Bartender Tools: 30 Essential Tools You Need

Whether bartending is your full-time job or just a hobby, it’s important to have all the right tools to make the magic happen. The art of mixology has been around for centuries, and it is a practice learned and perfected in different ways all around the globe.

Mixology requires people to be detail-oriented, precise, and personable. It’s a business that relies on quality and hospitality. Mixology is not for the faint of heart, either. To be a great bartender, you have to memorize lots of different drinks and recipes and know them on the spot. Despite the work and energy that go into it, though, bartending is one of the most fun and rewarding jobs or hobbies you could have.

Having the proper tools can help you on your mixology journey. Whether this is a career or not, you need the right tools at your disposal. If you are looking to jumpstart your bartending experience, here are 30 of the essential tools you need to make it happen.

Home Bar Essentials

If bartending and mixology is a hobby for you, a home bar may be the way to go. Start with the basics and work up from there. You don’t need all the bells and whistles to make a good cocktail, but you do need some basics.

What better way to learn bartending than in the comfort of your own home? Here are 15 home bar tools you need to make some darn good drinks.

1. Cocktail Shaker

No bar is complete without a cocktail shaker, even a home bar. Shaken, not stirred, please.

2. Cocktail Strainer

If your shaker doesn’t automatically come with a strainer, you will definitely want to purchase one. Strainers help get all the leftover seeds, pulp, and ice cubes out of your finished cocktail. This helps with the overall texture and flavor of your drink.

3. Jiggers

Even for a home bar, jiggers are essential for measuring out the different liquors and syrups for your cocktails. There is no judgment here if you’d rather measure with your heart, but jiggers are great if you like to be precise.

4. Blender

If you prefer frozen or blended drinks, you need to have a blender behind the bar. We highly recommend keeping one of these around when you feel creative.

5. Cutting Boards

Here at Ohza, we love adding the extra cherry on top… literally. If aesthetic is your thing, garnishes are the way to go. Cutting boards are the perfect tool to do that. Keep a separate cutting board at your home bar, so you’re not scrambling for one when the time comes.

Going along with the cutting boards, it’s a good idea to keep some small knives around specifically for cutting up fruit for garnish.

6. Ice Bucket

This is an essential when you are hosting. Lukewarm cocktails aren’t the most appetizing.

7. Shot Glasses

No party is complete without shots. Keep some shot glasses ready to go for the party people in your life.

8. Zester

Sometimes your cocktail just needs a little extra zest. A zester is a great way to get some extra natural flavor into your drink.

If you are looking to decorate the rim of your glass, fruit zest is a fun way to do that. No matter how you use it, it’s wise to keep a zester on hand for whatever may come up.

9. Bar Spoon

Even though we love shaken cocktails, it’s okay to show stirred cocktails some love too. Having a bar spoon can help disperse all the flavors throughout the glass. Plus, it makes you look pretty professional when you use it.

10. Glass Racks

If you want to make your home bar look professional-grade, invest in some glass racks to hang your glasses from. This is a great way to free up some bar space for entertaining in your own home.

11. Peeler

Since home bars are often slower-paced and a little more intimate, you can take your time when making garnishes. A peeler will come in handy for making lemon or lime twists.

12. Bar Tongs

If you have a small ice bucket ready on your home bar counter, you need some bar tongs. Bar tongs are also helpful for small garnishes and help you stay clean and organized when hosting.

13. Funnel

Funnels are a great tool to have if you dabble in making your own flavored syrups or like to decant your spirits. Funnels help keep the liquids from spilling all over your bar counter.

14. Can Opener

Some cocktails require ingredients that come in cans. Options like coconut cream, canned fruit, and other canned items require the use of a can opener.

Thankfully, you should already have one in your kitchen, but if not, definitely invest in one.

15. Citrus Squeezer

There are few things better than fresh-squeezed juice for your cocktails. Citrus squeezers are the most convenient way to get fresh-squeezed juice.

If you want to give your drink a punch of citrus without squeezing anything, you can also grab a can of Ohza. Our mimosas make the perfect mixers—and they’re great for drinking on their own, too.

Bartender Essentials: For the Full Time Bartender

If bartending is more than a hobby for you, you may need some more in-depth equipment and tools. If this is something that you want to pursue, it’s important to have everything you could need to get the ball rolling. Here’s how to do it and do it right.

1. Bar Mats

If bartending is your full-time profession, you probably want to keep your workstation neat and orderly. One of the best ways to do this is with a bar mat.

