Nothing beats a delicious cocktail, whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a quiet night at home. They are healthy and refreshing and can be made with just a few simple ingredients. But if you want to make cocktails that impress, you need the right tools. Here are six things you need to ensure you have in your arsenal.
1. A Shaker
This is essential for making any mixed drink, from a martini to a Mojito. A shaker allows you to mix the ingredients thoroughly so that each sip is perfectly blended. Plus, it gives your cocktail a nice, frothy head.
As you choose an excellent shaker, look for one made of stainless steel with a tight-fitting lid. You don’t want any leaks. If you’re making a lot of drinks, choose a shaker with a built-in strainer. This will save you time (and frustration) when it comes to pouring.
When it comes to cocktail making, quality is critical. Whether you’re using top-shelf liquor or more budget-friendly options, you want to be sure that your cocktail is tasty and well-made. The right tools will help you create a delicious drink that looks and tastes professional. As you choose cocktail shaker sets, look through the different options and find the right one to fit your needs. Focus also on getting something of the correct size. A large shaker can be unwieldy, while a small one may not hold enough liquid.
2. A Muddler
This tool is used for crushing fruits, herbs, and spices in the bottom of a glass. This is important for releasing their flavor and aroma into your cocktail. If you’re making something like a Mojito or a Caipirinha, you’ll need a muddler to get the job done right.
When choosing a muddler, look for one made of wood or stainless steel. Avoid plastic, as it can absorb flavors and aromas from your muddling ingredients. Make sure the muddler fits comfortably in your hand, as you’ll be doing a lot of crushing. Remember to clean the muddler after each use so that your cocktails always taste fresh.
3. A Strainer
Speaking of straining, this is another tool you’ll need if you want to make great cocktails. A strainer allows you to pour your mixed drink into a glass without all of the ice and fruit bits coming along for the ride. This is especially important if you’re using fresh fruits or herbs in your cocktail, as you don’t want anyone biting into a piece of mint leaves.
There are a few different strainers, so choose the one that fits your needs. If you’re making martinis, you’ll want a Hawthorne strainer with a spring coil that sits over the top of the glass. If you’re making cocktails with larger pieces of fruit, go for a julep strainer.
It is ideal for cocktails with larger pieces of fruit, as it has a bowl-shaped design. This allows you to pour your mixed drink into a glass without all of the ice and fruit bits coming along for the ride. Ascertain that the strainer you choose fits snugly onto your shaker so you can strain your drink quickly.
4. A Jigger
It’s a small measuring tool that is used to ensure that your cocktails are perfectly mixed. This is important for getting the proportions right so your drink is neither too strong nor too weak. Jiggers typically have two different measurements so that you can mix both large and small amounts of liquor.
When using a jigger, pour the liquor into the larger side first, then top it off with whatever mixer you use. It will give you a perfect cocktail every time. Look also at the shape of the jigger—a teardrop-shaped jigger is easier to pour from than a straight-sided one.
5. A Mixer
Of course, you’ll need a mixer to make your cocktails. This can be anything from orange juice to soda water. Choose a mixer that complements the liquor you’re using. For example, choose good quality tonic water if you’re making a gin and tonic. If you’re making rum and Coke, use freshly squeezed lime juice instead of soda.
6. Glassware
This is important for both the look and the taste of your drink. If you’re serving a martini, use a chilled glass and garnish with an olive or a twist of lemon peel. If you’re serving a mojito, use a highball glass and garnish with a sprig of mint. Regardless of your drink choice, check Garden Street for glassware options.
Most importantly, you’ll need ice to make your cocktails. It may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s essential to use good quality ice. Avoid using the ice from your freezer, as it can contain impurities that will affect the taste of your drink. Instead, use distilled water to make your ice cubes or buy bagged ice from the store.
Making great cocktails at home is all about having the right tools. With these six items, you’ll be able to make delicious drinks that will impress your guests. So stock up on cocktail shakers, strainers, muddlers, jiggers, mixers, and ice and get mixing.
