The Tools You Need to Make the Best Cocktails

In the world of cocktails, there is a wide range of bartending tools you can use to create a truly exceptional drink. To achieve the best results, there are a few essential principles to keep in mind—especially when it comes to using the right tools.

Every cocktail has its own recipe, and every recipe requires a specific preparation method. As a bartender, it's important to know which tools to use and when to use them. With the following six bartending tools, you can make almost any cocktail.

Want to get trained look at the options at the Bols Cocktail Experience or in the Bols Cocktail Academy

Muddler

A muddler is a tool used to crush fruit, herbs, and spices directly in a glass. This releases their aromatic oils and flavors, enhancing the cocktail’s taste and aroma.

Jigger

A jigger is a small measuring tool used to accurately portion ingredients, either in milliliters or shots. One shot equals 30 ml. Jiggers are available in a variety of sizes.

Shaker

A shaker is used to mix ingredients by shaking them together. One common type is the three-piece Cobbler shaker, which includes a built-in strainer and is popular among home bartenders and traditional cocktail makers.

Hawthorne Strainer

A strainer prevents ice from being poured into the serving glass when transferring a cocktail from the shaker. The most commonly used version is the Hawthorne strainer, which is typically paired with a Boston shaker.

Bar Spoon

A long bar spoon is ideal for stirring cocktails and measuring small amounts of ingredients. One bar spoon equals one teaspoon, or approximately 5 ml.

Fine Strainer

A fine strainer is essentially a small mesh sieve, similar to a tea strainer. When a cocktail is double strained, it is first strained through a Hawthorne strainer and then through a fine strainer. This process removes even the smallest pieces of fruit pulp and ice shards, resulting in a smoother, cleaner drink.