There’s nothing quite like visiting a high-end cocktail bar where the bartenders mix outstanding drinks with confidence, the lights are low, and the playlist is always just right. But even with perfect ambience, a solid cocktail experience isn’t complete without an expertly prepared drink. Regardless of your prowess, you too can recreate the classics at home using only a few key tools that will make all the difference. Every single one of these tools sits upon my bar at home, making a weekday happy hour even better knowing that I’ll be sipping a top-notch cocktail from the comforts of my couch.
Handcrafted from lead-free crystal, accidentally cracking or breaking the glass is no longer a concern. Not only will you be able to focus on mixing up a cocktail like your favorite bartender, the crystal-cut design of the glass itself makes for a classy addition to any home bar.
The twisted center of this spoon ensures a controlled grip when swiftly swirling. At 12 inches long, there’s enough length to mix your next cocktail sans sticky splashes. Better still, the spoon is dishwasher safe.
Easily fitting into most basic shakers, the clogging of fruit and herbs can be a big issue with many strainers but the springy circumference of this one has just the right amount of spacing between the coils to limit that, offering up a clean pour every time.
The extremely basic two-cup pairing are both made of 100% stainless steel and prioritize functionality over flash. It’s built with a water-tight seal that allows you to shake with assurance and you won’t ever need to worry about it freezing shut, a frustrating flaw with a lot of shakers.
Dishwasher safe and durable, there isn’t a recipe out there this muddler cannot handle. Unlike its wooden counterparts, this tool won’t breakdown or peel away after a few cocktail parties.
Simply pump one of the stoppers in until you hear the signature “click” and voilà…you’ve just bought yourself some extra time to sip and savor without sacrificing quality.
If you went to the best cocktail bar in the world and they served a gin and tonic in a plastic glass that would surely destroy the moment. Serving a high-quality drink in a crystal glass instantly brings that sophisticated cocktail bar feel to your home. The Waterford Markham Collection, made in Italy, comes with 4 Old-Fashioned style glasses suitable for most traditional cocktails. Other style options such as the hiball, goblet, and flute are also available.
Having trouble finding that corkscrew or cocktail spoon? What drawer did you put those straws in? Stop stressing about lost tools and consider a mixology set like this one. The items all match and they’re conveniently stored in this attractive bamboo stand. It’s sophisticated enough to place on your bar cart or bookshelf. We love how all the tools fit snuggly in the stand – no chance they’ll slide out and fall to the floor. The only thing you’re missing is the booze and the house guests.
Michellina Jones is a contributing writer to Florida Travel & Life, an online brand that inspires active, affluent travelers, providing them with insider information on discovering the best of Florida. Informative and engaging, the website showcases travel destinations, arts and cultural venues, vibrant dining scenes, recreational activities, the great outdoors and the revitalized real-estate market. Michellina enjoys traveling to great food destinations worldwide and loves exploring boutique hotels.