Intro and Basic Barware (Bar Tools, Glasses, and Accoutrements)

Hi everybody! This is the blog for Bradley Liquors, Bradley Beach, New Jersey, on the Jersey Shore. I'll be your host, David Berlin. We're going to include short instructional posts on drinks, bartending, beers, and spirits, happenings at local bars and pubs, local bands, artists, and events,and more. We even hope to have video up in the next couple of months.

The first thing I'd like to get into is an explanation of some basic barware:



This is a standard cocktail shaker: jigger on top serves as a cover, strainer built in to to the top that seals the shaker. Pour the ingredients in, cover with the top and the jigger, and shake. Pour out through the strainer. Works well BUT the tops are notoriously hard to seal; more than one amateur bartender has ended up with Mai Tais all over his shirt. Not good.






This is called a Boston Shaker--more expensive, more professional, solves the liquor spillage problem. Basically, a Boston Shaker has three parts: the sleeve, the glass inside, and a separate strainer. To use, you take the glass inside out, pour the ingredients into the steel part, cover with the glass part (like in the photograph) to make a good seal and shake. Harder to use, and more complex, but solves the problem of the top seal IF you know how to use it. The strainer in this model is a separate strainer piece that fits over the top.


The main difference between the two shakers, aside from the design differences and the differences in the way they are used is that the strainer is built into the top of the ordinary cocktail shaker and it is a separate piece on the Boston Shaker. There are other types of shakers--the Parisian Shaker, a hybrid of these two, comes to mind, but these are what you'll usually encounter. Essentially, one is intended for home use and one is for professionals and is more expensive.

If you really want to get into mixology and home barware, a vintage shaker makes a nice addition to any home bar. There are all kinds going begging at flea markets and antique shops that sell Americana. Serve your martinis with retro, Mad Men cool!

Up next: glassware