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Today, we’re diving deep into the stirring world of bar spoons. Yes, you heard it right.
The humble bar spoon, an underestimated hero in the arsenal of top-notch bartenders, is getting its deserved spotlight.
A solid bar spoon is a quintessential tool that often decides whether your concoctions will dazzle or disappoint. More than just a spoon, this tool serves as a measuring aid, a mixer, an ice-crusher, and sometimes, even an artwork by itself.
After spending countless hours stirring, muddling, and mixing, we’ve curated a list of the 5 best bar spoons for bartenders to save you time and effort in your search.
This isn’t just about stirring the pot; it’s about finding the perfect balance between form and function, the right weight in your hand, the finest materials, and of course, the ultimate blending power to give your cocktails the smoothest mix.
So if you’re in the market for a bar spoon that will take your bartending game to the level, keep reading as we look at the best options on the market!
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1. ABarAbove Standard Bar Spoons
When choosing the perfect bar spoons it’s important to consider a number of factors such as weight, comfort, and balance.
The standard bar spoons from ABarAbove are designed with all of these features in mind, which is why they are our top pick and favorite bar spoons on the market right now.
The two-pack allows you to mix and match handles and choose between either one spiral & one smooth handle or double up on either one if that’s your preference.
Smooth-handle bar spoons are comfortable in the hand and provide no friction, whereas the spiral handle offers grip and helps the bar spoon glide through the ice.
My recommendation would be to choose one of each and see which type you prefer. You also have the option of choosing between different colors such as; Stainless Steel, Gold, and Copper.
The spoons are made from stainless steel 304 and have a polished mirror finish, making them fit perfectly behind any home or commercial bar setup.
If you’re looking for bar spoons as a gift for a friend or loved one, these bar spoons are the perfect choice as they come packed in a branded gift box and have a 30-day return policy if they are not a perfect fit.
2. ABarAbove Long Bar Spoons
Equally as impressive are the long bar spoons that are perfect for bartenders that don’t want to be hunched over whilst mixing drinks.
With 15-inch and 17-inch options, these bar spoons are long, strong, and heavy, allowing you to tackle any mixture that comes your way with style and precision.
Designed by a pro bartender for ergonomics, comfort, and speed, you really can’t go far wrong with this long bar spoon. It has extra weight and balance that makes it effortless to glide the spoon around the mixing glass and whip up some impressive cocktails.
With a simple yet effective design, it’s easy enough for beginners but built for experts and will withstand the test of time behind any bar.
It’s a two-spoon set with options for a 15-inch and 17-inch bar spoon, but if you want to ensure you’re fully equipped there is a three-spoon option that caters for all sizes; 12-inch, 15-inch, and 17-inch.
3. HiWare Stainless Steel Bar Spoon
This 12-inch stainless steel bar spoon is a fantastic option for bartenders on a budget that still want a high-quality product that does the job.
Crafted with high-grade 18/10 stainless steel, this spoon ensures long-term durability without bending, rusting, or retaining odors. For your convenience, it’s also dishwasher safe, making cleanup a breeze.
Measuring at 12 inches, it’s ideally suited for stirring drinks in taller glasses, reaching the bottom of any cocktail shaker, or mixing glass with ease.
The handle’s twist design offers enhanced grip and mixing strength, while its teardrop aesthetic adds a touch of elegance to your bartending.
Affordable and functional, this bar spoon makes a fantastic addition to your cocktail toolkit or a thoughtful gift for a friend.
4. Stainless Steel Bar Spoon With Red Tip
This set of two 11-inch mixing spoons is made from polished 18/10 stainless steel, which provides superb durability and corrosion resistance.
They are designed to fit virtually any mixing glass due to their thin structure and long length, making them suitable for use in taller glasses. The bowl of the spoon is solid and small enough to fit into various types of glasses.
These spoons are made with a spiral design for better control and grip, and they also come with a classic red knob for additional support.
With multiple bulk-buying options, these bar spoons are ideal for commercial bars that need to equip themselves with many high-quality bar spoons without breaking the bank.
They are also very easy to clean, being dishwasher safe, and are perfect for both bar and home use. As for the weight, each spoon weighs 73.6 grams, ensuring a substantial and balanced feel in the hand.
5. Birout 12-inch Silver Bar Spoons
The Briout Mixing Spoon is a set of two silver cocktail spoons, each measuring 12 inches in length. These spoons are made of 18/8 stainless steel, which is a food-grade material that provides superb durability and corrosion resistance.
The stainless steel construction also prevents rust and makes the spoons easy to clean, as they are dishwasher safe.
The long handle provides great weight and balance for better control and grip. The length of the spoon is suitable for most cups of different heights, including mixing glasses, cocktail shakers, and tall cups, ensuring it can reach the bottom of any mixing glass or cocktail shaker.
In terms of design, this spoon has a unique shape, with a solid handle design and smooth edges. The end of the handle is designed in a water drop shape, which is achieved through fine grinding, polishing, and other sophisticated processes.
The thickened spoon head is strong enough to support constant stirring without deforming, which speaks to the high-quality craftsmanship of the product.
All in all, this is a solid option for bartenders that are looking for a high-quality but affordable bar spoon that will look great behind any home bar or commercial environment.
What To Look For In A Bar Spoon
As bartenders, we all have our personal preferences when it comes to choosing the right tools.
