The right tools and equipment are crucial to making you a master bartender. The bartender has a wide variety of equipment that they use to create perfect cocktails, ranging from shakers to strainers to jiggers to spoons. In this blog, we will discuss the different types of equipment available and how to use them to make the perfect cocktail.

Shakers

Having a shaker is one of the essential tools you can use to mix and chill cocktails, and there are two types of shakers: the Boston shaker and the Cobbler shaker.

Boston Shaker

A Boston shaker is a drink-making apparatus composed of two parts: a metal tin and a mixing glass. Once the metal tin has been placed over the mixing glass, it is shaken to mix and chill the cocktail. Here are the steps to use a Boston shaker:

1. Add ice to the mixing glass.
2. Combine the ingredients for the cocktail.
3. Cover the mixing glass with the metal tin.
4. Shake vigorously for about 10 seconds with one hand while holding the tin and glass together.
5. By tapping your palm against the top of the tin, separate the two parts of the shaker.
6. Use a Hawthorne strainer to strain the cocktail into the glass.

Cobbler Shaker

The Cobbler shaker is made up of three parts: a metal tin, a strainer built into the tin, and a cap. To use the Cobbler shaker, follow these instructions:

1. Add ice to the metal tin.
2. Mix the cocktail ingredients together.
3. On top of the tin, place the cap.
4. The shaker should be held with one hand and shaken vigorously for about 10 seconds.
5. After removing the cap, the built-in strainer allows you to strain the cocktail into a glass.

Jiggers

A jigger is a measuring device used to measure the ingredients used to prepare cocktails. There are two types of jiggers: a Japanese jigger and an American jigger.

Japanese Jigger

This Japanese jigger is a double-sided measuring tool that measures 1 ounce on one side of the tool and 2 ounces on the other. To use the Japanese jigger, you need to follow these steps:

1. Hold the jigger by the handle.
2. Pour the ingredient into the larger side of the jigger until it reaches the desired measurement.
3. Pour the ingredient into the mixing tin or glass.

American Jigger

An American jigger is a single-sided measuring tool used to measure weights between one ounce and two ounces. For most commonly used measurements, the American jigger follows these steps:

1. Hold the jigger by the handle.
2. Pour the ingredient into the jigger until it reaches the desired measurement.
3. Pour the ingredient into the mixing tin or glass.

Bar Spoons

There are two types of bar spoons: the Japanese bar spoon, which has a longer handle, and the twisted bar spoon, which has a shorter handle. The purpose of the bar spoon is to stir the cocktail.

Twisted Bar Spoon

The twisted bar spoon is a long-handled spoon with a twisted handle. If you want to use the twisted bar spoon, follow these steps:

1. Place the spoon in the mixing glass.
2. Hold the spoon between your thumb and the first two fingers.
3. Place the back of the spoon against the inside of the glass.
4. Stir the cocktail gently with a smooth and fluid motion.

Japanese Bar Spoon

It is a long-handled spoon with a teardrop-shaped end. To use a Japanese bar spoon, follow the steps below in order to get the best results:

1. Place the spoon in the mixing glass.
2. Hold the spoon between your thumb and the first two fingers.
3. Place the back of the spoon against the inside of the glass.
4. Stir the cocktail gently with a smooth and fluid motion.

Strainers

There are two types of strainers: the Hawthorne strainer, which is used to strain the ice and other ingredients from the cocktail, as well as the Julep strainer, which is used to strain the contents of the cocktail.

Hawthorne Strainer

The Hawthorne strainer is a metal strainer with a spring that fits over the top of the mixing tin or glass. To use a Hawthorne strainer, follow these steps:

1. Place the strainer over the top of the mixing tin or glass.
2. Hold the strainer in place with your fingers.
3. Pour the cocktail through the strainer into the serving glass.

Julep Strainer

The Julep strainer is a perforated spoon that is used to strain the cocktail. To use a Julep strainer, follow these steps:

1. Place the strainer over the top of the mixing tin or glass.
2. Hold the strainer in place with your fingers.
3. Pour the cocktail through the strainer into the serving glass.

Conclusion

Bartending is an art that requires skill, knowledge, and the right tools and equipment. With the right equipment and the knowledge of how to use it, you can create perfect cocktails that will impress your guests. Whether you’re using a shaker to mix and chill your cocktails or a jigger to measure your ingredients accurately, having the right tools is the key to success. Cheers to becoming a master bartender!