Whether you’re a professional mixologist or a home hobbyist, you can take your cocktails from good to great with the right cocktail tools. Especially when you’re mixing with a quality spirit from RocaBella Brands, you have to make sure you do it right. Our team broke down the must-have equipment for any would-be bartenders out there. So grab your shakers and let’s get started!
Cocktail Shaker
A cocktail shaker is an essential piece of equipment for any bartender. It’s used to mix ingredients together, as well as to chill cocktails before serving. There are two types of cocktail shakers – metal and glass. Metal shakers are more durable and can be used for both mixing and chilling, while glass shakers are only used for mixing. Bartenders usually have both types on hand, so they can choose the appropriate shaker depending on the cocktail they’re making.
Jigger
A jigger is a small measuring device that’s used to measure out exact quantities of liquor. This is important for making sure cocktails are always consistent in strength and flavor. Jiggers typically have two different sizes – one for measuring out small quantities (1/2 ounce or less), and one for measuring out larger quantities (1 ounce or more). Jiggers are also used to measure other ingredients like syrups and bitters.
Bar Spoon
A bar spoon is a long-handled spoon that’s used for stirring cocktails and other mixed drinks. It’s also handy for 20 removing ice cubes from mixed drinks without having to use your fingers. You can get a bar spoon from many places, but we personally love the equipment from Crate and Barrel!
Muddler
A muddler is a short-handled cocktail tool that’s used to mash fruits, herbs, and spices in the bottom of a glass or mixer. This helps release their flavor so that it can be properly mixed into the drink. Muddlers come in a variety of materials, including wood, plastic, and metal.
Strainer
A strainer is used to strain mixed drinks into glasses or cups, which helps remove any ice cubes or other large chunks that may have been missed when muddling or stirring the drink. Strainers come in two main varieties – julep strainers and Hawthorne strainers. Julep strainers are designed specifically for straining mint juleps, while Hawthorne strainers can be used for straining all kinds of cocktails.
Cocktail Picks
Cocktail picks are small skewers that are used to garnish cocktails with fruit, olives, or other small snacks. They typically have decorative handles that match the theme of the event or party where they’re being served.
If you want to get the party jumping, you have to keep the good drinks flowing. These are some of the essential pieces of cocktail tools needed to make great cocktails at home or behind the bar. Of course, there are many other tools that bartenders use to make their jobs easier, but these are the basics that every would-be mixologist should have on hand. With these tools and a bottle of your favorite RocaBella vodka at your disposal, you’ll be well on your way to shaking up some delicious drinks! Don’t forget, if you need a little bit of drink inspiration, head to our website and browse our Drink Recipes page and follow us on Instagram to see daily drink recipes.