Have you ever noticed how smoothly a professional bartender works? Well, it’s not just about their skills but also about the tools they use every day. Bar supplies are the essential tools and equipment that help prepare, mix, and serve drinks to customers in any restaurant or club. These beverage service tools include shakers, strainers, bottle openers, jiggers, pourers, ice buckets, and various types of glassware.

Also, when the right bar supplies are in place, bartenders can work more efficiently and serve customers without delay. These supplies support every step of the job, from measuring ingredients and mixing cocktails to serving drinks in the right glass. If you are planning to open a bar, update your restaurant setup, or simply want to improve your service, investing in the right supplies is the first step.

Now, let’s explore the most essential bar tools every bartender needs to serve like a pro.

Must-Have Bar Supplies for Every Restaurant Setup

Below is a list of the 11 most important bar tools that every bartender uses daily. These items are essential for maintaining speed, accuracy, and cleanliness while working. Each one serves a specific purpose and helps your bar run smoothly from the moment it opens until the last order is served.

1. Cocktail Shaker

A cocktail shaker is one of the most important kitchen tools in any bar. It is used to mix drinks that contain different ingredients like alcohol, juice, syrups, or cream. By shaking these ingredients with ice, the bartender can blend them smoothly and chill the drink quickly. There are different types of cocktail shakers such as Boston, Cobbler, and French. The Boston shaker is the most popular among professionals as it is quick and easy to use. A stainless steel shaker is also a good option as it is strong, does not rust, and is easy to clean. Without a good shaker, you can not properly make many classic cocktails like margaritas, martinis, and cosmopolitans. Therefore, it is crucial to make investment wisely. 

2. Jigger 

A jigger is a small tool used to measure alcohol before pouring it into a drink. It looks like a little hourglass and usually has two sides, one for 1.5 ounces and the other for 1 ounce, though other sizes are also available. Using a jigger helps bartenders pour the right amount of liquor every time, which ensures the taste of the drink stays consistent. It also helps reduce waste and control costs, which is important in a busy bar. A good jigger has clear markings and a strong grip, even when hands are wet. 

3. Bar Spoon

A bar spoon has a long handle with a twisted stem, designed to mix drinks smoothly in tall glasses or mixing containers. It is used to stir drinks gently without shaking them, especially when the recipe calls for a more subtle mixing technique. It is perfect for drinks like the Negroni or Manhattan, where the ingredients need to be stirred with ice rather than shaken. The twisted handle makes it easier to spin the spoon without splashing. It can also be used to layer drinks or retrieve cherries and olives from jars. You must consider buying stainless steel spoons as they do not bend or rust.

4. Strainer

In a commercial bar, strainers are used to keep solid ingredients like ice cubes, fruit pieces or herbs out of the final drink when pouring it into a glass. There are mainly two types of strainers used at bars namely, the Hawthorne strainer, which fits over a shaker, and the Julep strainer, which is used with a mixing glass. These tools help ensure the drink looks clean and smooth, with no seeds or pulp. A well-made strainer fits tightly and does not leak while pouring. This tool is essential for presentation and for delivering a high-quality drink to every guest.

5. Muddler

Another essential kitchenware tool that a bartender uses is a Muddler. It is a short, thick stick used to crush or press ingredients like mint leaves, lemon slices, sugar, or berries inside a glass. This process helps release the flavor and oils from fresh ingredients, which makes drinks taste better and more natural. It is most commonly used in drinks like mojitos and old fashioneds. At Denson CFE, you can find muddlers made of wood, stainless steel, or plastic. For more information, a good muddler should be strong, comfortable to grip, and easy to clean. It should not absorb liquid or odors from ingredients, as that can affect the taste of future drinks.

6. Pour Spouts

Pour spouts are kind of smallwares that fit onto the tops of liquor bottles. They help bartenders pour alcohol quickly and evenly without spilling. These spouts give better control over how much liquid comes out, especially when using jiggers. This improves speed, accuracy and keeps the bar area clean. Most bars use metal pourers with rubber bases because they last longer and do not leak. Pour spouts help bartenders to measure the right amount of alcohol accurately, save time, and serve faster to the customers.

7. Ice Storage Bin or Ice Well

An ice bin or ice well is a large, insulated container used to hold and store ice near the bar counter. Ice is needed for almost every drink, so having easy access to clean, fresh ice is extremely important. These ice bins are often built into the bar and come with a drain so the melted water does not build up. They should also have a lid to keep the ice clean and cold. Using an open tub or regular cooler is not practical in a busy bar, as it slows down the service and increases the risk of contamination.

8. Bar Speed Rail

A speed rail is a metal rack mounted on the front of the bar under the counter. It holds the bottles of liquor that bartenders use most frequently such as vodka, gin, rum, and whiskey so they can grab them quickly while mixing drinks. It helps in organizing the workspace and makes bartending faster during busy shifts. Double-tiered rails are very useful because they hold more bottles without taking up much space. Moreover, this kind of bar supplies keeps the bar station neat and ensures the bartender does not waste time searching for bottles.

9. Glassware

A bar needs different types of glasses for different kinds of drinks. This includes highball glasses for mixed drinks, lowball glasses for whiskey or neat drinks, martini glasses for cocktails, wine glasses, shot glasses, and beer mugs. Using the right glass makes the drink look more professional and adds to the customer’s experience. It also helps control the serving size and temperature of the drink. Clean, well-polished glassware shows that your bar cares about presentation and hygiene.

10. Bottle Opener and Corkscrew

Bottle openers and corkscrews are used to open beer bottles and wine bottles. Every bartender must have access to these tools. A waiter’s corkscrew is a compact tool that includes a small knife, a spiral screw, and a lever to remove wine corks smoothly. A wall-mounted bottle opener is also useful during high-volume hours. These tools must be strong, rust-resistant, and easy to use without causing delays or damaging bottles. 

11. Bar Mats and Spill Trays 

Bar mats are rubber pads placed on the bar counter to catch spills while mixing or serving drinks. Spill trays are placed under beer taps or at busy areas of the bar to collect overflow and prevent messes. These supplies help keep the bar area clean and safe. They also make it easier to clean up at the end of a shift. Bar mats also protect glassware from breaking by providing a soft surface to place drinks on.

Conclusion

Denson CFE is a trusted source for quality products that meet the needs of modern restaurants, bars, and hospitality spaces. You can explore a wide range of bar supplies from top-reputed brands such as Winco, Magnum, Browne Canada, and many others. Along with bar essentials, Denson CFE also offers reliable kitchen tools and equipment that help improve drink service and keep your restaurant setup organized and efficient. Stay connected with us for regular updates on the latest designs in glassware and dinnerware items.