15 Essentials to Stock Your Bar Cart Like a Pro
Related: 21 Gifts for Cocktail Enthusiasts
Boston Shaker
The good thing about the Boston shaker (a two piece operation comprised of a tin and a cup) is that it can double as a mixing glass so you can stir or shake as needed.
Stainless Steel Boston Shaker, $20 atcrateandbarrel.com
1of15
Bar Spoon
Whatever you have in your silverware drawer just won’t make a martini as easily as the twisted, long-handled bar spoon will. It will fit into any tall mixing glass and the design makes it easy to pour ingredients down the spoon.
Hiware Stirring Spoon, Set of 3, $10 atamazon.com
2of15
Jigger
Precision, precision, precision. If you’re going to make a good drink it should be measured correctly. It’s best to grab a jigger that measures up to 2 ounces in half-ounce measurements.
OXO Steel Double Jigger, $10 atamazon.com
3of15
Muddler
Some people use the back of spoon, to mash up herbs, fruit or other solids in their cocktails. But you’re classier than that.
Stainless Steel Cocktail Muddler, $6 atamazon.com
Winco Wooden Muddler, $4 atamazon.com
4of15
Bar Knife
在紧要关头水果刀将买单——大部分破碎nt thing is that the knife be reasonably short for control when you’re cutting things like fruit or citrus peels. A knife likethis Rabbitis an affordable one that can also help you garnish, but if you want to get really fancy, there’s nothing better than theJackson Cannon knife。
Rabbit Bar Knife, $8 atamazon.com
5of15
Strainer
This one should be self explanatory, but you’ll have to move those drinks from the shaker to the glass somehow.
OXO Steel Cocktail Strainer, $8 atamazon.com
6of15
Lowball Glasses
For an old fashioned, a Negroni or anything with ice the lowball rocks shape is a classic. Go witha simple setor splurge on durable glasses fromRiedelorDorset。饮料服务(无的原因ut ice) typically come in stemmed glasses is so you don’t warm the cocktail holding it in your hand. Opt fora coupefor those cocktails.
Riedel Spey Double Old-Fashioned Glasses, Set of 2, $23 atwilliams-sonoma.com
Leopold Coupe Glass, 6oz - 6 Pack, $40 atamazon.com
7of15
Highball Glasses
For your G&Ts and most anything fizzy. Highballs usually hold bright, cold refreshing cocktails.
Italian Highball Glasses, Set of 6, $22 atamazon.com
8of15
Vodka
Since it’s often so basic (as in “not complicated” not as in “pumpkin spice flavored) vodka can get overlooked sometimes. But you can get a great small batch bottle for under 30 bucks that will mix well in any cocktail you please. We’re partial toHangar 1andDeep Eddy, but you can find a few morehere。
9of15
Gin
The botanicals in gin can leave bottles all over the map, but if you want something versatile and affordableBeefeater dry ginis a safe bet. Here area few more bottlesto add to your list though.
10of15
Rum
We’d recommend starting off with a white rum—the thing for making amojitoor an off-brand (non-cachaca)caipirinha, and we’re fans ofBrugal extra dry。
11of15
Whiskey
A bottle of whiskey could easily become the single most expensive item on your bar, but a super affordable yet super mixable bottle is a surprising old stand by you might have snuck from parents’ liquor cabinet growing up:Jack Daniels。Don’t believe us? Tryone of these cocktailsand get back to us. When you’re ready for something pricier, here’s a list for you.
12of15
Tequila
If you’re just starting your bar you might be more used to shooting crappy tequila than mixing it in cocktails. A couple good bottles to get started:Espolón blancoor, if you want to bump up a price point,Casamigos blanco。
13of15
Vermouth
A good martini and Manhattan should be in your cocktail repertoire, and that means you’ll need some vermouth handy—dry will be the most versatile.Dolinis a solid brand to start with.
14of15
A Few More Things
Make sure you have some sugar handy for making some simple syrup and some citrus for juices and garnishes.