But not all bar spoons are created equal, so it’s important to choose one that best fits your needs and can help up your bartending game.
Here’s what you need to consider when shopping for one:
Length
The length of your bar spoon is crucial. A good bar spoon should be long enough to reach the bottom of the tallest glass or shaker you’re likely to use.
This allows you to stir your cocktails thoroughly, ensuring the perfect blend of flavors. Consider the depth of the mixing glass you use when choosing a bar spoon. If you’re using a pitcher-style mixing glass you’ll likely need a longer bar spoon.
The standard length for bar spoons is typically around 30-40 cm.
>> Read more: 7 BEST Cocktail Strainers For Bartenders
Material
When it comes to the material, most bar spoons are made of stainless steel due to its durability and resistance to corrosion.
Stainless steel also doesn’t impart any flavors to your cocktails. However, you might come across bar spoons made of silver, gold, or copper. The choice of material often boils down to your personal preference and the style of your bar setup.
But keep in mind that more premium materials will cost more, but you get what you pay for with bar tools.
>> Read more: 6 BEST Muddlers For Bartenders
Handle
The handle of the bar spoon is another important factor to consider. It should be comfortable enough to hold and easy to rotate between your fingers for smooth and efficient stirring.
Some bartenders prefer a smooth handle, while others might opt for a twisted one that offers a better grip. Consider your bar’s menu as some drinks may require you to pour liqueur down the handle of the bar spoon to create a desired visual effect.
>> Read more: 7 BEST Ice Makers For Home Bars
Weight
The weight of your bar spoon should be balanced. It needs to be heavy enough to move effortlessly around the glass when stirring, but not so heavy that it becomes unwieldy or tiring to use.
A well-balanced spoon gives you more control when mixing and layering drinks.
>> Read more: 8 BEST Glasses For Old Fashioned
FAQs
What is the best length for a bar spoon?
The ideal length for a bar spoon generally falls within the range of 30-40 cm (or about 12-16 inches). This length allows you to easily reach the bottom of tall mixing glasses and cocktail shakers, facilitating thorough mixing or stirring.
However, the “best” length can somewhat depend on the specific glasses and shakers you commonly use. If you often use taller glasses or shakers, a longer spoon may be beneficial.
Similarly, if your drinkware tends to be on the shorter side, a slightly shorter spoon could work just as well.
Is a smooth bar spoon better than a spiral?
No, personally I would recommend a spiral bar spoon over a smooth one. This is because the spiral design provides enhanced control and grip when stirring.
This helps to achieve a more efficient, smoother stir, which can significantly improve the quality of a cocktail. The twisted handle can also add a touch of elegance and flair to your bar setup.
However, smooth bar spoons are great for beginners and are much easier to keep clean.
What’s the difference between a bar spoon and a regular spoon?
A key difference is length. A bar spoon is substantially longer than a typical dining spoon, usually measuring between 30-40 cm (or about 12-16 inches).
This added length is to ensure the spoon can reach the bottom of tall glasses or cocktail shakers to properly stir or mix drinks.
The shape and size of the bowl, or spoon end, is another distinguishing feature.
Bar spoons have a narrower, more oval-shaped bowl than regular spoons. They are specifically designed to smoothly navigate around ice cubes and mix ingredients without splashing.
The handle design differs as well. Many bar spoons feature a twisted or spiral handle, which provides better control and grip when stirring cocktails. Some bar spoons even have a muddler on the opposite end for crushing ingredients right in the glass.
Regular spoons should be used for cereal and eating foods, not mixing drinks.
What is the flat end of a bar spoon for?
The flat end of a bar spoon is designed for muddling – a technique used to extract flavors from solid ingredients.
By pressing and twisting the flat end onto ingredients like herbs, fruit, or sugar, you can release their flavors into the drink.
This design feature essentially makes the bar spoon a dual-purpose tool. With one end for stirring and the other for muddling, you can mix up a variety of cocktails without needing to switch between tools.
Some bar spoons even feature a forked end instead of picking up garnishes, showcasing the versatility of this essential bar tool.
What is the red tip on a bar spoon?
The red tip on a bar spoon, often made from plastic, is primarily a decorative feature that adds a touch of color to the tool.
However, it can also serve a practical purpose, providing a softer surface for muddling ingredients directly in the glass, helping to prevent damage or scratching to glassware.
Final Thoughts
Finding the perfect bar spoon is essential for any bartender looking to craft impeccable cocktails.
The ideal bar spoon should feature superior quality materials, like durable and rust-resistant 18/10 stainless steel, and offer a dishwasher-safe design for effortless cleanup.
Key features to look for include a functional length – typically around 12 – 17 inches – to easily stir in taller glasses, a well-balanced structure for efficient mixing, and a handle design that enhances grip.
With the right bar spoon, you can smoothly mix a wide variety of drinks, from classic cocktails like martinis and margaritas to beverages like smoothies and juices.
Whether you’re a professional bartender or an at-home cocktail enthusiast, the right bar spoon is a valuable and affordable tool that can transform your mixology game.
My recommendation is to opt for either of the ABarAbove options depending on your handle preference, they’re popular among the pros and are incredibly durable. But if you’re on a budget, the HiWare bar spoon will do the job and is super affordable.
I hope this guide has helped you choose the bar spoon that’s best for you, and if you require any other bar tools feel free to check out our other buyer’s guides for expert advice and recommendations.