One of the great things about cocktail making is that it is always possible to improvise. For example, if you are missing a cocktail shaker you can use a jam jar with a lid.

That said, there are a few tools that you should consider buying if you are to get the most out of your cocktail making.

Essential cocktail equipment

Cocktail shaker
The cocktail shaker is amongst the most important pieces of kit in any bartender’s possession. Cocktail shakers come in two types; ’standard’ shakers have their own lid and a strainer built in, while ‘Boston’ shakers are more like a glass with a stainless steel cover. If you go for a Boston shaker you will need to buy a strainer as well.
Click here to buy a Boston shaker | Click here to buy a standard shaker

Muddler
The muddler is vital if you are making drinks that involve fruit or mint. It looks like a small pestle, and is used to ‘muddle’ ingredients in order to release their flavours and aromas.
Click here to buy a muddler

Measure
Fairly self-explanatory – a measure is used to make sure that you are pouring the right amounts of each ingredient. Measures normally come in single or double sizes.
Click here to buy a 25ml measure | Click here to buy a 35ml measure | Click here to buy a 50ml measure

Food processor
Many cocktails require ingredients to be blended. You should always make sure that you choose a food processor that is capable of crushing ice.
Click here to buy a food processor with ice crusher

Strainer
Your choice of strainer will depend on your choice of cocktail shaker; some shakers have a strainer built in. But if you choose a Boston shaker, without a strainer built in, you will need a Hawthorn strainer. These are designed to fit onto the bottom of your shaker.
Click here to buy a Hawthorn strainer

Bar spoon
Many of the recipes here require you to ‘float’ ingredients. This involves pouring liquids over the back of a spoon. Bar spoons are specifically designed to make this easier, and are also longer than regular spoons to make them suitable for stirring drinks.
Click here to buy a set of bar spoons

Highball glass
Highball glasses are used for long drinks, and are taller than tumblers. They have a total capacity of 12 0z.
Click here to buy a set of highball glasses

Martini glass (also known as a cocktail glass)
Martini glasses are the standard cocktail glasses, and an absolute necessity for any aspiring cocktail maestro. The long stem is designed to keep the drink from getting to hot. They have a total capacity of 5 oz.
Click here to buy a set of martini glasses

Tumbler
Tumblers are shorter than highball glasses, and are used mainly for whisky-based drinks. They are useful to have around the house, even when you’re not making cocktails!
Click here to buy a set of tumblers

Shot glass (or shooter glass)
Shot glasses come in an endless variety of shapes. They are, funnily enough, used for shooters. They have a total capacity of 2 oz.
Click here to buy a set of shot glasses

Collins glass
Collins glasses are thinner than highball glasses, but normally around the same height. They have a total capacity of between 10 oz and 14 oz.