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As a beginner bartender, it’s important to have the right bar tools to help you make great cocktails. Below, we’ll share some of our favorite bartending tools for beginners.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to upgrade your kit, these are the items you’ll need to create delicious drinks. So let’s get started!

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Shaker

For anyone looking to upgrade their cocktail-making game, a shaker for bartending is an essential tool. Shakers help to quickly combine the ingredients of any drink, creating smooth and deliciously-blended flavors that your guests will love.
They are also easy to use and look quite stylish on any bar counter. The main types of shakers include:

Boston cocktail shakers, consisting of two tins.
Cobbler shakers with three parts: lid, strainer, and body.

 

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Both are great options for making delicious drinks. Each comes in a variety of sizes to suit all needs and abilities, so you can switch between cocktails and vigorously shake unique ingredients, such as egg whites.
A quality shaker is an integral part of any bartender’s toolkit, helping them create professional drinks in no time at all.
From classic cocktails to contemporary drinks, the right bar equipment really does make a difference when it comes to the final taste of your beverages – plus, it looks impressive on display! So if you’re serious about improving your mixology skills, investing in a reliable shaker and other tools for bartending makes sense.

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Jigger

A cocktail jigger is a staple of any professional cocktail bar. This simple and efficient tool is essential for accurately measuring spirits and other liquid ingredients quickly and effectively. Most are made of either stainless steel or aluminum and feature two separate, opposing measuring cups. The larger side holds upwards of 2 ounces, while the smaller side typically holds somewhere between .75 to 1 ounce.
This is really useful for mixed drinks; bartenders can use them to portion out spirits, liquors, fresh juice, and simple syrups. When making classic cocktails, accuracy is key in order to bring out the best flavors from each ingredient. A carefully measured jigger helps bartenders achieve this goal without having to spend too much time counting drops.

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Strainer

Any bartender knows a strainer is an indispensable tool for making drinks. Whether shaking up a Martini or crafting a new, fancy cocktail, it’s important to separate unintended ingredients from the drink. Not only does this prevent chunks of ice and other debris from entering the final product, but it also helps to keep all flavors balanced and produces a smoother beverage.
There are different types of strainers that can be used:

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Hawthorne Strainer

This is the most common type of strainer and features a metal coil that fits perfectly on the rim of any shaker.

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Julep Strainer

Designed to fit into the bowl of a shaker or mixing glass, a julep strainer is made from perforated metal.

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Fine Mesh Strainer

This type of strainer is utilized for smaller particles and works great for removing any residue from cocktails or syrups. It’s usually used in conjunction with another strainer to double-strain a cocktail with egg whites, fruit, or herbs.
These are just a few examples of the best bar tools available, but they’re essential for any beginner or experienced bartender.

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Mixing Glasses

These thick-walled glasses come in a range of sizes and shapes and are used for many classic cocktails that are stirred, such as an Old Fashioned or Manhattan. Traditional mixing glasses tend to have straight sides, making them easy to pour out of and measure into, while other types feature tapered or curved shapes that make them slightly easier to hold in the hand.
When purchasing mixing glasses, it’s important to consider the type of drinks you plan to serve and the frequency with which you’ll use them. If you expect to use your glass on a regular basis, opting for one made with thicker glass is wise. Thin-walled glasses may look elegant but won’t stand up to repeated use as well as those made with sturdier materials.
In order to get drinks out quickly but safely, invest in high-quality mixing glasses that will last longer and help ensure that each drink you serve has been created with care.

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Muddler

Used to mash and grind ingredients such as herbs and fruits, this simple yet versatile tool allows bartenders to brew up delicious cocktails that would otherwise be difficult or time-consuming to prepare.
The basic muddler features a long handle for an easy grip and a rounded end for effective grinding. One of the most common types is a wood muddler. However, many modern variations of the muddler include additional features such as rubber tips on the end for added control and an ergonomic shape for comfort and efficiency.
In addition, some models also feature interchangeable heads or attachments, which can change the texture or size of what you’re crushing, allowing you to make more creative drinks without sacrificing consistency or flavor.

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Investing in quality equipment is always a good idea, as it helps to ensure that every drink you serve looks and tastes amazing. Plus, having the right tools on hand can help to make cocktail-making more enjoyable – so don’t be afraid to upgrade your barware!