These mats help protect the surface you are serving drinks on and provide drainage for any spilled drinks. It’s a great way to keep your area spick and span.

2. Bottle Opener

While you probably will spend the majority of your time shaking cocktails and pouring from taps, some people may just want an old-fashioned bottle of beer or cider. Keep a bottle opener around for this specific clientele, no matter what they are drinking.

3. Corkscrew

When opening corked wine bottles, a corkscrew will save you some headaches. Professional corkscrews slide right into the cork and help extract the cork without damaging it.

6. Lighter

A lighter is a good thing to keep on hand behind the bar, even if you’re not a smoker. Lighters are great to have if you want to light up shooters or smoke fruit zest for a smoky cocktail.

7. Juicer

A citrus squeezer will work just fine for a home bar, but if you are in an immersive full-time bartending position and need to whip out fruit juice drinks in a jiffy, invest in an electric juicer. You’ll be able to serve up drinks much faster.

8. Cocktail Rail

A cocktail rail is the metal rack that holds the frequently used liquors and mixers used by bartenders behind the bar. One of these will help your bar space feel more organized.

9. Speed Pourers

The spouts found on the end of bottles in bars are called speed pourers. They regulate the flow of liquid coming out and help you eyeball your free poured measurements. They are a lot quicker and more convenient than jiggers in a professional bar environment.

10. Ice Maker

Most cocktails are over ice, are shaken with ice, or are blended with ice. In a commercial bar setting, you need to have ice.

Having an ice maker installed behind your bar will guarantee that there will always be fresh ice ready to go for your clientele. This is a must-have upgrade that will save you time and give you the freedom to spend time at the bar with your regulars instead of running back to the kitchen for fresh ice.

11. Soda Gun

A soda gun can stream any soda you have loaded and ready to go. It can really help broaden your drink variety without having to crack open can after can.

12. Trash Bin

It seems self-explanatory, but trash bins are essential to keep behind the bar. You need a designated place away from customers to store unused fruit, fruit peels, straw wrappers, and anything else overlooked. It helps keep your station clean and sanitary, which is crucial to an industry like bartending.

13. Glass Rimmer

If someone is ordering a fancier cocktail, they might want something around the rim of their glass. A glass rimmer can help save you time and energy.

Glass rimmers have multiple small, shallow plates that allow you to have your rimming ingredients ready to go when you need them. It saves you time, so you don’t have to get out a plate to rim a glass every time.

14. Liquor Shelves

Most bars have their liquors elevated on shelves, almost like they are on display. They are sometimes lit up with LED lights so customers can see exactly what is being served. Utilizing these shelves is another easy way to keep your bar organized and clean.

15. Glass Washer

Don’t feel like scrubbing each glass down at the end of the day? We wouldn’t either. An electric glasswasher can help cut down on your cleaning time at the end of the day. This can help you clean your glasses quicker and more efficiently.

16. Muddler

A good muddler is a crucial tool to keep around as a professional bartender. Muddlers bring out the aromatics of spices and herbs that you might be adding to your cocktails. It helps infuse these flavors into the drink, which helps provide a deeper flavor experience for the person drinking it.

Stock Up Your Bar With These Essential Tools

If you love coming up with your own cocktail concoctions, you’re going to need some serious tools to get the job done. The tools listed above will help you level up your bartending game so that you can impress all your guests.

Sources:

Lemons: The 'secret' ingredient that makes everything taste better | The Seattle Times

Cocktail 101: The Best Way to Rim a Glass | Serious Eats

Essential Liquors and Mixers to Stock in Your Home Bar | The Spruce Eats

Being a bartender is more than just mixing drinks; it's an art. Just as an artist needs their tools, a bartender needs a specialized set of equipment to craft the perfect cocktail. 

As a restaurant or bar owner, you likely know the essentials needed to stock a bar. However, to meet the unique demands of their trade, most professional mixologists have their own bartender kits.

You may be wondering, “What tools does MY bartender need?”

In this guide, we'll explore the essential bar tools that every mixologist should have. Of course, you will need to ask your bartender if they have preferences for specific tools. Nevertheless, this list will serve as a reference to plan that with them.

Not only does a bartender require the right tools, but it’s also essential to have the perfect uniform and accessories. Stock (formerly StockMFG) is Chicago's premium source of bartender uniforms, and we know just what bartenders need to look, feel, and do their best while on the job.

The Basics: Bar Tools Every Bartender Needs

Every bartender should have the basics: a shaker, a muddler, a jigger, a strainer, and a bar spoon. With these items, they can mix almost any drink. The best bartenders tend to have more tools in their kit, but all mixologists should start with the basics.

