Are you looking to take your dinner parties to the next level? Do you like to drink the occasional cocktail on a weeknight but don't have the energy to go to a bar? Chances are that you need a good bartender kit. With so many options in the market that include so many different pieces, choosing the right bartending set can be a long and confusing process. However, we are here to make this operation smooth, straight to the point, and even fun!
We researched how the different types and features of bar sets have all different perks and they are nuanced to suit different types of bartenders. We found that the X-Cosrack Premium Bartending Kit is a great combination of functionality, quality, and practicality. Keep reading our Top 10 to learn about the other 9 cocktail kits that made the cut!
Finding the perfect bartending set for you depends on the type of bartender that you are. The main aspects to take into consideration are the type of shaker, number of pieces depending on the kind of cocktails you want to make and your bartending habits.
Ready to make that delicious daiquiri in the comfort of your own home? Keep reading our top 10 and remember that pants are optional!
$49.99
Number of pieces | 18 |
---|---|
Type of shaker | Cobbler |
Strainers | Built-in and Hawthorne |
Dishwasher-safe | Yes |
Base | Plastic |
$59.97
Number of pieces | 23 |
---|---|
Type of shaker | Cobbler |
Strainers | Built-in and Hawthorne |
Dishwasher-safe | Yes |
Base | Bamboo |
$39.97
Number of pieces | 9 |
---|---|
Type of shaker | Cobbler |
Strainers | Built-in |
Dishwasher-safe | Yes |
Base | Metal |
$39.97
Number of pieces | 7 |
---|---|
Type of shaker | Cobbler |
Strainers | Built-in and Hawthorne |
Dishwasher-safe | Yes |
Base | Wood |
$69.95
Number of pieces | 18 |
---|---|
Type of shaker | Boston |
Strainers | Hawthorne, julep, and mesh |
Dishwasher-safe | Hand washing recommended |
Base | Bamboo |
$79.99
Number of pieces | 13 |
---|---|
Type of shaker | Boston with glass |
Strainers | Hawthorne, julep and mesh |
Dishwasher-safe | Hand washing recommended |
Base | - |
$44.99
Number of pieces | 12 |
---|---|
Type of shaker | Boston |
Strainers | Hawthorne, julep, and mesh |
Dishwasher-safe | Hand washing recommended |
Base | - |
$129.00
Number of pieces | 17 |
---|---|
Type of shaker | Boston |
Strainers | Hawthorne, julep and mesh |
Dishwasher-safe | Yes |
Base | Roll-up bag |
$25.95
Number of pieces | 7 |
---|---|
Type of shaker | Cobbler |
Strainers | Built-in |
Dishwasher-safe | Yes |
Base | - |
$74.99
Number of pieces | 11 |
---|---|
Type of shaker | French |
Strainers | Hawthorne, julep and mesh |
Dishwasher-safe | Not specified |
Base | Traveling bag |
Image | 1 ![]() X-Cosrack | 2 ![]() Barillio | 3 ![]() Mixology and Craft | 4 ![]() Modern Mixology | 5 ![]() Winter Castle | 6 ![]() Fifth Label | 7 ![]() Koviti | 8 ![]() Mixology and Craft | 9 ![]() Barillio | 10 ![]() Jillmo |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Name | Premium Bartending Kit | Bartender Kit and Bamboo Stand | Mixology Bartender Kit | Mixology Bartender Kit With Stand | Pro Cocktail Shaker Set | Home Bar Accessories Set | Cocktail Shaker Set | Travel Bartender Kit Bag | Premium Cocktail Bar Set | Bartender Travel Kit |
Features | A Rotating Display Bar Kit That's Both Beautiful and Practical | An Elegant Set to Impress Your Guests | A Simpler Set for Easy Cocktails | A Perfect Kit for Beginners | A Stunning Bar Set for More Experienced Bartenders | A Favorite Bartending Kit of the Pros | A Practical Kit for Complex Cocktails | The Perfect Kit for the Traveling Bartender | The Simplest Bar Set With the Bare Essentials | A Practical Bag for the Classy Bartender |
Price | $49.99 | $59.97 | $39.97 | $39.97 | $69.95 | $79.99 | $44.99 | $129.00 | $25.95 | $74.99 |
Number of pieces | 18 | 23 | 9 | 7 | 18 | 13 | 12 | 17 | 7 | 11 |
Type of shaker | Cobbler | Cobbler | Cobbler | Cobbler | Boston | Boston with glass | Boston | Boston | Cobbler | French |
Strainers | Built-in and Hawthorne | Built-in and Hawthorne | Built-in | Built-in and Hawthorne | Hawthorne, julep, and mesh | Hawthorne, julep and mesh | Hawthorne, julep, and mesh | Hawthorne, julep and mesh | Built-in | Hawthorne, julep and mesh |
Dishwasher-safe | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Hand washing recommended | Hand washing recommended | Hand washing recommended | Yes | Yes | Not specified |
Base | Plastic | Bamboo | Metal | Wood | Bamboo | - | - | Roll-up bag | - | Traveling bag |
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The best bartender kit is one that includes all the tools that you need, suits your level of expertise, and fulfills your portability requirements. We designed a guide to help you to understand your bartending needs a little better and therefore choose the bar set that will make you the happiest.
