Bar tools – Everything you need for your home bar
At Björk & Bitter we focus on thoughtful design, sustainable materials and functionality that suits both beginners and enthusiasts. All with inspiration from Nordic simplicity and quality.
Mixing drinks is about more than just flavors. It's about the feeling of creating something with precision, accuracy, and pride. Whether you're mixing a Negroni, shaking a gin fizz, or experimenting with new flavors, you need the right tools to make it really great. This guide will help you understand what each tool is used for and how to choose the right one.
Shaker – The heart of cocktail mixing
A shaker is often the first tool you buy when you want to start mixing drinks at home. It is used for drinks that need to be both chilled and aerated, such as a Margarita, a Daiquiri or an Espresso Martini.
There are two common variations. A cobbler shaker has three parts including a built-in strainer, making it easy to use. A Boston shaker consists of two parts, usually a metal cup and a glass or other steel cup. It is faster to work with but requires a separate strainer.
Many people prefer a stainless steel Boston shaker because it is durable and acquires a beautiful patina over time.
Jigger – for the right measure every time
A jigger is a measuring cup that helps you pour the right amount of liquid into your drink. Standard measurements are 3 cl and 6 cl. Measuring accurately makes a huge difference in the taste balance.
To make a balanced cocktail, it is crucial to measure the correct amount of each ingredient. A jigger is a measuring tool that usually holds 3 and 6 centiliters on each side. Some models also have multiple measurement markings on the inside.
Bar spoon – for gentle stirring
A bar spoon is long, thin, and often spiral-shaped. It's used to stir drinks whose flavor and texture benefit best from being gently stirred, rather than shaken. Drinks like the Old Fashioned or Negroni are best mixed this way.
Some bar spoons have a small flat end that functions as a light muddler or measure, a detail that makes the utensil versatile.
Strainer – for clearer serving
After shaking or stirring a drink, you often want to serve it without ice cubes, fruit scraps, or herbs in the glass. In that case, you use a strainer. The most common model is the Hawthorne strainer, which has a spring that fits into the opening of the shaker. For even finer results, you can use an additional strainer, often called a fine strainer, to filter out smaller particles.
A good tip is to always have both versions on hand.
Citrus squeezer – for fresh taste in every drink
Freshly squeezed lemon or lime can lift any drink. A proper citrus press makes it easy to get the most juice out of your juice without any seeds or peel residue. The best presses are made of metal, as they provide better pressure and last longer than plastic models.
Muddlers – release flavor with the right pressure
A muddler is used when you want to mash fresh ingredients directly into the glass. It could be mint for a Mojito or berries for a Bramble. A muddler releases oils, aromas and flavours from herbs and fruit. Choose a wooden or stainless steel model with a textured bottom for better results.
Drip cap – pour in a controlled and neat way
A dropper cap on your bottle gives you better control over how much liquid you pour. Not only is it practical to reduce spills, it also gives a more professional look. Dropper caps are easy to attach to bottles and make a big difference when measuring spirits and liqueurs.
How to build your own home bar
You don't have to buy everything at once. Start with the basics, a shaker, jigger, strainer and bar spoon, and you can create a wide range of classic cocktails. Then, as you feel more confident, you can add more tools like a citrus press, muddler and drip stoppers.
Be sure to choose utensils that are made from quality materials. Stainless steel, wood, or cast metal tools last longer and age beautifully. They are also easier to clean and can withstand repeated use.
Four tips for success with your bar tools
- Have a clear place where all tools are collected and easily accessible.
- Practice some classic drinks until you know them by heart.
- Use large ice cubes that melt slowly and provide better flavor.
- Clean tools immediately after use to extend their lifespan.