10 Bar Tool Essentials | Best Equipment for Home & Pros!

[@Inliner110]

A towel. The most massively useful thing an interstellar hitchhiker can have.

[@Carminielloz]

Not a tool ? lol

[@kallemaki-hokkonen4850]

@@Carminielloz Debatable. It's a tool to dry your hands.

[@kallemaki-hokkonen4850]

@@Carminielloz If not a tool, what is it then? LoL

[@Carminielloz]

In Italian a tool is more like a screwdriver or such. Maybe it’s different in English

[@kallemaki-hokkonen4850]

@@Carminielloz Unfortunately I don't speak enough Italian, but a tool is pretty broad term in English.

[@johnnythepillpopper1974]

You missed the shotgun behind the bar

[@whydidyouresign]

or just an axe handle!

[@adamhutchison19]

A Winchester

[@CabinetOfCuriosity]

@@adamhutchison19 Only if their are Zombies at the Pub

[@nooper007]

You need an mp5sd with subsonic ammo. Silent, effective and handy

[@angeluss28]

I have a corkscrew and I can use it pop eyes. LOL

[@marvymaxee]

For years, I didn’t have a mixing glass, thinking they weren’t necessary. But last year, I thrifted a beautiful crystal one, and now I don’t know how I lived without it! This is a great list! 👍🏻

[@eltopojager8419]

kzbin.infouZms-yDEH8s?feature=share

[@deniscurnow2453]

Watched this video about 2 years ago when I'd been making cocktails as a lockdown hobby, and now watching it again having worked as a bartender for a year and built up my own collection of favourite bar tools. Agree with everything on this list, and for the exact reasons you give! Love the channel and the pure joy you bring to bartending, keep it up :)

[@tomclausing1017]

I just started watching your videos and they are great. It's nice to see an expert on a given subject who doesn't act like he's doing all of us a favor by sharing his knowledge. Food and drink are professions that can get taken over by the "snobs," but you make it fun, and you make me want to try the various drinks you have demonstrated. Thank you.

[@sethandrew5327]

For an optional number 12, I’d add a bar mat. Before, I’d set up on paper towels (or plates) to avoid counter spills. But it is very helpful when setting up. It also helps if you have housemates who don’t clean the counters after they use them. Now I always have a clean work space.

[@SebQtaneus]

Anders, I learned something the other day that I think you’ll enjoy as I’ve noticed you use your Mexican citrus press (half round lemon juicer) the same way I and millions of others have always used it. We’ve been doing it wrong this whole time. Instead of cut side down, trim some of the small pointy end of the lemon off so that you can see the flesh of the fruit. Then put it in the press cut side up. Now the juice has a way to get out and you will not only get more juice, it will squeeze easier. I was amazed at how well this worked and couldn’t believe I’d been doing it cut side down for decades. Try it.

[@AndersErickson]

I'll give that a try! Thank you so much for the comment - cheers!

[@slkjohn]

Dude, awesome channel! You have a knack for explaining things super clearly, you're not fucking annoying and you're almost clairvoyant about anticipating questions from your viewers. Excellent video production values as well. My wife and I are fully addicted. So about a month ago I decided to add a "small" bar to our home theater game room, and that's when I found your channel. Your videos have proven to be an absolute masterclass for this home bar novice. I've got just about everything ready now, but the custom bar we're having built is still a few weeks away from shipping out. in the meantime, I'm perfecting my homemade syrups and honing my ice carving skills (crystal clear ice, thanks to you). Just wanted to say thanks, and keep up the awesome content! This channel is primed to explode...

[@AndersErickson]

Thank you so much! I'm happy you're finding the videos helpful, and love that you're building out your own bar! We'll keep the content coming as you create the perfect space. Again, thanks for the kind words - Cheers!