Shaker and Strainer

A shaker and strainer are the backbone of every bartender's kit. 

They come in different shapes and sizes, but the most common is the Boston cocktail shaker. It's made up of two parts — a metal tin and a mixing glass. A strainer filters ice and pulp from the cocktail, giving it a smooth texture.

Expert mixologists often invest in additional strainers, including the Hawthorne strainer and mesh strainer. They may use a Hawthorne strainer to strain out large ice chunks, fruit pieces, or herbs, and a mesh strainer to achieve a finer level of straining, removing any remaining small particles from the cocktail for an even smoother texture.

When shopping for your bartenders' cocktail shakers or strainers, here are some pointers to consider:

• Style:

  Different styles of shakers and strainers have unique features and benefits. For example, Boston shakers are versatile and allow for more control over shaking and straining, while Cobbler shakers are more user-friendly for beginners. 

• Material:

  The material of the shaker can affect the temperature of the drink, its durability, and of course, it can add to the aesthetics of the bar. Stainless steel is popular because it’s durable and easy to clean. Copper and other metals may have a more unique aesthetic, but they tend to require more upkeep to prevent tarnish. 

• Size:

  Consider the size of the shaker and strainer and whether it can hold the desired volume of liquids and ice for the cocktails on your menu. For instance, a larger shaker may be required for drinks that have more ingredients.

Muddler

Muddling brings out the flavors of these ingredients and helps create a well-rounded cocktail. A muddler is an essential tool for mixing drinks, as it allows you to muddle fruits, herbs, and spices without bruising them. 

For the best results, we recommend looking into wooden muddlers, as they are less likely to damage delicate ingredients, reducing the risk of tainting the cocktail with unwanted flavors. With a high-quality muddler in your bartender’s arsenal, you'll be able to take your cocktails to new heights of flavor and sophistication.

Check out the following details when you’re picking out a muddler:

• Material:

  Avoid plastic muddlers, as they’re much less durable and can spoil the delicate flavors of your cocktails. Wooden muddlers are gentle on ingredients and won’t scratch or damage your glassware. 

• Size and shape:

  A longer muddler may be able to reach deeper into mixed glasses or shakers, but a shorter one is often easier to handle. The shape of a muddler should fit comfortably in your bartender's hand and allow for easy muddling. 

• Surface:

  We don’t want to crush the ingredients, which is why a muddler with a textured or rigid surface can help extract more natural oils from the ingredients without pulverizing them. 

Choosing the right muddler is key to creating cocktails with vibrant and refreshing aromas that will delight your guests. 

Jigger

The jigger is a double-ended measuring tool used to measure out precise amounts of liquor, juice, and other ingredients. While many restaurants and bars use free-pour techniques, the standard jigger allows for consistent measurements of each ingredient. This helps bartenders craft drinks with the perfect balance of flavors.

Below is a checklist for picking out the perfect jigger:

• Material:

  Look for jiggers made from high-quality, durable materials that are easy to clean. A popular option is stainless steel. 

• Capacity:

  Consider the amount of liquid your bartender will be measuring and choose a jigger, in sizes that are appropriate for the cocktail recipes on your menu. You may want to select multiple sizes to fit a variety of needs—the 1-ounce and 2-ounce jiggers are the most common. 

• Markings:

  Opt for a jigger with easy-to-read markings, which can make it easier to measure ingredients accurately. 

Bar Spoon

The bar spoon is a long-stemmed spoon used to stir drinks and measure certain ingredients, such as syrups and liqueurs. Bar spoons can also be used for layering drinks, such as the classic B-52 shot, which is made by layering coffee liquor, Irish cream, and Grand Marnier to display the separation of each alcohol. 

Bar spoons come in a variety of sizes and styles, but the most popular is the 12-inch twisted handle spoon. This length allows for easy stirring and layering of drinks without having to worry about splashing or spilling. Other styles include the 18-inch corkscrew bar spoon and the 30-inch swizzle stick.

There are a few key features to look for when buying bar spoons:

• Length:

  Bar spoons are longer than regular spoons, ranging from 10–12 inches. The extra length allows the mixologist to reach the bottom of tall glasses.

• Shape:

  The most common shape for a bar spoon is a twisted stem with a flat, disc-shaped end. This allows the spoon to spin smoothly in a glass and helps mix the ingredients evenly. 

