Shakers

Unless you are pouring spirits or sticking to mixes, your most essential piece of equipment apart from the glasses themselves will be the shaker.

There are two types of shakers.

• The Boston Shaker is made of two containers slightly conical in shape, one of which is made of glass. Ingredients are added into one container and both are pushed together to seal the ingredients for shaking. You might also want to invest in a strainer to prevent ice in the shaker getting into your glass.
• The European shaker is probably the most common today and most useful for a novice. Usually made from metal, it also has a conical shape but comes with a tight-fitting top which has several holes to strain the cocktail through when pouring, and a lid that covers the holes which can also be used as a measuring cup.

Measures

Measures (also called jiggers) are used to precisely measure the content of alcohol used in a drink.

Many cocktails use precise measurements such as 30ml of vodka, so it’s useful to use a measure to get the mix of ingredients for a cocktail just right; otherwise the taste of your cocktail might be a little off what was intended. You also don’t want too many inebriated guests early on in the night!

All things Ice

Ice is used to chill the ingredients of a cocktail while they are being shaken or stirred or to chill your glasses. You need to be sure to have enough ice on hand, otherwise you’ll be left with room temperature cocktails for the rest of the night!

You might also want to invest in an ice bucket and tongs (or a wine cooler/esky and spoon) to keep the ice within easy reach while you are making drinks.

Crushed ice is necessary for some recipes and you can either buy a small gadget to do this for you or use a tea towel and rolling pin to make your own.

Knives

If you plan on adding some decorations to your cocktails a small knife and a cutting board are necessary.