Selecting the best bartender kit for making drinks at home is an exciting and thrilling experience. Opening a home wet bar to impress family members, friends and acquaintances and save money has become a popular upgrade for many homeowners. There’s nothing better than making your own cocktails and enjoying them with your loved ones while watching TV at home.
Whether you’re an amateur who’s just started on this mixology path or a professional bartender, there are a multitude of bar kit choices available on the market. Some include 10 tools for basic mix, while others may include more than 20 pieces for a more professional level. Deciding on the best bartender kit can be overwhelming as there are so many options out there with thousands of reviews, both negative and positive.
In this post from Claddagh Irish Pubs, we’ll present to you 15 impressive bartender kits with detailed reviews, and we also provide a guide to help you choose the best bartender kit for your home bar. So without further ado, let’s dive right in.
Best Bartender Kits Comparison 2021
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Best Overall Bartender Kit | Best Travel Bartender Kit | Best Bartender Kit For Display |
** Below, you will find our detailed reviews of the Best Bartender Kits, but you can also click these following links to see current prices or read customer reviews on Amazon.
Top 15 Best Bartender Kits Reviews 2021
Professional Bartender Kit (14-Piece)
This bartender kit from NÄUZone includes 14 essential restaurant-grade stainless steel bar tools that every bartender needs at an affordable price and comes with an attractive tube package. It’s highly functional and eye-catching.
The sleek gift packaging resembles the tube packaging of a liquor bottle, which makes an amazing gift to your bartender friends, or a gift to your bartender self!
The build quality is sturdy enough for long time use. There’s a leak-proof shaker with a weighted bottom which ensures stability.
However, the jigger cups aren’t at standard size, so if you’re required to use standard sized jigger cups, you may need to reconsider.
Mixology Bartender Kit: 14-Piece
Here’s a bartender kit from Mixology & Craft Store, which contains 14 pieces of bar equipment. Whether you’re a beginner or a mixing professional, this is a great choice for whipping up awesome drinks.
The leak-proof, 24 oz bar mixer is able to make up to 3 drinks at once. The kit is packed inside an attractive cylindrical case. There’s also an online cocktail catalog, and two professional cocktail picks to help you mix up fun and stunning beverages.
Made of heavy-duty and high-grade stainless steel, you don’t have to worry much about the kit rusting and wearing out quickly. It’s also dishwasher compatible, which is convenient. The only small con is that the kit doesn’t come with a strainer.
Bar Set by Naava – Stainless Steel 10 Piece Home Cocktail Mixology Tool Kit
Another great option on our list is the bar set from Naava. It includes 10 pieces of bartending equipment: a shaker, ice tongs, strainer, measuring jigger, corkscrew, beer opener and a beautifully designed stand to hold and display your bartending tools. This should give you enough tools to whip up amazing cocktails.
This stainless-steel bartender kit comes in a handsome and neat gift box, making it the perfect gift for the beverage fans in your life. The kit also includes 3 pourer spouts for pouring spirits and wine more smoothly without creating a mess of spillages, and for measuring your ingredients more precisely.
The kit is made of durable materials and is also dishwasher compatible. But if you aren’t satisfied with the quality, the store has a 100% money back guarantee. The kit also includes a recipe book and ebook, which is a huge plus.
However, at this price range, we expect to see more additional items such as a bar spoon or a muddler.
Mixology Cocktail Shaker with Recipes - 5 pieces Bartender Set 24 oz Bar Tool Kit Accessories
This kit includes the basic essential items for a thrilling bartending experience: a cocktail shaker, a built-in strainer, a muddler, a mixing bar Spoon, an ice tong, and a double sized measuring jigger cup.
Made of high quality rust-resistant 304 stainless steel with a mirror and shiny finish, the kit does not only look amazing and elegant but it’s also made to last. The durable leak-proof metal construction is designed to maintain the flavor of any drink and make it dishwasher compatible.
