Build Your Own Perfect Cocktail Kit (Because Those Pre-Made Ones Suck)
Ah, the cocktail kit. You’ve probably seen them all over Amazon—beautiful wooden boxes filled with shiny tools and labeled as the ultimate “craft mixology set.” They look great, right? But here’s the deal. Those pre-packaged kits are like one of those "as-seen-on-TV" products—they look the part, but in the real world, they just don’t cut it. If you’re serious about making craft cocktails (or even if you’re just starting out), the best kit is one you build yourself. Trust me, your cocktails—and your sanity—will thank you.
Let’s break it all down, piece by piece, so you don’t waste your money on tools you don’t need—or worse, tools that don’t work.
Start With a Solid Boston Shaker
Picture this. You’re at home, ready to shake up a classic margarita. You grab your pre-packaged shaker with its flimsy glass top, give it a good shake, and BAM—glass shards everywhere. Fun, huh? Nope.
Avoid that disaster by investing in an all-stainless steel Boston shaker. You’ll need a two-piece set with one tin that’s 28 ounces and a smaller one that’s 18 ounces. This is the gold standard for shaking up drinks like sours, daiquiris, and martinis without breaking a sweat—or a pint glass.
The go-to brand for this? Koriko Boston Shaker, available from Cocktail Kingdom. Seriously, it’s a workhorse used by professional bartenders everywhere. Here’s a Koriko Boston Shaker on Amazon, so you don’t accidentally end up with something cheap that leaks (or worse, doesn’t separate easily after shaking).
Want Consistency? You’ll Need a Jigger
Quality is important, sure, but consistency? That’s the real secret to making great drinks time after time. The best way to nail your measurements every single time is by using a jigger.
Now, don’t just grab any jigger. You want the Japanese-style jigger because it’s sleek and, most importantly, easy to pour from without spilling. These usually come with markings inside for quarter, half, three-quarter, and full-ounce measurements. Cocktail Kingdom’s Japanese Jigger is the one you want (check it out on Amazon here)—it’s precise, sturdy, and kind of makes you feel like a pro just holding it.
Pro tip? Buy a set with multiple sizes if you plan to get fancy. It’ll save you time—and you’ll look like you know what you’re doing.
Strain Like a Pro
After shaking your cocktail, you’ll need to strain it into your glass. But the strainer that comes with those pre-packaged kits? Yikes. They often don’t fit snugly, and that means ice chips sneak into your drink, leaving you with an overly watery cocktail. No fun.
You’re going to need two kinds of strainers:
Hawthorne Strainer – This is the one with the little spring coil around the edge. It fits snugly on your shaker and keeps all the big chunks of ice out. Cocktail Kingdom makes an excellent one. (Here’s a link to a Hawthorne Strainer on Amazon here.)
Fine Mesh Strainer – This catches all those little bits of ice and pulp that the Hawthorne strainer misses. It’s key for a perfectly smooth cocktail. Cocktail Kingdom has a great option for this too—and yes, they sell it on Amazon here.
Stirred, Not Shaken? You’ll Need a Mixing Glass
For cocktails like a Negroni or Manhattan, you don’t shake them (unless you want James Bond rolling his eyes). You stir them. And for that, you’ll need a proper mixing glass. Japanese mixing glasses are not only functional but also gorgeous—kind of like a work of art for your bar.
These glasses are sturdy and designed specifically for stirring cocktails, plus they pour perfectly. Make sure to snag a quality one—Cocktail Kingdom has a fantastic version. You can find it on Amazon by clicking here.
The Mighty Bar Spoon
Don’t overlook the humble bar spoon. If you’ve seen those long, twisty spoons at cocktail bars, that’s what you want. Not only does it look great in action, but its twisted design helps you stir your cocktail with control and grace. Cocktail Kingdom’s bar spoon is top-notch and available on Amazon here.
Don’t Forget the Y Peeler
Think a potato peeler isn’t a cocktail tool? Think again! A good Y peeler is essential for creating citrus peels, which not only look cool but add essential oils (and flavor!) to your drinks. It’s like the cherry on top of a well-made cocktail—only citrusy. Turn to this classic peeler, which you can grab on Amazon here.
Tools You DON’T Need (But Everyone Tries to Sell You Anyway)
Listen—you don’t need a julep strainer unless you really want it (or you’re making juleps every other day). And those wooden stands or fancy leather cases that come with pre-made kits? Total gimmicks. They may look good sitting on your kitchen counter, but they won’t make your drinks taste any better. Save that cash and spend it on quality tools instead.
Final Thoughts
Building your own cocktail kit may take a little time, but here’s the payoff. You’ll end up with tools that actually work, last forever, and help you create incredible drinks without any frustration. Skip the flashy pre-made kits with cheap tools, and instead, focus on building your holy grail of bar tools one solid piece at a time. Cheers! 🍸
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