Bartender sets can have anywhere between six and 20 plus pieces. Oftentimes they are made of stainless steel which makes them durable and rust-proof.
The most essential pieces in a set are a shaker, a muddler, a jigger, a mixing spoon, and liquor pourers, but some of these pieces come in different styles. We’ll explain more on that below. More complete kits can include different types of strainers, extra pourers, jiggers with different capacities; and the sky is the limit for extra features!
Shakers are perhaps the most important part of your kit since they add texture, dilution, and optimal temperature to your drink. There are three types of shakers: Boston, French, and Cobbler.
Consider getting a Boston shaker if you’re an experienced bartender or if you make plenty of cocktails per event. These shakers consist of a combination of two tins, one bigger than the other, that fit together to chill the perfect cocktail.
These shakers are the favorite of every seasoned bartender for two reasons: they make more cocktails at once, and they make them faster. They can make up to three drinks at a time and the tins are easy to detach, unlike Cobbler and French shakers, making them perfect for fast-paced environments.
Some level of expertise is required to shake the two tins without spilling any liquid, making this a hard task for a beginner bartender. Similarly, these shakers don’t have a built-in strainer, so you will have to use a separate piece to remove the ice and solid materials.
There are versions of the Boston shaker in which the smaller tin is substituted by a 16-ounce tempered glass. Most seasoned bartenders prefer this kind since they are able to see the ingredients they’re shaking. Another perk of this kind of shaker is that in the event that the glass breaks, it's very easy to replace.
Opt for a cobbler shaker if you’re just starting to mix your first cocktails, if you only use it at home or if you plan to make just a few cocktails at a time. They consist of three pieces: a tin, a built-in strainer, and a cover.
Unlike Boston shakers, there is no risk of spilling when it comes to separating the tins but the separation process can take some time. It's very common for the two tins to get stuck due to the temperature drop and you'll have to find your own techniques to separate them. Usually putting them under hot water does the job.
Lastly, keep in mind that the built-in strainer can be slower than a Hawthorne one but, hey! There’s no hurry; you’re at home!
If you’re more of a collector or an eccentric bartender, you will love a French shaker. They are perhaps the least popular kind nowadays but their aesthetic look is worth mentioning. These shakers consist of two pieces that when put together look as if it were one piece.
Like the Boston shaker, they have to be used with a Hawthorne strainer. We only recommend this type if you’re an experienced bartender in a slow place environment who wants to show off this beautiful shaker.
Choose a kit with extra strainers if you want to make perfectly smooth cocktails from recipes that contain complex ingredients like fruits or herbs. Except for the most basic kits that only include the strainer that is built into the Cobbler shaker, the majority of sets include a Hawthorne strainer.
If you’re looking to make fruity cocktails that may contain pulp, look for a kit that includes a mesh strainer. They are good to have in case some tiny piece of ice or some pulp doesn’t get filtered by the Hawthorne strainer.
To accomplish this mission in a classy way, you can use a julep strainer. Much like French shakers, these strainers are interesting and pretty but require expertise to use. They are, however, easier to clean than their mesh and Hawthorne counterparts.
It's said that back in the day they were used on top of glasses with icy drinks to prevent the ice from getting into the person’s face. This is just a fun fact but it explains its historic worth.
The most basic jiggers have the capacity for one ounce on one side and half an ounce on the other. However, some cocktails will require more specific amounts of liquor. Pick jiggers with marks so you will never mix your drink with the wrong proportions.
If you like to make complex and custom drinks choose a kit with different types of strainers, extra pourers, and a good muddler.
On the other hand, if you are more of an old-fashioned and margaritas kind of person, then you will be better off with a simpler kit. Otherwise, you would end up paying more for a lot of pieces that you will never use.
If your plan is simply to have your set at home for the occasional drink, you will want to choose a kit with a base that matches your home decoration or is nice to display.
However, if you’re a working bartender or if you’d like to carry your kit around, consider getting a bartender kit in a bag. That way you will be able to pack your tools perfectly and take them anywhere you like.
Some kits have nice little features such as extra pourers, lemon squeezers, corkscrews, cocktail cards, ice tongs, and bottle openers. Some even come with bottle stoppers to help keep your liquor fresh.
Find your favorite ones! There are also kits that come with instruction booklets or recipe cards to make delicious cocktails. They’re perfect for beginners and pros alike!
Now that you know all about bartender kits, you'll probably want to look at more items that you can use to keep making yummy drinks. Take a look at these other products to complete your bar at home!
Owning a bartender kit is a great way to impress your friends or to treat yourself to a good cocktail without the fuss of a night out.
Remember to always consider the type of shaker that will suit your needs better and to choose the tools you'll need to make your favorite drinks. Now that you're on your way to make a delicious cocktail, we hope we helped you find the best bar set!
Author: Anel Carmona
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