(Part 2) Best barware tool sets according to redditors
We found 167 Reddit comments discussing the best barware tool sets. We ranked the 61 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the products ranked 21-40. You can also go back to the previous section.
It comes from an older version of this set, and the likeness to a person is intentional. Most of the set is pretty whimsical.
For the DIY'er wondering where to find the upside-down dispensers.
NOT an affiliate link.
If the company's paying for it. Run over to Cocktail Kingdom or Barfly and piece together your kit. Or simply pick up Barfly's super deluxe kit (Barfly website link). I'd add a Big Ass Muddler, Santoku, additional size jigger and whatever else you need. This kit will probably last your lifetime.
If that price is too high...
Pick up this Vino Bravo kit, add what you need and grab a nice work bag from Home Depot/Lowes. It's a B+ kit, as opposed to the A+ of Barfly and Cocktail Kingdom... for 1/4 the price.
I suggest pushing for the first idea if you can.
~Good luck!
ETA: Don't forget a cheap stone or knife sharpener.
Has she already got wine glass markers and/or cocktail stirrers/decorations? These are great for helping not get glasses mixed up. Or how about a bottle of some unusual liqueur for cocktails? Or those reusable ice things to cool down drinks without diluting? (these are pretty fancy https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0727Q3ZKP/ref=sspa_dk_detail_2?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B0727Q3ZKP&pd_rd_w=yRUGH&pf_rd_p=45a72588-80f7-4414-9851-786f6c16d42b&pd_rd_wg=giO18&pf_rd_r=TBW3GBBMJCP141Z5WV1H&pd_rd_r=40cf298f-7399-4c59-9e28-806e5cd739c4&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExTFUxVEJEMjkyRjdIJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMDIzNzE2UjZTQUhQSjZFM09LJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTA5MjE4MDAxSkszUjBOMTRLVzFKJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfZGV0YWlsJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==)
It's the specific brand: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00004S4UX/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1452219228&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=wmf+bar+set&dpPl=1&dpID=41WVC187AGL&ref=plSrch
I would never go for a manhattan shaker. They are notorious for locking up, as soon as there's a bit of liquid in the cracks (unless you buy really expensive japanese ones). They are also harder to clean than the simple two cups of a boston shaker, and the extra strainer isn't really hard to use.
I haven't used a parisian shaker, but that seems like it could do fine, but might lock up on you.
My own kit is made of a lot of individual stuff. Some from amazon, some from local shop, and some from china. If you want, I can do a writeup of where i got it, but since it's from china, it will take a month before you will receive the goods. However, the guys behind AbarAbove.com recently launched their quality bar tools line. They have a complete set of tools, which all seem to be of great quality. They have only gotten 5-star reviews so far: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LVY7VMH. It's $63 for the complete set.
Or you can just buy their boston shaker for $20, and this excellent strainer from OxO ($7), along with this measuring cup ($5)
Then you have a pretty good starter set. A fine strainer can be bought in most dollar stores locally for next to nothing, or you can find one on amazon. They are pretty much all the same, but it isn't really required if you're just starting out. I also have a bar spoon, a mixing glass and a muddler, but to be honest, I rarely use them. If you need to muddle something, use a wooden spoon or something. If you decide you really need one, look for one which is at least 6 inches long, to avoid bashing your knuckles on the edges of the shaker, or google "morgenthaler homemade muddler".
Hope your GF will be happy with your gift!
EDIT: Missed the part about you being from UK. Here's an updated list. I'll let the other one be for any americans who might wander through here.
Seeing as there is a shipping charge, I probably wouldn't go for the OXO Strainer unless there's something else that you need from the american amazon. The one from the Homekeros set should be adequate.
They're called optics, there in most pubs in the UK. They dispense a shot of alcohol and then stop. A quick search of Amazon.com I found these;
https://www.amazon.com/Dispenser-Mounted-Beverage-Bracket-Drinkware/dp/B01N3064E5/
I mean... at that point I would propose pouring the coffee into a cocktail shaker loaded with frozen whiskey stones (non-breakable. Maybe stainless steel.), give it a couple shakes, and you should be insta-chilled.
If you don't want frozen grapes, they have these reuseable ice cubes.
https://www.amazon.com/Exclusive-Whiskey-Stones-Gift-Set/dp/B0716JZ71Y
It’s an ice pick for shaping ice, bartenders will use it to roughly shape a cube into a sphere or other shape.
Similar product on amazon
Viski 5211 Professional Three Pronged Ice Pick Bar and Wine Tools, Wood https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076CXSWR8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_ykI1Ab25R2X68
If this is a constant need, I would suggest using whiskey stones which work WAAAAAAY faster. Glass of wine is chilled in about 90 seconds.
My SO gave me two sets of 4 of ones similar to these (although mine are cylinder and filled with alcohol to help hold the chill)
Got one of those in my coke heyday off Amazon. The opening at the top was poorly machined and much smaller than pictured. I'd recommend this bad boy below; much better, imo.
https://www.amazon.com/Snuff-Bullet-SneakyBoi-Combo-Silver/dp/B07K5Z327X/ref=mp_s_a_1_6?keywords=cocaine+bullet&qid=1569356300&s=gateway&sr=8-6
The little dasher bottle I got off Amazon:
"La Pharmacie" Aromatic Bitters Bottle for Cocktails (with Dasher Top) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KY76XMW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_eddPAbKRKWSZZ
Depends,
if your friend has some of this stuff i wouldn't gift a set but individual parts. If your friend has nothing of this its a good start. I started with a similar set.
I don't like the labels on the glas. Doesn't look clean. But it may be helps.
If your friend has some of the stuff go for one quality addition instead of a whole set. For example:
Hope this helps
We did portable travel bars. Not as nice as this one but it gives you an idea.[travel bar](portable travel bar with serving tray - 3 bottle size https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LO3EXZY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_5DhvDb4P13WNB)
Yeah dude, I totally get it - this shit adds up. The Hawthorne is part of the kit already and you don’t really need the muddler unless you wanna make certain very specific drinks. If you do decide to get one, though, just get one that doesn’t have teeth on it. Look for a flat muddling surface. This is the other type of strainer you want, and you definitely want both kinds because they’re often used together.
I haven’t used this one myself so I don’t have personal experience but I’ve heard good things. Barfly’s kit doesn’t include a mixing glass but mixing glasses aren’t truly necessary. We use them sometimes at work because they look nice, but Dave Arnold (if you’re not familiar with him - he’s a very well respected bartender/writer) says he prefers just stirring in a tin anyway and that’s what I do at home. Plus with the Barfly kit you don’t have have CK’s crazy shipping fee. They carry great products so I usually just suck it up, but fuck that $10 shipping.
If you’re gonna have a little room left in the budget with the Barfly kit, and if (I think you said) she’s brand new to the game, it may not hurt to grab a book too for a little guidance. This one is excellent for starters.
156 days late but here you go: Professional Denim Bartender Roll Bar Tool Bag Cocktail Making Set Storage Pouch With Shoulder Strap And Carry Handles Easy Carry for Home Workplace or Party CYGJB45 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07G378JNQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_8YIZCb9PPK82Y
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07K56F71M?th=1
People were against me on sending Pm, so here you go.
Thanks for the help