[@o6932]

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[@darma8030]

So Anders…As a brand spankin’ new home mixologist, I followed your tips, tricks and recipes. I wanted to be as smooth as you and got everything on this list. I practiced long enough to start liking Campari even. I dripped and spilled from the OXO jigger no matter what I did and opening my Boston shaker was a Laurel & Hardy cartoon. I finally caved and bought an OXO cobbler and the heavens opened! 😮 I swear I heard choirs of angels as my smaller hands mastered the beautiful new tin!! What I didn’t expect was how much I L O V E the integrated jigger! I cannot spill from that thing. I think it’s has something to do with the surface tension across the wider mouth like how a frisbee can hold a pint of beer. I also keep most of my pours less than 1.5 oz which makes this perfect! I was rubbish at barspoon spinning and I grabbed a chopstick to end the misery. I discovered a double ended weighted stirrer and now I’m spinning like a champ! The spout on my crystal mixing glass broke off so now I use the base of the cobbler. It’s minimal and won’t crack. I started out with your exact kit and now I have what suits me perfectly!! Anyway, I thank you for being such a great teacher as I had my training wheels on. I’m still teetering somewhat with my technique but I’m in class every week because it’s so darn fun!

[@hanbala9138]

Idk if anyone is gonna read this, but if you wanna go cheap, a chopstick intead of barspoon, the french press glass works perfect for mixing. A Tupperware for clear ice and a thermus for shaking. I know i might get bullied here because of this, but it works perfectly

[@moose1689]

Would be interesting to see how to master cocktails with alternative tools beside professional ones.

[@first2summit]

Nice idea about a French press but if you're using a french press for coffee and then use it later for cocktails, you need to make sure it's clean of all the coffee residue. (I barely clean my French press after use - just a rinse.) If you're buying a French press dedicated for it, it's going to cost about the same for a mixing glass and strainer. I've used a chopstick to mix as well but I also like the spoon, not so much for slow pouring liquors like Anders because I'm not fancy, but for getting cocktail cherries out of the jar. I know you can use a spoon but that's another thing I gotta clean. No real criticism as these are legitimately good substitutes but I like going the extra step of having the equipment as part of the ritual of making the drink.

[@indigokiller]

I've used a thermos on many an occasion!

[@westarrr]

Amen. Cocktails is an expensive as fuck hobby and it's perfectly reasonable people want to get into it but don't live on a suburban budget.

[@bluwasabi7635]

That's genius!

[@Defx10]

Oxo makes great bartending tools. Been using them for many years and they've never let me down.

[@thelightgrenade1884]

Pretty proud of myself having had almost all the EXACT items u did then again I did get pretty much all my stuff off cocktail kingdom, couldn’t recommend them enough, everything I have is INCREDIBLY sturdy, well built, and effective

[@daledavis3478]

You have got to be one of the funniest people I have never met. I didn't even drink before watching your videos. Now I have a cocktail with dinner... And lunch, snack, breakfast, second breakfast and whenever I feel stressed. Thanks, bud. ❤ Lol!

[@davidjones2102]

Turning 21 this year (can't wait). Been starting to watch this channel cause I'd like to get really good at cocktails. This video is great for a beginner like me so thanks!

[@alexc535]

Cheers bro just turned 21 went all in with the bartending. Good times. Drink responsibly

[@XscarpettaX]

hands down the best video on bar essentials. it should be a training video.

[@cassanthemum]

Thank you so much. I'm trying to learn as much as possible to become a bartender. I'm 60 years old and finally doing what makes me happy.

[@corytoews5222]

Totally agree with this list. #11 for me would be one of those rubber drink mats. My wife got me one for nights where we have friends over and I'm making more than just 1-2 drinks, and it is a game changer for limiting the sticky situation on my bar. Also, bitters stain a lot of countertops real fast (even our quartz!) I have the same Oxo jigger. I love it for all the reasons Anders outlined, but my one complaint is there is no 2 oz measure. Considering how many drinks use 2 oz of the base spirit, this becomes a legitimate annoyance after a while.

[@dacerussell]

Hey Cory, what mat do you prefer??

[@kaiser553]

Oxo makes a noice 1/4 measuring cup that is marked on the inside with almost everything from 1/4 oz to 2 oz. It's all on one side so you never have to worry about drips, and it has a lil pour spout!

