Bartending Tools
Your bar needs experienced bartenders who know how to
professionally work behind the bar and provide customers
with drinks that are consistent in quality and taste. To do
this, bartenders require more than just the right liquor,
mixes, and other ingredients that go into making drinks.
They need the right tools as well to mix and serve drinks
quickly and efficiently.
Bar mats
Bartenders can prepare drinks on bar mats, which can
prevent spills and protect the surface of the bar from wet
glasses. Made from thick and heavy rubber, these mats
provide drainage for any spilled drinks and are easy to pick
up and empty into the sink.
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Service mats
Much the same as bar mats, service mats are where
bartenders place drinks that are ready to be delivered to
customers by servers. The mats provide stability so there’s
less spillage, helping to reduce the cost of waste.
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Bar spoons
Stirring is one way to mix a cocktail, such as a gin or
whiskey cocktail, gently mixing the distilled spirit to
maintain a balance of flavor.
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For this bar spoons are essential, with their long twisted
handles that make it easy to stir in a smooth circular
motion. Bar spoons gently stir the ingredients to just the
right dilution without breaking down the ice. They also help
bartenders to layer drinks, pouring a second liquor or mix
down along the stem of the bar spoon to create a layered
drink that’s visually appealing.
Bottle opener
One tool that no bar can do without is a bottle opener. For
beer on tap, you won’t need a bottle opener, but you will for
any bottled beer or other capped beverages. Consider using
openers that are wall-mounted – they’re fast to use and
won’t be misplaced behind the bar.
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Corkscrew
Invest in professional corkscrews that slide effortlessly into
the cork and extract easily without crumbling or damaging
the cork. Choose one that’s stainless steel with an easy-to-
hold handle.
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Cocktail shaker
A well-equipped bar has one or more cocktail shakers to
provide customers with the ideal shaken beverage.
Ingredients are placed in the sealed stainless steel shaker,
typically liquor, syrups, fruit juices, and ice. After
vigorously shaking and mixing the drink, shakers allow for
easy pouring into the customer glass. Many varieties of
shakers come with built-in strainers to separate the ice or
other ingredients.
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Cocktail strainer
If your cocktail shaker doesn’t come with a built-in strainer,
you’ll want a cocktail strainer. You’ll need one of these to
create cold ice-free drinks. The strainer is placed over the
mouth of the shaker, with the small holes letting the drink
pass through, leaving the ice in the shaker.
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A common brand used by many bartenders is the
Hawthorne strainer, which is made from stainless steel, is
dishwasher safe, and fits most professional bar shakers.
Cocktail rail
Also known as a speed rail, a cocktail rail is a metal rack
that holds those liquors and mixers that are frequently used
by your bartenders to prepare drinks. The rail can be
attached to the side of the bar for quick access, so
bartenders aren’t spending valuable time reaching for
bottles they use a lot.
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Cocktail pourer
Bottles that don’t have a pourer are increasing your
operating costs. Using measured pourers allows you to
control and manage your liquor inventory [Link to a specific
article, not a search result) and keep your bartenders from
over pouring. Pourers are placed on top of bottles to pour
out consistent and even shots of liquor and mixes.
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Cutting boards
To cut garnishes for cocktails, your bar will need at least
one cutting board. Not only do cutting boards provide a
hygienic and safe surface for cutting, they also help protect
the bar top and keep knives sharp. Choose one that’s
sturdy, durable, and non-slip.
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Ice bucket
A couple of ice buckets will come in handy if your bartender
is working the bar on the other side from where the ice
machine is located. It can also double as a wine cooler to
keep wine chilled.
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Ice crusher
Many cocktails call for crushed ice. Having an ice crusher
behind the bar is the ideal way for bartenders to crush ice
to the right consistency for your signature cocktails. Look
for one that’s portable and doesn’t take up much room
behind the bar. Alternatively, you can buy crushed ice,
however this can increase your bar costs.
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Ice kit
Most of the time your ice maker is going to be adequate,
but for some of your signature drinks, you can impress your
patrons with ice cubes in different shapes. Use spherical for
bourbon and whiskey on the rocks or use a floral mold for
cocktails.
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Jigger
To be sure your bartenders are measuring correctly and
consistently, not just for taste but so they’re not over-
pouring, your bar tool inventory needs to include a jigger.
Choose jiggers of different sizes, from .5oz to 2oz.
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Juicer
A citrus juicer is a mainstay for any bar. Nothing beats
using freshly squeezed lemon, lime, or orange juice in your
drinks. Use a hand-held juicer or invest in a larger, standing
hand-press juicer if you’re creating a lot of juice-based
cocktails.
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Muddler
It’s not just the Mojito that requires a muddler, this
bartender’s tool is used to create many other cocktails. A
good muddler will bring out the aromatics of herbs, spices,
and fruits so that their flavors are released and infused into
the drink.
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Look for muddlers that are long-handled and ergonomically
designed for easy holding. The long handle keeps
bartenders from hitting their hands on the sides of the glass
or cocktail shaker, allowing them to mix drinks safely and
efficiently. Muddlers should also be durable and
dishwasher-safe.
Peeler
For those cocktails that are embellished with a peel garnish
you’ll need a sharp and sturdy peeler. Opt for one that has
an extra wide carbon steel blade and an easy to hold slip-
free handle. It will make peeling any citrus fruit safe and
easy.
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Rimmer
If you’re making margaritas and other drinks that require a
rimmed glass edge, a rimmer lets bartenders quickly create
the perfect rim of salt or sugar. Choose one with multi
trays, adding that burst of flavor to cocktails.
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Zester
Although not the most-used tool behind the bar, some
drinks such as a Dry Martini or a Cosmopolitan need a
dusting of lemon or lime on top. A quick twist with a zester
is all it takes for your bartenders to add that visual appeal
and boost of flavor to drinks.
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Bar Equipment
Just as essential as bar tools is your bar equipment. Invest
in equipment that’s going to increase the speed and
efficiency of your bar staff.
Glass rack
Space behind your bar is limited – you need to do
everything you can to make it efficient and safe for your
bartenders to work. A glass rack, either hanging overhead
or wall-mounted, can free up valuable space and keep
glassware protected. Consider buying glass racks that
complement the décor of your bar, such as metal for a
modern look or classic oak for a more refined style.
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Glass washer
It may seem like a big investment, but you’ll be glad you
have one during your bar’s peak times. A glass washer is
specifically designed for bar glasses, making it faster and
easier to keep up with the demand for clean glasses.
Submersible underwater in your bar sink, bar glass washers
install in a breeze and don’t require any additional
plumbing.
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Ice maker
For any of those drinks served on the rocks you’ll want to
keep up with ice production. Although a larger investment,
having a reliable ice maker is essential to keeping your
customers happy and keeps you from dashing to the store
when you’ve run out of ice. With your own in-house ice
maker, your bartenders can keep ice buckets filled at all
times.
