If you were setting up a bar tomorrow, what would be the first three things you'd need to buy? Apart from the obvious - drinks, glasses, fridges, maybe a few bar mats or drip trays if you're feeling sophisticated - there are however, three essential ingredients to make any bar operate smoothly.

Here we take a look at the top three pieces of bar equipment you will need if you want to create professional drinks every time.

Movers and Shakers

Cocktail shakers are a must when you're buying bar equipment. Whether it's a mouthwatering margarita, a tasty tequila sunrise or a delicious daiquiri, cocktails are an important part of any serious bartender's repertoire.

At Ascot Wholesale we offer a complete range of cocktail shakers to suit all pockets and decors. Designed for ease of use as well as with looks good enough to enhance any bar and complement any décor, our cocktail shakers will enable you to mix up the perfect drink every time with the minimum of effort and the maximum of style.

Available in a wide variety of designs and finishes, including brushed or polished metal, as well as a large number of funky modern colours, our cocktail shakers may not turn you into an instant Tom Cruise àla Cocktail, but they will help you deliver the drinks quickly and efficiently.

They come in both two- and three-piece sets, so you can choose whichever suits your needs best.

Blend It, Baby

Another essential piece of bar equipment, a blender is a true must-have for every bartender.

We have a great range of blenders to suit all pockets and every need, including the best-known commercial blender brands. Names such as Metcalfe and Hamilton Beach will fill you with confidence, and you'll have the knowledge that you can rely on your blender to provide you with years of reliable, no-nonsense service.

Powerful professional blenders are available in a variety of sizes to suit your individual needs, meaning you can blend up the perfect tropical fruit drink for your customers in the blink of an eye.

Made to Measure

Of course, you can't operate a bar properly without the means to measure your drinks accurately. There's no point guessing what a measure of spirits is. You need to know exactly what you are charging people for - a single 25ml measure really does need to be half of a double (50ml), and not an approximation.

Our range of measures and pourers will provide you with the perfect essential equipment for measuring and pouring. We have everything you need, from free-flow pourers - with collar or without - and simple thimble measures to double-sided jiggers and all the accessories you require.

All of our measures and pourers are available in a variety of materials, including plastic and chrome. Durable and hard-wearing, they will provide you with years of loyal service.

So whether you're a seasoned bartender of just starting out, make sure to check out all our ranges to ensure you have the necessary equipment.