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Making quality cocktails requires the right tools, but there’s a lot to choose from out there. We have compiled a list of the very best barware and equipment to help you build the ultimate home bar. Whether you are just starting out, or you are a cocktail connoisseur, we’ve got the scoop on everything you need to make delicious homemade cocktails.
Below you will find our top picks in all the essential barware categories ranging from shakers to citrus presses. With just a few key tools you’ll be ready to take your bartending to the next level and mix some special cocktails for your friends and family (and yourself of course!)
Jump to: Best Cocktail Shaker | Best Measuring Jigger | Best Mixing Glass | Best Strainer | Best Bar Spoon | Best Citrus Peeler | Best Lemon/Lime Press | Best Orange/Grapefruit Juicer | Best Muddler | Best Large Ice Cube Mold | Best Cocktail Book | Best Electric Kettle
This post contains affiliate links and we may earn a small commission when purchases of recommended best barware are made. This is at no additional cost to you.
BEST COCKTAIL SHAKER
Absolut Elyx Boutique Brass Cocktail Shaker
Your most important barware purchase is undoubtedly a cocktail shaker. A quality shaker is a must for making great cocktails at home. Our number one recommended cocktail shaker is the patterned brass shaker from Absolut Elyx Boutique. Not only is this shaker sturdy and durable but the etched pineapple design is simply stunning. If you are looking for a shaker that will stand out in your home bar or bar cart, then look no further than this shaker. Save $15 off your first order by clicking the shop now button below!
BEST MEASURING JIGGER
OXO Angled Stainless-Steel Measuring Jigger
A measuring jigger is a key bar tool used for accurately measuring out your ingredients when making cocktails. We are big fans of the angled measuring jigger from OXO as it allows you to read the measurements from above making it super easy to calculate while you pour. The dual measurement shows oz and tbsp which is helpful as different recipes use both. It’s durable as well, ours is over 2 years old and shows no signs of fading. This really is the only jigger you will ever need to purchase.
BEST MIXING GLASS
Hiware Professional 24 Oz Cocktail Mixing Glass
Our mixing glass is one of our most used pieces of barware. If you enjoy spirit forward cocktails such as a Manhattan or Old Fashioned then you should get yourself a mixing glass. Stirring rather than shaking delivers a clearer cocktail with less dilution which lets the flavor of the spirit’s shine. You don’t need to spend a lot of money on a mixing glass, there are some great options for less than $20. Our tip pick is the Hiware mixing glass which is a great weight with a solid heavy bottom.
BEST STRAINER
OXO Steel Cocktail Strainer
Whereas a standard cobbler shaker has a built in strainer, if you are using a mixing glass or a Boston shaker, then you will need a hawthorne strainer. This tool is placed on top of a mixing glass, or the glass half of a Boston shaker, to allow you to hold back the ice (and any other solids) when you pour. Our choice for best strainer is the OXO Steel Cocktail Strainer. This inexpensive strainer is durable, dishwasher safe and comfortable to use with its soft, non-slip finger rest.
BEST BAR SPOON
Zulay Premium 12 Inch Stainless Steel Spiral Cocktail Spoon
For preparing drinks in a mixing glass, or when mixing directly in cocktail glasses, a long bar spoon is an invaluable piece of equipment. The long spiraled stem is designed to make mixing and layering drinks effortless. Also when you prepare drinks for your friends with an elegant bar spoon, It has the added bonus of making you look incredibly sophisticated. We use the Zulay spiral bar spoon which is beautiful, well balanced and durable. All that for under $10, makes this piece of barware a bargain.
BEST CITRUS PEELER
OXO Good Grips Y Peeler
Citrus peels are a staple for cocktail garnishes, so make sure that you have a good peeler. You will see some peelers marketed specifically as “citrus peelers” but you are better off going for a good quality vegetable peeler that can handle all of your kitchen peeling vs one just for citrus. Our number one recommendation is the OXO Good Grips Y Peeler. It handles citrus and potatoes with equal ease, it is comfortable to use, and it will last for years. Do be careful though, the blade is razor sharp, so handle with care!
BEST LEMON PRESS
Zulay Manual Citrus Press Juicer
Do you use a lot of lemons and limes in cooking or cocktail making? If you do then get a citrus press. As Margarita lovers ourselves, purchasing one has been a gamechanger. Not only do you maximize the amount of juice you can squeeze, you also make far less mess than when squeezing with your bare hands. Easily one of our most used bar gadgets, we use the citrus press from Zulay that has a robust design that handles lemons and limes with equally perfect results.
BEST ORANGE JUICER
Drizom Manual Hand Orange Squeezer
Larger citrus can be tough. If you squeeze with your bare hands it feels like it takes a whole tree of oranges to get enough juice for one tequila sunrise. Proper juicing machines on the other hand are expensive and take up a lot of space in the kitchen. A good middle ground is a citrus reamer. These handy devices help you yield more juice but won’t break the bank or take up too much space. Our number one pick is the citrus squeezer from Drizom that also comes with a handy grater attachment making this a multi-purpose tool.
BEST MUDDLER
Winco Lacquered Walnut Wooden Muddler
This bar tool is used to crush citrus and mint leaves with sugar to release the natural oils when mixing certain cocktails. Sure, you can use the end of a rolling pin or a wooden spoon, but if you enjoy cocktails that require muddling then getting yourself a muddler is a good idea. Especially if you enjoy cocktails such as a Mojito, Mint Julep, or our Florida Whiskey Smash. There are plenty of inexpensive options on Amazon. Our personal favorite is the wooden muddler from Winco that has a nice lacquered walnut finish.
BEST ICE CUBE MOLD
Pratico Kitchen Jumbo Ice Cube Mold
If you are a fan of an Old Fashioned Cocktail, then jumbo ice cube molds are a must for you. These will make large cubes of ice that won’t melt as quickly as smaller ice cubes. This means you can savor your Old Fashioned and won’t end up with an over diluted drink. You want to go for the biggest cubes that you can find, just be sure to check that your Old Fashioned glasses are wide enough to fit them. We use the 2.25 inch ice cube mold from Pratico. Amazon also has plenty of smaller 1.5 or 2 inch options.
BEST COCKTAIL BOOK
Cocktail Codex by Alex Day, Nick Fauchald & David Kaplan
This book is essential for cocktail enthusiasts of all levels, teaching the template for making any cocktail you can imagine. From the authors of the critically acclaimed Death & Co: Modern Classic Cocktails, their second book builds on their concept of the “6 classes of cocktails”. We recommend reading both, but if you have to choose one then pick the Cocktail Codex as the recipes are more accessible and use more readily available ingredients than their first book.
BEST ELECTRIC KETTLE
Fellow Stagg, Goose Neck Electric Pour-over Kettle
From making tea and coffee to quickly boiling water for pasta, an electric kettle is a great addition to your kitchen. Ours gets a daily workout, and it is useful when making cocktails that involve coffee or tea. We use the elegant Stag gooseneck kettle from Fellow. This sleek kettle has a modern minimalist design and has a smart temperature control that lets you brew your beverages at the exact right temperature. We have the matt black version, but they also have a beautiful matte pink option.
We hope you enjoyed our run down of top barware and equipment for making cocktails at home. For some cocktail ideas and inspiration check out our Florida themed cocktail recipes that support local by using local Florida ingredients. Cheers!