[@chandaharkins4418]

Great point about staining the counter!

[@HGNMyles82]

This is exactly what I needed and it's presented in a way that's fun and easy to understand. I have to go back and watch all of your vids now. Thank you for putting this out.

[@lonefather]

Thank you Anders for this enlightening video. I'm doing DIY home bartending as an amateur and this video gets me elevated from entry level to elementary.

[@TheGuitarlad84]

I found this entire video very helpful and enjoyable to watch, especially as I had just bought the double jigger right before watching this!

[@davidallen4174]

Thanks, just completed stocking my home bar with tools. It's a "Murfey" bar, stealth in nature, but usable when needed. I really appreciate your help. I think I have, at least, all the bar tools on your list. My first order contained an order of 2 dozen bar towels as I think they will be the most used of all on your list. Now I'm after the perfect stirring spoon, ha, bar tools could become an obsession, kinda like hats, always something new to try.

[@AndersErickson]

I love it! Searching for the perfect tools can be a slippery slope, but the pay-off is wonderful. So glad you ordered some good bar towels - a solid start! Good luck with the spoon and everything else you seek, David!

[@hammer326]

This video ruled, getting into mixology as we build a home bar whenever the hell it warms up here in NY and got the barillio "elite" set with the cobbler shaker. This gave me a great idea of everything I still need in plain, entertaining english while still not being the drag many videos this long are. A+!

[@AndersErickson]

Thank you so much! I'm glad you found the video helpful, and wish you the best of luck in building out your bar!

[@gregmarquez1099]

I have created my bar kit too and I added a wooden mallet and Lewis ice bag and a Y peeler. Thanks for the video

[@jenifferboy5385]

The video was lovely thank for helping me out, I'm a beginner as a bar atendent and now I am more comfortable with the tools in a bar.

[@ejpierle]

I suppose how much you need this tool will depend on what kind of bar you are in, but I've had a speed bottle opener in my back pocket 5 nights a week going on 20 years. About a decade ago, I replaced it with a v-rod/dog bone style, which is far superior with the ability to pry pourers out of empty bottles with ease. I also keep a 9oz, Libbey Gibraltar (duratuff) glass on my rail next to my tins. I use it for quick shaking when I don't need the volume of a pint glass. One good tap and it seals so well I can throw it any distance without worry. A quick rap on the side of the tin with the butt of my palm and it releases with no noise. I dislike the click sound that tin on tin makes when you crack it. I guess everyone's tools will differ a bit depending on the work they do. I like your list, and use them all daily, but I need a few more things to make a shift go just right. Cheers!

[@AndersErickson]

This is great - love hearing other's techniques! Thanks for the comment, Ehren. Cheers!

[@happytobehere-o4j]

Anders you are incredibly charismatic, your channel is gonna blow up!!!

[@erniearambula3525]

I found your suggestions very useful I'm often asked to make drinks when our group of friends vacation together so I decided to put to get a little more like an actual bar tending with my drinks and your suggestions are a great help for a beginner such as myself.

[@elevenjordan4042]

Legend has it that one fruit fly still haunts his dreams. Leaving him hearing buzzing sounds throughout the day 😳

[@AndersErickson]

You win for quote of the day! 😂(it's true btw)

[@marcondespaulo]

Nice video, as always. Knife nerd here, so the temperature in the dishwasher is not enough to affect the heat treatment (hardness) of the steel blade. However, despite most blades today being stainless, they are still susceptible to abrasion and oxidation due to the various chemicals in the dishwasher soap. Also, the time a knife stays in the dishwasher worries me. Some knives will begin to rust, even stainless ones. There are different grades of stainless. Better wash by hand and dry immediately. I'm not dissing on stainless knives. The Bar is always wet and has several acidic fruits that would destroy carbon steel blades. Keep'em sharp!

