How to Mix Drinks at Home: Essential Cocktail Tools for Mixologists

Watching a bartender preparing a cocktail at a bar is akin to witnessing a scientist in their lab. Both require precise tools and techniques to create the ideal result. It’s a process of artistry and precision that culminates in the perfect drink. But there’s need to feel intimidated – great tasting cocktails are, in fact, easy to make. 

You see, a great cocktail is all about the quality of the ingredients. Once you’ve mastered the fundamentals, the creative process is in your hands to personalize and customize the drink. Dare to be unique. Whether you choose to incorporate additional zest, more soda water, extra fruit, or any other personal touch, you have the freedom to tailor any cocktail to suit your preferences.  

But first, you need the right equipment to mix, shake and peel. So, what equipment do you need for creating cocktails? Well, the good news is that you probably already have many of these at home.  

We list the essentials tools below. However, rather than delving too deep into the specifics of each of them, head over to Absolut Drinks and check out our article called 7 Essential Home Bartending Tools. In the article, we even provide suggestions on how to replace these items with normal household items.  

So, whether you’re grilling or chilling, with the following tools, you can wow your friends and become a mixologist at home effortlessly: 

Shaker

If there is just one item that’s essential for any bartender, be it at home or a bar, it’s without doubt the shaker. A good shaker is the ultimate tool for mixing it up and bringing the party wherever you are. Our top choice is the Boston Shaker, which is likely the most iconic among bartending equipment. Oh! Don’t miss our video where Rico shows you how to use a cocktail shaker.  

Strainer

A strainer keeps the ice and other stuff from getting into your drink while letting all the good stuff. You can see the strainer as the gatekeeper of great flavor, ensuring that every sip is perfection. It’s a small but vital tool for any aspiring mixologist, and the key to pouring out drinks that look as good as they taste.  

Fine Strainer

So now that you’re armed with a regular strainer, you’ll also want a fine strainer. Think of a fine strainer as a mini sieve, which is then used together with a regular strainer. The fine strainer might be small, but its impact on the end result of your cocktail is huge.  

Juicer
As we said earlier, the quality of the cocktail depends on the quality of the ingredients. In addition to choosing the best spirits for your drinks, there’s nothing better than freshly squeezed juice when it comes to great tasting cocktails.  

While nothing beats using a centrifugal juicer, which will give your drink that wonderful fluffy and frothy texture, a regular press or juicer will work just fine for extracting the juice. In the end, the key is to get that juice out of those fruits. 

Muddler

The muddler is a handy tool for mashing up fruits, berries, herbs, and other ingredients right in your mixing glass or shaker. It helps release all the tasty flavors and aromas, giving your cocktail that extra oomph. Whether you’re muddling mint for a mojito or crushing up strawberries for a daiquiri, you’re going to want to use a muddler. 

Paring Knife

You’ll definitely want to have a nice, sharp paring knife on hand for all your home bartending escapades. When you’re slicing up citrus for garnishes or prepping fresh fruit for muddling, a paring knife is essential. Of course, make sure to keep it sharp. 

Peeler

Create those long, juicy strips of citrus zest with ease with the help of a peeler – it’s the secret weapon for zesting fruits. Whether you’re aiming to add a lemon twist to a cocktail or infuse a margarita with a hint of lime, the aromatic oils released from the zest will elevate your drink. 

Bar Spoon

No ordinary spoon will do if you want to create great cocktails. The Bar Spoon is akin to a magical wand for stirring up classic cocktails like a Martini and Old Fashioned. Its long, slender design and twisted handle expertly blend ingredients to achieve the perfect balance of flavors. 

Mixing Glass

Think of a mixing glass as your trusty sidekick for those “shaken, not stirred” moments. It’s a tall, wide glass with a convenient small spout that makes pouring easier.  

When you’re in the mood to mix up a classic cocktail like a Martini or Manhattan, a Mixing Glass helps combine all those delicious ingredients. It also adds a touch of sophistication to your home bartending setup and makes you feel like a pro mixologist every time you reach for it. 

Blender
Put simply, if you want to make frozen cocktails, you’ll need one of these bad boys. From tangy margaritas to creamy piña coladas, a blender is your ticket to the ultimate summer chill-out session. It’s the must-have tool for anyone who wants to bring the beach vibes to their own backyard.  

Jigger
Also known as a measure, a jigger ensures you’re putting accurate volumes of ingredients into your cocktails to get the right balance. With a jigger, you can say goodbye to those “Oops, I poured too much” moments and hello to precise and consistently great cocktails.  

Want more at-home cocktail tips? We’ve got you covered. Find everything you need in our learning center at Absolut Drinks!