Making cocktails at home can seem overwhelming but it’s actually possible to get started with just a few basic cocktail tools. Below are the tools that I use most often to create impressive cocktails at home. I recommend starting with the basics and then slowly expanding your collection based on your personal taste.

Disclaimer: Once your friends find out that your new hobby is drinking fancy cocktails on your couch, you can expect uninvited guests regularly.

The Only Cocktail Tools You Need

First Priority: The Basic Cocktail Necessities

If you want to start making cocktails at home, these are the most basic tools you need to get started.

Cobbler Shaker: A cobbler shaker is the basic all-in-one cocktail shaker consisting of a cup and straining lid. This is the best type of shaker to start out with. It’s easy to use and doesn’t require any additional tools. You will use a cocktail shaker for drinks with citrus, egg white, juice, etc.

Double-Sided Jigger: Choose a 2-sided jigger with multiple measures. Mine measures 1 1/2 ounces on one side and 1/2, 3/4 and 1 ounce on the other. Using shot glasses and tablespoons gets old quick. The other option is a small liquid measuring cup with ounces. Just make sure it goes as low as 1/2 oz.

Muddler: Grab a wood or steel muddler with a club-like shape. This is especially important if you like fresh fruit and herbs in your cocktails.

Citrus Press: Fresh citrus truly upgrades a cocktail and a hand citrus press is the best for when life gives you lemons.

Kitchen Tools You Hopefully Have

Don’t throw any of this stuff away. You may need it to make a cocktail!

Sharp Knife: Booze + citrus + a dull knife = disaster. Chef’s knife, paring knife, nakiri knife (one of my personal favorites), it doesn’t really matter just as long as it’s sharp!

Peeler: Use your veggie peeler to prep your fruit/veggies and for garnish stuff.

Blender: I’m sure you already have a blender handy to make your green smoothies. You will also need it to make your boozy slushies and frose. All joking aside, I use my blender often.

Maybe Later: Put Em on Your Christmas List

Once you are making cocktails more regularly, add these items to your toolbox slowly based on your needs.

Hawthorne Strainer: This basic strainer with a coil is used to keep ice, muddled fruit and herbs out of your cocktail.

Bar Spoon: A bar spoon is basically a little spoon with a long handle so you don’t have to stick your fingers into your stirred cocktail.

Mixing Glass: Cocktails that are made entirely (or almost entirely) of liquor, should be stirred. In addition to looking pretty on your bar cart, a mixing glass is helpful for making these stirred cocktails. A pint glass is a good alternative in the meantime.

Some Other Cocktail Tools I Use

These items are never really necessary but can be nice to have if you really want to impress your friends.

Fine Strainer: A fine strainer is used to double strain cocktails and keep out small bits of herb and pulp that get past a hawthorne strainer or built in strainer. This is just a nice to have but definitely not a necessity for cocktails at home.

Boston Shaker: Boston shakers are the 2 piece shakers you see at most bars consisting of a large metal tumbler and a smaller second glass or metal cup. They take a little more expertise because you need to get a tight seal to prevent a mess.

Lewis Ice Bag: Used for taking aggression out on your ice. If your freezer doesn’t bless you with crushed ice, use this fabric bag with a mallet or meat pounder to crush it by yourself. You’ll use crushed ice when you’re making tiki drinks and juleps.

Ice Cube Molds: Large ice cubes are great if you are a whiskey sipper or enjoy straight drinks. You can use smaller cube molds to make juice cubes, cubes with flowers and other fun touches.   

And that’s it! If you need a cocktail to start with, I love this Cucumber Bee’s Knees.