The kit includes a small booklet full of cocktail recipes such as Mojito, Bloody Mary, Margarita or Pina Colada. Its sleek packaging turns this bartender kit into a great gift for your cocktail enthusiast friends or professional bartender family members. This set comes with a 5 year guarantee policy.
Elite Cocktail Shaker Set Bartender Kit by BARILLIO
In this bartender kit, BARILLIO provides the most essential bar accessories you need for making delicious cocktails: 24 ounce SST Cobbler shaker, mojito muddler, mixing spoon, double-jigger, 2 liquor pourers. There’s also a velvet bag for storage and a small booklet with cocktail recipes. Another online ebook is available if you want to read it digitally.
The kit features a high-grade stainless steel which does not leach harmful substances or affect negatively your drinks’ flavors. The material is rust resistant and dishwasher compatible, so you can drop them in the dishwasher without too much worry. The product will be backed by a 100% lifetime satisfaction guarantee policy.
The con of this bar set is the shaker. It might leak a bit.
Jillmo Pro Martini Bartender Kit Copper Coated Rose Gold
Here’s an outstanding bar set from Jillmo. The kit is made of high quality stainless steel with shiny finish, giving it a pretty and bright look, and durable build quality. It is rust-proof and leak-proof, so you can expect it to stand beautifully on your home bar for a long time.
If you’re looking for a kit that can be displayed and catch all of your guests’ attention, this is the ideal choice. The bamboo stand is neat and stylish, protecting your bar tools while keeping your kitchen tidy. The copper-coated tools are luxurious and unique, and paired well with the bamboo stand.
The small hassle of this bartender kit is that the copper-coated tools easily get scratched, so you need to wash them by hand, and avoid using metal cleaning utensils. The kit comes with a 100% money back guarantee policy if you’re not pleased with the product quality.
Premium Cocktail Shaker Bar Tools Set (14 piece) Brushed Stainless Steel Bartender Ki
This set includes 14 pieces of bartending accessories that will give you a fulfilling mixing experience: a 28 and 18 oz cocktail shaker with a lid and filter, a double jigger of 1 and 2 oz, a muddler, a beer and soda bottle opener, 6 bottle pourers, and a Hawthorne cocktail strainer.
The kit has a shiny matt stainless steel that’s anti-smudge and fingerprint. The material is durable, leak-proof, dishwasher safe and non-scratchable, adding a modern touch to your home bar as well as lasting for a long time.
If you’re a beginner, there’s a recipe guide including basic cocktail recipes to get you started. If you’re buying this as a gift to a bartending enthusiast, this kit comes in a colorful gift box, and will satisfy your friend. A small con of this kit is the strainer, as it might get scratched easily.
Elite 23-Piece Bartender Kit Cocktail Shaker Set by BARILLIO
This is a high end bartending kit from Elite that can satisfy both amateurs and professionals. It includes 23 pieces of bartending tools: 24 Oz cocktail shaker, mojito muddler, mixing spoon, jigger, Hawthorne strainer, corkscrew, 3 liquor pourers + 2 brushes + 6 caps, ice tongs, 2 bottle stoppers, which is amazing for making almost any drinks.
The stunning bamboo stand makes the kit easy to access, keeps your tools in place and minimizes the chances of your tools getting scratch. It’s stable, thick and solid, while looking sleek and luxurious.
The tools are made of 304 Stainless Steel that is safe for your health and safe in the dishwasher. The material is also rust proof, so the kit will last a long time of use. With the super good looking bamboo stand and the sophisticated gift box, plus the eBook "Happy Hour", this will be a perfect gift for your family, friends, or spouses.
A downside of this kit is the hole for the spoon on the bamboo stand is quite small on some models, so the spoon might not fit in.