[@naolocked]

This was super helpful and fun to watch!!There’re so many videos explaining how to use those tools out there but nobody explains these basic stuff. I was like “how many strainers are there and what’s the difference?! Why there’re two types of shakers and which should I get??” Thank you so much man, this was on the point and really easy to understand!✨

[@libbyd1001]

Regarding the hand citrus juicer: I’ve found that putting the lemon or lime half into it “backwards” (the opposite of how it looks like it should be), will achieve much more juice extraction as it literally turns the citrus half inside-out by the time you are done squeezing. One thing to note, however, is that this method will create a little collection of the zest oils to accumulate in the dimple that forms on the zest side when you are done. If you want that extra flavor, just tip the juicer and it will fall into the glass. But this oil can also be very bitter, so if you don’t want it, be sure NOT to tip the juicer when you are done squeezing. Cheers!

[@diego2112gaming]

I juice that way, then flip it the other way 'round, and juice it again for maximum extraction. What's more, I juice the lemons/limes I've zested for my oleo saccharum that I use for making my lime syurps, giving it an extra intense lime flavor you just don't find in the storebought stuff.

[@limegreenmamba5218]

That is how they're supposed to be used, cut side down.

[@obeth9425]

😂🤣 Cheers to you, but that’s how it’s supposed to be. If you notice, that exposes the cut side to the holes in the juicer for the juice to flow out lol. ✌🏾

[@joedoreck7223]

ik this is an old video but anders just hit 80k and just made a 50/60k video. dude is on the rise

[@brayansuarez4877]

I can’t describe how useful this videos is. Somehow I manage myself to get a bartender job without previous experience. I always fantasized about being a bartender someday and this might be my chance. Ur video helped me a lot on getting at least some basic stuff. U are charismatic, and really good at explaining things on an ez way. Thx very much I’m gonna keep looking at ur videos

[@chudabahadurkhadka1651]

Very good video 🎉🎉😢😮😅😊

[@veronicadeluca6352]

Very useful!!!!!Thanks!!! I'm from Argentina and I use your videos to teach my students the bar tools and accesories.

[@Brownsanta90]

Thank you so much for this video! I'm a junior bartender and I aspire to be like you someday

[@ronamoody1654]

My wife bought me a bar set for my birthday, based on your recommendations. Thank you!

[@AndersErickson]

That’s wonderful! What a great gift. I hope you get good use out of all the tools. Happy mixing, Rona! 🥃

[@ronamoody1654]

@@AndersErickson My husband posted this using my account by mistake - I shall pass on your wishes of happy mixing to him! (He's already started...)

[@AndersErickson]

Haha. Thank you! I’m so happy he’s gotten started. Well done on your gift giving!

[@keithpp1]

Excellent advice on tools of the trade and how to use them.

[@kelixjoe]

Thank you for this guide! These bar essentials tools are spot on and really helpful for anyone looking to step up their home bartending. Last year I purchased a cocktail shaker from Mumm Products and it's really good.

[@AngelKim.97]

Thank you!!! You did really goood at explaining. And you’re really funny and it’s more entertaining to watch and not bland.

[@Helliconia54]

i am slowly building my "bar".I have a few very basic tools. Worked,so far, however i'm not impressed with them. I found your video perfect for helping my choose the right tools. thank you.

[@BIGatorEJ]

Anders is an incredible Human Being! Thank you!!!

[@ibirix]

For the super bonus item in slot twelve I nominate the rubber bar mat. Easy to wash, keeps your glassware in place and makes you look like know what you're doing. Cheers!

[@AndersErickson]

Excellent call! I’m a big fan of your super bonus item in slot twelve. Thank you so sharing!

[@fountainphotography8978]

Great presentation! As a novice, it really helped clarify what the essential tools are.

[@CrusinVK]

would love to see a Part 2 on this video, and see what items you might add / replace on this list after several years.

[@alexandermeyer71]

I've seen that jigger finger on the edge of the glass technique in action! Lighting fast!

[@Strands7]

Excellent video and super helpful information! I purchased everything you recommended for my husband.

[@David-hm9ic]

Great channel! The OXO jigger wins, hands down, for me. I like the crisp edge on a jigger because it pours cleanly, without the drips that follow the rolled edge of many styles.

[@thegreats1789]

I loveeeeee this. You are so awesome and funny. I added so much stuff to my amazon list from watching this video.

