Whether you're learning how to become a mixologist or working as an experienced pro in a speakeasy, you want to have a mixology set that suits your needs-it'll be useful on National Cocktail Day. It should include bartender tools for mixology, such as a bar spoon, strainer, jigger, and other tools. Those also factor into the cost to open a bar, if that's ever something you're interested in.
Some people build their collection piece-by-piece, while others prefer to purchase a complete mixology set. Once you have the right tools, you can create your favorite cocktails with prosecco, rum, whiskey, and various types of tequila.
There are many good options to choose from, so we've researched the market and contacted experts in the hospitality industry for the best choices. You might be starting a bar or just shopping around for some home bar essentials. Either way, our recommendations for the top 10 mixology sets is sure to include one that's perfect for your bar.
Mixology Tools
Most mixology sets include a jigger, a bar spoon, a cocktail shaker, and a muddler. A jigger measures cocktail ingredients, a bar spoon stirs your mixture, and a cocktail shaker gives extra power for creating mixed drinks.
Some sets also include a citrus juicer and peeler, corkscrew, bottle opener, and a Hawthorne strainer. A mixology set or bartender kit includes tools ranging from a basic three- or four-piece set to advanced collections with 30-40 pieces.
Top 10 Mixology Sets
We've included recommendations for mixologists of all skill levels, from beginners to certified mixologists and world-class professionals. Our list is organized into those categories to make it easier to see which sets are relevant to your experience level.
Here's our list of top 10 mixology sets. We'll start with a few recommendations for beginners in the mixology world.
1. Modern Mixology Bar Kit With Stand
This is our top recommendation for beginners in bartending and mixology. A novice should have a cocktail shaker, bar spoon, jigger, and muddler.
The former three are included with this package, while you can substitute for a muddler with something from your home. These are mixology tools that you'll use most, so you want to have these in your bar.
It's a quality set from Modern Mixology with all the basics, including a bottle opener, tongs, a wooden stand, and a booklet with popular cocktail recipes. This set is ideal for people interested in learning how to make drinks or enrolling in a mixology course.
2. Cresimo Cocktail Shaker Bar Set
Cresimo's mixology set is another good choice for people in the early stages of learning how to make mixed drinks. It doesn't include a mixing glass, but it has a cocktail shaker, bar spoon, jigger, and a craft cocktail recipe guide. The shaker has a built-in strainer, and comes from stainless steel, making it easy to clean.
This set allows you practice improving your mixed drinks, including your martini recipe and a variety of cocktails. Just make sure you have the best tequila for margaritas. It's safe to clean in your dishwasher, so you won't need to worry about rust, warping, or discoloration.
3. Mixology & Craft 10-Piece Bartender Set
Here's a ten-piece bartender set that gives you basic mixology tools with a few extras. It includes a 24 oz. cocktail shaker with built-in strainer, a double-sided jigger, and a Mojito muddler. It also has two liquor pourers, a Hawthorne strainer, tongs, and a double-level corkscrew for opening wine bottles.
The set comes with a stylish, eco-friendly bamboo storage rack for display in your bar equipment layout. It's designed to keep your bar tools organized and accessible. It also comes with an online cocktail recipe book and arrives packaged in a sophisticated box–making it a great gift idea.
Now that we've covered a few mixology sets for beginners, let's get into a few recommendations for people with some experience in bartending and mixology.
4. Tito's Mixology Kit
You don't have to be a big fan of Tito's Vodka to purchase this mixology set. But if you know someone who loves Tito's, then it could make the perfect gift for them. They’ll be making a Moscow Mule or other spring vodka cocktails and inviting you over to taste them.
It's a beautiful copper bartending kit that includes a Boston cocktail shaker, muddler, jigger, bar spoon, and a strainer. You also receive a tan leather satchel with a canvas flap for transportation purposes.
All items in this set come from copper-plated stainless steel, which makes the set visually appealing in your bar layout. Unfortunately, a bottle of Tito's Handmade Vodka isn't included with this set, but you could run to your closest liquor distributor, purchase one, and get started on making cocktails.
5. Bokhot 14-Piece Cocktail Shaker Set
This cocktail shaker set comes from premium stainless steel and has a rotating turntable stand designed to protect your barware. It includes a bar spoon, muddler, 25 oz. cocktail shaker, 50/30 ml. jigger, and 30/15 ml. jigger. Bokhot also gives you two liquor pourers, two stoppers, tongs, a corkscrew, a strainer, and a best classic cocktail recipe book.
This is a good option for opening a bar or for including it with your home bar essentials. It's durable, leak-proof, rust-proof, and resistant to scratches. You can also clean this set by hand with soap and warm water by gently scrubbing them.
