What are the must have bartending tools

Ideal tools are essentials for having a successful bartending career. The quality of tools used by bartenders goes a long way in providing the right kind of experience to the customer who is sitting on the other side of the bar. There are numerous tools available in the market which can be used while bartending, but out of these there are a few which are essential to have for bartenders.

Bottle opener
One of the most important tools which can have effect on the speed and productivity of the bartender. Bottle openers are available in various shapes and designs, utmost care should be taken in selecting the best which suits a bartender’s style of work.

Wine opener or Corks screw
Bartenders can get into a situation wherein they find it difficult to open a bottle of wine. There are various types of wine openers available which can uncork even the most difficult of stuck up wine bottle corks.

Cocktail shaker
A good cocktail shaker is ideal to keep the cocktail cool and chilled. There are two types of shakers which are used in bartending for making cocktails. The more the shaker is able to keep the cocktail cool and chilled, the better it is. The two types of shakers which are widely used are known as standard shaker and Boston shaker.

A standard shaker is a three piece shaker with an inbuilt strainer; whereas, the Boston shaker is a simple shaking tin with a glass separate for mixing. World wide, the Boston shaker is more preferred by bartenders.

Strainer
There are various types of strainers available in the market. Bar tenders use different models depending upon their use and the strainers functionality.

Coasters
They are used to protect the bar top from getting stains or marks of water from moisture of the glass. There is a wide range of coasters available in different designs and sizes. Some bars do not use coasters and the staff working behind the bars keep on cleaning the bar counter regularly.

Bar towel
Bar towels are used to clean or wipe the bar counter regularly. Good quality towels which have the capability to soak the water effectively from the bar counter should be used. One should ensure that these bar towels are always handy because there might be spillage at any point of time while the bar is operational.

Ice scoop
Using a good quality metal ice scoop to take out ice from the ice bucket is necessary for bartending.

Measuring glass
Measuring glass is used to measure the pour of drink liquid in the glass. Apart from pouring exact amount of drink liquid in the glass every time, it is also a legal requirement to use a measuring glass while making a drink.

Garnish picks
Some drink recepies require olives or cherries to be put in the drink. Plastic skewers or arrows are used to pick the garnishes from the drink. A good garnish pick will add to the visual aspect of the drink presentation.

Pour spouts
Pour spouts are used on the bottle heads and control or standardize the liquid outflow from the bottle while the drink is made. They are available in different quality and makes like plastic, metal, measured or flapped.

Straws
The most essential thing that every bartender should have handy. Good quality straws are a must and having flimsy or low quality straws can spoil the experience of the drink for the customer.


Lighter/ Matches & Pens
The two most sought after things from a bartender by guests apart from drinks of course are Lighters or Matches and pens. It is essential that bartender should have these things very handy as the guest might need any of these at any point of time.

Tip Jar
Another important thing to have always present on the bar counter is the tips jar. Ideally, the bartenders should have a separate tip jar for themselves in which they can collect tips received from happy and satisfied guests.

All these accessories and tools are ideal for use if the bartenders want to be considered good and successful at their job or art.