TOOLS OF THE TRADE
There are quite a bit of tools that bartender uses to craft their drinks and to mix them well. Some might not seem as important, but they usually all serve a purpose and they do it well.
THE SHAKER
A Bartender's best friend
When you think of a tool that a bartender uses the first think that come to mind is the shaker that they use. There are two main types that you would see in the world and those are Cobbler shakers and Boston shakers.
A Cobbler shaker is the easiest for new people to use because it has three parts to it, a cap, strainer, and the cup. It makes it very easy to mix an strain the drink, but the only problem that I have had with one is that it can be a pain to get the lid off if its too cold.
The Boston shaker Can be a little harder to use because it is a two piece shaker and needs an external strainer to use. It has two cups one is larger than the other so that when put together they create an air tight seal when use to make a drink.
BAR SPOON
The bar spoon a actually quit a versatile tool that a bartender has in order to craft their cocktails. a bartender will use the back of the bar spoon and pour liquids on it so they can make a layered effect on drinks. The spoon part is also very helpful for small measurements in drinks that want a bar spoon of it. The last thing it is good is would be stirring things.
JIGGER
The jigger is your main measuring tool that you would use. it is two sided and has different measurements marked inside for you to use. The standard size for the small one is 1.oz. and the larger size is 2oz. There are different shaped jiggers, but they all accomplish the same goal.
HAWTHORN STRAINER
The hawthorn strainer I primarily used with a Boston shaker as your main way of straining your drink. They are usually designed to fit well in the bigger cup. Another thing you can do is take of the spring on the strainer and put it in the shaker when you do a dry shake.
JULEP STRAINER
The Julip strainer is use for stirred drinks that are served with out ice. You would stir the drink in a heavy bottomed mixing glass and use the julep strainer to stain it into a chilled glass.
FINE MESH STRAINER
The fine mesh strainer is used for double straining your drinks so that you don't get any pulp or other items in a drink. you would usually double strain to get a nice and clearer looking drink.
MUDDLER
The muddler is use for crushing fruits so that you can get the juices or oils out of them for your drinks.
VARIOUS GLASSWARE
There are a variety of glasses that bartenders use to present their drinks in. To me the glasses are usually just for visual purposes, but some do have specific uses that help make the drink. Take the Moscow mule for example, they use a copper mug to ensure the dink stays cold.
GLASSWARE
Here are some of the different types of glasses that bartenders use when making cocktails. While these are often not necessary when making drinks at home it can be nice to have when serving guests, but if its just you use whatever you got.