What tools do I need for my bar?

So you’ve stocked your bar with your favorite booze and bitters. Now what? Below are the basics to making most of the cocktails for any good Pyrate Bar. First off, get a good cocktail shaker. Second, get a good strainer. The lids on most cocktail shakers are too small and inefficient. A nice metal strainer that fits over the shaker bottom is key. A nice addition to the bar is a mixing glass. I admittedly don’t own one, instead using a second glass, but this is something I should own and will add to the xmas list. A mixing glass looks like a small pitcher. Once you get a mixing glass, or even if you don’t, it’s nice to have a stirring spoon on hand. Yes a regular spoon will do, but you will look cool and professional with a fancy spoon. Next, you must get a muddler. This is critical for crushing or mashing fruits and mint. If you are going to make the Mint Julep, then a muddler is a must. Another must have is the juice squeezer. Every cocktail worth making uses fresh fruit. No wiggle room here, go buy one. Last and not least, every bar must have a good jigger on hand. Making a great cocktail is part science. Getting your portions correct is key. Lots of other stuff you can buy, but the items above will insure that you are ready to play like a pyrate.