True Wood Pattern Cocktail Shaker, Stainless Steel with Strainer and Jigger for Bartending, Bar Accessories, Bartender Set, Perfect for Margarita and Liquor Drinks, 20 oz, Wooden Finish

Product Information

Shot Pourer: a bottle stopper with a short pourer that can be popped in and out of glass bottles. The pourer reduces drips and spilling while helping you better measure your pour and giving your home bar a professional flair. Jiggers: a small measuring device used to portion and pour liquor for mixed drinks. A shot is typically considered 1.5 ounces, but some jiggers offer measurement variations. The larger OXO model (right) had teeth that were duller and wider, which meant it didn't tear the mint.

Material: Almonte recommends shopping stainless steel bartending accessories, as it’s the “most durable” material and “also the best for conducting the cold in the process of shaking or stirring."

Some of the other experts we consulted get extra points for the unique methods they employ to keep their bar tools sparkly, such as Ervin Machado, Certified Sommelier and Beverage Director at Big Time Restaurant Group. "I use soap and water to clean my tools on the go," he says, "but I always polish them with vodka for extra shine." Bruno recommends adding 5 to 6 ounces of ice to your ingredients. Seal the strainer by putting the top on tightly, and, using both hands to grip the top and the base, shake up and down at a 90-degree angle for about 10 seconds to thoroughly mix your drink. “I find you can feel the drink get colder as you shake it,” he says.

Bruno suggests that at-home bartenders look for a shaker that’s dishwasher-safe and can be multipurposed. While everything is technically dishwasher safe, the brand recommends hand-washing each piece and avoiding detergents with bleach or heavy chlorines to preserve their quality. Materials: Metal (spin spoon and jigger), silicone (strainer), wood and plastic (muddler/reamer), metal and plastic (garnish tool) and glass (mixing glass)Consider how portable your travel bar is. Working bartenders may want a roll-up bag, so they can tote their tools from home to shift (this is also a great option if you’re headed to a hotel or party where all your bar tools will be needed). Boxed options are great for train travel or picnics and do a great job of protecting the contents, but they can be cumbersome to carry.

A Boston-style shaker has a 16-ounce mixing glass that can be chilled and used to serve beer, too,” he says, adding that “if the shaker is insulated, that’s a plus. It won’t sweat on the outside and be messy or potentially leave water marks on the furniture.” I suggest purchasing a bar tool bag that has slits that fit most tools, including strainers, jiggers, bar spoons and shaker tins,” says Ashly Levi, bartender and mezcalier at Miss Agave. “If you don’t have one available, you can store the jigger, smaller bar spoons, bottle openers and julep strainers inside the tins to keep it all together." After shaking, if your shaker doesn’t come with a built-in strainer, use a Hawthorne strainer to keep ice and herbs from pouring out and into your drink. If the drink is supposed to be poured over ice, use new ice—not the ice with which you shook the ingredients—it looks better that way.

Function: Make sure to shop for products that fit your lifestyle, whether you're a novice mixologist or want something with all the bells and whistles. For example, if you like garnishes, consider shopping kits with fruit peelers or zesters.