Buying Guide
How to Choose Bar Accessories That Are Worth the Money
A flimsy shaker that leaks or a strainer that rusts will sour your enthusiasm fast. Use these checks before you buy and every tool in your bar will earn its place.
Start with the essentials, not the gimmicks
Skip the 20-piece novelty kit. A quality shaker, a good jigger, a strainer, and a bar spoon will make 90% of cocktails. Buy those well first, then add specialty tools as your skills grow.
Check the build quality
- Material: food-grade stainless steel resists rust and lasts for years.
- Weight & balance: a good tool feels solid, not tinny or hollow.
- Shaker seal: it should close tight and separate easily — not freeze shut.
- Jigger accuracy: look for clear interior measurement marks.
Pick the shaker type that suits you
- Cobbler shaker: three-piece with a built-in strainer — easiest for beginners.
- Boston shaker: two pieces, favored by pros for speed and volume.
- French/Parisian: two-piece and elegant, a middle ground.
Think about finish and storage
Decide whether you want classic polished steel, matte black, or copper to match your space — and make sure you have somewhere to store or display the set. A tool you can reach easily is a tool you'll actually use.
Bottom line: Buy a few quality essentials in food-grade stainless steel, check the seal and balance, and pick a shaker style that fits your skill — that beats any oversized novelty kit.