10 Best Bartending Kits In 2023: Reviews & Buying Guide
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Bartenders need tools to make their cocktails right every time. The most basic tools that a bartender kit should have are a cocktail shaker , jigger , strainer, muddler, lemon squeezer, and a bar spoon. These essential tools usually come in a set when you purchase them.
While bartending kits on the market are usually equipped with all the necessary equipment to craft cocktails, some are a cut above the rest. Here are the best bartending kits available today.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall - Esmula Bartending Kit• 11 pieces bar tools | |
Best Gift - Barillio Cocktail Shaker Bartending Kit• Six pieces bar tools | |
Most Stylish - Koviti Bartending Kit• 12 pieces bar tools |
1. Esmula Bartending Kit - Best Overall
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What Customers Have To Say
A customer commented that this cocktail mixer kit is made of high-quality material. It also came in organized and wrapped in a small black box, making it presentable for a lovely gift. She bought it for a friend, and she loved it. According to her, she would recommend this product with her “eyes closed.”
Another customer purchased this bartending kit to learn some mixing with her friends. One of her buddies who had more bartending experience said that the bar tools’ quality is excellent. They like the super solid feel of the shaker since it looks like it will last a long time.
Why We Think It’s Great
The Esmula bartending kit is loaded with the essential tools needed to get you started crafting the best cocktails. The set features an 8 oz. cocktail shaker, 15/30ml double jigger, strainer, ice tongs, muddler, spoon, wine opener, and four liquor pourers. Moreover, all the bar tools are made from a stainless steel alloy that prevents rust and enables easy cleaning.
Who Should Buy It
This bartending kit is ideal for those who like an extra accessory intended not only for cocktails but also for wine.
2. Royale Mix Bartending Kit - Most Durable
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What Customers Have To Say
A customer commented that she loves this bartender kit. It is a great addition to complete her home bar and for entertaining guests. Moreover, the bar tools are made of quality materials that are sturdy, shiny, and long-lasting.
Another Amazon buyer said she is new to cocktails, but she liked this bartending kit’s aesthetics. She only used the shaker once for a whiskey sour, but she had no issues with it. While she didn’t try the other tools yet, they all seem sturdy and nice-looking.
Why We Think It’s Great
The Royale Mix bartending kit features 11 tools that are made of rust-proof stainless steel. The set includes a muddler, shaker, jiggers, strainer, bar mix spoon, tongs, bottle opener, and pourers. Plus, they are housed in a rustic-style wooden stand that keeps everything in place. The overall look matches any kitchen or home bar style.
Who Should Buy It
Excellent for beginners and professional bartenders, this bartending kit will make your life easier when crafting cocktails and other beverages.
3. Barfly Deluxe Bartending Kit
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What Customers Have To Say
A customer commented that she ordered this bartending kit because he wanted to explore the world of cocktails and wanted to entertain guests whenever they come over. He said that the set has most of what he needs to make all kinds of cocktails. Moreover, he added that the tools are all made of excellent quality.
Meanwhile, another customer said that he used it almost every day to make cocktails. According to him, the measurements are perfect and easy to read, which is better than his old three-piece shaker set.
Why We Think It’s Great
Get the most out of this deal with most of the tools you need as you tend behind the bar. It is available in 5 different finishes - antique copper, copper, gold, stainless steel, and gunmetal black.
This set also features a Boston shaker, Japanese jigger , two strainers, Precision Plus tongs, 2 bar spoons, aluminum citrus squeezer , Japanese ice pick, corkscrew, muddler, 4 bar knives, fruit peeler, lemon peeler, and lemon zester. Plus, high-quality composite plastic is used to construct the muddler and handles of the knives and zester.
Who Should Buy It
If you are eyeing a bartending kit loaded with tools essential to make the best cocktails, this one is a great choice.
4. 34andMore Bartending Kit - Best Price
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What Customers Have To Say
A customer commented that she just bought this bartending kit and started using it already. She said that it is sturdy and clean-looking. Plus, all the necessary tools she needed are already found on the set. She furthered that she recommends this bartending kit to anyone who was just starting in this field.
Also, another Amazon buyer said that she ordered this bartending kit for the new bar they were designing. According to her, the look of the tools matches well with the design of her place. She particularly likes the ice bucket because of its durability.
Why We Think It’s Great
The 34&More bartending kit includes a 3-pc cobbler shaker, a 3.5-qt ice bucket & tongs, a bottle opener, a wine bottle cork remover, a double jigger, four stoppers, four pourers, muddler , bar spoon, and Hawthorne strainer. Plus, you get to have access to 1000 cocktail recipe ebooks.
Who Should Buy It
Give this bartending kit a shot if you want complete tools plus a thousand cocktail recipes to make at home!
