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The tools of the trade can often be the unsung hero behind a beautifully crafted cocktail, and today, we’re setting out to give these heroes the spotlight they deserve.
Bartending kits are indispensable for both professionals in a high-speed bar environment and home bartenders looking to perfect their Old Fashioned or invent their own signature drink.
These kits come in a wide variety of sizes, styles, and quality levels, containing a diverse range of tools to suit every need and preference.
Whether you’re just starting your journey in the mixology world or you’re a seasoned bartender aiming to elevate your craft, the right bartending kit can make all the difference.
That’s why in this post, we’re going to look at the 7 best bartending kits that money can buy to help you craft drinks like never before.
Let’s get into it…
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Top Pick
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Best Budget
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Best Premium
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$99.98
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$22.99
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$42.98
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1. ABarAbove Mixologist Bar Set (14-piece)
This barware set is a comprehensive and high-quality kit perfect for both novices making their first cocktail and professionals looking for a reliable set for their busy bars, which is why it’s our top pick.
Crafted with superior stainless steel 304 and natural beech hardwood, this set is designed to withstand high volumes and last a lifetime.
The set comprises 14 best-selling and top-rated bar tools, including a two-piece Boston Shaker Set, three different types of cocktail strainers, a double-sided Japanese-style jigger, a 12″ hardwood muddler, a 12″ spiral handle bar spoon, and six stainless steel cocktail picks for garnish.
These components come in a beautiful and giftable box, measuring 12.75″ L x 5.5″ W x 4.25″ H and weighing approximately 3lb.
All metal components have a polished finish, while the hardwood muddler has a smooth sanded finish. The products are welded to last, ensuring they won’t rust or fall apart.
For care and handling, while all stainless steel components are dishwasher-safe, it’s recommended to hand-wash the hardwood muddler.
You really can’t go far wrong with this set as it includes everything you need to whip up a storm behind the bar.
Pros:
- High-quality, durable materials used (food-grade stainless steel 304 and natural beech hardwood)
- Comprehensive set with 14 different tools
- Beautifully packaged in a giftable box
- Most components are dishwasher safe
Cons:
- The hardwood muddler needs hand-washing
- Could be too comprehensive for beginners who only need a few basic tools
2. ABarAbove Cocktail Shaker Set (4-piece)
“The Best of the Basics” kit by ABarAbove is designed to cater to the needs of those who appreciate simplicity and functionality.
With a focus on the essential tools required to mix most common cocktails, this set includes a robust two-piece Boston Shaker, a Hawthorne strainer with an extra-tight spring, and a two-sided Japanese-style jigger with measurements all the way down to 1/4 oz.
Constructed from high-quality, food-grade stainless steel 304, these tools not only ensure durability and resistance to rust but also boast a beautiful polished finish. The set, designed to handle high volumes, is ideal for both home and professional use.
The set comes packaged in a gift box approximately 8″ L x 4″ W x 4″ H, and weighs around 1.4lb. Care instructions are straightforward: all stainless steel components are dishwasher-safe, making cleaning a breeze.
If you’re a bartender that’s looking for a basic but high-quality bartending set, this is the one for you.
Pros:
- Made of durable, food-grade stainless steel 304
- Essential tools for most common cocktails included
- Compact, making it suitable for small spaces
- All stainless steel components are dishwasher safe
Cons:
- Might be too basic for experienced bartenders or those wanting to experiment
- Not as comprehensive as other sets; may need to purchase additional tools separately
3. ABarAbove 10-piece Stirred Craft Cocktail Set
Another ABarAbove bartending kit is the Stirred Cocktail Mixing Glass set which is perfect for those who love stirred drinks such as Martinis, Manhattans, and Old Fashioneds.
This set comes complete with a classic mixing glass, a Julep cocktail strainer, a spiral bar spoon, a two-sided bell jigger, and six 4″ long cocktail picks.
Each tool is handcrafted from high-quality, food-grade stainless steel 304, ensuring durability and longevity. The Julep strainer and bar spoon are custom-designed to fit perfectly with the mixing glass, ensuring seamless drink preparation.
The bell jigger features additional measurement markings for greater accuracy, promising better drinks with each use.
All stainless steel components and the mixing glass are dishwasher-safe, providing convenience for both home and commercial use.
Pros:
- Made from durable, food-grade stainless steel 304 and lead-free crystal
- Designed specifically for stirred drinks
- Julep strainer and bar spoon fit perfectly with the mixing glass
- Bell jigger provides precise measurements for better drink quality
- All components are dishwasher-safe
Cons:
- May not be versatile enough for those who enjoy a wider variety of cocktails
- Does not include shakers, muddlers, or additional strainers that may be necessary for certain cocktails
4. Kitessensu Cocktail Shaker Set
The Master Mixologist Cocktail Shaker Set by KITESSENSU is a sturdy, stylish, and comprehensive bartending kit that offers great value to both professional bartenders and home mixology enthusiasts.
It includes all the necessary tools for crafting and serving a broad range of cocktails, making it an excellent choice for those aiming to bring the cocktail bar experience into their homes or enhance their professional toolset.
