There's more to stocking the ultimate bar cart than simply picking out your favorite spirits. To really expand your personal cocktail menu you'll need some special tools, which is why we rounded up everything we use to play mixologist at home.
From a bartender-approved Boston-style shaker and an extra large ice tray for on the rocks drinks to a soda maker for DIY fizzy cocktails, here are 10 essentials for bringing the bar to your kitchen.
I use this set for more complex drinks that may or may not involve pulp or herbs that could otherwise clog up a cobbler shaker. For example, Margaritas, Bloody Marys, and so on. — Owen Burke, Senior Home and Kitchen Reporter
Martini glasses are unwieldy things to start, but get them in the backyard around a firepit and they don't stand a chance, especially not in the hand of one particular housemate of mine (names shan't be named).
Regardless of clumsiness, this double-walled vacuum-sealed martini glass from Orca comes complete with a lid so it not only stays well-chilled for those that care to nurse their frosty beverages, it also prevents spilling. You'll see this one around my backyard a lot this summer. — Owen Burke, Senior Home and Kitchen Reporter
I learned from reading our buying guide on cocktail shakers that most bartenders prefer these Boston-style shakers over classic cobbler shakers (the kinds with tops) because they're less likely to leak. I bought this set, which was the best overall option in our guide, and it has been so easy to get the hang of using. I haven't experienced a single leak and the size is just right for making two drinks at a time. — Sally Kaplan, Insider Reviews executive editor
An insulated travel mug to keep your cocktails cool
While quarantining remotely, my Stanley travel mug came in handy for making cocktails. Because it's vacuum sealed, it keeps things extremely cold. The cover also works nicely as a strainer. Capacity is smaller than a cocktail shaker, so you'd need to use smaller ice cubes. — Les Shu, Insider Reviews Deputy Editor
The Aarke is the best upgrade pick in our soda maker buying guide, which I helped to test products for. There are others that function just as well, but this one looks sleek and beautiful on our counter and it produces super fizzy seltzer for cocktails. Pro tip: Use cold water to make your seltzer! It comes out bubblier and then it's ready for your cocktails. — Sally Kaplan, Insider Reviews executive editor
When it comes to drinks like the Negroni or a fine Scotch on the rocks, you want to use large ice cubes, which dilute slower. This helps keep the drink stay cold longer, without ruining the taste too much. Plus, it just looks cool in a glass. Tovolo also makes molds for making round ice balls. — Les Shu, Insider Reviews Deputy Editor
I used to be vehemently against the idea of buying a citrus juicer, at least until the time I hand-squeezed 30 lemons for a batch of spiked lemonade I made for a party. I bought this immediately and I've never looked back. It squeezes every bit of juice from lemons and limes and it's especially great for making cocktails or lemonade. - Sally Kaplan, Insider Reviews executive editor
This is my dedicated martini shaker. Because it's primarily just vodka or gin and maybe a splash of vermouth and a little olive juice, there's nothing to clog it up, and you don't have to readjust the contraption throughout the process: fill, shake, and pour. — Owen Burke, Senior Home and Kitchen Reporter
I really like this graduated jigger because it's really easy to tell exactly how much you've poured. The markings are by half ounce so it makes following complicated cocktail recipes very easy. — Sally Kaplan, Insider Reviews executive editor
This gadget is designed to help further the aeration process when pouring wine from bottle to glass, for a smoother taste. As the liquid flows through, it creates a pretty stream to impress your party guests. — Les Shu, Insider Reviews Deputy Editor
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