5. FineDine Premium Bartending Kit
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What Customers Have To Say
A customer commented that this best bartending kit is a great product that is worth her money. She said that all the tools seem to have excellent quality, even if the pourers are made from plastic. While everything is perfect, she wished that the set came with a mixing glass too. But aside from that, she felt super awesome using the tools to craft her drinks.
Meanwhile, another customer said she wasn't expecting much for the bartending kit’s price point, but she was pleasantly surprised. She furthered that the tools are made of high-quality and food-grade stainless steel, making them durable.
Why We Think It’s Great
Why complicate things when you can achieve what you want with just the essential tools?
This bartending kit features a Boston shaker, a double jigger of 1 and 2 oz., a muddler, a beer and soda opener, six bottle pourers , a bar spoon, two shot glasses, Hawthorne cocktail strainer, and a printed cocktail recipe booklet. All the tools are made of 304 stainless steel with a brushed matte finish for fewer smudges and scratches.
Who Should Buy It
This bartending kit is suited for those who don't want to spend much for a set but still want the complete equipment for their home bar.
6. NAUzone Professional Bartending Kit - Best Value
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What Customers Have To Say
A customer commented that he was “pleasantly surprised” at the quality of this bartending kit. He said that it is a professional grade and does precisely what it is supposed to do. He furthered that the strainer is one reason he picked this set since the screen is fine enough to remove unwanted food debris.
Moreover, another Amazon buyer said that the bartending kit came exactly as advertised in a sleek cylinder with everything a basic bartender needs. All the pieces are made with quality, high-grade materials. He said that even after shaking the drink, his hands don’t get cold, and nothing expands enough to make it difficult to separate. He added that the muffler has a good weight and grinding surface.
Why We Think It’s Great
With a 4.8-star rating under its belt, this kit will surely do wonders in your home or professional bar. It also comes with sleek packaging that looks great as a gift idea. The set comes with a 28-oz Boston shaker, jigger, Hawthorne and fine mesh strainers, bar spoon, muddler, bottle opener, tongs, and liquid pourers. These tools are made of high-quality 304 stainless steel that ensures their durability.
Who Should Buy It
This best bartending kit is suitable for those who like to give the set as a present for an amateur bartender.
7. Barillio Cocktail Shaker Bartending Kit - Best Gift
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What Customers Have To Say
A customer commented that this bartending kit is the perfect purchase. He said that the set came with everything he needed to make the perfect cocktail. He also likes that the tools have a very sleek design and bonus cocktail recipe book.
On the other hand, another Amazon buyer said she received the item exactly as pictured and described. She particularly likes the velvet carrying pouch that can hold all the tools together.
Why We Think It’s Great
The Barillio bartending kit features a 24 ounce SST Cobbler shaker, mojito muddler, mixing spoon, double-jigger, and two liquor pourers. The set also comes with a velvet bag for storage and a pocket booklet that contains delicious cocktail recipes.
Moreover, the stainless steel material features a high-grade inner that does not leach any harmful chemicals into your drink. The tools are also made with high-quality and durable stainless steel material.
Who Should Buy It
If safety is your primary concern, this bartending kit is the best you got as no dangerous chemicals are used to craft the tools.
8. Cresimo Cocktail Shaker Bartending Kit - Most Lightweight
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What Customers Have To Say
A customer commented that this bartending kit works like a charm and doesn't leak. He furthered that the build of the tools is sturdy and not flimsy at all. Moreover, while the stirring spoon is relatively thin, it still doesn’t bend even after pressure. Moreover, the main chamber and jigger have a nice thickness to them without being too bulky.
Why We Think It’s Great
The Cresimo bartending kit is a complete set that includes a professional cocktail shaker with 24 oz. capacity, a double size 1.0/0.5 oz. jigger, and a twisted bar spoon. Moreover, the tools are made of high-quality stainless steel that is durable and won’t leak easily.
Who Should Buy It
If you only need a cocktail shaker to start your bartending journey, this set can provide you with that plus a jigger and a bar spoon, too!
9. Koviti Bartending Kit - Most Stylish
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What Customers Have To Say
A customer commented that this is the most elegant and well-made shaker set he ever used. According to him, it has everything needed to mix your favorite drink and has a quality professional feel to it. He furthered that the black finish is super classy and looks well at his bar or sink. Plus, they seal nice and tight with no spilling.
Moreover, another Amazon buyer said that this bartending kit is necessary for every bartender or even casual drinker. She said that a wide range of drinks could be made with merely the tools included with this kit. She also likes the handy guide that illustrates exactly how to create some of these delicious concoctions.
Why We Think It’s Great
The Koviti bartending kit is so charming and gorgeous that every kitchen would want to have this. The set features 8 and 28 oz. shakers, mesh conical, julep, Hawthorne strainer, measuring jigger, cocktail muddler, mixing spoon, ice tong, two liquor pourers, and recipes booklet. The tools are made from food-grade 304 stainless steel that does not easily bend, warp, break, and leak.