This 3-piece set is made of thickened 18/8 stainless steel, known for its durability and resistance to rust, ensuring a lifetime of use and maintaining its shiny appearance even after years of shaking.
Its design allows it to withstand rough handling and even being dropped without compromising its functionality. The components of this cocktail set are also safe to clean in the dishwasher, adding an element of convenience.
A stand is included in the set to keep your tools organized and on full display, making a beautiful statement on your kitchen counter or bar with its contrast of wood and stainless steel.
A recipe guide is included in the package to inspire you to start mixing drinks, whether you are a seasoned cocktail maker or a beginner.
This cocktail mixing set is an excellent gift, showcasing your good taste and thoughtfulness. The stylish packaging and the inclusive recipe guide make it a standout present at any party.
Plus, your purchase is backed by a full 30-day money-back guarantee, demonstrating the brand’s confidence in the product’s quality.
Pros:
- Made from durable and rust-resistant 18/8 stainless steel
- Ideal for both professionals and home mixologists
- Includes a stand for organization and display
- Comes with a recipe guide for cocktail inspiration
- Backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons:
- Might be too basic for those who desire a wider array of tools
- Some users might prefer more than just three tools for a more comprehensive cocktail-making experience
5. Aberdeen Oak Store 14-piece Cocktail Shaker Set
The Aberdeen Oak Mixology Bartender Kit is a comprehensive set designed for cocktail enthusiasts who desire a professional, home-based cocktail-making experience.
This kit provides a wide range of high-quality tools, including a double-sided stainless steel shaker, a double jigger with multiple inner measurements, a variety of strainers, a muddler, ice tongs, a mixing spoon, a corkscrew, two liquor pourers, and even recipe cards for classic cocktails.
Not only that, but it also comes with a premium wood stand to showcase your tools and add a stylish touch to your decor.
This set is packed with essentials that make it an outstanding gift for housewarmings or birthdays, especially for individuals who enjoy home tiki bars or outdoor bar carts.
The tools in this kit are dishwasher-safe, scratch-proof, and made of durable stainless steel, ensuring they stand up to frequent use and maintain their aesthetic appeal.
Unique to this set is the double jigger with multiple inner measurements for precise drink mixing. Also, the addition of a julep and a conical strainer, alongside the classic Hawthorne strainer, allows for a broader range of cocktail creations.
Pros:
- A comprehensive set of high-quality tools
- Includes multiple strainers for a variety of cocktails
- Tools are dishwasher-safe and made from durable stainless steel
- Comes with a stylish wooden stand for display and storage
- Backed by a lifetime warranty and satisfaction guarantee
Cons:
- The set might be overly complex for beginners
- The wooden stand, although stylish, might take up considerable space
6. Secilla 30-piece Bartender Kit
The Professional Cocktail Shaker set is an all-inclusive bartender kit featuring a wide array of high-quality tools that allow you to create a variety of classic and modern cocktails.
The set includes a cocktail shaker, muddler, strainer, ice tongs, corkscrew, mixing spoon, double measuring cup, bottle stoppers, liquor pourers, fruit needles, drinking straws, cleaning brushes, a cocktail recipe booklet, liquor capes, a beer opener, and an elegant bamboo stand for storage.
Everything you need and more. Perfect for those looking to get stuck into the bartending world.
These bar tools are made from thickened, durable stainless steel, protecting them from rust and leaks. Designed to withstand rough handling, including drops and vigorous shaking, the tools are dishwasher-safe and designed to stay shiny and new-looking. The bamboo stand provides organized storage, keeping the tools in one place and preventing drops onto the floor.
Whether you’re interested in making a Mojito, Martini, Whiskey cocktail, or any other beverage, this kit has got you covered.
The shiny, mirror-effect tools and the modern bamboo stand make this set a perfect gift for both beginners and professional bartenders, suitable for various occasions such as Father’s Day, Mother’s Day, anniversaries, birthdays, Valentine’s Day, and Christmas.
Pros:
- A comprehensive set of high-quality stainless steel tools
- Tools are dishwasher-safe and designed to withstand rough handling
- Comes with a stylish bamboo stand for organized storage
- Suitable for making a wide variety of cocktails
- Makes a perfect gift for both beginners and professional bartenders
Cons:
- The set may be overwhelming for beginners with its numerous components
- The bamboo stand, though stylish, might take up significant counter space
7. Mixology & Craft Store 10-piece Bar Tool Set
The 10-Piece All-Inclusive Bartender Set provides everything you need to create impressive cocktails, except for the alcohol. This top-shelf cocktail tool set is designed for everyone, from amateur bartenders to professional cocktail-mixing gurus.
The set is perfect for setting up a bar at home or at work and allows you to hit the ground running in your mixology journey.
The bartender set comes with an eco-friendly, patented bamboo stand that is carefully designed to keep your barware tools organized and easily accessible.
This storage solution eliminates clutter in your kitchen drawers and cabinets while adding a stylish touch to your bar setup.
