Equipment Guide¶
The right tools make all the difference. Here's everything you need to get started.
Table of Contents¶
Essential Tools¶
1. Jigger (Measure)¶
The most important tool for making balanced cocktails. Precision is everything.
- Types: Dual-sided jigger (common: 30ml/45ml or 1oz/1.5oz), graduated jigger
- Recommended: A graduated jigger with internal markings for multiple volumes (15ml, 22.5ml, 30ml, 45ml, 60ml)
- Tip: Hold the jigger level and fill to the brim for an accurate pour
- Note: Accuracy varies between brands. Verify with a kitchen scale (1ml water = 1g)
2. Cocktail Shaker¶
The core tool for mixing, chilling, and diluting cocktails through shaking.
Three-Piece (Cobbler) Shaker¶
- Components: Base tin + built-in strainer + cap
- Pros: Built-in strainer; beginner-friendly; no extra tools needed
- Cons: Slower pour; cap can freeze shut; smaller capacity
- Best for: Beginners, home use
Two-Piece (Boston / French) Shaker¶
- Components: Large tin + small tin (French) or large tin + glass (Boston)
- Pros: Faster pour, larger capacity, easy to clean, professional standard
- Cons: Requires a separate Hawthorne strainer; needs practice to seal/open
- Recommended: Tin-on-tin (French) over glass-on-tin (Boston)
- Best for: Enthusiasts looking to improve, professional bartenders
3. Bar Spoon¶
Used for stirring cocktails, layering drinks, and measuring small amounts.
- Length: At least 30cm (12 inches), ideally 30-34cm
- Types: Spiral stem (classic), straight stem, fork-end, flat disc-end
- Recommended: Spiral stem with flat disc end — ideal for layering cocktails
- Bowl capacity: Standard bar spoon ≈ 5ml (1 teaspoon)
- Technique: Slide the spoon along the inner wall of the glass, rotating with your fingers rather than your wrist
4. Strainers¶
Hawthorne Strainer¶
- Use: Paired with two-piece shakers to catch ice and fruit particles after shaking
- Feature: Spring coil around the edge fits snugly on the shaker opening
- Tip: Press the finger rest to tighten the gap for finer straining
Julep Strainer¶
- Use: Paired with mixing glasses for straining stirred cocktails
- Feature: Perforated metal spoon that sits inside the mixing glass
Fine Strainer (Tea Strainer)¶
- Use: Double straining — removes tiny ice shards and debris
- Method: Hold over the serving glass while pouring through the Hawthorne strainer
5. Muddler¶
- Use: Crushing fruits, herbs, and spices to release flavors
- Material: Wood (traditional, less durable when wet), stainless steel/plastic (durable)
- Technique: Press down with a gentle twisting motion. For mint, a light press is enough — over-muddling creates bitterness
- Safety: Only muddle in stainless steel shaker tins or sturdy glasses. Never use force in thin glassware
6. Citrus Juicer¶
- Types: Handheld hinged press ("Mexican elbow"), lever-action pillar press, electric juicer
- Beginner pick: Handheld hinged press — available in lime (green), lemon (yellow), and orange sizes
- Tip: Strain freshly squeezed juice through a fine sieve to remove pulp and seeds
- Golden rule: Always use freshly squeezed citrus juice — it's the soul of a good cocktail
Advanced Tools¶
| Tool | Purpose | Priority |
|---|---|---|
| Mixing Glass | Dedicated vessel for stirred cocktails, more elegant than using a shaker tin | Recommended |
| Peeler | Cutting citrus peel twists for garnish | Recommended |
| Paring Knife | Cutting fruit and preparing garnishes | Recommended |
| Cutting Board | Work surface for fruit prep | Recommended |
| Ice Tray / Mold | Making large cube ice or ice spheres | Recommended |
| Corkscrew / Waiter's Friend | Opening wine and vermouth bottles | Recommended |
| Dasher Bottle | Precise control of bitters drops | Optional |
| Atomizer | Misting absinthe, vermouth, or bitters | Optional |
| Nutmeg Grater | Freshly grating nutmeg for garnish | Optional |
| Blender | Frozen cocktails (Frozen Daiquiri, Pina Colada) | Optional |
| Lewis Bag + Mallet | Crushing ice by hand | Optional |
Glassware Guide¶
Core Glass Types¶
1. Coupe Glass¶
- Capacity: 150-180ml (5-6 oz)
- Use: Classic "up" cocktails (Daiquiri, Sidecar, Gimlet)
- Feature: Wide, shallow bowl; increasingly replacing the Martini glass in modern bars
- Hold: By the stem to avoid warming the drink
2. Martini Glass (Cocktail Glass)¶
- Capacity: 150-200ml (5-7 oz)
- Use: Martini, Cosmopolitan, Manhattan
- Feature: Iconic V-shaped cone
- Hold: By the stem or base
3. Rocks Glass (Old Fashioned Glass)¶
- Capacity: 200-300ml (7-10 oz)
- Use: Short drinks over ice (Old Fashioned, Negroni, Whiskey Sour on rocks)
- Feature: Short, wide, thick-bottomed
- Variant: Double Old Fashioned glass ≈ 350-400ml (12-14 oz)
4. Highball Glass¶
- Capacity: 240-350ml (8-12 oz)
- Use: Long drinks (Gin & Tonic, Highball, Moscow Mule)
- Feature: Tall, straight-sided cylinder
5. Collins Glass¶
- Capacity: 300-400ml (10-14 oz)
- Use: Tom Collins, Mojito, tall drinks
- Feature: Taller and narrower than a Highball glass
6. Copper Mug¶
- Capacity: 350-500ml (12-16 oz)
- Use: Moscow Mule
- Feature: Copper material keeps drinks cold; iconic appearance
Beginner Shopping Guide¶
Phase 1: Minimum Budget Starter Kit¶
If you're on a budget, here's the bare minimum to get started:
- Three-piece shaker x1 (has a built-in strainer)
- Jigger x1 (graduated, dual-sided)
- Bar spoon x1
- Handheld citrus juicer x1
- Rocks glasses x2 + Highball glasses x2
Budget estimate: ~$15-30
Phase 2: Upgrade Kit¶
Add to your Phase 1 setup:
- Two-piece shaker (French) x1
- Hawthorne strainer x1
- Fine strainer x1
- Mixing glass x1
- Coupe glasses x2
- Peeler x1
- Large cube ice mold x1
Budget estimate: ~$30-60 additional
Shopping Tips¶
- Online: Amazon, Cocktail Kingdom (professional grade)
- Budget-friendly: IKEA (great basic glassware)
- Things to avoid:
- Ultra-cheap thin-walled shakers — poor feel and insulation
- Jiggers without internal graduation marks
- Fancy glassware before you have the basics covered