Essential Bartending Tools for Mixology at Home: A Beginner's Guide
Are you a budding mixologist who wants to create delicious cocktails at home? Well, it's time to stock up on some essential bartending tools. Having the right equipment is crucial for perfecting your mixology skills. In this beginner's guide, we will take a look at the must-have bartending tools for creating amazing cocktails.
Shaker
A shaker is an essential piece of equipment for any mixologist. You use it to mix ingredients thoroughly, ensuring that you get the perfect blend of flavors. There are different types of shoakers, such as the Boston shaker and the Cobbler shaker. The Boston shaker is a two-part open-top shaker that requires a separate strainer. On the other hand, the Cobbler shaker is a three-part shaker with a built-in strainer. Choose the type of shaker that is comfortable for you to work with.
Jigger or Measuring Cup
Accurate measurements are critical in the art of mixology, and a jigger or measuring cup is a must-have tool for any aspiring mixologist. A jigger is a small hourglass-shaped device that comes in different sizes to measure various quantities of liquid. A measuring cup is also an alternative tool for measuring liquids accurately.
Muddler
A muddler is a vital tool for making cocktails that require muddled ingredients such as mint leaves, fruit or sugar. You use a muddler to crush the ingredients at the bottom of the shaker or glass to release the flavor and aroma.
Mixing Spoon
A mixing spoon is a long-handled spoon used to stir cocktails in a glass or shaker. A well-made mixing spoon should have a twisted stem to enable the user to create a smooth stirring motion.
Strainer
After mixing your cocktail ingredients, you need to separate the ice or solid pieces from the liquid. A strainer is a small, perforated device used to separate the two. Again, there are different types of strainers: Hawthorne strainer and Julep strainer. Hawthorne strainer is a disc-shaped strainer with a spring attached that fits into the top of the shaker glass. Julep strainer, on the other hand, is a spoon-shaped strainer that fits over the opening of the serving glass.
Citrus Juicer
A citrus juicer is an essential tool for creating fresh lemon, lime, or orange juice without the pips. A lemon squeezer or citrus reamer is also an alternative tool for juicing.
Ice Bucket and Tongs
Your cocktail should always be chilled, and an ice bucket filled with ice cubes is an excellent investment. Further, a pair of tongs are essential in picking up ice to avoid contaminating it with your fingers.
Glassware
Lastly, the final product should be served in appropriate glassware. The cocktail glass or martini glass is perfect for serving cocktails without ice, while the highball and Collins glasses are for cocktails with ice.
In conclusion, these are the essential bartending tools you need to start your mixology journey at home. They may seem like a lot of equipment, but they will help elevate your cocktail game and take your mixology journey to the next level.