[@AndersErickson]

Thank you! That’s so nice to hear. Cheers!

[@angelesantana9413]

Hi Anders! I love watching your bartending/mixology videos. They are always informative, practical, concise and very fun. I'm a home bartender/part time bartender & I've learned so much by watching your videos. I'm subscribed to your KZbin channel. Great list of essential bar tools! ¡Bravo amigo! I have a pro bartending kit that I bought on Amazon last year. The kit comes with a great carrying case. I love it, and I have also bought a few extra tools which I love. The OXO brand Hawthorne Strainer and ergonomic Jigger with the exact measurements clear marked are awesome! I would also include a bar mat as an honorable mention in your list. I have one and it does help. God bless you and your family, brother. Keep up the great work. Cheers! ¡Salud!🥂

[@mayracavalheiro7196]

Heyyyy I'm brazilian bartender! Studying english. Thank you 4 tips !!!! youre nice guy!

[@AndersErickson]

Thank you so much! Welcome to the channel!

[@teddyrva2779]

Nice. I just came across your channel. From a 20+ year veteran behind the bar, I agree with all your picks and advice. We even have the same taste in brands/styles on most items.

[@jonathanwilliams1974]

My man...your channel + Amazon Prime is a dangerous combination brother!!! But my bar is coming along great!!!

[@franklackey9110]

I just love your videos. Fun, entertaining, and learn something. Please keep them coming.

[@cranejayromano]

Thank you for making this informative video. It is useful, entertaining, and to the point. 😃

[@Kroom-Ex]

I really love this video. It has helped me a lot.

[@heatherbell5306]

You have done for me with cocktails what Jamie Oliver did for me with cooking! Knowledge + fun = YUM!! Thank you, Anders (and Az)!

[@sachinronakbisht]

Thank you so much for making this video your is really very helpful for me 🙏

[@manowarkill67]

At least three bar rags: wash, taps, and register. Your tips are amazing

[@watchmewatch9]

OMG...love the outtakes!

[@knight024]

Subscribed! I'm literally binge watching all of your videos now, and I'm surprised you don't have a segment on food network.

[@AndersErickson]

Put in a good word for me 😉

[@itsacopy]

I've been watching your videos for more than a year, and started testing some recipes 2 or 3 months ago (before I was only the "caipirinha guy"). Right now the only thing missing is the Mixing Glass (I'm using a big beer mug for now), and man, all those things are super useful! Thanks for the tips!

[@fatbeard8072]

Thank you for this, this is very helpful. Now I can start my bar at home.

[@IndigoWall]

Great stuff. You killin’ me w yr outtakes. 🤣

[@user-en9fs2mh9y]

Great video! the notes on the tools were very helpful. Even the cut scenes at the end. LOL

[@gustavorios3714]

Ron del Barrilito for sure! I am biased being from puerto rico but definitely great for sipping and for cocktails. A must buy/visit to the distillery if you visit PR.

[@loganmasters3507]

I maintain that, especially in a fast-paced bar environment, a jigger is just an extra thing to wash and keep up with when I can just as accurately free pour given some experience. However, it is great to have on hand for those annoying bottles that don’t fit a pour spout. Great video though, thanks!

[@haymendrennarendren6519]

My spoon has the spoon on one end and the "plate thing" on the other hand. Saves me so much time for layering

[@rachelschell6064]

Thanks a bunch for taking the time to include links! Much appreciated.

[@seanpatterson186]

Just bought a beautiful mixing glass it's a lifesaver

[@mikecdek]

Wow, I learned so much from this video!!! 5/5! 10/10! Whatever your rating scale this is a grand slam!!

[@AndersErickson]

Thank you so much! Haven't created a rating scale, but you're our first judge 😂

[@mikecdek]

@@AndersErickson Can't wait for your Brooklyn and Ohio videos ;)

[@hellopaulyen]

Just sent a friend links to a majority of your recommendations so you can get paid!!! Love your guys' videos! Keep it up!!!

[@sipdirect]

Wonderful compilation!

