Barware

Cobbler shakers are widely available and a breeze to use. Typically made of stainless steel, this shaker consists of a large tumbler and a top with an integrated strainer. A small screw cap conceals the strainer and prevents your drink from escaping as you shake.

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The professional bartender's choice, the Boston shaker demands a little more expertise from the home mixologist, but it's far more versatile and fun to use. A large metal tumbler is placed over a smaller glass tumbler to form a rigid seal. You then wield them as a single unit and shake.

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Cocktails assembled in a shaker must be strained before serving. If you've opted for the more challenging Boston shaker, you'll need a separate strainer. A julep-style strainer works well over the glass portion of the shaker, while a Hawthorn strainer, outfitted with metal tabs, is designed to fit snugly over the wider mouth of the metal tumbler.

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Used to bruise or gently crush fresh fruit or aromatics in the bottom of a mixing or serving glass. Untreated natural wood muddlers are best; find one at a kitchen supply or house wares store or substitute a sturdy wooden kitchen spoon.

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This long-handled metal spoon is indispensable for preparing stirred drinks in a shaker or serving glass.

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Jigger

Used to precisely portion spirits. Get two if you plan on serving cocktails frequently, one with 1 and 2-ounce measures and the other with 1½ and ¾-ounce measures.

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