

While ice cubes and muddled leaves may be part of the cocktail recipe, they do not always belong in the final product. Most bartender kits should include a metal spoon capable of reaching the bottom of a shaker tin. Sometimes a long swizzle spoon is required to perform a more delicate mix or to stir in muddled ingredients. A double jigger measuring cup allows bartenders to add the right proportion of each spirit to the shaker tin.īar spoon. Spirits and mixers for most cocktail recipes are measured out in ounces or fractions of ounces. Amateur bartenders may want to use a larger size cheater tin for a more secure fit. A single-piece cocktail shaker can perform this task well, but many mixologists prefer to use a large weighted shaker tin and cap it with a smaller “cheater” tin while mixing the ingredients. The ingredients in cocktails need to be mixed vigorously in order to blend well and release their essential qualities. Here are the most essential pieces of equipment almost all bartender kits should include: We would add a few more pieces of barware and tools to that bare bones list. Some experienced mixologists say a well-trained bartender can produce excellent results with only a shaker tin and a serving glass. These are all important considerations when it comes to finding the ideal fit between the bartender and their tools. Some bottle openers are better suited for high volume demand than others. A larger cheater tin fits differently in the shaker than a smaller one. The size of the jigger cups, for example, can vary widely. Others are marketed toward casual home bartenders, which may frustrate a trained mixologist trying to meet commercial standards.
#Bartender kits professional#
Some bartender kits are intended specifically for professional mixologists, which means a casual home bartender might find them challenging to use. Many home wet bar owners use these decorative cases to display their bartending hardware between uses. Higher end bartender kits tend to use dedicated storage cases, with specific slots for each tool and barware. Others include a special carrying bag that will hold all of the tools in place between jobs. Some kits are designed to be self-contained: all of the individual pieces fit snugly inside the oversized shaker tins.

This makes portability an important consideration for working mixologists. Most bartender kits are designed to move with the bartender from event to event. Buying the least expensive bartender kits with thinner gauge stainless steel can lead to durability and maintenance issues later, so we suggest shopping in the mid-range for a better grade of stainless steel. A few bartender kits even contain gold or silver plated elements. Copper plating is also a common practice, especially in higher end sets. The shot glasses may also be made from a heavy form of glass. Some bartender kits also use tempered glass tumblers in place of a “cheater” tin. Better shaker tins are not only made from a higher grade of stainless steel, but they are also weighted on the bottom for additional stability. Less expensive bartender kits tend to use a thinner gauge of stainless steel, which means individual pieces are more susceptible to wear and tear.

However, the gauge and chromium content can vary widely from set to set. Not only does stainless steel provide an attractive mirror sheen, it is also non-reactive to acidic ingredients, doesn’t retain scent/flavor, and is dishwasher-safe. Key considerationsĪlmost every bartender kit on the market, from the most basic to the most comprehensive, uses stainless steel as its main metal component. Some bartending sets sold for home use may not meet the standards of a commercial bar, while higher end sets marketed for professional mixologists may be too much for casual entertainers.īartender kits make excellent housewarming gifts for homeowners with wet bars. When shopping for a bartender kit, you will want to consider a number of factors. Professional mixologists often create their own customized bartender kits, while home bartenders tend toward pre-packaged starter kits. Some sets are designed to be compact and portable, while others are meant to be displayed prominently. More complete sets also include bottle stoppers, pourers, shot glasses, a garnish knife, and a conical strainer. This is where a special collection of barware called a bartender kit comes into play.Īt a minimum, a bartender kit contains a cocktail shaker, a measuring “jigger” cup, ice tongs, a long bar spoon, and a strainer. From preparing garnishes to opening bottles to blending exotic cocktails, a bartender needs the right tools for each job. However, many amateur mixologists soon discover that a bartender’s day is never done.
#Bartender kits upgrade#
The addition of a dedicated bar is a popular upgrade for homeowners and renters who love to host.
