5 Basic Kitchen Utensils That Ace As Bartending Tools
We’re a generation that’s a big fan of “jugaad”. You know, that art of getting things done in an innovative way using limited resources. I remember my hostel days, we didn’t have a kitchen, we just had a kettle, which became our one stop gadget to make all kinds of foods, from maggi to rice.
Today I have my own kitchen, but the “jugaadu” in me still prevails. In fact, I’ve learnt to use my kitchen in a whole new way rather than the usual. Everything has multiple purposes. For instance, kitchen utensils also work perfectly as bartending gear when I host house parties.
I love sipping and making cocktails but I don’t have a home bar yet. That doesn’t stop me though. When you have a functional kitchen space, you need minimal bartending gear to actually invest in. Contrary to popular belief, a home bar is not an expensive affair! First things first, make a list of the essentials you need to stir up delicious cocktails. Next, you got to be innovative and look around for ordinary household items from your kitchen that can be reused as bartending tools. This way you’re not just repurposing your gear but also being mindful and sustainable, even if it means in a small way.
Mason Jars
I love how convenient mason jars are. Simply add the necessary ingredients inside the jar, top it up with ice and lock the jar with the tin cap. Shake, shake, shake and your drink is ready to be served. Bonus - vessels to be washed = one!
Also Read: Creative Cocktail Serving Ideas To Give Your Drink A Mazedaar Makeover
Home Strainer
The strainers we use in the kitchen are perfect for makeshift bartending gear. Use a strainer that you’d typically use for straining tea leaves and strain out lemon seeds or pulpy leftovers.
Measuring Cup
If you don’t want to invest in a jigger, make use of a measuring cup to pour your liquor. Most cocktails require 60 ML of liquor, which is exactly one-quarter of the measuring cup. Not only can you whip up delicious cocktails with this equipment but it also comes in handy in the kitchen, especially if you’re a newbie and don’t know how to cook with your gut.
Chopsticks
You don’t need to invest in stirrers if you’re big on eating with chopsticks. Chopsticks as bar spoons are perfect for when you need to use a stirrer without any pain in your wrist! Pro tip - Can’t find a chopstick lying around? Make use of the back of a fork as a stirrer.
Peeler
I don’t know about you but I love a good looking cocktail. Garnishing is like the cherry on the cake! It’s super simple really. All you need is your vegetable peeler. Use your peeler on a fruit of your choice and use the shavings to decorate your glassware as you please. Need a muddler but don’t want to invest in one? Use the back of your peeler since it has a fatter base.
Setting up a home bar is super simple and effective with these bartending hacks! Don’t you think?
*Drink Responsibly!
