There are some basic tools needed to make cocktails that should be top priority when outfitting your home bar. Some of these items are already in the kitchen and the rest can be purchased at prices that fit any budget. With these basic essentials you can be mixing cocktails with ease that are sure to please.
Soda Siphon
When it comes to adding soda water to your mixed drinks you have two options; bottled sodas which can go flat if not used right away or a soda siphon. The siphons transform regular water into an effervescent, carbonated beverage by using CO2 cartridges inserted into the handle. With a quick squirt into your Gin Fizz or John Collins your drink is topped off nicely with a perfect amount of freshly carbonated water.
Cutting Board
Photo Credit: © Colleen Graham
Paring Knives
Photo Credit: © Colleen Graham
Keep a set of pairing knives sharp and in the bar for cutting slices, twists and all your garnishes.
Measuring Spoons
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A complete set of metal or plastic measuring spoons is sometimes necessary for dry ingredients and small amounts of liquids.
Grater or Zester
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Graters are useful for grating items like nutmeg or chocolate onto the top of cocktails or for fine lemon zests. Choose a small, handheld one that has a fine-toothed, sharp grating surface and a sturdy handle.
Corkscrew
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There are many different styles of corkscrews to choose from, the most popular being the Winged and Waiter's corkscrews.
Most liquor bottles don't need a special bottle opener or cork screw but there's nothing worse than a guest showing up with a bottle or Merlot and you don't have a way to open it. Besides, you may want to mix some wine cocktails. I like to keep at least two around because it seems like they are one of the first tools to be misplaced.
Bottle Opener
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Frustration sets in if there's no bottle opener around and you need one. It's handy tool for opening various bottles you may be opening in the bar such as beers and sodas and they can be compact, even fitting on a keychain, built into another tool or you can simply install one permanently into the wall or cabinet.
Sip Sticks, Stir Sticks or Cocktail Straws
Photo Courtesy of: © X-Rated Fusion Liqueur
These short, thin straws or stirrers are used when serving many mixed drinks and, occasionally neat cocktails, to guests, allowing them to keep their drinks mixed to the end.
