The $30 Bar Set
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Three Martini Lunch
September 4, 2008 - 11:00pmWhen I decided to cross coasts for college, I realized I was going to spend the next four years living with the contents of two suitcases and a carry-on, which doesn’t explain why I’m currently using checked baggage space for a juicer and handmade bitter.
A good bar set isn’t dirt cheap, but it doesn’t have to be too expensive, either. The examples below are generally the cheapest I could find. You’ll get by on them, but for heavy use you’ll want more expensive versions.
Ice cube tray, set of two: $2.09
Ice is the most important tool at the home bartender's disposal. It's the hidden — and often necessary — ingredient in most cocktails. As with most underutilized and unglamorous things, ice trays are only slightly more expensive than the tap water you’ll fill them with.
Bar shaker and pint glass: $4.25 and $2
Forget the three-piece cobbler shaker: the two-piece Boston shaker is cheaper, more versatile, and about as easy to use. Made from a pint glass and steel bar shaker, the shaker is simple: put the ingredients in the glass, add ice, and cover with the metal shell. Grasping both parts, turn upside down so the larger metal shaker is on the bottom, then shake vigorously. When the hand on the metal part feels frostbitten, you’re done.
Hawthorn strainer: $3.49
The hawthorn cocktail strainer is placed over the metal half of the Boston shaker, then held in place when the drink is poured through. This strainer is flat with a series of small holes, a handle, and tabs around the edge.
Wooden muddler: $1.95
Shaped like a large wooden pestle, the muddler is a must for summer drinks, like the Mojito or Mint Julep, which require muddling to bring out the mint’s flavor.
Citrus juicer: $2.00 and up
There are basically three kinds of hand juicers: freestanding plastic juicers, handheld wooden reamers and handheld juice presses. Only the press avoids leaving your hands tired and juice-covered, but it also costs up to $18 more than the $2 to $5 juicer and reamer.
Bar spoon and jigger: $1.95 and $1.70
Cheap but vital, make sure you get a metal bar spoon with a twist down the base. The twist makes it easier to stir your martinis and also slows liquids when pouring layered drinks. My own dollar-store jigger, made from dubious lacquered metal, soon left me with a gangerous piece of rust. A small liquid measuring cup also works: it’s about as cheap and has printed measurements and a handy pouring notch.
Paring knife: $3.99
For knives, find a comfortable grip, weight and balance. And no serration please.
Cocktail glasses: $5
You’ll typically want a set of 5.7oz stemmed cocktail glasses. Avoid the 7oz monstrosities as most recipes aren’t made for such proportions and your cocktails will warm up too fast.
Total cost: $28.42.
Though it’s fashionable to count money in “morning latte” metrics I'll put my measurements in something closer to home: a fifth of Smirnoff Watermelon Twist Vodka, list price $11.99. For the low price of 2.37 bottles of Bubble Yum-flavored alcohol, you can buy a set of barware that will last a lifetime — or at least until you give everything to Dump & Run.