To start practicing advanced mixology, you will needTo start practicing advanced mixology, you will need equipment to ensure that you can you will need a variety of tools and equipment to ensure that you can create high-quality drinks with precision and consistency. The essential tools for advanced mixology include shakers, jiggers, strainers, mixing glasses, muddlers, bar spoons, fruit knives and cutting boards, bottle openers and corkscrews, ice buckets and tongs, pour spouts, and miscellaneous tools such as citrus peelers, channel knives, ice scoops, and juicers.
Introduction
Mixology is the art of creating cocktails and other mixed drinks. To start practicing advanced mixology, you will need a variety of tools and equipment to ensure that you can create high-quality drinks with precision and consistency. In this article, we will explore the essential tools you need to get started in advanced mixology.
### Shakers
Shakers are essential for mixing cocktails. There are several types of shakers available, including:
* Boston shaker: This type of shakeer consists of two parts – a metal tin and a glass or plastic tumbler. It is easy to use and allows for more control over the shaking process.
* Cobbler shaker: This shaker has three parts – a metal tin, a cap, and a built-in strainer. It is slightly more difficult to use than a Boston shaker but offers greater stability during shaking.
* French shaker: This shaker is similar to a Boston shaker but has a built-in strainer instead of a separate cap. It is easier to use than a Cobbler shaker but may not be as stable during shaking.
Jiggers
Jiggers are small measuring cups used to measure ingredients accurately. They come in various sizes, but the most common sizes are 1/2 ounce (15 ml) and 1 ounce (30 ml). Having at least two jiggers of different sizes is recommended for accurate measurement of ingredients.
Strainers
Strainers are used to separate solid ingredients from liquid ones when pouring a drink into a glass. There are two main types of strainers:
* Hawthorne strainer: This type of strainer has a spring around its edge that fits snugly against the opening of a shaker or mixing glass. It is ideal for straining cocktails made with fruit juices or other thick ingredients.
* Julep strainer: This type of strainer has a perforated disk that rests on top of a mixing glass or shaker. It is best suited for straining cocktails made with lighter ingredients such as spirits and liqueurs.
Mixing Glasses
Mixing glasses are tall, narrow glasses used for stirring cocktails. They come in various sizes, but the most common size is 16 ounces (475 ml). Having at least one mixing glass is essential for making stirred cocktails.
Muddlers
Muddlers are used to crush fruits, herbs, and other ingredients to release their flavors into a cocktail. They come in various shapes and sizes, but the most common type is a wooden muddler with a rounded end. Having at least one muddler is essential for making cocktails that require fresh ingredients.
Bar Spoons
Bar spoons are long, narrow spoons used for stirring cocktails and layering ingredients in a glass. They come in various lengths, but the most common length is 12 inches (30 cm). Having at least one bar spoon is essential for making stirred cocktails and layered drinks.
Fruit Knives and Cutting Boards
Fruit knives and cutting boards are used to prepare fresh fruits and other ingredients for cocktails. Having at least one sharp knife and a cutting board is essential for making cocktails that require fresh ingredients.
Bottle Openers and Corkscrews
Bottle openers and corkscrews are used to open bottles of beer, wine, and other alcoholic beverages. Having at least one bottle opener and one corkscrew is essential for serving drinks that require these tools.
Ice Buckets and Tongs
Ice buckets and tongs are used to store and transport ice. Having at least one ice bucket and a pair of tongs is essential for making cocktails that require ice.
Pour Spouts
Pour spouts are small devices that attach to the neck of a bottle to control the flow of liquid when pouring. They come in various sizes and shapes, but the most common type is a metal or plastic spout that fits snugly onto the neck of a bottle. Having at least one pour spout is essential for pouring drinks with precision.
Miscellaneous Tools
In addition to the above tools, there are several other miscellaneous tools that may be useful for advanced mixology. These include:
* Citrus peelers: Used to create twists of citrus peel for garnishing cocktails.
* Channel knives: Used to create intricate designs on fruits and other ingredients.
* Ice scoops: Used to scoop ice from an ice bucket into a glass or shaker.
* Juicers: Used to extract juice from fresh fruits such as lemons, limes, and oranges.