If cocktail making is one of your hobbies or you simply like to enjoy one in the comfort of your home once in a while, you probably know that crafting the perfect drink isn’t as easy as you might have thought. Some bar tools are downright essential, while others are not.

A set of bar tools can also make a great gift, especially for someone who likes such concoctions. Some of the essential ones you will require are jiggers, muddlers, blenders, and shakers. You could also do with a strainer, but we will do our best at detailing everything in the paragraphs below.

So, if you’re having trouble telling what tool you should start your cocktail-making adventure with, keep on reading.

 

A cocktail shaker

Shakers come in many shapes and sizes and are made for each and everyone’s tastes and preferences. Some of the sets that we have come across are priced at under thirty dollars, and many of these budget-friendly choices also include the jigger and a mixing spoon. You can even get a strainer with some.

There are several styles of shakers available out there, but the most common ones are the Boston, the Manhattan, and the French. The Boston is widely used in bars and is a 2-piece set that consists of a mixing glass and a larger metal tin. The cobbler is composed of three pieces as it comes with the tumbler, the strainer, as well as the lid. The French variation is a mix between the first two.

One thing you ought to keep in mind when you are in the market for a brand new cocktail shaker is that you really get what you pay for. The model needs to be leak-proof, and if you want to purchase several and can’t be bothered with washing them in the kitchen sink, you also have to ensure that they are dishwasher-safe.

 

A jigger

You’d be lost if you were to measure the amount of spirits you need to add to your cocktails if you didn’t use a jigger. Most of those we have stumbled upon have two measuring components, which means that you can add either less or more alcohol to the drink depending on the recipe.

Some jiggers have the central component — the one you’re going to touch while using them — made out of silicone or resilient plastic. This enables you to hold the tool in your hand and rest assured that you won’t drop it just because it’s wet.

 

A blender

For all of the cocktails to which you have to add natural juice or fruit puree, a blender can be a nice addition to your kitchen or bar. With the help of this appliance, you can also craft frozen cocktails, and these can be life saviors on a particularly sunny day when everyone wants to literally chill out.

Several other accessories you should consider range from a lemon juicer to a muddler. If you’re looking to add precise amounts of sugar or other extras to your drinks, you ought to consider one of the many scales that weigh in grams and ounces that are available out there.