Who Should Buy It
If the style is essential to you, you would love to equip your kitchen or home bar with this elegant-looking bartending kit.
10. Sip Culture Bartending Kit - Best for Outdoors
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What Customers Have To Say
A customer commented that she was a long-time food nerd who recently expanded into spirits. When she first started making cocktails, she was using a sub-par shaker and was missing a lot of essential tools like a muddler, hawthorn strainer, bar spoon, etc.
This bartending kit is a game-changer and a must-have for anyone “dipping their toe” in the world of mixology. She furthered that the components are sturdy, functional, and very easy to use.
Why We Think It’s Great
The Sip and Culture bartending kit feature an 18 oz. and 28 oz weighted Boston shaker tins, Hawthorne strainer with welded high-density spring, conical fine mesh strainer, 12-inch spiral bar spoon, tongs, Japanese double jigger (with marked measurements for 1/2 oz., 3/4 oz., 1 oz., 1 1/2 oz., and 2 oz.), muddler, four pourers with caps, and two bottle stoppers. Aside from these, the set also includes an illustrated book of 30 delicious cocktail recipes and a velvety soft reusable bag to house the tools.
Who Should Buy It
This bartending kit is the perfect set to purchase for those who like a complete number of tools in their bar area.
Best Bartending Kit Buying Guide
The right tools can make or break you, whether as a professional or a home bartender . As it is, the price does not always guarantee the quality, nor the number of tools in the kit tell you it is better than the others. So, here some factors to consider to choose the kit that works best for your needs .
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Material
Most bartending kits and tools are made of stainless steel. The main reason for this is that this material is durable enough to withstand bumps and dents. It is also noted to stand the acidity from the ingredients. While stainless steel is a mainstay material, not all brands make use of high-quality versions.
Therefore, it is essential to note that the bartending kit to purchase is made of durable and food-grade stainless steel. This way, the tools will be durable enough to last a long time.
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Essential Tools
Choosing the best bartending kit means that you should make sure it has the essential tools you will need to craft your cocktails. A professional bartender may need more, but you won’t need much if you are just starting. Just make sure that you have the following equipment in the kit: cocktail shaker, jigger, bar spoon, Hawthorne strainer, and muddler.
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Ease of Use
Bartending is not an easy profession. Whether you are just making your concoctions or practicing your skills, it is vital to use comfortable tools. You do not want to work with something that is either too heavy or too lightweight. Before purchasing a bartending kit, make sure to read reviews to know whether the tools have a nice feel and touch.
Bartending Kit FAQ
1. What is in a bartending kit?
A bartending kit contains the essential tools a bartender needs to start crafting cocktails. The equipment varies depending on the brand, but these are the most common inclusions you will find:
- Cocktail shaker
- Bar spoon (twisted)
- Jiggers
- Hawthorne strainer
- Muddler
2. How can I practice bartending at home?
Learning bartending at home is challenging, considering that you don’t have one-on-one coaching with a professional bartender. But with the advancement of technology, you can learn the basics and master some tricks.
The first thing you need to do is to equip your home bar with the essential tools. Next, look for the ingredients required in the cocktail you will be crafting. Once your bar tools and ingredients are ready, open any video tutorial you can find online. Follow the steps accordingly and familiarize the procedure. Another option is enrolling in online bartending schools .
3. Is bartending hard to learn?
Most people think that bartending is a profession that doesn’t require much effort, but this is not the case. Knowing how to mix cocktails and putting a performance behind the bar takes months and even years to master. But just like any other profession, the hard work will pay off in the long run.
4. How do bartenders know how much to pour?
There are several ways that bartenders use to pour the correct liquid measurement. One of the primary and most trusted methods is the use of a jigger. This is a tool that usually measures 0.5 to 2 oz.
Another way bartenders use is the free pouring technique wherein the liquor is directly poured into the cocktail glass or shaker by using a counting system. Mastering this skill requires time. But if you want to try it out yourself, you can count from one to four while pouring. The four-count equals half an ounce poured.
5. What are the basic drinks a bartender should know?
Cocktails are constantly evolving, and each one of them is a spin-off of the classic concoctions known to man. So if you are just starting, here are the drinks you can try making:
- Cosmopolitan
- Bloody Mary
- Aperol Spritz
- Daiquiri
- Dirty Martini
- Long Island Iced Tea
- Mai Tai
- Manhattan
- Margarita
- Mojito
Conclusion
The best bartending kit contains essential tools and is made of high-quality and durable materials. While they may not be as comprehensive as the equipment used by professional mixologists, their functionality is equally important.
For this roundup post, the first place goes to Esmula Bartending Kit because of its durable and beautiful-looking tools. Meanwhile, the second and third place goes to Barillio Cocktail Shaker Bartending Kit and Koviti Bartending Kit for their lightweight yet sturdy tools.
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