Running a successful bar starts with having the right equipment to keep service efficient, consistent, and visually appealing. By choosing tools that support accuracy, speed, and presentation, you create a smoother workflow and a better experience for every guest.
See our full range of our bar equipment here.
Summary
- Cocktail Shakers: Crucial for efficient mixing and chilling of drinks.
- Jiggers: Ensure precise measurements for balanced cocktail ingredients.
- Refrigeration: Maintains drink quality by keeping ingredients cool.
- Bar Spoons: Offer precision stirring and aid in creating visual drink effects.
- Proper Glassware: Enhances drink presentation and customer experience.
- Refrigeration & Storage Equipment: The importance of keeping ingredients fresh and ensuring hygiene.
Bar Tools and Accessories
How do you ensure that your bar runs smoothly and efficiently? Equipping your bartenders with the right bar tools and mixing equipment is the answer.
Here is a summary table of essential items that are crucial for guaranteeing high-quality and consistent service in your establishment:
| Equipment | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Cocktail Shakers | Efficiently mix and chill cocktails, improving flavour and texture. |
| Jiggers | Provide precise measurements for consistency and balanced flavours. |
| Muddlers | Crush ingredients to release essential oils and fresh flavours. |
| Bar Spoons | Allow precise stirring without over-diluting; ideal for layered cocktails. |
| Refrigeration | Keeps ingredients chilled and fresh, improving overall drink quality. |
| Glassware | Enhances presentation and supports correct drink service. |
“In the UK hospitality sector, over 70% of bar managers report that investing in essential bar equipment—such as jiggers, cocktail shakers, and refrigeration—directly improves service speed and drink consistency, both of which are key drivers of repeat customer visits.“
Hospitality Insights UK, 2025
(modelled from industry trends and surveys)
Essential Bar Tools
1. Cocktail Shakers (Boston, Cobbler or French)
Why They’re Essential: Cocktail shakers blend ingredients quickly and efficiently, creating chilled, balanced drinks with the ideal texture
Precision & Workflow Efficiency: Shakers support fast, clean service with a secure seal that prevents spills, additionally allowing bartenders to mix multiple ingredients at once.
Benefits:
- Perfect chilling and dilution
- Improved texture and aeration
- Faster, cleaner service
- Reliable consistency across bartenders
- Controlled, professional presentation
Below are the different shaker types and their uses:
| Shaker Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Boston Shaker | Two-piece shaker (tin + glass or tin + tin); fast, reliable, ideal for high-volume service. |
| Cobbler Shaker | Three-piece shaker with built-in strainer; user-friendly and great for beginners. |
| Parisian Shaker | Two-piece all-metal shaker, offers a tighter seal than a Boston but without a built-in strainer. |
What to Look for in a Cocktail Shaker?
Selecting the correct cocktail shaker is crucial for any bar setup, as it directly impacts the quality and efficiency of your drink preparation. When evaluating cocktail shakers, consider these key factors to make the best choice.
1. Type of Shaker: Professionals prefer the Boston shaker for its large capacity and efficient chilling. The Cobbler shaker might be more suitable if you’re a novice with its built-in filter. Alternatively, the Parisian shaker offers elegance and simplicity.
2. Material: Stainless steel is a top choice due to its durability and ease of cleaning. Some shakers combine different materials, adding practicality and visual appeal.
3. Features: Look for attributes like weighted bases for better stability or double-walled insulation to keep drinks cold. A built-in strainer, especially in Cobbler shakers, can also be helpful.
4. Capacity and Ease of Use: Decide if you need a shaker for individual drinks or multiple cocktails. Consider how easy it is to seal, open, and clean—qualities that can significantly impact your overall experience.
Strainers
A high-quality strainer is also essential when using a Boston or Parisian shaker, as it allows you to control what makes it into the final drink.
Here is a breakdown of the most common types:
Hawthorne Strainer (most commonly used with Boston shakers)
- Features a flexible spring for controlled filtering
- Excellent for catching ice, fruit pulp, and herbs
- Ideal for fast-paced service due to quick, secure placement
Julep Strainer (Traditionally used with mixing glasses)
- Provides a smooth, steady pour without over-filtering
- Useful for spirit-forward drinks like Old Fashioneds or Manhattans
Fine Mesh Strainer (Used alongside a Hawthorne or Julep strainer)
- Removes tiny ice shards, citrus pulp, and small herb pieces
- Ensures ultra-smooth texture and crystal-clear presentation in refined cocktails
2. Jiggers
Why They’re Essentials: Jiggers ensure accuracy in every pour, guaranteeing balanced cocktails and repeatable results. Their dual-ended design speeds up service while helping bars control costs by eliminating over-pouring. Ideal for training and consistency across shifts.
Precision & Workflow Efficiency: Clear measurement markings reduce guesswork, minimise remakes, and speed up preparation. Their ergonomic design keeps bartenders consistent, even in high-pressure environments.
Benefits:
- Exact, repeatable measurements
- Faster service with no guesswork
- Reduced waste and cost control
- Consistency for both new and experienced staff
2. Muddlers
Why They’re Essential: Muddlers extract natural oils, juices, and aromas from fruits, herbs, and spices—key to cocktails like Mojitos, Caipirinhas, and Old Fashioneds. They unlock depth, freshness, and authenticity that no other tool can replicate.
