Cocktail? Don't mind if I do...

The cocktail has undergone somewhat of a revival in the last few years - no longer is it the reserve of secret agents nor something to be created out of eye shot, to be presented to guests almost with an apology!

There is a great deal of cocktail equipment available so we will aim to break this down into the essentials and their functions...

SHAKER

The bit that adds a flair to your cocktail creation... amazing tricks and gravity defying acts can be performed with one of these, or as we tend to do, just shake and pour! Most shakers include 3 parts - the base, a filter / spout assembly and a lid. Boston shakers consist of just a glass and a metal base which are friction fitted together - a firm tap is enough to release the two after shaking. Just ensure that you give yourself plenty of space and have a towel handy just incase!

STRAINER

This piece of kit is great for filtering out the unwanted ice and chunks of fruit etc from your finished drink. We use 'hawthorne strainers' which do the job quite nicely

MUDDLER

Great for crushing up ingredients in the bottom of the shaker, these come in a variety of shapes and sizes, often available in a variety of woods and finishes

JIGGER

Perfect for measuring the right amount of liquids to add to your cocktail. Often made from stainless steel, they usually have measurement increments engraved on the interior or exterior

SPOON

Exactly as it sounds! This is an extra long variant however, enabling you to reach the bottom of your cocktail shaker with ease. Some also have a flat base for muddling / sitting upside down on