Essential Bar Tools You Need To Have

Whether you're a novice or an expert, the finest bar equipment may help you mix, pressurize, strain, and pour your drinks more effectively. We polled some of the world's best bartenders for their favourite gadgets that they couldn't live without, and they delivered with a wishlist of essential bar equipment as well as a few high-end splurges.

From jiggers to wine openers, here are essential bar tools you need to have, available to purchase online at Drinkstuff.

Essential tools for Bars

1. Jigger

‘Bartenders who free pour should not have to worry about it – I can do it and my counts are accurate – but why put that on your plate? I prefer to use a jigger since it ensures that I stay consistent, even when I'm off. Using a jigger guarantees that every person who mixes your cocktail will do so in the same way.’—Keyatta Mincey-Parker, founder of A Sip of Paradise.

‘Like in the patisserie, precision is essential. The equilibrium of a drink can be a razor-thin line at times, and while you may alter marmalade bottles into cocktail shakers, it's more difficult to create with a jigger.’—Tess Posthumus, co-owner of Flying Dutchmen Cocktails in Amsterdam.

2. Citrus press

‘For me, the citrus press is a must-have. That's because I won't make a cocktail without freshly squeezed fruit juice - none of that store-bought junk for me. The greatest drinks are those made with fresh ingredients.’—Camille Wilson, founder of The Cocktail Snob.

3. Pen and paper

‘I'll note down each time I put anything into a glass to create a new cocktail. Otherwise, I'd forget it and be unable to produce consistent beverages. Always document what you do when creating new drinks - that's my approach.’—John Nugent, co-founder of The Diplomat and beverage director of Kyle & Bain in Hong Kong

4. Hand towel

‘As the name implies, a towel is hung well above your head. It keeps your hands, bar top, and tables dry as a bone – and it's just another part of your day: you drape that towel over your shoulder and you're there. I once leaned over the bar talking to a customer when a furious client yanked my towel off my shoulder and attempted to strangle someone beside him who was waiting in line. A hand towel's strength is extraordinary.’—Sabrina Medcalf, general manager of The Duke in Sydney.

5. Muddler

‘The muddler is a fantastic bartending instrument. It aids in the extraction of the greatest tastes and allows us to appreciate the cocktail in so many ways. Furthermore, it's not an easy tool to substitute for, making it particularly important for me.’—Yangdup Lama, co-owner of Sidecar in New Delhi.

6. Wine opener

‘It might be the difference between life and death. I once used one to save me from having to sleep outside my home.’—Yanaida Prado, head bartender for Negresco Hotels in Barcelona.

‘My wine key is my right arm. I rely on it for everything, from opening boxes to peeling off the stubborn sharp foil from whisky bottles and cutting blue tape.’—Liz Pearce, lead mixologist of Aba in Chicago.