15 Piece Bartender Kit Cocktail Shaker Set with Stand: Home Bar Tools Set
This bartender kit comes with 15 pieces of equipment, including 20 oz Cocktail Shaker, Wooden Stand, Dual Capacity Jigger, Strainer, Wine Opener, Ice Tongs, Muddler, 2 Mixing Spoons, 3 Bottle pourers, 2 Straight Straw.
Made of great-quality food-grade 304 stainless steel, the kit doesn’t retain odor or stains. The fresh flavor of the beverages isn’t affected. The wooden stand that comes with the kit is neat and decent, keeping your kitchen tidy and everything in place.
The cobbler shaker is good looking, leak proof and easy to use, especially for beginners. There’s a built-in strainer. Overall, this bar kit is essential for any home bar and is great for bartending amateurs and pros. It makes a great gift, too.
However, the stand might not be sturdy on some models, and the tools are small, so this kit is more suitable for home use.
Bar Set 11-Piece Mixology Bartender Kit - For Home and Professional Bartending
This set includes 11 pieces: 1 modern bamboo bar stand holder, 1 upgraded 24 oz shaker w/ mirror finish, ebook containing 65 variety premium cocktail recipes, 1 japanese grade double jigger, 1 bottle opener corkscrew, 1 hawthorne strainer, 1 bar mixing spoon stirrer, 1 flat ice tongs, 1 long muddler, 2 pourers.
Made from top quality food-grade 304 Stainless Steel, the kit is rust proof and leak proof, dishwasher safe, BPA safe, stain resistant and non scratchable, which ensures a long time of use. The set comes in a nice gift box including the tools, a wooden stand, recipes card, making a perfect gift for housewarming parties, anniversaries and holidays.
The stunning wooden stand holds all your tools in one place for easier access, and keeps your bar tidy. The kit comes with a free lifetime guarantee, making this purchase risk-free. The downside of this set is the strainer, it doesn’t fit snugly with the shaker.
Cocktail Shaker - Koviti 12 Piece Bartender Kit
This bartender kit has a very charming and unique design, making it stand out from the crowd. It’s made of food-grade 304 stainless steel, and has a shiny black finish.
The kit contains 12 pieces of tools including 18 and 28 oz shakers, mesh conical & julep & hawthorne strainer, measuring jigger cup, cocktail muddler, mixing spoon, ice tong, 2 liquor pourers. With all these tools, you can easily shake, stir and mix any drinks to your liking.
The material is durable, leak proof, and warp resistant. However, it’s not dishwasher safe, so you need to wash them by hand with warm water and soap.
Cocktail Shaker Set Bartender Kit
This bartender kit contains 1 cocktail shaker, 1 jigger cup, 1 mixing spoon, 1 strainer, 1 cork screwer, ice tongs, 1 pestle, 4 pourers, and 1 wooden frame, which is perfect for making your own beverages.
Made of thick stainless steel, the tools in this kit are very sturdy, anti-rust, corrosion resistant and easy to clean. There’s also a pretty wooden frame for a neat and tidy display, as well as keeping all the tools at one place. The downside of this kit is that it easily gets scratch.
X-cosrack Bar Set,18-Piece Stainless Steel Cocktail Shaker Bar Tools
With 18 pieces of bartending equipment, you can easily make any cocktails that you want: 24oz shaking tins, 2 double bar jigger, flat bottle opener, Hawthorne strainer, muddlers, ice tongs, bar spoon, 5 liquor pourers with dust caps, wine corkscrew, 4 stainless steel straws, and a nice storage tray.
The kit includes manuals for 10 cocktail recipes, which will give you some guidance on making delicious and wonderful cocktails for your family and friends.
Made of heavy-duty and high-grade, rust-proof, leak-proof food-grade SS304 stainless steel, this kit is sure to serve you a long lifetime. Nevertheless, it may get some scratches.
