Mixology Equipment

A Boston shaker consists of two parts – a large metal tin (usually stainless steel) and a mixing glass or smaller metal tin. The metal tin is typically heavier and fits snugly over the mixing glass or smaller tin.

To use a Boston shaker, you place the cocktail ingredients in the mixing glass or tin, add ice, and then firmly seal the larger metal tin over it. You shake the combination vigorously to chill and mix the ingredients. To open, you usually give the shaker a firm tap on the side to break the seal.

Boston shakers are versatile and easy to clean. They are preferred by many professional bartenders for their efficiency.

A cobbler shaker consists of three parts – a metal or stainless steel tin, a built-in strainer, and a cap or lid with a built-in pour spout.

To make a cocktail with a cobbler shaker, you add the ingredients to the tin, add ice, and then seal the shaker with the cap. When you're ready to pour, you can remove the cap, which typically has a built-in strainer, and pour the cocktail directly into a glass.

Cobbler shakers are user-friendly and self-contained, making them a good choice for home bartenders. They also eliminate the need for a separate strainer.

A Parisian shaker is a two-piece shaker similar to the Boston shaker but typically made entirely of metal. It consists of a larger bottom tin and a smaller top tin.

You prepare cocktails in a Parisian shaker by placing ingredients and ice in the smaller top tin, then sealing it with the larger bottom tin. Shake vigorously to chill and mix, and use your hand to break the seal when opening.

Parisian shakers are durable and have a sleek, professional appearance.

The Hawthorne strainer is the most commonly used strainer and consists of a flat, round metal disc with a coiled spring-like wire around the edge. The coil acts as a barrier to prevent ice and solids from entering the cocktail glass.

To use a Hawthorne strainer, you place it over the top of a mixing glass or shaker tin and strain the cocktail through it into the serving glass. The coiled spring ensures a secure fit on various shaker and mixing glass sizes.

Hawthorne strainers are versatile, easy to use, and widely available. They are suitable for most cocktail recipes.

A Julep strainer is a perforated metal strainer with a bowl-shaped design and a long handle. It typically has a more elegant appearance compared to the Hawthorne strainer.

Julep strainers are primarily used for stirred cocktails, such as Old Fashioneds and Martinis. To strain with a Julep strainer, you hold it against the inside of the mixing glass or shaker tin, allowing the liquid to flow through the perforations while retaining the ice and solids.

Julep strainers are aesthetically pleasing and work well for stirred cocktails. They also allow for precise pouring.

Fine mesh strainers are typically cone-shaped or bowl-shaped strainers with a fine mesh screen. They are often used in conjunction with other strainers to achieve ultra-smooth and clear cocktails.

After straining a cocktail with a primary strainer (e.g., Hawthorne strainer), you may use a fine mesh strainer to remove any finer particles or pulp. This results in a smoother and more refined drink.

Fine mesh strainers are ideal for cocktails that require a clear and pristine appearance,

The double jigger is the most common and versatile type of jigger. It typically features two different-sized cups attached end-to-end, each with a different volume measurement. Common measurements include 1 ounce (30 milliliters) on one side and 1.5 ounces (45 milliliters) on the other side, though variations exist.

Bartenders use the double jigger to measure both small and large quantities of liquid ingredients. The two-sided design allows for flexibility in measuring various cocktail recipes.

Double jiggers are easy to use, provide precise measurements, and are widely available.

Japanese jiggers have a taller and slimmer design compared to double jiggers. They typically feature volume measurements on the inside, allowing for a more precise pour.

Japanese jiggers are often preferred by craft cocktail bartenders who require exact measurements for their recipes. The slender shape helps reduce spillage and ensures accuracy.

Japanese jiggers provide precise measurements, and their elegant design is favored in upscale cocktail bars.

A pony jigger, also known as a single jigger, has a single cup with a specific volume measurement, usually 1 ounce (30 milliliters) or 1.5 ounces (45 milliliters). Some may have additional markings for smaller measurements.

These jiggers are ideal for measuring a single ingredient with precision. They are commonly used for straightforward cocktails or when you need to measure a single spirit or mixer.

Pony jiggers are simple and easy to use for measuring individual components of a cocktail.

Bell jiggers have a distinctive hourglass shape with two different-sized cups at each end. The smaller cup often measures 1 ounce (30 milliliters), while the larger one typically measures 2 ounces (60 milliliters).

Bartenders appreciate bell jiggers for their elegant design and versatility in measuring a range of cocktail ingredients. The wider base provides stability when resting on the bar top.

Bell jiggers are aesthetically pleasing and provide a good balance between precise measurement and ease of use.

A European bar spoon typically has a long, thin, and straight shaft without any twists or spirals commonly found in other bar spoon designs. The shaft is often made of stainless steel or another durable metal.

Unlike many other bar spoons, a European bar spoon usually has a flat, disc-shaped end rather than a teardrop shape or a muddler end.

European bar spoons are longer than standard bar spoons, often measuring around 11 to 12 inches (28 to 30 centimeters) in length.

An American bar spoon typically features a long, thin, and twisted shaft. The twisted design helps create a smoother stirring motion when preparing cocktails.

The end of an American bar spoon can be either teardrop-shaped or flat. The teardrop shape is used for layering drinks by gently pouring liquids over the back of the spoon, while the flat end can be used for muddling small ingredients or measuring small quantities.

American bar spoons are typically made from stainless steel or another durable metal. Some high-end versions may feature decorative handles made of various materials like glass, plastic, or even precious metals.