As specialized photographers at Rétines, we have had the opportunity to capture the art of mixing in all its forms. Our experience has shown us the crucial importance of a well-equipped cocktail kit for professional bartenders and mixologists. Here is a complete guide to the essential accessories that make up the ideal cocktail kit.
We will first introduce the basic bartender’s kit and then provide a detailed description of each category of tools.
Basic Tools
Professional bartenders and mixologists use a set of essential tools to efficiently and expertly prepare and serve cocktails. Here are the main tools typically found:
- Shaker: Used to mix liquid ingredients, usually made of stainless steel with an airtight lid.
- Bar Spoon: A long, thin spoon used to stir cocktails in a mixing glass or shaker.
- Jigger: A double-ended measuring tool used to precisely measure the quantities of spirits and other liquid ingredients.
- Strainer: A tool used to retain ice and fruit pieces when pouring the cocktail into the serving glass.
- Mixing Glass: A large, transparent glass used for mixing cocktail ingredients before straining.
- Muddler: A tool used to crush ingredients such as herbs, fruits, or sugars at the bottom of the glass to release their aromas and flavors.
- Pestle: Sometimes used with a mortar to crush solid ingredients like spices.
- Bar Knife: A specialized knife for cutting and preparing garnishes like lemon slices or citrus zest.
- Cutting Board: For hygienic preparation of garnishes and ingredients.
- Ice Tongs: Used to handle ice cubes cleanly without directly touching them.
- Mixing Glass: Used for combining cocktail ingredients.
Measuring Tools
Precision is the key to a successful cocktail. Measuring tools are therefore essential in any respectable cocktail kit. Here is a selection of the main measuring tools used by bartenders and mixologists:
Alcohol Measuring Tools:
Jiggers: Double-ended metal utensils, available in standard capacities like 25/50 ml or 35/70 ml, allowing for precise measurement of alcohol quantities.
Pour Spouts: Attached to bottles, these accessories ensure controlled and precise pouring of liquids, guaranteeing consistent serving sizes.
Flow Regulators: Allow for controlled pouring, ensuring accurate measurement and preventing spills.
Volumetric Measuring Tools:
Measuring Glass: Graduated in ml/oz, essential for accurately measuring liquid ingredients like juices, syrups, and spirits.
Measuring Cups: A set of calibrated containers for different volumes, providing a convenient alternative for measuring liquids according to specific recipes.
Measuring Spoons: Used to measure small quantities like a dash or a bar spoon, crucial for cocktails requiring precise amounts of aromatic or liquid ingredients.
Weighing Instruments:
Precision Scale: For weighing ingredients with gram-level accuracy, especially useful for recipes requiring exact measurements.
Balance Scale: Allows for balancing proportions in some recipes by weighing the different ingredients.
Temperature Measuring Tools:
Bar Thermometer: Used to monitor the temperature of drinks and ingredients, crucial for cocktails that require specific temperatures.
Infrared Thermometer: Provides quick, contactless temperature measurement of liquids.
Density Measuring Tools:
Hydrometer: Measures the density of syrups and liqueurs, important for ensuring recipe accuracy.
Refractometer: Used to measure the sugar content of syrups and juices, helping to adjust the sweetness of cocktails.
Alcohol Measurement Tools:
Alcoholmeter: Measures the alcohol content of spirits, essential for creating cocktails that are balanced in flavor and strength.
Ebulliometer: Used to determine the alcohol percentage by boiling, providing an alternative method for measuring alcohol content.
pH Measurement Instruments:
pH Meter: Measures the acidity of cocktails and ingredients, helping to balance flavors.
pH Test Strips: A quick and economical alternative for measuring the pH of liquids.
Each category of measuring tools meets the specific needs of bar professionals, ensuring absolute precision in the creation of a wide variety of complex cocktails.
Mixing Tools
Perfect mixing requires the right tools. Here are the essentials for this crucial step.
The essential tools used by bartenders and mixologists include various specialized equipment for the precise and efficient preparation of cocktails:
Shaker:
Boston Shaker: Consists of two parts, a glass and a metal tin that fit together for shaking cocktails.
Cobbler Shaker: Comprises three parts: a tin, a lid with a built-in strainer, and a cap, making it easy to strain and serve directly from the shaker.
Parisian Shaker: Similar to the Boston Shaker but entirely made of metal, offering a robust and durable alternative for cocktail preparation.
- Mixing Glass:
- A large glass or metal container primarily used for stirring cocktails with a bar spoon. It provides a clear view of the ingredients being mixed while maintaining a stable temperature.
- Bar Spoon:
- A long, twisted spoon specifically designed for gently stirring cocktails. Its design also allows for delicately layering liquids in the glass.
- Muddler:
- A tool used to crush ingredients such as fruits, herbs, or sugar at the bottom of a cocktail glass, releasing their aromas and flavors for harmonious integration.
- Blender :
- An electric device used to blend frozen or crushed cocktails, ensuring a smooth, cold texture by incorporating ice and other ingredients.
- Mixing Glass (Detailed):
- A specially designed and often graduated glass for preparing cocktails that need to be stirred rather than shaken, allowing for precise control of proportions and ingredient mixing.
- Cocktail Whisk:
- A tool used to quickly emulsify certain liquid ingredients in a cocktail, helping to incorporate elements like egg whites for creamy, frothy drinks.
