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The Best Barware for Making Cocktails at Home

Updated Dec 10, 2022
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Whether you’re outfitting your first home bar or you just want to up your cocktail game, having the right tools for the job will set you up for success. The good news is you don’t need to spend a fortune to make great cocktails at home. We’ve interviewed some of the top bartenders in the country and tested an array of items since 2013 to find the best tools for your home bar.

Cocktail Kingdom Usagi Cobbler Shaker, the best cocktail shaker

Cocktail Kingdom Usagi Cobbler Shaker

The best cocktail shaker
This all-in-one shaker and strainer is easy to use. It fits together snugly so it has less of a tendency to leak than other cobbler-style shakers.
We recommend
Cocktail Kingdom Koriko Weighted Shaking Tins, the best boston-style shaker

Cocktail Kingdom Koriko Weighted Shaking Tins

The best Boston-style shaker
If you want to bartend like a pro, get a Boston shaker. The Koriko set has better balance, and it’s easier to break the seal on this set than on others we tried.
Another good choice
OXO Good Grips Mini Angled Measuring Cup , the best jigger

OXO Good Grips Mini Angled Measuring Cup

The best jigger
Compared with traditional metal jiggers, this OXO mini cup has easier-to-read measurement markings and is less messy to use.
We recommend
OXO SteeL Double Jigger, a classic jigger

OXO SteeL Double Jigger

A classic jigger
This double-sided jigger is messier to use than our main pick, but it looks more classic, for a traditional bar setup.
Another good choice
OXO Steel Cocktail Strainer, the best cocktail strainer

OXO Steel Cocktail Strainer

The best cocktail strainer
This Hawthorne strainer fits snugly in either a Boston shaker or a mixing glass. Its tight coils prevent shards of ice and herbs from escaping into cocktails.
We recommend
Premium Julep Strainer, an attractive julep strainer

Premium Julep Strainer

An attractive julep strainer
Based on a 1930s vintage design, this stylish julep strainer comes in luxury finishes like gold, silver, copper, and gunmetal black.
Another good choice
Umami Mart Seamless Plain Mixing Glass, the best mixing glass

Umami Mart Seamless Plain Mixing Glass

The best mixing glass
This mixing glass has a stable base, a narrow spout, and a wide mouth that makes stirring and pouring cocktails easier.
We recommend
Cocktail Kingdom Reserve Yarai Sen Mixing Glass, an elegant mixing glass

Cocktail Kingdom Reserve Yarai Sen Mixing Glass

An elegant mixing glass
This etched crystal mixing glass is an elegant step up from the standard glass version we recommend.
A better upgrade
Anchor Hocking Pint Mixing Glass, an inexpensive alternative

Anchor Hocking Pint Mixing Glass

An inexpensive alternative
This glass will tip more easily when you’re mixing, and it doesn’t look nearly as elegant as our top pick. But it’s one-fifth the price and works just fine.
Budget friendly
Cocktail Kingdom Teardrop Barspoon, the best bar spoon

Cocktail Kingdom Teardrop Barspoon

The best bar spoon
This elegant spoon has better balance and a more tightly twisted handle (making for an easier grip), so it allows you to stir cocktails with ease.
We recommend
Swissmar Stainless Steel Cocktail Spoon with Hammer, a bar spoon that works as a muddler

Swissmar Stainless Steel Cocktail Spoon with Hammer

A bar spoon that works as a muddler
If you prefer to buy a multi-use tool, this spoon works well as a spoon and muddler, but the hammer at the end makes it top-heavy.
Another good choice
Fletchers’ Mill 11-Inch Muddler, the best muddler

Fletchers’ Mill 11-Inch Muddler

The best muddler
This affordable muddler felt the most comfortable in hand. Both ends work well, without tearing herbs. And this muddler doesn’t have a varnish that can chip into a drink.
We recommend
Chef’n FreshForce Citrus Juicer, the best citrus juicer

Chef’n FreshForce Citrus Juicer

The best citrus juicer
The geared hinge on this citrus juicer gives you better leverage when you’re pressing cut citrus, and it prevents seeds from falling into your drink.
We recommend
Libbey Clear Collins Glass, a simple and affordable collins glass

Libbey Clear Collins Glass

A simple and affordable Collins glass
The Libbey 12-ounce Collins glass is best for tall drinks like a Tom Collins, Bloody Mary, or gin fizz. It isn’t ornate, but it’s a great option for parties because it’s so affordable.
We recommend
Godinger Dublin Double Old Fashioned Glass , an affordable crystal old-fashioned glass

Godinger Dublin Double Old Fashioned Glass

An affordable crystal old-fashioned glass
These poured crystal glasses have all the elegance of expensive Waterford crystal, but they are actually affordable and durable enough to use every day.
We recommend
Libbey Classy Coupe Glass, the best stemmed glass

Libbey Classy Coupe Glass

The best stemmed glass
This 4½-ounce coupe glass is the ideal shape for serving drinks “up.” It’s sturdy and affordable, making it a great option for entertaining.
We recommend
Cocktail Kingdom Veladora Mezcal Glass , a glass for shots or sipping

Cocktail Kingdom Veladora Mezcal Glass

A glass for shots or sipping
This Mexican-made, traditional mezcal glass is the ideal size for sipping or shooting your favorite spirits.
We recommend
US Acrylic Classic 16-ounce Water Tumbler, the best plastic tumbler

US Acrylic Classic 16-ounce Water Tumbler

The best plastic tumbler
This 16-ounce plastic tumbler gives the appearance of glass and is a great option if you frequently entertain outdoors. Its tall, narrow shape makes it most appropriate for water and cocktails.
Another good choice

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