Bartending tools and glassware Birmingham AL

The most important assets for any profession are the right tools. For bartending, you need basic bar tools to mix, serve, and store your drinks. Whether you’re stocking a home bar or working as a professional, your basic tools are a wine opener, cocktail shaker, measuring glass, and strainer.

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Wine opener

The best wine opener is a waiter’s wine opener. It has a sharp blade, a corkscrew (also known as a worm), and a bottle opener. This wine opener can be found in most liquor stores or bar supply houses. Another nifty wine opener is called a Rabbit.

Cocktail shaker

The Boston shaker is the one that most professional bartenders use. It consists of a mixing glass and a stainless steel core that overlaps the glass. The Standard shaker usually consists of two or more stainless steel or glass parts and can be found in department stores or antiques stores. Many of these shakers come in different shapes and designs.

Strainer

A couple of different types of strainers are available, but the most popular is the Hawthorn. The Hawthorn is a flat, spoon-shaped utensil with a spring coil around its head. You can use it on top of a steel shaker or a bar glass to strain cocktails.

Other tools

Here are some other tools necessary for the trade:

Bar spoon: A long spoon for stirring cocktails.

Blender: Many types of commercial or home blenders with various speeds are available. When making a drink, always put liquid in the blender before switching it on. This will save your blade. Some blenders (but not all) can be used to make crushed ice. Check with the manufacturer or buy an ice crusher.

Coasters or bar napkins: Coasters prevent rings from developing on your bar and other tables. Napkins also help your guests hold their drinks.

Ice bucket: Pick one that’s large enough to hold at least three trays of ice.

Ice scoop or tongs: A must for every bar. Never use your hands to scoop ice.

Jigger or measuring glass: A small glass or metal measuring container that usually has a 1⁄2 oz. measurer on one side and a 2 oz. measurer on the other.

Knife and cutting board: You need a small, sharp paring knife to cut fruit.

Large water pitcher: Someone always wants water.

Muddler: A small wooden bat or pestle used to crush fruit or herbs.

Pourer: This device gives greater control to your pouring. A variety of different types is available, including some with a lidded spout, which prevents insects and undesirables from entering the pourer.

Stirrers and straws: Used for stirring and sipping drinks.

Large cups or bowls: Used to hold garnishes, such as cherries, olives, onions, and so on.

Glassware

People generally expect certain drinks to be served in certain kinds of glasses. The problem is that there are more standard bar glasses than most people (and many bars) care to purchase.

I have a few things to say about types of glasses:

Shot glass: You can also use the shot glass as a measuring tool. It’s a must for every bar.

Cocktail or martini glass: Perfect for martinis, Manhattans, stingers, and many other classic drinks, this glass is available in 3 to 6 oz. sizes.

White wine glass: This glass is available in 5 to 10 oz. sizes. I advise you to stick with the smaller wine glass.

Red wine glass: This glass is also available in 5 to 10 oz. sizes. Note that the bowl is wider than the bowl of a white wine glass, allowing the wine to breathe.

Champagne glass: The bowl is tapered to prevent bubbles from escaping.

Rocks glass: Also known as an old-fashioned glass, sizes vary from 5 to 10 oz. Use the 5 or 6 oz. variety and add plenty of ice.

Highball and Collins glasses: These glasses are the most versatile. Sizes range from 8 to 12 oz.

Cordial glass: In addition to cordials, you can also use this glass to serve straight-up drinks.

Brandy or cognac snifter: Available in a wide range of sizes, the short stemmed, large bowl should be cupped in hand to warm the brandy or cognac.

Stemless glasses: These glasses have become popular in recent years, probably because they look elegant even if they aren’t as practical as the stemmed versions.

If you’re planning on creating a bar at home or serving cocktails at a party, keep your glass selection small. You can simplify by using two types of glasses: a white wine glass and a red wine glass. These two glasses can be used for every type of cocktail (including shots, even though I said that a shot glass is essential for every bar) plus beer and wine. Also, if you use these two glass shapes, cleaning and storing your glasses is less complicated.

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