In the bar sector, having the correct equipment and accessories may make all the difference in providing a memorable experience for guests. Whether you're setting up a bar, throwing a party, or simply enjoying a casual gathering, having a variety of goods on hand is vital. This comprehensive dictionary will walk you through an A-Z list of bar and party equipment, including everything from beer accessories to wine necessities.
| Table of contents: Essential bar equipment and tools Cocktail family Glassware Mixology techniques Ingredients |
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Essential bar equipment and tools
| Equipment | Description |
| Bar mat | A non-slip rubber mat is placed on the bar to provide a surface for mixing drinks and to catch spills. |
| Bar spoon | A long-handled spoon is used for mixing and layering drinks. |
| Bar towel | A cloth towel is used for wiping surfaces and cleaning spills in the bar area. |
| Boston shaker | A two-piece cocktail shaker consisting of a metal tin and a mixing glass, is used for shaking cocktails. |
| Bottle opener | A tool used to remove metal bottle caps from glass bottles. |
| Cobbler shaker | A three-piece cocktail shaker with a built-in strainer and cap, used for shaking and straining cocktails. |
| Corkscrew | A tool designed for removing corks from wine bottles. |
| Decanter | A vessel used to hold and serve wine or spirits, often with an ornate design. |
| Drip tray | A tray is placed under the tap or spout of a draft beer system to catch drips and spills. |
| Fine mesh strainer | A small strainer with a fine mesh is used to strain out small particles and ice shards from cocktails. |
| Hawthorne strainer | A strainer with a coil-spring design is used to strain cocktails as they are poured from the shaker or mixing glass. |
| Jigger | A double-sided measuring tool used for accurately portioning spirits and other liquid ingredients in cocktails. |
| Mixing glass | A large, thick-walled glass is used for stirring and mixing cocktails. |
| Muddler | A tool used to crush and mix ingredients in the bottom of a glass or shaker often used for making mojitos and old-fashioned cocktails. |
| Parisian shaker | A two-piece cocktail shaker with a built-in strainer, similar to the Boston shaker but with a different design. |
| Shaker | A container used for shaking cocktails with ice to chill and mix the ingredients. |
| Speed rail | A rack or holder mounted on the bar to organize and store frequently used bottles for quick access. |
| Strainer | A general term for a tool used to strain liquid from ice and other solid ingredients when pouring cocktails. |
Refer: The Ultimate Guide to Essential Liquor Accessories and Barware Sets
Cocktail family
Glassware
| Type | Description |
| Beer glass | Designed to showcase the color, clarity, and carbonation of beer, with various styles including pint glasses, pilsner glasses, and wheat beer glasses. |
| Beer mug | A large, robust glass with a handle, often used for serving beer in a casual setting. |
| Champagne flute | Tall and narrow, with a long, designed to preserve the carbonation and showcase the effervescence of champagne and sparkling wine. |
| Cocktail glass | A stemmed with a wide, shallow bowl, best known for serving martinis and other cocktails. |
| Collins glass | Tall, narrow, and straight-sided, typically for highball cocktails and mixed drinks. |
| Growler | A large, resealable glass, ceramic, or stainless steel jug used to transport and store beer. |
| Hefeweizen glass | Characterized by its curvy shape and wide mouth, specifically designed for serving wheat beers such as hefeweizens. |
| Highball glass | Tall and slender, used for drinks with a high proportion of mixer to spirit, such as highball cocktails. |
| Lowball glass | Also known as an old-fashioned glass, for serving spirits over ice and short cocktails. |
| Margarita glass | A glass with a wide, conical bowl, designed for serving margaritas and other tropical cocktails. |
| Martini glass | Similar to a cocktail glass, distinguished by its wide, shallow bowl, commonly used for serving martinis and other cocktails. |
| Pilsner glass | Tall, tapered, and slender, specifically designed for serving pilsner beers and showcasing their effervescence. |
| Rocks glass | Often referred to as an old-fashioned glass, used for serving spirits over ice and short cocktails. |
| Snifter | A short-stemmed glass with a wide bowl, designed to capture and concentrate the aroma of distilled spirits. |
| Stein | A large, often ornamented beer mug with a handle, commonly associated with German beer culture. |
| Wheat beer glass | A bulbous, tall glass designed to accommodate the unique flavors and aromas of wheat beers. |
| Whiskey glass | Typically a wide glass is designed for nosing and sipping whiskey. |
| Wine glass | Available in various shapes and sizes, specifically designed for serving different types of wine glass sets to enhance the tasting experience. |
Mixology techniques
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Description |
| Agave syrup | A natural sweetener made from the sap of the agave plant, commonly used in cocktails such as margaritas and tequila-based drinks. |
| Bitters | Concentrated, intensely flavored extracts made from botanicals, herbs, and spices used to enhance the flavor complexity of cocktails. |
