Bar Knife:

Used primarily for cutting, peeling and coring fruits to be used as garnish or for mixing cocktails. A bar knife is an important piece of equipment in a bar. There are usually several types of knives available for this purpose. Remember to wash knife after each use to prevent contamination and ruination of flavor in delicate cocktails where taste is essential.

Blender:

Blenders come in a variety of sizes and styles and it is not usual for a bar to have more than one blender. They are used primarily for mixing cocktails and crushing ice cubes. Most mixed drinks made in bulk such as colada are done in a blender.

Boston Shaker:

Comes in two parts – a stainless vessel and a mixing glass. Used primarily for martini and other cocktails that do not require vigorous or extreme mixing or blending. This is one of the classic type of shaker available on the market.

Can/Bottle Opener:

Usually attached to a fixed position in your bar or come a variety of shape and sized that can be carried on your key chains, etc. Used for opening bottles, cans, etc.

Champagne Stopper:

Specially used for champagnes to prevent unnecessary effervescence of the wine. It keeps the pressure in the bottle which is essential for serving champagne. It prevents the wine from going “flat” before serving. It fits snugly around the neck of the bottle unlike other stoppers.

Covered Shaker:

This is the most common type of shaker and comes in a variety of shapes, form and material such as plastic, metal, glass, etc. The large part (tumbler) is used for pouring and storing the main ingredients of the drinks including the ice. Once all the ingredients are poured in with the ice, it is covered and vigorously shaken to mix and cool the contents. The metal ones cool the mix the fastest. On most glass and plastic shakers, bar drinks measurements are marked on the sides. Antique shakers picked up at garage sales and flea markets make for a great conversation piece at house parties.

Ice Bucket and Tongs:

Ice buckets as the name suggest are used to store ice as well as to cool wine wines and champagne. If used for storing ice, always use a tong to pick the cubes. Never use your hands or dip your glass in the ice bucket to prevent contamination and chipping of glass. Most ice buckets are sold with tongs or a small ice shovel.

Jigger:

The jigger is one of the standard bar measurement tools. For more information, go to our Bar Measurements page.

Jigger: Convenient measuring tool, usually showing 1/8, 1/4, 1/2 and 1 oz. measures. Some are two-sided: 1 oz. on one side, 1 1/2 oz. on the other.

Liquid Measuring Cup:

A glass or plastic cup with bar measurements engraved marked on the sides. For more information about bar measurements, go to our Bar Measurements page.

Juicer/Citrus Reamer:

Used for juicing fresh fruits to be used in mixed drinks and cocktails. There are several variety and types available for sale. Fresh fruit juices is always preferred to pre-made powered mixes.

Pitcher, Glass:

Used to hold large amount of juice, mixed drinks and beers. Normally used when you have a large party drinking the same type/kind of drinks in one location.

For mixing large quantities of drinks. Pitchers of drinks usually contain 5-7 oz. of alcohol, so use proportional amounts from the smaller recipe, and lots of ice to prevent dilution.

Long Bar Spoon:

Long barspoons are used to stir drinks especially when they are mixed in a large glass or pitcher. They usually come with a smooth straight or twisted handle.

Measuring Spoons / Tablespoon:

Usually comes in a set and used for measuring out dry/powered ingredients to be used in a mixed drinks or cocktails. Not used very often but always a good idea to have on hand should you need to make an exotic drink.

A teaspoon is used for the same purpose when larger amount of ingredients are needed.

Mixing Glass:

Almost the same as a regular bar shaker/mixed. In fact the large part of your bar shaker can substitute for this.

Strainer:

Most martinis are strained into the serving glass. Fits on top of your shaker to prevent ice cubes and excess fruit pulps from getting into your served drinks. Shakers are sometimes sold as a set with your drink skaker. In most cases, experienced bar tenders use the strainer as the cover when shaking their drinks and just pour. Cuts down on serving time in a busy setting.

When you want to shake with ice, but not have ice in the final drink. Pour from the shaker through this device.

Waiter's Corkscrew:

The most handy piece of tool for a waiter when wine is served as the main drink. Bartenders never get behind the bar without this piece of tool.

Winged Corkscrew:

By far the easiest way to open a bottle of wine. Bulkier than a corkscrew, but worths it’s wait in gold how easy it makes serving wine.

Wooden Muddler / Mortar:

Small vessel with a small heavy pestle and is used for crushing or coarse grinding of fruits or leaves to be used in a drink.

Wooden Muddler: This device is for crushing leaves (such as mint) against the bottom of a glass without scarring it. If you can't find one of these, use the back of a wooden spoon.

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