Explore our curated collection of the hottest and must-have bar equipment items. We’ve carefully handpicked the essential tools favored by the most renowned bars, ensuring you’re well-equipped for your mixology journey. From classic cocktail bars to trendy spots, our list encompasses the key instruments used across diverse bar settings. Not just for the pros, many of these gems also find a welcoming spot in home bar setups. Rest assured, our recommendations are a result of extensive surveys conducted in some of the most iconic bars on both sides of the Atlantic. Unleash your inner bartender and elevate your drinking experience with our top-tier selection. Cheers to the art of crafting the perfect drink!

Bar Equipment Items List

1. Shaker – Boston Type
A Boston shaker is used in bars to mix and chill cocktails by tightly sealing a metal tin and a mixing glass or another tin, allowing for efficient and controlled cocktail shaking.
Available here on Amazon

KITESSENSU Cocktail Shaker Set, 2-Piece Boston Shaker Set for Drink Mixing

2. Shaker – Cobbler Type
The Cobbler shaker is an excellent choice for home mixologists crafting cocktails, offering the convenience of a built-in strainer. In contrast, the Boston shaker is the preferred tool for professional bartenders, known for its versatility and adaptability.
Available here on Amazon

Etens Bar Cocktail Shaker, 24 oz Martini Shaker Drink Mixer with Built

3. Bar Mixing Spoon
The purpose of a bar mixing spoon is to efficiently and elegantly stir and mix ingredients in cocktails and beverages, ensuring proper blending without excessive dilution or agitation.
Available here on Amazon

Briout Bar Spoon Cocktail Mixing Stirrers for Drink, Stainless Steel 12 Inches Long Handle, Silver 2 Pieces<br />

4. Jigger
Jigger is one of the most essential bartender items. Popular type of jigger looks like this OXO SteeL Double Jigger made of Nylon, Stainless Steel. One side measures a Jigger: 1-1/2-Ounce capacity with 3/4-Ounce and 1/3-Ounce increments, other side measures 1/4-Ounce, 1/2-Ounce and 1-Ounce increments
Available here on Amazon

OXO SteeL Double Jigger

5. Japaneese Style Jigger
Another very popular type of jigger. Like this Briout Double Cocktail Jigger Japanese Premium 304 Stainless Steel Jigger 2 OZ 1 OZ with Measurements Inside
Available here on Amazon

Briout Jigger for Bartending

6. Hawthorne Strainer
The Hawthorne strainer is a beloved choice among bartenders. It consists of a disc, known as the “rim,” which comes with a handle and two or more stabilizing prongs. What sets it apart is a metal spring that encircles the rim, bending inward to snugly fit inside the glass. Unlike other strainers, the rim doesn’t have to make direct contact with the glass rim because the internal spring effectively strains out the ice. A Hawthorne strainer is usually used to strain cocktails that are shaken or stirred with ice in a mixing glass.
Available here on Amazon

Winco Stainless Steel 4-Prong Bar Strainer

7. Julep Strainer
This strainer is used in bars to strain cocktails, separating the liquid from ice and other solid ingredients when pouring a drink into a glass. Julep strainer is typically used for cocktails that are stirred directly in the serving glass, like those served in a julep cup or a mixing glass with no ice.
Available here on Amazon

2 Pieces Julep Strainers Bar Strainer Cocktail Strainer Stainless Steel Cocktail Strainer

8. Fine Mesh Strainer
The purpose of a fine mesh strainer is to separate fine particles, solids, or impurities from liquids or to achieve a smoother texture in foods and beverages by removing small particles and lumps. A good choice for bartenders is small strainer like this Strainer with Long Handle for Double Straining Utensil 3.3 inch
Available here on Amazon

Homestia Fine Mesh Sieve Strainer Stainless Steel Cocktail Strainer

9. Muddler
In a bar, a muddler is needed to crush and mix ingredients like herbs, fruits, and sugar in cocktails, allowing the release of their flavors and aromas. An example of professional muddler is this Muddler for Cocktails – 8inch Long 1pc Stainless Steel Fruit Crusher Making Mojito Mix and Other Fruit Drinks (8 Inch)
Available here on Amazon

Kitchen Rest Muddler for Cocktails - 8inch Long 1pc 304 Stainless Steel Fruit Crusher

10. Bar Cocktail Mixing Glass
The purpose of a mixing glass in a bar is to efficiently and gently stir and combine cocktail ingredients, allowing for controlled dilution and proper chilling without the aeration and frothing caused by shaking. Like this Seamless Cocktail Pitcher for Stirred Cocktail with Weighted Bottom, Old Fashioned Bartender Accessory and Tool – 18oz 530ml
Available here on Amazon