These specialized tools are essential for creating high-quality cocktails, enabling professionals to master each step of the preparation process with precision and flair. Each type of tool offers unique features that contribute to the diversity and complexity of beverages served in bars and hospitality establishments.
Straining and Pouring Tools
Straining and pouring tools are essential for bartenders and mixologists to filter out ice, fruits, or herbs used during cocktail preparation before serving. Here are the main categories of straining and pouring tools:
- Cocktail Strainer:
Description: A metal strainer with a spring that fits onto the opening of a shaker or mixing glass.
Function: The Hawthorne strainer holds back ice, fruit pieces, and other solid ingredients when pouring the cocktail into the serving glass.
Fine Strainer:
Description: A fine mesh strainer, usually made of metal or nylon.
Function: Used after the Hawthorne strainer for fine filtering, removing small solid residues and unwanted bits of fruit or herbs.
Bar Spoon with Strainer:
Description: A bar spoon with a perforated tip or a small built-in strainer at one end.
Function: It allows for stirring cocktails while also acting as a filter during pouring, holding back ice and other solid ingredients.
These straining and pouring tools are crucial to ensuring the quality and presentation of served cocktails, removing unwanted particles while preserving the flavors and texture of the prepared drinks.
Garnishing and Preparation Tools
Garnishing and preparation tools used by bartenders and mixologists are essential for creating cocktails efficiently and professionally. Here is a list of the main tools in this category:
Cocktail Knife: Used to slice garnishes such as fruits and citrus peels.
Cutting Board: Ensures hygienic preparation of garnishes.
Zester: Extracts citrus zest without the bitter white pith.
Tweezers: For precise handling of garnishes.
Mixing Spoon: Used to stir cocktails in a mixing glass.
Cocktail Strainer: Filters out ice and fruit pieces when serving.
Muddler: Crushes ingredients like herbs and fruits in the glass, releasing their flavors.
Pestle: Used to crush ingredients in a mortar, sometimes for specific preparations.
Herb Scissors: Cuts fresh herbs directly into the glass.
Cocktail Pick: Holds garnishes in place on the cocktail.
Cheese Grater: Occasionally used for citrus zest or other aromatic garnishes.
These tools enable bartenders and mixologists to prepare and garnish their cocktails with precision and elegance, enhancing the overall consumer experience.
Glassware
While not directly part of the cocktail kit, the right glassware is essential. Professional bartenders and mixologists use a variety of glassware specifically designed for the preparation and serving of cocktails. Here are the main types of glassware used:
Cocktail Glasses: Includes martini glasses, margarita glasses, and old-fashioned glasses, each suited for different types of cocktails.
Mixing Glass: Typically a tall, narrow glass with a spout, used for stirring cocktail ingredients before serving.
Pitcher (Mixing Jug): A large, durable glass used for mixing drinks for multiple people at once.
Shot Glasses: Small glasses designed for serving one-shot drinks, often for shooters or digestifs.
Wine Glasses: Used for wine-based cocktails like sangria or kir.
Highball Glasses: Tall and narrow, perfect for long drinks such as gin and tonic or whisky soda.
Champagne Glasses: Used for champagne-based cocktails or to serve pure champagne.
Beer Glasses: Ideal for beer-based cocktails or serving craft beers.
These different types of glassware are selected based on the type of cocktail being served, the desired presentation, and the sensory experience intended for the consumer. Having a wide variety of glassware options allows mixology professionals to create and serve cocktails appropriately and aesthetically.
Additional Accessories
Bar and mixologist accessories go beyond tools and glassware; they include essential elements for preparing, presenting, and transporting cocktails. Here is a detailed list of commonly used accessories:
- Decorations:
Dried fruit slices, fresh herbs, and edible flowers to garnish cocktails.
Syrups or food colorings to add color or decoration to cocktails.
- Cocktail picks: Used to hold garnishes in place on cocktails.
- Umbrellas: Decorative accessories primarily used in tiki or exotic cocktails.
- Reusable straws: Often made of metal or glass to reduce environmental impact.
- Specialized Tools:
Zester/Grater: Used to extract citrus zest.
Aromatizer Spray: Adds aromatic notes to cocktails.
Flame Torch: Used to caramelize or flambé ingredients in cocktails.
- Storage and Transport:
Professional Bar Bag: For safely transporting all tools and accessories.
Protective Cases for Fragile Tools: To safeguard glassware and delicate utensils.
Compartmentalized Storage Boxes: For organizing tools and accessories during travel.
These accessories are not only practical but also enhance the aesthetics and overall experience of cocktails, adding a touch of professionalism and creativity to every service.
At Rétines, we have photographed numerous cocktail kits and witnessed the importance of each element in creating exceptional drinks. A well-equipped cocktail kit reflects the professionalism and passion of the bartender or mixologist.
Whether you are a seasoned professional or an enthusiastic amateur, investing in a complete cocktail kit will elevate your mixology skills to the next level. Each tool has its role in creating perfect cocktails, from precise ingredient measurement to the final presentation that delights both the eyes and the palate.
Remember, the quality of your tools is reflected in the quality of your creations. Choose durable, high-quality accessories for a cocktail kit that will accompany you for years in your passion for mixology.
