Cocktail Accessories for Shaking, Mixing and Serving

Cocktail Accessories for Shaking, Mixing and Serving

The right cocktail accessories help you measure ingredients, shake, stir, strain and pour drinks with better control. At Discountershop, you can choose tools according to the cocktails or mocktails you want to prepare at home. Browse Cocktail Accessories to compare shakers, strainers, muddlers, bar spoons and sets.

For other drink-serving products, visit Drinks & Bar Accessories. The wider range of products for preparing and serving food is available under Cooking & Dining.

Which cocktail tools do you need?

Not every cocktail recipe uses the same technique. A cocktail shaker suits drinks that need shaking, while a bar spoon is intended for recipes that are stirred. A muddler presses fresh ingredients, and a strainer holds back ice and larger pieces while pouring.

Compare these tools:

• Cocktail shaker: choose capacity and construction according to the drinks you make.
• Jigger or cocktail measure: helps portion spirits, syrups and juices.
• Bar spoon: useful for stirring in tall glasses and mixing glasses.
• Muddler: presses mint, citrus, fruit and other fresh ingredients.
• Cocktail strainer: keeps ice and larger particles out of the serving glass.
• Cocktail set: combines several basic bar tools in one package.

For different serving glasses, browse Glasses. You can also add Table Accessories to organise the serving area.

Individual cocktail tools or a complete cocktail set?

Buying individual tools makes sense if you already own a shaker, jigger or bar spoon. If you are setting up a home bar, a cocktail set or bartender set can provide several tools in one purchase. Always check exactly which pieces are included.

Material also matters. A stainless steel cocktail shaker has different cleaning and handling requirements from a model containing glass or plastic parts. Compare grip, capacity, construction and storage space before ordering.

If a recipe uses quantities outside standard bar measures, products within Weighing & Measuring can help.

If you also serve other drinks, browse Whiskey Accessories and Wine Accessories. For mixers and other capped bottles, see Bottle Openers.

Preparing cocktail garnishes and snacks

Cocktails often contain more than liquid ingredients. Use Kitchen Knives to prepare citrus wedges, fruit and garnishes. Kitchen Utensils can help with other preparation tasks outside the shaker.

For water, mixers and alcohol-free drinks, browse Water Filters & Drinking Bottles. If you serve snacks alongside drinks, Tableware provides plates and serving dishes.

If you prepare homemade syrup or heated ingredients, browse Pans or the wider All Pans range. For desserts and oven-baked snacks, see Baking Supplies.

Cocktail accessories for parties and barbecues

For a party, prepare only the tools required for the drinks you plan to make. Keep shakers, bottles, glasses and measures together on a stable work surface, while knives and other sharp utensils should have a separate place.

When serving cocktails during a barbecue, keep the drink station away from heat and smoke. Browse Barbecues for the cooking setup and Barbecue Accessories for grilling tools.

If your barbecue uses a compatible fuel system that needs a separate starting method, see Ignition Systems.

Buying cocktail accessories: choose according to your recipes

Before buying cocktail accessories, decide which cocktails or mocktails you actually want to make. This tells you whether you need a shaker, bar spoon, muddler, jigger, strainer or complete bar set.

Check before ordering:

• which tools are included in the set;
• shaker size and capacity;
• grip during shaking and pouring;
• materials used for each component;
• recommended cleaning method;
• storage space required.

Shop kitchen and household products

Watch Discountershop on YouTube

Visit the YouTube channel for product videos and practical examples covering kitchen and household products. These can provide additional information before you choose a cocktail set, shaker or another bar tool.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cocktail Accessories

What is the difference between a Boston shaker and a cobbler shaker?

A Boston shaker usually consists of two pieces that seal together and often requires a separate strainer. A cobbler shaker normally has three parts, including a built-in strainer and removable cap for pouring.

What is a cocktail strainer used for?

A cocktail strainer holds back ice, herbs and larger fruit pieces when pouring a shaken or stirred drink. It sits over the shaker or mixing glass so the liquid can pass into the serving glass.

What is the difference between a Hawthorne strainer and a fine strainer?

A Hawthorne strainer uses a coiled spring to catch ice and larger pieces. A fine strainer catches smaller particles. Using both consecutively is known as double straining and produces a cleaner drink.

What is a muddler used for in cocktails?

A muddler gently presses ingredients such as mint, citrus or fruit inside a glass or shaker to release flavour. Avoid crushing herbs harder than necessary, as excessive pressure can break them into unwanted small pieces.

Why does a bar spoon have such a long handle?

The long handle allows you to stir drinks inside tall glasses and mixing vessels without placing your hand near the liquid. Its narrow shape also moves smoothly around ice while giving you controlled stirring.

How much ice should you put in a cocktail shaker?

Use enough ice to chill the ingredients quickly while leaving sufficient room for the contents to move during shaking. The exact amount depends on shaker capacity, cocktail recipe and the size of your ice cubes.

How can you prevent a cocktail shaker from getting stuck?

Make sure the shaker parts meet evenly and avoid sealing them with excessive force. If they become stuck after shaking, follow the product instructions and avoid forcing glass or other breakable components apart.

Can stainless steel cocktail tools go in the dishwasher?

Dishwasher suitability depends on the finish, construction and other materials used. Check the care instructions first. Hand washing may be recommended for coated parts, small joints or components not designed for high dishwasher temperatures.

Why are some cocktails double strained?

Double straining means pouring the drink through a cocktail strainer and then through a fine mesh strainer. This removes small ice fragments, seeds and pieces of herbs that may pass through the first strainer.

Can you use the same cocktail tools for mocktails?

Yes. Shakers, strainers, bar spoons, muddlers and jiggers can all be used for mocktails. Clean the tools between recipes, particularly after using strongly flavoured syrups, citrus, herbs or other ingredients.