KITESSENSU Bar Cocktail Mixing Glass, Seamless Cocktail Pitcher

11. Bottle Opener
Like this Bartender Bottle Opener, 3 Pack by Premium. Professional Grade: Rubber Coated, Stainless Steel. 7 inch
Available here on Amazon

12. Juicer
Like this Heavy Duty Stainless Steel Hand Juicer For Lime, Lemon, Oranges, and Grapefruit – Premium Quality Hand Juicer for Cocktails – Ergonomic Citrus Juicer for Mixologists
Available here on Amazon

13. Zester
A bar zester is used in bars to quickly and precisely extract flavorful citrus zest for garnishing cocktails and adding a burst of aroma and taste to drinks. An example of professional zester is this Livtor Stainless Steel Lemon Grater Zester, Orange Citrus Peeler with Channel Knife
Available here on Amazon

14. Bartender’s Knife
Like this Hammer Stahl Bar Knife – Professional Bartender Knife for Garnishing, Cocktail Crafting & Citrus Peeling. High Carbon Stainless Steel. Ergonomic Quad-Tang Pakkawood Handle & Gift Box
Available here on Amazon

15. Blender
Like this WantJoin Professional Commercial Blender With Shield Quiet Sound Enclosure 2200W Industries Strong and Quiet Professional-Grade Power, Self-Cleaning, Black
Available here on Amazon

16. Ice Tongs
Like this SATDD 2 Pack Serving Tongs Ice Sugar Tongs 5.9 Inches Food-Grade Stainless Steel
Available here on Amazon

17. Tongs for Fruit
Curved garnish tongs are the perfect tool for adding the final flourish to your cocktails. These tongs enable you to garnish drinks without coming into direct contact with the ingredients.

Available here on Amazon

18. Wine Opener
Like this Professional Corkscrew Wine Opener for Bar Restaurant Waiters, Set of 3,With Long Rosewood Handle Stainless Steel Handle
Available here on Amazon

19. Bar Cutting Board
Like this Barfly Bar Prep Cutting Board, 9-Inch x 6-Inch. The ideal size for cutting fruit and prepping garnishes for cocktails.
Available here on Amazon

20. Cocktail Glass
Like this lav Coc Cocktail Set of 6 – 6 Oz – Cosmopolitan Glasses for Elegant Cocktails – Chic Design – Made in Europe
Available here on Amazon

21. Beer Glass
Like this lav Beer Glasses Set of 6 – Pint Glasses Set 19 Oz – Traditional British Pub Design – Made in Europe
Available here on Amazon

22. Wine Glasses
Like this JBHO Hand Blown Italian Style Crystal Bordeaux Wine Glasses – Red Wine Glasses Lead-Free Premium Crystal Clear Glass – Set of 4-18 Ounce
Available here on Amazon

23. Shot Glass
A shot glass is a small glass made for measuring or drinking strong drinks like spirits or liquor. It’s possible to either sip the drink right from the glass (a ‘shot’) or mix it into a cocktail (a “drink”). When a strong alcoholic drink is poured into a shot glass and consumed all at once, it’s called a ‘shot.’ It’s meant to be consumed quickly.
Available here on Amazon

24. Liquor Pourer
Like this AOZITA 12 Pack Stainless Steel Liquor Bottle Pourers Tapered Spout with Long Dust Caps
Available here on Amazon

25. Rubber Bar Mat
Like this ProTensils Rail Bar Mat 23″ x 3.25″ Black Rubber Bar Mats, Bar Service Spill Mats for Counter-Top (2 Pack)
Available here on Amazon

