There is a wide
variety of cocktail making equipment on the market.
Some equipment is very useful, some can be nice to
own, but some can be a complete waist of time and
money. It is up to the mixer to decide what
equipment is essential, and what is a luxury.
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The Cocktail Shaker
The cocktail shaker is one
of the most important items
needed in the preparation of
cocktails.
There are two basic types of
shakers available.
The most common of
these is the European
cocktail shaker.
Usually made out of
metal, or a glass mixer with a metal
top and lid. A cocktail
shaker is a
container that holds your
preferred ingredients, a
top which closes tightly
around the upper edges of
the container, usually
fitted with a built-in
strainer, through which the
shaken cocktail can be
poured, and a smaller cap to
seal.
The American shaker
is slightly different, two cones about
the same size, one is often
often made of glass, and the
other is of steel. This is
often known as a 'Boston
Shaker'. These
cones are held together to
form a tight seal, and
the shaken cocktail is
poured from either. Most
Boston shakers do not have
built-in strainers, a separate strainer
is a recommended. |
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Measures (Jiggers)
Measures, sometimes known as
Jiggers, are also a very
important part of the
mixologist's kit.
Measurers are most often made
of metal, but glass measures
are also widely available.
It's important to understand
the amount of ingredients
used in cocktails in order
to make a well balanced
cocktail. Using a jigger to
measure the ingredients
helps prevent over pouring.
Most jiggers allow you to
measure by 1 1/2 oz on one
end and 3/4 oz on the other
end. (1 oz - 2 tbsp).
In the United States, most
cocktail liquid ingredients
are measured by ounces (oz). |
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Basic
Measurements:
1 dash = 4 to 5 drops
1 teaspoon = 1/8 oz
3 teaspoons = 1
tablespoon
1 tablespoon = 1/2 oz
1 pony = 1 oz
1 jigger = 1 1/2 oz
1 cup = 8 oz
1/2 fresh lime = 1/2
oz
1/2 fresh lemon = 1/2
to 3/4 oz
Teaspoon (tsp): One
teaspoon of liquid amounts about 1/5 oz.
Some bars use bar spoon instead of
teaspoon, but the reasons of usage is
about the same.
1 tsp = 1/16 oz or
1/3 tablespoon (tbsp)
Tablespoon (tbsp): 1
tbsp = 1/2 oz or 3 tsp
Cup: One cup
amounts as much as 8 ounces. When
serving more than 2 person, cup becomes
handy.
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Other Items
You will quickly find that
an ice bucket, jugs,
electric blender, bowls,
etc. will be nice to have.
You should also have access
to ordinary kitchenware,
such as knives, corkscrews,
a chopping board, etc. And
you will also need stirrers, also known swizzle sticks,
straws, toothpicks,
serviettes and cloths.
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