Bar Accessories

A cocktail shaker, a jigger with 25 ml and 50 ml measures, a strainer, a long bar spoon and an ice bucket with tongs cover most classic drinks. A muddler and citrus press come next. Buy fewer, better-made tools in stainless steel or a plated finish that will not rust, as they will be washed after every use.

A cobbler shaker has a built-in strainer and cap, which makes it the easier choice for beginners. A Boston shaker, a metal tin paired with a glass or smaller tin, seals better and chills drinks faster, but needs a separate strainer and a little practice to separate. Many home bartenders start with a cobbler and move to a Boston.

Put two or three spirits you actually drink, a few glasses and a shaker on the top tier, and spare bottles, mixers and an ice bucket below. Add one decorative touch, such as a small lamp, a plant or a tray, so it looks styled rather than simply stocked. Keep it away from radiators and direct sun, which spoil spirits and wine.

For red wine and whisky, a decanter is both practical and decorative. Decanting young red wine lets it breathe, and separating older wine from its sediment improves the glass. A wide-based decanter suits wine, while a heavier crystal decanter with a stopper suits spirits, which can be stored in it.