[@joao_de_berro]

The whole video was perfect, but the spoon jokes at the end... The cherry of the pie hahahah

[@PyrrhusBrin]

I switched my cobbler shaker to one by elevated craft for dry shaking, only because I love sours and use egg white a lot and dry shaking can get messy. I am going to get a Boston shaker because the elevated one requires more cleaning.

[@TokyoBlue587]

Thanks for helping me set up a nice home bar! I’m excited to learn to make some good drinks!

[@AndersErickson]

Happy mixing!

[@Ma-pz5kl]

8.45....unsharp knife will never cut you. this is legend

[@steveh4114]

Good tips ! ... I'm going to upgrade my jigger. Still not to the glass mixing and Julip strainer but getting there. Probably more stirring ice that the drink (less watered down ?). I prefer to chill my drinks by rapidly stirring, than shaking. I just like it and think shaking is more for show.

[@gabrieldepallens9914]

I’m happy to discover I have the basics. Great video!

[@Colin_The_Shots]

Wes ANDERS-on vibes with that thumbnail photo lol, great video as always!

[@Suzanne.C]

this is a master piece on tools' demonstration!

[@manduzera]

Very good video! I'm here to learn the name of these tools in English 😍

[@CheerfulPessimist686]

Mind sharing the names of the tools in other languages? :-)

[@PaganVegas]

Anders; it's so much fun to see these earlier videos and see how your presentation and editing styles have grown. Like all your vids, this was both delightful and exceedingly useful. But mostly, I watch because I love your enthusiasm and humor. I think I'd watch pretty much anything you decided to talk about.

[@englishwithaltini]

2 minutes in and I’m already learning a lot! Thank you!! 🙏🏾

[@andyamiri6690]

Excellent list .. don’t forget the bar mat! You had it right there. 😊

[@SuperMcgenius]

I think you gave good advice. Bar tender pulled out into action after 30 years, age 61 👍🍸🍸🍸

[@ReneeSellsLaLiving]

Great information. Thanks for sharing. I like how you did comparisons and demonstrations

[@lisandromessinger]

Agreed 100% on the top items order. Great tip pouring in the large tin, and use the smaller to measure the amount of ice. It's simple but it may be a problem if you don't have it in mind. Cheers from Argentina

[@LifeisGoodtyGod]

Well made and informative, thank you!

[@alexhammify]

Thanks for doing these videos!

[@alexvaughan5269]

cork screw - thin spiral, teflon coated - makes a massive difference.

[@Thekidfromcalifornia2.0]

As a seasoned barista a bar towel on my top ten too

[@michaeljsessa8162]

I have everything but the strainer and thanks for the great video's i learn a ton

[@sunitasopra]

Amazingly Explained

[@MatheusPereira-lh7qb]

I'm from Brazil. Thanks for the video.

[@matthewrinehart2367]

I like the Ah-So wine opener. It's also useful to replace the corks.

[@bwmartin24]

I've watched a bunch of beginner bartender vids and read a few books and let me just say you do a great job of explaining everything super succinctly and clearly. And so many great gems sprinkled throughout! Didn't know the twist trick for the Boston shaker, cone shaped strainer, small groove spoon, difference in closed vs. open straining, mixing glass etc.

[@AndersErickson]

Thanks, Ben! Cheers to you!

[@MrSuperbaseball7]

Great list! I do think a couple honorable mentions could be a bar mat (as I've seen on many comments) as well as a fruit peeler (something I think is criminally underrated)

[@RanaDas-we1mi]

Thank you sir you video is very helpful for new and bigner bartenders like me

[@matthewsplawn2684]

Anders, thank you so much for these videos! They have been so helpful to me just starting out with my home bar. I am ordering a new jigger with measurement lines right now and looking at mixing glasses.

[@erikforsell6605]

It's actually not the heat that ruins the edge on knives in dishwashers; it's the detergent. Machine detergent is slightly etching (which is also why aluminium discolors in the washer). Since a good knife edge is absolutely microscopic, the etching removes a lot of the edge over time.