The Top 10 Essential Tools for Any Home Bar: Upgrade Your Cocktail Game
Whether you are a professional bartender or an enthusiast, having the right tools is essential to make the perfect cocktails at home. There are a lot of cocktail making tools available in the market but not all of them are necessary for your home bar. Here are the top 10 essential tools for any home bar that can upgrade your cocktail game.
1. Shaker
A shaker is one of the most important and versatile tools that you need to have in your home bar. You can make a wide range of cocktails with a shaker, from classic martinis to creamy egg white sours. A cocktail shaker is also essential for properly mixing citrus and sugar-based drinks.
2. Jigger
A jigger is a measuring tool that is used to measure the amount of alcohol or other ingredients in your cocktails. Accurate measurements are essential for making consistent and delicious drinks. A jigger usually has two sides, one measures 1 ounce and the other measures 1.5 ounces.
3. Muddler
A muddler is essential if you want to make drinks that require muddling fruits, herbs, and spices. Muddling is the process of crushing fruits or herbs to release their flavors into your cocktail. A wooden or metal muddler will effectively muddle your ingredients without damaging them.
4. Strainer
A strainer is essential for removing ice, fruit pulp, or herbs from your cocktail. There are mainly two types of strainers available, the Hawthorne strainer and the Julep strainer. The Hawthorne strainer is perfect for drinks that are shaken with ice, while the Julep strainer is used for drinks that are stirred.
5. Mixing Glass
A mixing glass is used for stirring drinks that do not require shaking. It is a glass container with a spout that can hold up to 20 ounces. A mixing glass is essential for making drinks like a classic martini or a Manhattan.
6. Bar Spoon
A long bar spoon is essential for stirring drinks in a mixing glass. It should be long enough to reach the bottom of the glass and have a spiral handle to ensure a good grip. A good bar spoon will also have a flat end that can be used for muddling or layering drinks.
7. Citrus Juicer
A citrus juicer is an essential tool for making cocktails that require fresh lemon or lime juice. A hand-held citrus juicer is easy to use and allows you to extract maximum juice from your citrus fruits.
8. Ice Bucket and Tongs
An ice bucket and tongs are essential for keeping your ice clean and handy. It is essential to have clean and clear ice for your cocktails. An ice bucket with tongs will ensure that your ice stays clean and doesn't melt too quickly.
9. Cutting Board and Knife
A cutting board and knife are essential if you want to garnish your cocktails with fruits or herbs. A small cutting board and a sharp knife will make your cocktail preparation much easier and faster.
10. Glassware
Last but not least, having the right glassware is essential for making the perfect cocktails. There are different types of glasses for different types of cocktails. Some of the essential glassware for a home bar includes a mixing glass, highball glasses, martini glasses, and shot glasses.
In conclusion, having the right tools is essential for making the perfect cocktails at home. The above-mentioned tools are essential for any home bar and will upgrade your cocktail game significantly.