Cocktail Shaker Set Bartender Kit, NICEAO 14-Piece Bar Kit
Including 14 tools for bartending, this kit will serve your thirst well: 750ml cocktail shaker, double sided jigger, ice tongs, muddler, mixing spoon, Hawthorne strainer, cheese knife, beer bottle opener, corkscrew, 2 liquor pourers, 2 bottle stoppers, and a nice looking wooden display stand.
Made of durable Stainless Steel, the kit is rust proof, scratch safe, and anti-dents, sturdy enough for lots of mixing. This is a great kit for family gatherings, holidays and parties that every household should own.
Cocktail Shaker Set 11 Piece, 25oz Stainless Steel Bartender Kit
This bartender kit includes: 25 oz cocktail shaker, 15/30ml double jigger, 4 liquor pourers, strainer, ice tongs, muddler, spoon, wine opener. There’s also a cocktail recipes booklet for you to learn new drinks.
The design of this kit is high end and luxurious, giving you the inspiration to whip up some beverages for your family and friends. The tools are made of 304 stainless steel, which have a shiny finish, durable, rust proof and dishwasher compatible. There might be a bit of leaking, but not much.
Complete Buying Guide: How To Choose The Best Bartender Kit
Householders who love to host and drink adore the idea of a home wet bar. To make drinks in a professional and entertaining way, you need a dedicated bartender kit. It consists of the right tools for blending your favorite cocktails or preparing garnishes. Purchasing the best bartender kit can bring you a satisfying experience.
A basic bartender kit often includes a cocktail shaker, a strainer, a measuring cup, a long bar spoon and ice tongs. A more professional set would also include pourers, a conical strainer, glasses, bottle stoppers and a garnish knife. There are packaged kits for those who’ve just started out on bartending, and customized kits for those who already know what they’re doing. Additionally, there are portable kits for those who love compactness, and there are beautiful kits for anyone who loves to display their bartending tools.
Some bar kits are designed for home use and casual amateurs who just want to play around with simple drinks, whereas more costly sets are made for professional bartenders and include more advanced tools. It’s important to consider numerous factors when it comes to choosing the best bartender kit, so that you can choose the best option for your needs and preferences.
Construction
Most bartender kits available are mainly made out of stainless steel. Stainless steel gives the tools a shiny and luxurious look. It’s also durable and can stand the acidic ingredients from drinks. It doesn’t keep the flavor and you can easily put stainless steel tools into the dishwasher without much worry.
So what are the differences between cheaper kits and more expensive ones? Cheaper options are often made of thinner stainless steel, which means they aren’t as durable and long lasting as more costly options. Because of a thinner gauge, they’re also not as stable as more expensive bartending kits when putting on a surface.
More high end bartender kits also include copper plating, silver or gold elements to add to the luxury look. If you’re on a budget and want to purchase the least expensive kits, we wouldn’t assure that it’s going to last long. If you’re looking for a durable option, we suggest opting for kits starting at mid level price range with better materials.
Portability
Some bartenders love to own compact and portable bartender kits because they have to go to different events and bars. Some kits allow the pieces to fit inside the shaker tins, while others offer a bag for carrying all the pieces. If you’re working as a bartender and you love to travel from place to place, a portable kit would be a great choice.
Some bartender kits are designed to be displayed at home. These options often include wooden or beautiful cases, with slots for each tool. If you’re a home bartender or you want to look for an option to display on your home bar, these kits with dedicated cases are perfect for your needs.
Ease of use
Certain bartender kits are specifically designed for particular users and purposes. Some are made for beginners, while others are made for intermediate and advanced mixologists. A beginner using a professional kit might find the kit challenging and confusing to use. A professional using a basic kit might find the kit frustrating to use as there aren’t enough tools for advanced use.
The difference between the proficiency level of the bartender kit can be seen in small details, such as the size of the jigger cups, or the cheater tins, or the efficiency of the bottle openers. These are the smallest things that you need to consider in order to purchase the best bartender kit.