6. Etsy Premium Cocktail Shaker Set
Here's a set that gives you all the tools you need to mix drinks at a high level. Etsy includes a Parisian (or French) cocktail shaker, a bar spoon with a flat-bottom muddler, and a fruit muddler. You'll also receive a 0.5 oz. jigger with inside measurement lines, a Hawthorne strainer, two quick pour spouts, and a set of cocktail recipe cards.
It offers a unique style with a rustic wooden frame that keeps all your mixology tools organized for quick access. The tools come from polished stainless steel 304 or 430 and you can wash them in the dishwasher.
7. Barillio Elite 23-Piece Bartender Kit
If you're looking for a mixology set with everything you need, Barillio offers you this excellent collection of tools. It includes a jigger, bar spoon, Hawthorne strainer, and a muddler. There's also a wine key, tongs, three universal speed pours with caps and brushes, two bottle stoppers, and a cocktail shaker.
Barillio's mixology set comes with a bamboo stand to display your tools, a velvet carry bag for going on the road, and a book of cocktail recipes. Moreover, the kit's design features designated dents and wood partitions, making it a thick and stable bar tool holder.
Finally, here are a few recommendations for advanced mixologists.
8. Winter Castle Silver Pro Cocktail Set
Winter Castle's mixology set is perfect for professional bartenders and mixologists. This 18-piece bartender kit includes a jigger, bar spoon, muddler, and a Boston cocktail shaker. There are also three strainers, four liquor and wine pour spouts, tongs, and a bamboo stand for display.
This mixology set also includes 50 Great Cocktail Classics, an online book with some of the best cocktail recipes of all time. The design ensures it will stand up to the test of time and it offers handle cuts on the side to make it easy for picking up.
9. Barfly M37102 Deluxe 19-Piece Stainless Steel Cocktail Set
If you're an expert mixologist, this could be what you need to help you step up your game. Barfly's cocktail set is the ultimate mixology set for your commercial bar or home bar. It includes 19 pieces with each serving a specific function to increase the efficiency of making cocktails.
This mixology set includes jiggers, bar spoons, strainers, and a cocktail shaker. There's also a citrus juicer, peeler, zester, a channel knife, an ice pick, and a corkscrew for opening wine. Barfly's mixology set is crafted for people who are serious about mixology and creating the best cocktails.
10. Mark & Graham Acacia Wood Tabletop Bar Set
This acacia wood bar set from Mark & Graham holds a full set of mixology tools. There's a bar spoon, double-sided jigger, cocktail strainer, and muddler.
Also included are tongs, a two-piece cocktail shaker, corkscrew, and bottle opener. The cherry-stained acacia wood storage box makes a great item for your bar display.
Mark & Graham's set also includes a marble cutting board for preparing garnishes and an ice bucket to go with your cocktail ingredients. The beautiful cherry-stained acacia wood storage box is a perfect feature to show off to guests at your bar.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mixology Sets and Bartender Kits
How Do You Use Mixology Sets?
There are four standard steps for using a mixology set:
1. Measure your ingredients. Prepare your ingredients-like types of rum-by measuring them into the tumbler part of the cocktail shaker using a jigger.
2. Add ice if the recipe calls for it. Fill the tumbler portion of the cocktail shaker 0.5 to 0.75 full of ice.
3. Stir with a bar spoon. Once you have added your ice and ingredients, mix them with a bar spoon.
4. Strain the drink. Fill the proper glass with your cocktail and serve it.
What Is the Use of a Mixing Glass?
A mixing glass is a glass or metal container that quickly chills cocktail drinks. Use a bar spoon to stir ice and ingredients, then strain your cocktail into a glass with a strainer. Some bartenders and mixologists use a mixing glass to shake drinks until they're cold.
What Is a Jigger?
A jigger is a common bartending tool that functions as a cocktail measuring cup. Jiggers are usually double-sided and help bartenders and mixologists manage their standard pour. It allows them to remain consistent when pouring cocktails. Jiggers have different capacities on each end and range from 0.5 to 2.5 ounces.
Which Mixology Set Will You Choose?
Now that you have some ideas for mixology sets and bartending kits, consider picking one up. If you know a bartender or a mixologist, it could make the perfect gift.
If you’re new at making cocktails, a good mixology set lets you make summer cocktails for the beach and hot winter cocktails for the holidays. If you have experience behind the bar, you can get creative with some of your usual drinks and try some new ingredients and methods.
For advanced mixologists, there are always new drink recipes waiting to be created. Use an advanced mixology set to experiment with some new techniques that could boost the flavor of your mixed drinks.