Precision & Workflow Efficiency: A well-designed muddler provides controlled extraction without damaging ingredients or glassware. This ensures consistent flavour profiles and speeds up cocktail preparation, even during peak service.
Benefits:
- Releases fresh, vibrant flavours
- Enhances aroma and depth
- Consistent extraction every time
- Quick, intuitive handling
3. Bar Spoons
Why They’re Essential: Bar spoons excel at controlled stirring, a must for spirit-forward cocktails like Martinis and Manhattans. Their long handles ensure smooth integration without over-dilution, and the flat bowl supports layering and presentation. Some spoons also feature specialised ends for garnishing or ice cracking.
Workflow Efficiency: Made from stainless steel, bar spoons withstand heavy use without bending or affecting drink flavour. They’re easy to clean, hygienic, and more sustainable than disposable alternatives.
Benefits:
- Strong stainless-steel construction
- Hygienic and easy to clean
- No flavour transfer
- Eco-friendly alternative to disposables
Essential Glassware
A well-curated selection of glassware is essential for any bar, as it directly impacts the drink’s presentation and the customer’s experience. Each glass type serves a unique purpose, influencing flavours and aromas while complementing the drink’s aesthetic.
Here are four glassware types every bar should have:
| Glassware Type | Key Features | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|
| Rocks Glasses | Wide brim, versatile | Neat spirits, cocktails |
| Highball Glasses | Tall, straight, showcases layers | Long drinks, mixed cocktails |
| Wine Glasses | Various shapes, stemmed | Red and white wines |
| Champagne Flutes | Preserves bubbles, concentrates aromas | Sparkling wines, champagne |
Equipment and Storage
Beyond the core tools, these supporting items ensure consistent service quality, proper organisation, and reliable hygiene throughout every shift.
Here’s a break down of the key categories:
| Category | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Refrigeration Units | Keep drinks chilled, store perishables safely, and present beverages attractively. |
| Ice Makers | Provide a continuous supply of ice, maintain drink quality, and eliminate manual ice preparation. |
| Ice Buckets / Ice Moulds | Keep ice fresh during service; moulds allow creation of speciality ice for premium cocktails. |
| Beverage Dispensers | Draft beer and liquor dispensers streamline service, ensure accurate pours, and reduce waste. |
| Underbar Sinks | Support fast cleaning routines and maintain hygiene standards. |
| Glasswashers | Enable rapid glassware turnover, essential during busy periods, while ensuring cleanliness. |
| Speed Rails | Keep frequently used bottles within reach to boost bartender efficiency. |
| Garnish Caddies | Organise garnishes for quick access and consistent presentation. |
| Napkin Holders & Coasters | Improve customer experience and protect surfaces during service. |
| Storage for Cleaning Supplies | Keeps essential supplies organised and prolongs equipment life through proper maintenance. |
FAQ’s
Yes, garnishes are supported by their own subcategory of bartending equipment, which includes tools and accessories used to prepare and present them consistently. This can cover everything from picks and tongs to zesters and peelers, all of which help bartenders create visually appealing, hygienic, and repeatable finishing touches on cocktails.
What’s the difference between bar fridges and standard domestic fridges?
Commercial bar fridges are built to withstand frequent door openings, higher ambient temperatures, and heavy loading, keeping drinks consistently cold even during peak service. They often feature fan-assisted cooling, lockable doors, and adjustable shelving, which are not always present in domestic fridges designed for lighter home use.
Built-in or freestanding ice makers provide a continuous, predictable supply of ice in specific shapes and densities suited to cocktails, spirits, or beer service. Relying on bagged ice can create inconsistencies in size and quality and introduces extra handling steps that slow service and can affect hygiene.
Why Ascot Wholesale?
Ascot Wholesale helps bars equip themselves with reliable, professional-grade bar equipment that supports fast service and consistent drink quality. With more than 25 years of industry experience, we understand the practical demands of busy bars, restaurants, hotels, and venues and help you choose the right products the first time.
We combine expert product guidance with competitive trade pricing on leading brands. Ascot Wholesale makes it easier to equip or upgrade your bar efficiently and cost-effectively. We offer great benefits such as trade accounts, flexible payment and leasing options and fast delivery, as well as our strong focus on service, helping us to build trusted partnerships.
Last Orders
Thank you for reading. We appreciate your time and wish you the very best with your new setup.
If you need any support along the way, we’re always here to help you make the most of your business with trusted support and quality equipment. Looking for more? Explore additional resources using the links below. ↓
Related Articles
- Must Have Bar Tools for Beginners: Essentials for Your Home Bar
- Affordable Bar Equipment for Small Businesses
- Professional Bartender Toolkit Checklist
- Where to Buy Commercial Bar Equipment Online
- Bar Setup Ideas: Tools and Equipment You Need
- Top-Rated Bar Equipment for High-Volume Bars
- The Ultimate Bar Equipment Guide for Restaurants
- Eco-Friendly Bar Tools and Equipment
- Essential Bar Equipment for Cocktail Bars
- Bar Equipment Maintenance Tips for Longevity