• Material:

  Stainless steel is the preferred option for bar spoons as they’re durable and easy to clean, but you can also find bar spoons with gold or copper plating for a unique aesthetic. However, this may affect the durability of the tool. 

• Weight: A good bar spoon should have a bit of weight to it, which helps to make mixing easier and more efficient. 

Other Bar Tools and Equipment Your Mixologist Needs

Now that we've gone through the most essential bar tools, here's a quick breakdown of some other bar items that your bartender will likely reach for in a well-stocked bar. 

1. Bar Caddy

   - This tool is essential for keeping bar tools, garnishes, and other bar items organized and within easy reach. A bar caddy typically has several compartments for storing items such as napkins, straws, stirrers, and fruit.

2. Bar Knife

   - A bar knife is important for cutting fruits, herbs, and garnishes to add to cocktails. A good bar knife should have a sharp blade for precision cutting.

3. Bottle Chiller or Cooler

   - Your bartender needs to keep bottles of wine, beer, and other bottled drinks cold and ready for serving. There are many different types of bottle chillers, from electric models to insulated coolers.

4. Bottle Opener

   - Used for opening beer and other bottled drinks, a bottle opener is an essential tool for any bar. There are many different types of bottle openers available, from handheld models to wall-mounted openers. For example, the bar blade is used to quickly and easily open beer and other bottled drinks. It has a thin, flat design that allows it to easily slip under the bottle cap and pop off with minimal effort. Some bar blades even have a pointed end that can be used to pierce the top of a can for easy opening.

5. Citrus Juicer

   - This tool is used for quickly juicing lemons and limes for cocktails. A good citrus juicer should be easy to use and easy to clean.

6. Cutting Boards

   - For preparing garnishes and other foods for drinks, cutting boards are a must-have for any bar. A good cutting board should be made of a durable material that is easy to clean and sanitize.

7. Glasses

   - The type of glass used for a cocktail can have a big impact on its presentation and taste. Stocking a variety of glassware is essential for any well-stocked bar. Some popular types of bar glasses include martini glasses, highball glasses, rocks glasses, and stemless wine glasses. It's important to choose glasses that are appropriate for the type of drink being served and that fit the style and theme of the bar.

   
   

   Glass Rimmer

   - This tool is used to moisten the rim of a glass with a flavorful liquid before dipping it in sugar or salt. A good glass rimmer should have a non-slip bottom and be easy to clean.

8. Glass Washer

   - To quickly and efficiently clean glassware, a glass washer is a must-have for any bar. There are many different types of glass washers available, from manual models to automated machines.

9. Ice Buckets

   - To keep ice cubes and crushed ice close at hand, ice buckets are essential for any bar. A good ice bucket should be made of a durable material that is easy to clean and sanitize.

10. Ice Scoop or Tongs -

    Used for quickly and hygienically scooping ice out of the ice bucket, ice scoops or tongs are a must-have for any bar. A good ice scoop or tongs should be made of a durable material that is easy to clean and sanitize.

11. Pour Spouts

    - A huge help for accurately measuring liquor, pour spouts come in a variety of shapes and sizes. A good pour spout should be easy to install and remove, and allow for precise pouring.

12. Wine Key

    - Used for opening wine bottles and removing the cork, a wine key is essential for any bar. A good wine key should have a sharp blade for cutting the foil and a sturdy worm for removing the cork.

The Perfect Uniform and Accessories for Bartenders

Bar tools are undoubtedly essential, but they're only as good as the talented mixologist using them. To achieve a truly outstanding bar setup, you need to consider the appropriate bartender uniforms and accessories. By doing so, your staff will feel comfortable and confident on the job, leading to better service and an overall improved customer experience.

When it comes to finding the ideal uniform, there are a few key points to consider:

• The uniform should be comfortable and professional.

• Consider opting for breathable materials such as cotton.

• Choose a style that is easily washed and dried.

• Look for a uniform with pockets or loops to keep tools handy.

• For safety, consider having your bartenders wear non-slip shoes.

• Uniforms should reflect the style and atmosphere of the environment.

Below, we look at some stylish Stock-designed bartender uniform pieces and accessories to help your staff look the part.

Apron

An apron is an essential part of a bartender's uniform. It protects their clothes from spills, stains, and dirt. 

Stock offers a range of stylish and practical aprons for bartenders. For example, The  Violet Hour's bib aprons are simple and understated, with a Ranch Tan hue that matches the bar's aesthetic and is a great complementary color to the bar staff's purple shirts. 

