Cocktails - Videos

How to stock your home bar with the right tools

Allen Katz, Host, 'The Cocktail Hour', Martha Stewart Living Radio

1. Two items, the tall mixing glass and the metal shaker, comprise what is known as the classic Boston shaker. You can stir or shake any cocktail. And when you are shaking, make sure the metal part faces you so that if there's an accident, you get wet, not the person you are making it for.

2. The next classic recipe tool is the jigger. They come in different sizes, from quarter ounce to two ounces, and they can be found in restaurant supply stores, specialty food stores, and bar stores.

5. A citrus squeezer. They make different sizes for lemons and limes, and they allow you to squeeze fresh juice directly into the cocktail.

3. Once you have shaken or stirred a cocktail, you will need a strainer. A strainer will fit comfortably into the mixing glass to help you strain into your cocktail glass

4. Another tool you should have is a vegetable peeler or citrus peeler that costs about a dollar and give you a great tool for citrus garnish.

6. Next, you need a bar spoon, which can be used to measure or stir.

7. Although not as commonly used, a muddler or muddling stick is a great tool. A muddler is used to mash up fruit or mint right in the glass.