As a budding mixologist, your tools are as important as your skills. Whilst you may be tempted to just used the odd item from your kitchen, if you want to create the best cocktails then you’re going to have to invest in the right equipment. Cocktail tools have been developed over decades to work perfectly, helping you get the most out of your ingredients. To get started, we’ve put together the essentials you need to become a mixologist.

If you don’t have a cocktail shaker, you’re going to drastically limit the success of your shaken drinks. Shakers have been designed to cool your liquids perfectly, bringing out certain flavours and combining the different ingredients evenly. Begin with a classic three-piece shaker, like the AG Cocktail Shaker which is durable, functional, and easy to use. As you get to grips with how to use a shaker, you can experiment with different shapes and sizes to find your perfect choice.

Cocktail Jigger

A cocktail jigger allows you to quickly pour out and measure shots. In mixology, it’s handy to be able to pour the amount of spirit you need without having to accurately measure, but instead just filling the right side of your jigger to the brim. We recommend starting with a standard measure jigger, like the Ginza Jigger, which uses 25ml and 50ml measures. You can also use the lines etched inside either measure to pour 15ml and 45ml, making this more functional than other jiggers.

Cocktail Strainers

Strainers make it simple to create smooth cocktails, which isn’t always easy when you’re using lemons, ground mint, and botanicals! To use, simply fit your strainer over your cocktail shaker or your glass and pour, letting it catch all the bits you don’t want. Three-piece cocktails incorporate an in-built strainer, but two-piece cocktail shakers, like the Ginza Tin-on-Tin, need a separate strainer. For an all-around good choice, opt the Hawthorne Strainer. 

Mixing Glasses and Bar Spoons

For cocktails that need mixing instead of shaking, you’ll need a mixing glass. This glass is used to muddle your ingredients, combine your flavours, and perfect the drink before it’s poured over a strainer into your cocktail glass. A bar spoon is another essential, with the length you need to get right to the bottom of your mixing glass. Start creating perfectly mixed cocktails with the mouth-blown, artisanal Japanese Mixing Glass and Drop Bar Spoon. 

Ingredient Muddler

Muddlers allow you to gently press your ingredients to release aromas and flavours, bringing the best out of your herbs and fruits. We recommend a Plastic/Stainless Steel Muddler which won’t absorb the flavours of your ingredients and carry them over to your next drink. Easy to use and durable, it’s a must-have for every mixologist.

Ice Tongs

When fixing drinks for other people, hygiene is crucial. You can’t just pick up ice with your bare hand and pop it in the glass! Instead, you’ll need Ice Tongs with sharp teeth that’ll easily grip the ice, allowing you to move it around without contamination.

View Our Full Range of Barware

If you’re a budding mixologist, investing in good tools will transform your drinks-making! For more inspiration, view our full range of barware at UrbanBar. With premium materials and world-class design, we have everything you need to get started.