Your equipment as a hobby bartender

Here we give you a comprehensive recommendation for the equipment that you might need as a hobby bartender. This list covers the basic tools and accessories that will help you make professional and tasty cocktails:

1. Bar tools:

  • Cocktail Shaker: An essential tool for mixing ingredients. A two-piece Boston shaker or a three-piece cobbler shaker are good options.
  • Bar Strainer: Used to keep ice and other solids out of the cocktail.
  • Bar Spoon: A long spoon with a spiral shaft for stirring and layering ingredients.
  • Muddler: Used to mash herbs, fruits and sugar cubes to release flavors.
  • Jigger: A measuring cup with different capacities (usually 30 ml and 60 ml) to measure precise quantities.
  • Pourer: Helps pour liquids evenly into the cocktail.
  • Zester or rasp: For removing citrus zest for decorative garnishes.

2. Glasses:

  • Tumbler (Old Fashioned glass): For cocktails served over ice.
  • Cocktail glass (coupette): For classic cocktails such as Martini or Manhattan.
  • Highball glass: Ideal for long drinks and refreshing mixed drinks.
  • Wine Glass: For wine-based cocktails such as sangria or wine cocktails.

3. Accessories:

  • Ice cube molds: Use large ice cubes or special molds for visually appealing drinks.
  • Bar Towels: For wiping surfaces and hands.
  • Citrus press: For squeezing fresh lemon and lime juice.
  • Cocktail garnishes: Olives, cherries, lemon or orange slices to decorate drinks.
  • Cocktail sticks or drinking straws: For stirring and decorating cocktails.

4. Spirits and Ingredients:

  • A selection of high quality spirits: whiskey, rum, gin, vodka, tequila, brandy.
  • Liqueurs: Triple Sec, Campari, Amaretto, etc.
  • Fresh fruits: lemons, limes, oranges.
  • Sugar: White and brown sugar, as well as simple syrup.
  • Soda, tonic water and ginger ale.
  • Bitters: Angostura bitters or other aromatic bitters.

5. Books and Recipes:

  • Cocktail book: A good book with recipes and mixing techniques can provide you with valuable inspiration and knowledge.
  • Smartphone or tablet: Ideal for searching recipes online and watching videos.

6. Organization and presentation:

  • Shelves or Bar Carts: For storing and displaying your liquor and utensils.
  • Labeling: Stick labels on bottles to make selection easier.

Remember that you can gradually expand your equipment and adapt it to your preferences. The key to a great home bar is to use high quality ingredients, be well organized and make cocktails with passion and creativity. Have fun mixing and discovering new flavors!