket, you need to consider various factors, including the color and material of the it. Most buckets come in stainless steel material with a shiny surface that makes them look more attractive. Others, however, come in plastic materials. These buckets are very rare since they can easily break, and they are not as practical as stainless steel ice buckets. You also need to look at the shape of the bucket. Do you want it cylindrical, rectangular or conical? That depends on your personal or individual taste.

2) Ice crusher

There are many instances where the only way to come up with delicious cocktails or refreshing drinks is with the help of an ice crusher. It comes in handy whenever you want to break or crush ice to a specific size as per the requirement of your signature cocktail. Crushed ice is also useful whenever you want to reduce the temperature of the drink to suit an individual’s needs. Depending on your bar size, you can opt for manual, electric, or bar blender ice crushers. Each type has its unique advantage, so it’s up to you to choose which one best suits your needs.

It is also advisable that you look for an ice crusher that is portable so you are not constrained to one location whenever you are operating the item. Some people tend to opt for commercially made ice, but the main disadvantage is that it increases your operation cost. With an ice crusher, you don’t have to worry about spending more money purchasing the right size of crushed ice. All you have to do is make the ice yourself in the comfort of your own bar. It is among the essential bar tools should have if you want to improve your working environment.

3) Muddler

A muddler is a vital bartending tool that is not only inexpensive but also useful. Most bartenders use muddlers to make cocktails  like mojitos. That is, however, not the only cocktail a muddler can help you to craft. Other cocktails that require muddling include caipirinhas, mint Julep, caipiroska, and whiskey smash. The tool helps you crush or smash fruits, herbs, and sugar. Doing so allows you to bring out the distinct taste of the cocktail and also achieve an excellent blend. In addition, you have to know how to use a muddler to avoid making a mess when creating a drink.

Muddlers come in different styles and designs. Some have metallic or plastic finishes. Others have wood finishes to bring out the authentic taste of the cocktails. They are so far the most recommended muddlers. In case you have a wooden type, make sure you wash and dry them manually. That way, they are bound to last longer, providing you with excellent service all through. When it comes to the style of the muddler, you need to go for one that is slim. Such a tool will give you more control when crafting your desirable cocktail.

4) Cocktail shaker

A cocktail shaker is also on the list of valuable bar accessories that you should never go without. The item is useful when mixing cocktails such as cosmopolitans and martinis. It eases the idea of having to come up with a perfect blend that has balanced flavors. It is the best choice if you are looking for something much cheaper than a cocktail mixer as well. Most bartenders and mixologists use it when making a single cocktail. What makes it even more remarkable is that you can use it to make both non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks. You should, however, make sure you rinse the shaker well enough when switching between those two categories.

The item enables you to diversify drinks and makes it easy to explore new recipes. There are also various types of cocktail shakers for you to pick from, including Parisian, Cobbler, and Boston cocktail shakers. The easiest shaker to use is the Cobbler or the 3-piece cocktail shaker. That is because it comes with a lid and a strainer making the mixing fun. When picking a type of shaker, you should ask yourself what your level of expertise is and how you like your cocktails. If you are an expert, consider the Boston shaker.

5) A jigger

bar, liquor, jigger, mixer, bar equipmentA jigger is the type of instrument that bartenders use to ensure the last cocktail is similar to the current cocktail in terms of both flavor and quantity. It also ensures that you are not over pouring your cocktails. These items come in different sizes, weights, and materials. The smallest jigger has a capacity of 0.25oz. You can, however, opt for bigger ones that can accumulate a total of 2oz. But to be on the safe side, go for a variety of jiggers.

With these bartender tools, you are sure of consistency for as long as you work behind the counter. In addition, you can use them to ensure you are using the right amount of ingredients before pouring them into a shaker or cocktail mixer. Any professional bartender will tell you that a jigger is a bartending tool that you should never underestimate.

Overall, the above are some of the most crucial bar tools that you should always have around if you want to serve cold drinks, flavorful cocktails, and the right amount of wines. Other bartending pieces of equipment you can also put in your list include a juicer, peeler, a zester, and a glass washer to ensure that you always have a clean glass. All of the bartender tools mentioned in this article play a unique role and should always be on hand.

Post contributed by Heidi Jones

Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on linkedin
Share on email