Publican Anker also worked with us on custom aprons for the bartenders and another for the kitchen. The bartender aprons feature a softer brushed canvas, double pockets, and "X-Back" straps that rest on the shoulders rather than the back of the neck for comfort.

For  Momotaro, Stock designed a sleek and stylish shirt with a subtle Japanese influence in the apron. The button-down shirts are made of a lightweight fabric and are charcoal colored with a cross-hatch print, while the aprons' main fabric is black canvas. 

The cotton straps for the aprons are natural and braided to create an interesting visual when set against the black of the apron, and they mirror the rope detail on the dining room ceiling.

Shirt

The shirt is the centerpiece of a bartender's uniform. It needs to be comfortable, breathable, and easy to move in. Stock offers a range of stylish and practical shirts for bartenders. 

For example, our banded collar shirts are a modern take on the classic button-down shirt. The updated  Service Oxford features a proprietary 75/25 cotton-poly blend, making it just as durable and colorfast as the original version, but with a softer and more luxurious hand feel. The short-sleeved version is perfect for a more contemporary look.

Take a look at our uniform collaboration with  Goose Island. 

We designed embroidered chambray shirts with a custom co-branded label for staff wear and to sell in the retail shop within the Taproom. The shirts are elegant, stylish, and perfect for an upscale bar or restaurant. 

Meanwhile, our  High Life Heritage Tees are soft, substantial, and practical. They come in a classic worn-in look and feature a unique screen-printed version of the "Girl on the Crate" from the early 20th century.

Pants

Pants are an important part of a bartender's uniform. They need to be comfortable, durable, and easy to move in. Stock offers a range of stylish and practical pants for bartenders.  

Stock's  Service jeans, made with bartenders in mind, are made with stretch denim, making them soft and comfortable for a full range of motion. Our women's stretch service chinos take the classic Stock bottom silhouette and make it more wearer-friendly with just the right amount of stretch for maneuverability.

Accessories

Accessories are a key component in completing a bartender's look. Here are some of the essential bartender accessories that Stock offers:

No Touch Tool:

The  No Touch Tool is a handy little tool that helps you open doors, push buttons, and even scroll on your phone without having to touch surfaces with your bare hands. 

This tool is compact, easy to carry, and a must-have for any bartender, allowing them to have less contact with potentially contaminated surfaces and reducing the spread of germs. 

Heather Twill Pouch:

The  Heather Twill Pouch is a versatile accessory that can be used to carry all your bartending essentials. Featuring a front pouch that can accommodate a spray bottle or notebook, a large rear pouch, and a webbed carry-all strap, this low-profile accessory is perfect for keeping your hands free while you work. Pair it with our matching Heather Green Shorty Waist Apron for a cohesive look.

Bow Ties:

Bow ties are a classic accessory that adds a touch of sophistication to any bartender's uniform. 

Stock's   corduroy bow ties come in a range of colors and are pre-tied with adjustable straps for easy wear. These bow ties are perfect for bartenders who want to make a statement and add a touch of elegance to their look.

Stock's Bartender Looks

Stock also offers pre-designed bartender looks that combine shirts, pants, and aprons for a complete uniform solution.

For example, the  Modern Bartender Uniform includes a double-breasted charcoal tweed vest, a white Service Oxford shirt, and black Service Chino pants. 

The  Contemporary Mixologist Uniform includes a new white Service Oxford shirt, black stretch Service jeans, and a black waxed canvas Stock apron.

Each of these pre-designed looks is carefully curated to give a cohesive and professional appearance to your staff. 

Stock understands that the presentation of your staff can greatly impact the perception of your establishment, and that's why they take great care in designing these looks to ensure that they not only look good and timeless, but are also practical and comfortable for your employees to wear.

If you're feeling inspired by these looks, Stock can also work with you to design custom uniforms that perfectly match your brand's identity and style. Whether you need a specific color, pattern, or logo embroidered onto your uniforms, Stock's team of experts can help you create a uniform solution that reflects your brand and makes a lasting impression on your customers.

Get the Best of Bartending with Stock

Bartenders are artists, and having the right bartending tools and uniform is critical to crafting delicious cocktails that leave guests wanting more. 

We’ve explored the essential bar tools that every mixologist should have and the importance of having the perfect uniform and accessories.

If you want to complete your bar setup with the perfect mixologist look, Stock is here to help. 

We can help you design custom uniforms and accessories to fit your brand's style and aesthetic. With Stock, you can ensure that your bartenders have the best uniforms, so they can focus on creating the perfect drink.