Packaged inside a classy box, the bartending set and bamboo tool holder makes the perfect gift for cocktail lovers. The set also includes an online cocktails catalog, providing you with ample inspiration for your cocktail creations.
The tools in this kit are made of heavy-duty, high-grade stainless steel alloy (SS304 & SS430), ensuring durability and longevity. All components are dishwasher compatible, making cleanup effortless and minimizing wear and tear.
Pros:
- All-inclusive set with 10 top-shelf cocktail tools
- Comes with a stylish, eco-friendly bamboo stand for storage
- Perfect gift for cocktail lovers, with an included online cocktails catalog
- Made of durable, heavy-duty stainless steel
- All components are dishwasher compatible
Cons:
- The bamboo stand, while practical and stylish, may take up counter space
What To Look For In A Bartending Kit
When choosing a bartending kit, there are several factors you should consider to ensure you select one that meets your specific needs, budget, and skill level.
Quality of tools
The materials used in making the tools affect their durability and performance. Stainless steel is often recommended because it’s sturdy, easy to clean, and resistant to rust.
>> Read more: 8 BEST Ice Buckets For Bartenders
Kit components
A good bartending kit should include all the necessary tools to mix a variety of drinks. This usually includes a cocktail shaker, a strainer, a jigger, a bar spoon, a muddler, and a bottle/can opener.
Some sets might include additional tools like a corkscrew, a citrus zester or squeezer, ice tongs, or cocktail picks.
>> Read more: 8 BEST Aprons For Bartenders
Design and aesthetics
As bartending often involves a performance element, the look of your tools can add an extra layer of appeal. Many kits come in sleek designs and different colors to match your style or the decor of your bar.
Storage and portability
Some kits come with a storage case, which is great if you’re a traveling bartender or if you just like to keep your tools organized and protected. The size of the kit also matters if space is a concern for you.
Ease of cleaning
After a long night of mixing and shaking, easy cleaning is a blessing. Ensure that the tools are dishwasher safe or at least easy to clean by hand.
>> Read more: 12 MUST Have Home Bar Accessories
Price
Of course, your budget plays a crucial role. The price of bartending kits can range significantly based on the quality, brand, and number of pieces in the set.
Reviews
It’s always a good idea to check out reviews from other users. They can give you a real sense of the kit’s quality and usefulness.
>> Read more: 9 BEST Jiggers For Bartenders
FAQs
What should a bartending kit include?
A standard bartending kit typically includes a cocktail shaker and a strainer for mixing and serving drinks, a jigger for precise measurement, and a bar spoon for stirring.
It may also come with a muddler for extracting flavors, a bottle opener, and corkscrew for various containers, and possibly some special tools like a citrus squeezer, ice tongs, and cocktail picks for garnishes.
What tools should every home bartender have?
Every home bartender should have a solid collection of essential tools to create an array of cocktails. The cornerstone of any home bar is a cocktail shaker, indispensable for mixing and chilling your drinks. To ensure the right balance of flavors, a jigger is crucial for the accurate measurement of ingredients.
Another must-have is a bar spoon, ideal for cocktails that require delicate stirring rather than vigorous shaking. A muddler also comes in handy when you need to extract flavors from fresh fruits, herbs, and spices.
No home bar is complete without a reliable bottle opener and corkscrew for opening various types of beverage containers. With these tools at your disposal, you’ll be well-equipped to dazzle your friends and family with your cocktail-making skills.
What is the best cocktail-making set?
The best cocktail-making set is one that includes all the necessary tools you’ll need for your preferred range of cocktails, combining functionality, quality, and style. It should have staples like a high-quality cocktail shaker, a jigger for precise measurements, a versatile bar spoon, and a durable muddler.
The material quality is also crucial; sets made from stainless steel are often recommended for their longevity and easy cleaning.
Aesthetics can be a consideration too, especially if your bar is a focal point in your home or if you enjoy the performative aspect of bartending.
I’d recommend our top pick from ABarAbove, it’s a comprehensive set that includes everything you need to get started whether you work in a home bar or commercial establishment.
Is it better to buy a bartending kit instead of individual products?
Yes, generally, buying a bartending kit can be a better option than purchasing individual products. A kit offers the convenience of having a variety of essential tools collected together.
This means you can start mixing a wide array of cocktails immediately, without needing to source each tool separately, saving time and effort.
Bartending kits are typically curated with tools that complement each other, ensuring a cohesive set-up for your mixology endeavors.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the world of bartending is as diverse and fascinating as the cocktails we love to craft.
Each kit on our list has something unique to offer, whether you’re an industry veteran or just starting to dip your toes into the thrilling world of mixology.
While each kit stands out in its own right, our top pick has to go to the ABarAbove 14-piece set. Its blend of professional-grade quality, aesthetic appeal, and comprehensive tool selection make it a worthy investment for any bartender serious about their craft.
Remember, the perfect cocktail is not just about the ingredients, but also about the passion and technique behind it – and having the right tools at your disposal can make all the difference.
Here’s to creating memorable mixology moments with your new bartending kit.
Cheers to that!