Essential Barware
These are the must-have tools for your home bar. You need a lot less than you think.
 
Boston ShakerMost cocktails you will make will require a shaker. And if you want to shake in style, use a Boston Shaker. I prefer using a weighted shaker, with a glass mixing cup.
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JiggerAll jiggers measure, but few measure as well as this one. With multiple options for tablespoons and ounces, this is the only jigger you will need. Traditional? No. Practical? Very.
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Hawthorne StrainerAfter you’re done shaking your cocktail, you need to strain it. This hawthorne strainer works very well, has a nice feel, and is inexpensive. You won’t be disappointed.
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Barware for Fruit Drinks
Almost all cocktails include fresh fruit juice, and these tools will help you make them.
 
Hand JuicerDo you like margaritas? Or sidecars? Or anything that requires lemon or lime juice? Invest in one of these now, and save yourself a ton of hassle. This particular model is amazing, and has been used almost daily in my household for 3 years.
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MuddlerMany drinks (including a personal favorite – the Caipirinha) require you to muddle lime. I prefer wooden muddlers over cheaper plastic or metal alternatives, and this one has a nice shape and feel.
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PeelerPeeling a small fruit like a lemon, lime, or orange can be difficult. This Y-peeler makes your job much easier than a traditional peeler or knife. You can also hang it with your other bar tools thanks to the nicely designed handle.
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Barware for Stirred Drinks
These tools are nice if you have the space and the desire to look professional, but they are not essential. Don’t bother looking here until you have everything above.
 
Julep StrainerHawthorne strainers are for shaken drinks. Julep strainers are for stirred drinks. If you want to look like a pro, invest in a julep strainer. But, honestly, a hawthorne strainer works just as well.
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Mixing GlassDedicated mixing glasses are beautiful, and I enjoy using them. But if you don’t care about using the “correct” tool, the glass mixing glass from your Boston Shaker works just as well.
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Stirring SpoonDedicated stirring spoons are very useful for taller glasses, and they look great. But if you don’t want a dedicated stirring spoon, a thin spoon for your cutlery drawer will often suffice.
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Barware for Nice Ice
Have you ever admired the ice in your drink at a speakeasy or cocktail bar? You can make something just as professional at home with a few tools.
 
Ice MoldsMost homemade ice cubes aren’t cubes, but they could be. Kick up your presentation with these molds. Extra large cubes (great with scotch on the rocks) available here.
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Wooden MalletWhen a drink calls for crushed ice, you have some bashing to do. A large wooden mallet will crush your ice and it should not damage your countertop (unless you go crazy). This one works fine, but if you can find an antique at a yard sale or thrift store, even better.
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Lewis BagYour wooden mallet won’t do you much good unless you have something to crush the ice in. That’s where the Lewis Bag comes in. You will be glad you have one when mojitos are on your mind.
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