Tools of the Bar Trade

The tools that you use to make drinks will vary in style, size, and cost.  And while you won’t be required to shoulder much of the cost to purchase them, there are a few you’ll want to own and have in duplicate.  It is time to learn the name and purpose of your bar tools.  So let’s get to it.

OPENERS

Wine keys and bar blades are both tools you should own.  You would do well to have several of each at home.  Do you want to make instant friends with your fellow bartenders?  Give one of these away to a busy bartender, and you’ll be golden from that shift forward.

MUDDLER

When using this tool with vegetables or fruit, the harder the better.  Herbs such as fresh mint should be pressed gently so as not to tear them.  You’ll find classic wooden versions of this tool everywhere however metal or plastic ones are becoming more common by the day.  These new styles often have spiked bottoms which require a softer touch.

SHAKERS

Boston Shakers are the most commonly found cocktail shakers behind the bar today.  Either tin from a Boston Shaker may be paired with glassware for drink building; the shorter tin with a highball glass and the larger one with a tempered 16-ounce pint glass.  Cobbler Shakers often feature a removable cap on top with a built-in strainer for easier pouring.  These shakers are small and only allow for one drink to be built at a time.

MEASURER

These come in many different shapes and styles.  They are invaluable for pouring out pricier spirits like single malt scotch or top shelf brandy.  Just remember that in most bars they pair a larger 1.5-ounce tin with a smaller 1-ounce tin.

STRAINER

The Hawthorne strainer is found behind every bar you’ll ever work.  When placed atop a full shaker tin, the spring side will be pressed against the inside lip of the tin to control how much broken ice goes into the finished drink.  There are Julep Strainers you will come across however these are usually found in bars of distinction and prestige, and I don’t frequent those types of joints myself.

STIRRERS

You’ll find most of these come with a red cap at one end while some can offer up a fork, pestle, or disk for other drink building purposes.  Just so long as they are of good length and evenly balanced.  Get comfortable handling these as many classic cocktails are stirred not shaken.

JUICERS

Some bars have access to industrial machines which can handle any of their juicing needs.  I’ve never worked at such a bar and odds are neither will you.  The elbow juicer which can be metal or heavy plastic is our only option.  The heavy metal ones will become your best friend while the plastic ones will come apart in your hand as the service bar explodes with orders for Caipirinhas.

These are the most commonly found bar tools you’ll come across behind any bar. As you gain skill bartending, you’ll become as comfortable handling them as a knife and fork. Just make sure to keep them clean and put them back where you found them!