Mixology is an art form that has become integral to the hospitality industry, transforming the way we enjoy and experience beverages. Whether you're a bartender at a high-end cocktail lounge, a hotel bar or a restaurant, having the right equipment can be a key to your success. In this article, we will delve into the essential equipment for professional mixologists, empowering you to craft extraordinary drinks and elevate your guest experience.
Cocktail Shakers
Cocktail shakers are the cornerstone of any bar operation, allowing you to expertly mix and chill a variety of cocktails. The choice of shaker style—Cobbler, Boston, or French—depends on your preferences and the needs of your establishment. A Cobbler shaker, with its built-in strainer, offers efficiency, while the Boston shaker provides versatility with its two separate tins. French shakers combine elegance with functionality, providing a unique touch for upscale venues. Of the three, the Boston is the most popular among bartenders due to its versatility and ease of cleaning.
Mixing Glass
For cocktails that require a gentle stir, such as classic Martinis or Old Fashioneds, a high-quality mixing glass is essential. Made of glass or crystal, the transparent design enables precise monitoring of dilution and clarity to ensure that every drink meets the highest standards.
Bar Spoon
A long, twisted bar spoon is your secret weapon for gently stirring cocktails in a mixing glass. Its extended handle is designed to reach the bottom of tall glasses, ensuring that you mix ingredients without creating excessive air bubbles or dilution. A perfect tool for maintaining the integrity of your craft, it can also be used for layering drinks and curling garnishes as your technique becomes more advanced.
Jiggers
Jiggers guarantee that you pour the exact amount of each ingredient, every time. This precision is what separates remarkable cocktails from ordinary ones, ensuring that each guest enjoys a consistent and balanced experience. Jiggers come in different shapes and designs; they can be single or double, include a handle for pouring a drink further away, or be in a measuring cup style. If you want to practice your flair, try the sleek Japanese double jigger with a ring around the join.
Strainers
Strainers are a must-have for ensuring the seamless presentation of your cocktails. A Hawthorne strainer is the most commonly used, especially paired with a Boston shaker; the coil allows you to effectively control and separate ice and solid ingredients when pouring into a glass. For drinks requiring a finer touch, consider employing a fine-mesh strainer in tandem with a Hawthorne strainer to achieve an impeccably smooth texture. And if you are serving stirred cocktails, a Julep strainer is often the best choice for straining out the ice.
Muddler
A muddler is indispensable for extracting essential flavours and aromas from ingredients like herbs, fruits or sugar cubes. It's a tool that enables you to enhance the depth and complexity of your cocktails while providing a personalised touch to your guests' drinks.
Citrus Juicer
Fresh ingredients are key to creating the highest-quality cocktails. A citrus juicer, whether manual or electric, ensures that you can consistently extract the vibrant flavours of lemons, limes and oranges, providing your guests with a memorable drinking experience.
Ice Moulds and Knives
The quality and presentation of ice are pivotal to an exceptional cocktail. Large cubes or spheres are preferred for spirits-based drinks to slow dilution, while a standard cube is needed for stirring and mixing and crushed ice for frozen drinks. Moulds are the easiest way to achieve your desired shape and size, but at more advanced levels many bartenders also use knives, picks or even saws to achieve the desired effect.
Conclusion
Having the right equipment is essential to crafting exceptional cocktails. From shakers and jiggers for precise measurements to muddlers and bar spoons for perfect mixing, each piece plays a crucial role in the art of mixology. Whether you are sticking to traditional cocktails or experimenting with innovative recipes, having the right tools at hand will help you to create an exceptional experience, every time.
If you are just starting out, check out Essential Tools for Mixologists in Hospo Advisory for a more detailed look at these key tools of the trade.