The best tools for making cocktails at home
If you want to make cocktails at home, a well-equipped home bar is indispensable. The right tools not only help you work accurately, but also ensure the perfect balance and presentation of each cocktail. Below are the most important tools every home mixologist should have at home.
- Cocktail shaker
A good cocktail shaker ensures that the ingredients are well mixed and chilled. There are two popular types of shakers: the Cobbler Shaker (with a built-in strainer) and the Boston Shaker (two parts, without a built-in strainer). If you are making cocktails for the first time, you can also use other tools to make a making a cocktail without a shaker.
- Muddler
Use a muddler to crush ingredients such as mint, lime or other herbs and fruits. This helps to better release the flavours into your cocktail, especially for drinks like the Mojito.
- Bar measure (Jigger)
Precision is important when making cocktails. With a bar mate accurately measure out quantities of alcohol and other ingredients.
- Strainer
A strainer use to hold back ice and other chunky ingredients when pouring a cocktail. This is especially useful for cocktails such as the Espresso Martini.
- Citrus juicer
Fresh juices are essential for a good cocktail. A simple manual juicer helps you squeeze limes, lemons and oranges with ease.
- Stirring spoon
A long stirring spoon is ideal for making cocktails, such as the Pornstar Martini or Negroni to stir slowly, without disturbing the structure of the drink.
- Ice cube mould
Large, clear ice cubes melt less quickly and do not dilute your cocktail as quickly as small cubes. Invest in a good ice cube mould makes a big difference.
Make your favourite cocktail at home
Key ingredients for cocktails
Good ingredients are the foundation when making cocktails at home. Especially for beginners it is useful to know which basic products are indispensable. With a small stock of these necessary ingredients, you can already prepare dozens of classics.
- Fresh citrus fruits
Limes, lemons and oranges are essential for certain cocktails. Sometimes as an ingredient and often as a garnish. Make sure you always have fresh citrus in the house for best results.
- Sugar syrup
Many cocktails require a sweetener and sugar syrup is an easy way to add it. You can easily make it yourself by heating equal parts sugar and water until the sugar dissolves.
- Good quality alcohol
Make sure you have a selection of the most important spirits at home: vodka, rum, gin, tequila and whisky. Quality alcohol makes a world of difference in taste.
- Liqueurs and syrups
Liqueurs such as triple sec (for a Cosmopolitan) and coffee liqueur (for an Espresso Martini) add depth to your cocktails. You can also use syrups such as grenadine or passion fruit syrup for extra flavour.
- Fresh herbs
Fresh mint, basil and rosemary are often the icing on the cake for cocktails. They not only add flavour, but also make your drink more visually appealing.
- Sparkling drinks
Soda water, tonic, and ginger beer are all great mixers that can freshen up your cocktails.
Enjoy your favourite cocktail at home too
With the right tools, ingredients and a little practice, making cocktails at home becomes a fun and relaxing experience. Don't have the time or inclination to mix everything yourself? We offer ready-made cocktails offered, conveniently packaged in individual 100ml tubes or in full cocktail packages with multiple cocktails. Order your favourite flavours today at our cocktail webshop and experience the convenience of professional quality in your home.
