10 Essential Bar Tools for Hosting Cocktail Parties at Home

Hosting a cocktail party in your home is a fun and elevated way to entertain your guests.  Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned mixologist, having the right tools will help you create delicious drinks with ease and confidence.   To upgrade your home cocktail game, here are 10 essential bar tools to shake, stir and serve your signature drink.

1. Cocktail Shaker

A cocktail shaker is the heart of any home bar. It’s essential for mixing, chilling, and aerating your drinks. There are two main types: the Boston shaker and the Cobbler shaker. The Boston shaker consists of two pieces—a metal tin and a mixing glass—while the Cobbler shaker has three parts: a metal tin, a strainer, and a lid.

Why You Need It: A good cocktail shaker helps you mix ingredients quickly and thoroughly, ensuring that every sip of your drink is perfectly balanced. It’s especially crucial for cocktails that require shaking, like margaritas, daiquiris, and martinis.

Pro Tip: Go for a Boston shaker if you want a tool that’s versatile and easy to clean, or choose a Cobbler shaker if you prefer something more beginner-friendly with a built-in strainer.

2. Jigger

Precision is key when it comes to cocktail-making, and that’s where a jigger comes in. This small, hourglass-shaped tool helps you measure out your spirits and mixers with accuracy, ensuring that your cocktails taste just right.

Why You Need It: Without a jigger, it’s easy to accidentally pour too much or too little of an ingredient, which can throw off the balance of your drink. A jigger ensures consistency in every pour.

Pro Tip: Opt for a double-sided jigger with measurements on both ends, like 1 ounce on one side and 2 ounces on the other. This way, you can quickly measure different amounts without needing multiple tools.

3. Bar Spoon

A bar spoon may seem simple, but it’s an incredibly versatile tool. With its long, slender handle, it’s perfect for stirring cocktails in tall glasses and for layering ingredients to create visually stunning drinks.

Why You Need It: When you’re making cocktails that need to be stirred, like an old fashioned or a Manhattan, a bar spoon ensures that the ingredients are mixed evenly without over-aerating the drink. It’s also great for adding small amounts of ingredients like sugar or bitters.

Pro Tip: Look for a bar spoon with a twisted handle—it helps with mixing and adds a touch of elegance to your bar setup.

4. Muddler

A muddler is used to mash or crush ingredients like fresh herbs, fruits, and sugar cubes, releasing their flavors into the drink. It’s an essential tool for creating cocktails like mojitos, mint juleps, and caipirinhas.

Why You Need It: Muddling helps extract the essential oils and juices from your ingredients, intensifying the flavor of your cocktails. Without a muddler, you’d miss out on the fresh, vibrant taste that makes these drinks so special.

Pro Tip: Choose a muddler made from wood or stainless steel, and make sure it has a flat or slightly textured base for better control and efficiency.

5. Strainer

Once you’ve shaken or stirred your cocktail, you’ll need a strainer to keep ice, fruit, and other solid ingredients out of your glass. There are a few types of strainers, but the Hawthorne strainer and the fine mesh strainer are the most commonly used.

Why You Need It: A strainer ensures that your drinks are smooth and free of unwanted bits, giving them a polished, professional look. It’s especially important for cocktails that are shaken or muddled, where you want a clean, refined finish.

Pro Tip: Use a Hawthorne strainer with your Boston shaker or mixing glass, and keep a fine mesh strainer on hand for double-straining cocktails with small particles, like seeds or herbs.

6. Mixing Glass

For cocktails that require stirring rather than shaking, a mixing glass is a must. This heavy, wide-bottomed glass allows you to mix your ingredients with a bar spoon without spilling.

Why You Need It: A mixing glass provides stability and space for stirring, ensuring that your ingredients are evenly mixed and chilled. It’s perfect for cocktails like martinis, negronis, and Manhattans.

Pro Tip: Choose a mixing glass with a spout for easy pouring, and look for one with measurement markings for added convenience.

7. Citrus Juicer

Fresh citrus juice can make all the difference in your cocktails. A citrus juicer allows you to extract the maximum amount of juice from lemons, limes, and oranges, giving your drinks a bright, zesty flavor.

Why You Need It: Freshly squeezed juice is far superior to bottled juice, and a good citrus juicer makes the process quick and easy. It’s a must-have for cocktails like margaritas, whiskey sours, and daiquiris.

Pro Tip: Look for a handheld juicer that’s easy to use and clean. A stainless steel model is durable and efficient, making it a great addition to your bar tools.

8. Ice Molds

Ice is an essential ingredient in most cocktails, and having the right ice can elevate your drinks to the next level. Ice molds come in various shapes and sizes, from large cubes to spheres, and can add a touch of sophistication to your cocktails.

Why You Need It: Large ice cubes or spheres melt more slowly than regular ice, keeping your drink cold without diluting it too quickly. They also add a visually striking element to your cocktails.

Pro Tip: Experiment with different ice molds to find the ones that work best for your favorite cocktails. Silicone molds are easy to use and pop the ice out with minimal effort.

9. Bottle Opener and Corkscrew

No bar is complete without a reliable bottle opener and corkscrew. These tools are essential for opening bottles of beer, wine, and mixers, ensuring that you’re always ready to serve your guests.

Why You Need It: Whether you’re popping the cork on a bottle of wine or opening a cold beer, having a good bottle opener and corkscrew on hand is crucial for any home bar.

Pro Tip: Invest in a quality multi-function tool that includes a bottle opener, corkscrew, and foil cutter. It saves space and ensures you’re prepared for any drink request.

10. Glassware

Last but not least, don’t forget the glassware. The right glass can enhance the presentation and experience of your cocktail. Keep a variety of glasses on hand, including rocks glasses, highball glasses, and martini glasses.

Why You Need It: Different cocktails are traditionally served in specific types of glassware, which not only enhances the drink’s aesthetics but also affects how it’s enjoyed.

Pro Tip: Start with the basics and gradually build your collection. Consider adding specialty glassware, like coupe glasses or tiki mugs, for a fun twist on your cocktail presentations.

We hope you enjoy your next great cocktail party with our guide and bar essentials.  Cheers!