| Demerara sugar | A type of sugar with a light brown color and a hint of molasses flavor, often used in creating rich and flavorful syrups for cocktails. |
| Fortified wine | A type of wine to which a distilled spirit, such as brandy, has been added, such as sherry, vermouth, and port, commonly used in classic cocktail recipes. |
| Garnish | Decorative items added to cocktails, such as citrus twists, fruit wedges, or herbs, both for visual appeal and to complement the flavors of the drink. |
| Juice | Freshly squeezed or extracted liquid from fruits, such as lemon, lime, orange, and pineapple, used to provide acidity and flavor in cocktails. |
| Liqueur | Sweet, flavored spirits often used as secondary flavoring agents in cocktails, examples include triple sec, amaretto, and coffee liqueur. |
| Mixer | Non-alcoholic beverages combined with spirits to create mixed drinks, such as soda, tonic water, and fruit juices. |
| Puree | Mashed or blended fruits, often strained, used to add natural fruit flavors and textures to cocktails. |
| Rim | Coating the rim of a glass with sugar, salt, or spice to enhance the visual and taste experience of a cocktail. |
| Simple syrup | A mixture of sugar and water used to sweeten and balance the flavors of cocktails, often in a liquid form for easy mixing. |
| Soda water | Carbonated water is used as a mixer to add effervescence and lightness to cocktails. |
| Spirit | Distilled alcoholic beverages, such as vodka, rum, gin, tequila, and whiskey, are used as the primary alcohol in cocktails. |
| Syrup | A sweetened liquid used as a flavoring agent, often made from sugar and water, including simple syrup, agave syrup, and flavored syrups. |
| Tonic water | A carbonated soft drink flavored with quinine, often used as a mixer in cocktails, particularly in the popular gin and tonic. |
| Twist | A piece of citrus peel that is twisted and rubbed around the rim of a cocktail glass to release its aromatic oils. |
| Zest | The outer, colored part of citrus fruit peel, often used as a garnish to add a burst of citrus aroma to a cocktail. |
Service Terms
| Term | Definition |
| Back bar | The area in a bar where bottles of alcohol, liqueurs, and spirits are displayed for easy access and showcasing. |
| Call drink | A drink ordered by specifying a particular brand of spirit or liqueur, unlike a good drink. |
| Chaser | A non-alcoholic beverage consumed after a shot or mixed with a shot of liquor to complement or enhance the flavor. |
| Cocktail hour | A designated period, often in the early evening, when bars offer specials on cocktails to attract customers. |
| Craft cocktail | A cocktail made using unique or artisanal ingredients, often prepared with skill and creativity to deliver a premium experience. |
| Dirty dump | A bartending term that refers to shaking a cocktail with ice and then pouring the entire contents, including the ice, into the serving glass. |
| Garnish | Decorative or flavorful items added to drinks to enhance their appearance, aroma, and taste, such as citrus twists, olives, or herbs. |
| Happy hour | A promotional period in bars when drinks are offered at reduced prices to encourage customers to visit during off-peak hours. |
| House spirit | The standard brand of a particular spirit used in a bar’s well drinks, unless the customer specifies a different brand. |
| Neat | A serving style where a spirit is poured into a glass and served without ice or mixers, allowing the flavor of the spirit to be enjoyed on its own. |
| On the rocks | A serving style where a spirit or cocktail is poured over ice cubes in a glass, chilling the drink without significantly diluting it. |
| Premium drink | A top-shelf or high-end beverage typically made with premium spirits and ingredients, often priced higher than standard drinks. |
| Up | Refers to serving a drink in a stemmed glass without ice, typically chilled and strained into the glass for a clean presentation. |
| Well drink | A basic mixed drink made with a standard or house spirit and typically priced lower than call drinks or premium beverages. |
| Bartending culture | The collective customs, traditions, and practices that define the world of bartending and the service industry. |
| Flair bartending | The practice of bartenders performing entertaining and skillful tricks, often involving the manipulation of bottles and liquor Accessories, to enhance the guest experience. |
| Last call | The announcement made in bars indicating that it is the final opportunity for customers to order drinks before the establishment closes for the night. |
Checkout: Mastering the Art of Running a Successful Bar : A Comprehensive Guide
Exploring the comprehensive glossary and terms of the bar world opens up a window into the rich and diverse language of mixology, bartending techniques, and beverage culture. From classic cocktails to modern mixology trends, understanding the terminology used in bars enhances appreciation for the artistry and craft behind creating exquisite drinks. For all your bar-related needs, from Serveware tools to ingredients and an extensive glossary of terms, visit Bistro2Restro.com. Elevate your bar game, explore new horizons in mixology, and immerse yourself in the vibrant and ever-evolving world of bars with the curated selection of products and resources available on BistroToRestro.com.