26. Rocks Glasses

27. Highball Glasses

28. Beer Mugs

29. Champagne Flutes

30. Collins Glasses

31. Whiskey Tumblers

32. Ice Scoop

33. Ice Bucket – for storing ice, and for serving chilled bottles in ice to customers

34. Can Opener

35. Corks and Stoppers

36. Bottle Stopper and Pump

37. Fruit Peeler

38. Ice Maker

39. Ice Crusher

40. Ice Cube Trays

41. Ice Mallet

42. Garnish Picks

43. Glass Rinser

44. Glass Washer – like this available on Amazon

45. Drying Racks

46. Drip Trays

47. Syrup Dispenser

48. Liquor Dispenser

49. Soda Gun System

50. Liquor Bar Cabinet

51. Wine Racks

52. Bar Stools

53. Bar Towels

54. Glassware Brushes

55. Dishwasher

56. Bar Caddy

57. Bar Shelf Liners

58. Utensil Organizers

59. Beer Tower – like this one available on Amazon

60. Beer Tap Handle

61. Keg Coupler

62. Cocktail Umbrellas

63. Cocktail Cherries

64. Drink Rimmers – for salt or sugar

65. Swizzle Sticks

66. Cocktail Recipe Books

67. Sound System

68. Bar Lighting

69. TV or Projector

70. Decorations

71. Fruit Bowl

72. Cocktail Straws

73. Paper Straws

74. Bar Napkins

75. Coasters

76. Wine Preserver

77. Wine Aerator

78. Wine Thermometer

79. Undercounter Refrigerator

80. Bottle Coolers

81. Bartender Aprons

82. Snifter Glasses – like this available on Amazon

83. Cash Register

84. Bar Point of Sale (POS) System

85. Bar tables

86. Condiment Holders

87. Trash Bins

88. Coffee Machine & Coffee making accessories (grinder etc.)

89. Coffee cups

90. Garnish Tray

91. Menu and Pricing Displays

92. Cherry Pitter

93. Uniforms

94. Outdoor Seating Area

95. Plates

96. Ashtrays

97. Cutlery

98. Menu Holders

99. Carafes – for water, lemonade, wine or liquors

100. Cleaning Supplies – including dish soap and sanitizer

 

 

Other Equipment Worth Having in a Bar:

  • Fire Extinguisher
  • First Aid Kit
  • Emergency Exit Signs
  • Security System
  • Live Entertainment – DJ or Live Music
  • Microwave and Toaster Oven
  • Bar Stamps
  • Board Games
  • Karaoke System
  • Greenery and Plants
  • VIP Area
  • Digital Menu Displays

 

Statement: As an Amazon Associate this site earns from qualifying purchases.

Check also These Popular Bartender Products

Available online on Amazon:

Barillio Bartender Bag Travel Bartender Kit Bag with Bar Tools
| Professional 17-Piece, with Portable Waxed Canvas Bag Including Shoulder Strap for Easy Carry | Travel Cocktail Set
Available here on Amazon

KROSNO Tall Water Juice Drinking Glasses
| Set of 6 | 18.3 oz | Avant-Garde Collection | Highball & Tumbler Crystal Glass | Home Restaurants and Parties | Dishwasher Safe | Gift Idea | Made in EU
Available here on Amazon

Highball & Chaser 13-Piece Boston Cocktail Shaker Set
Stainless Steel Mixology Bartender Kit With Stand For Home Bar Cocktail Set | Laser Engraved Cocktail Tools | Plus E-Book with 30 Cocktail Recipes
Available here on Amazon

A Bar Above Premium Quality Channel Knife
Stainless Steel Bar Tool – Garnish for Cocktail Mixers – Lemon Zester & Fruit Peeler – Professional Grade Bar Accessory (Stainless Steel)
Available here on Amazon

TEAVAS Mixology Bartender Kit with Japanese Jigger & Stand
25 Piece Stainless Steel Cocktail Making Set with Shaker, Strainer, Mixer, Spoon, Muddler -Barware Accessories for Home Bars & Bartending
Available here on Amazon

How To Make Bar Business Profitable?

 

If you’re planning to start a bar business or already own one and want to boost its profitability, it’s important to keep in mind that there are numerous strategies for enhancing your establishment. By focusing on improving the quality of your services, offering more enticing experiences to your customers, and injecting some creativity into your approach, you can take your bar to the next level. Below, we’ve compiled a list of the top tips for new bar business owners. Take a look:

  • Craft a Unique Atmosphere: Create a distinct ambiance that sets your bar apart from the competition. This could include unique décor, lighting, music, or even a theme that resonates with your target clientele.
  • Signature Cocktails: Develop a menu of signature cocktails that are exclusive to your bar. Unique and well-crafted drinks can draw in a loyal customer base.
  • Happy Hour Specials: Offer enticing happy hour specials to attract early evening patrons. Discounts on drinks and appetizers during this time can boost your revenue.
  • Live Entertainment: Hosting live music, comedy shows, or themed nights can attract a diverse crowd and keep patrons coming back for more.
  • Exceptional Service: Train your staff to provide exceptional customer service. A friendly and attentive team can turn first-time visitors into regulars.
  • Promotions and Loyalty Programs: Implement promotions like “buy one, get one free” nights or loyalty programs that reward repeat customers with discounts or freebies.
  • Online Presence: Maintain an active and engaging online presence through social media, a website, and platforms like Yelp. This is where potential customers often look for information and reviews.
  • Collaborations and Partnerships: Partner with nearby businesses or local events to cross-promote. This can expand your customer base and create mutually beneficial relationships.
  • Themed Events and Holidays: Create special events for holidays or themed parties to attract a broader audience and encourage repeat visits.
  • Customer Feedback: Collect and act on customer feedback. Listen to what your patrons have to say and make improvements based on their suggestions to create a more customer-centric experience.

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