Essential tools
Every bartender kit contains the essential tools that are made for basic mixology, as well as more professional bartending. There might be differences in the number of tools coming with each kit, depending on the price, purposes and customer targets. Here are the most essential tools that you often see in a bartender kit:
Shaker tins
These are used for blending and mixing the cocktail ingredients so that the ingredients can release their qualities. A single-piece cocktail shaker is enough, but some bartenders prefer a large shaker tin with a cheater tin.
Jigger cup
These cups are used to measure the ingredients in ounces, allowing the mixologists to mix the exact proportion of each ingredient to the drinks.
Bar spoon
Bar spoon is often long so that it can reach the bottom of the shaker tin and you can stir the ingredients well.
Hawthorne strainer
The strainer is used to strain the unwanted ingredients from the final glass such as muddled leaves or ice cubes. It often fits the rim of the shaker tin snugly to do its job.
Ice tongs
These are used to bring ice from the bucket to the shaker tin or serving glass in a clean and elegant way. Ice tongs are often used for “on the rocks” (over ice) drinks.
Useful accessories
Besides the above essential tools, bartender kits also include other tools that help with the mixing and bartending process. Here are some common tools you can see in larger kits:
Bottle stoppers and pourers
These are narrow tools that are used for pouring wine and spirit without spillage, or aerating wine. They also make pouring into jigger cups easier and more precise.
Speed bottle opener
This tool makes opening beer bottles easier and more efficiently.
Conical strainer
Besides the Hawthorne strainer, some delicate recipes require the use of a conical strainer to prevent more finely processed additives or muddled leaves.
Muddler
A muddler is a mortar and pestle used for crushing leaves. It doesn’t often come with a basic bartender kit, but more advanced beverages require this tool.
Prices
To get a better idea of the price ranges of bartender kit, let’s look at 3 main ranges:
Inexpensive (under $20)
These beginner bartender kits often include basic tools for simple beverage recipes. For home bartenders who want to make some simple drinks, these kits are enough. They are often made of cheaper and thinner materials, so they won’t be long lasting due to tear and wear.
Mid-range ($20 to $50)
Although pricier than the inexpensive range, the options in this mid range price range are often made of better quality stainless steel. Of course, they include the basic tools for simple mixology. They can also come with durable shot glasses, speed bottle openers, pourers and stoppers. These choices are more durable and long lasting, so they’re worth the investment.
Expensive (over $50)
These high end options are designed for display ability. They often come with a decorative and nice case for presentation purposes. The tools are made of high quality materials, giving them a luxurious and delicate look. They can also include more additional tools that you can’t find in less expensive kits. These bartender kits make great housewarming gifts or gifts to professional bartenders.
Tips
Amateur bartenders often use a larger cheater tin because it’s easier to use.
A bartender kit including 5 to 8 pieces is enough for most home mixologists. You can start with a larger kit and narrow it down gradually.
Precise measuring and mixing is more important than speed.
If you’re a beginner cocktail enthusiast, this video is a good place to start your journey:
Takeaway: Our Top 3 Picks Of The Best Bartender Kits
Choosing the best bartender kit for your purposes and mixing great drinks are very interesting experiences. You can always show your talent to your family and friends without paying for expensive drinks at bars. Selecting the bar kit that suits your skill and your needs is important.
If you’re just starting out on this bartending path, a budget friendly kit might give you enough tools to learn. But if you want something more advanced and durable, more expensive kits are worth the money. You can purchase portable kits to bring around, or luxurious-looking ones to display on your home bar.
Based on our experience, we’ve picked out 3 top picks for the best bartender kits as suggestions for you:
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Best Overall Bartender Kit | Best Travel Bartender Kit | Best Bartender Kit For Display |
Although everyone has different purposes and opinions on certain products, we hope this post is useful enough to give you some suggestions and information on how to pick the best bartender kit for yourself.
Do you love any of the items above? Or do you have better suggestions for us? Tell us in the comment section below.
