Cocktail sets for beginners: What do you really need?

Whether you're planning to impress your friends at home with your mixology skills or simply want to enjoy a refreshing cocktail yourself, a good cocktail set is essential. For beginners, it can seem overwhelming with the abundance of tools, glasses, and ingredients recommended. However, you don't need an extensive, professional set to get started. In this blog post, we'll guide you step by step through the essential items you need for your first cocktail set.

Why a cocktail set?

A cocktail set gives you the right tools to mix, shake, and serve drinks like a pro. A good set allows you to make a wide range of cocktails, from classics like the Martini and Margarita to more creative, personal creations. Having the right tools at home not only makes preparation easier but also lets you elevate the presentation.

The essential essentials in a beginner cocktail set

Let's take a look at the basic equipment you need to get started

1. Cocktail Shaker: The cocktail shaker is probably the most recognizable and important tool in a cocktail set. There are two common types:

• Boston Shaker: This type consists of two parts, often a metal cup and a glass or metal mixing glass. This is the choice of many professionals because of its simplicity and large capacity. However, it does take some practice to seal and handle it properly.
  
• Cobbler Shaker: This is the classic shaker that often comes in three parts: a metal cup, a built-in strainer, and a cap. It’s easier for beginners to use, but the built-in strainer can sometimes be less efficient than a separate strainer. For beginners, a Cobbler Shaker is an excellent choice because of its ease of use.

2. Jigger: Accurate measuring is crucial when making cocktails. Too much or too little of an ingredient can completely change the balance of the drink. A jigger is a double-sided measuring tool that lets you pour exactly the right amount of alcohol and mixers. Most jiggers have two sizes, for example 15 ml and 30 ml. This helps you maintain the right ratio without having to guess.  

3. Bar Spoon: The bar spoon is longer than a regular spoon and is essential for stirring cocktails, especially for drinks made in a glass without shaking, like a Negroni or an Old Fashioned. The long handle allows you to mix the ingredients evenly without disturbing the process. Some bar spoons have a twisted handle, which is handy for techniques like layering (pouring different liquids on top of each other without mixing them).

4. Strainer: When shaking a cocktail, you want to leave the ice cubes and any pulp from the ingredients in the shaker. That's where the strainer comes in. If you have a Cobbler shaker, it already has a built-in strainer, but if you’re using a Boston Shaker, you’ll need a separate strainer. There are two main types:

• Hawthorne strainer: this is the most common type of strainer with a spiral spring. The spring ensures that ice and pieces of fruit or herbs are kept back while pouring.
  
• Julep strainer: a strainer without a spring, often used for pouring cocktails that have been stirred in a mixing glass rather than shaken.

For beginners, the Hawthorne strainer is a safe choice because of its versatility.

5. Citrus Juicer: Many cocktails call for fresh juice from citrus fruits like limes, lemons, or oranges. A manual citrus juicer is a great addition to your kit because it provides fresh, bright flavors. Avoid bottled juice; it often lacks freshness and can negatively impact the taste of your cocktail.

6. Muddler: A muddler is used to crush fruit, herbs, or sugar to release their flavors into your drink. This is especially important for cocktails like a Mojito or Caipirinha. A wooden or stainless steel muddler is fine for beginners. Make sure the bottom isn’t too rough, as this can damage the ingredients instead of gently crushing them.

7. Ice cube tray or ice cube bag: Ice is an essential part of almost every cocktail. Large, clear ice cubes melt more slowly, which is ideal because they don't dilute your drink too quickly. A good ice cube tray can help get the right size and shape. For some cocktails, like an Old Fashioned or Negroni, larger ice blocks or spherical ice cubes are often used because they look elegant and melt more slowly.

Extras that are nice but not necessary:

While the items above give you a solid foundation for making a wide range of cocktails, there are some fun extras that can take your experience to the next level:

• Cocktail glasses: Different cocktails are traditionally served in specific types of glasses, like martini glasses, tumbler glasses, or highball glasses. As a beginner, you can start with a few simple glasses and expand your collection later.
  
• Cocktail picks: For decorating your cocktails with garnishes like olives, cherries, or lemon peel.

Tips for Choosing the Right Cocktail Set

When buying a cocktail set for beginners, it's important to choose a set that meets your needs but is also of good quality. Here are some tips:

• Material: Go for stainless steel for durability and easy maintenance. Plastic tools can wear out quickly, and glass is often more fragile.
  
• Complete sets: Many beginner cocktail sets come with all the basic tools you need. This can be an affordable way to start without buying everything separately.
  
• Ease of use: Make sure the tools feel comfortable in your hand and are easy to use. A Cobbler Shaker, for example, is easier for beginners than a Boston Shaker.

Popular Cocktails to Start With

Now that you have the basic tools, you probably want to start mixing cocktails! Here are three simple and classic cocktails that are perfect for beginners:

1. Margarita: Tequila, lime juice, and triple sec, served in a glass with a salted rim.
   
2. Whiskey Sour: Whiskey, lemon juice, and a little sugar for a balanced, refreshing cocktail.
   
3. Mojito: White rum, lime juice, mint, sugar, and sparkling water – a refreshing cocktail for warm days.

As a beginner, you don't need an extensive, expensive cocktail set. With a few essential tools like a shaker, jigger, bar spoon, and strainer, you can quickly start making delicious cocktails. Once you gain more experience, you can expand your set with extras like special glasses and garnish tools. The most important thing is to have fun and experiment with different flavors and techniques.

So what are you waiting for? Get your cocktail set and start shaking, stirring, and enjoying your own creations! Cheers!