Five Bar Gadgets with Purpose

With the craft cocktail renaissance in full swing, jiggers, strainers and cocktail shakers no longer cut it. Bar tools – like the drinks being made with them – are getting innovative. Here, five must-have, yet simple bar gadgets with purpose aimed at making home tippling easier, more enjoyable and most importantly, fun.

SodaStream Carbonator, starting at $79.95

Some drinks taste better with a little fizz. Carbonate an entire cocktail or punch for a soda pop-like effect or simply carbonate one ingredient, such as your favorite wine for a spritzer sans water. You can also use the SodaStream to infuse your own soda waters with naturally flavored syrups. 

Perfect for: Sangria

Stainless Steel Cocktail Straw with Filter, $2.95 each

These reusable and washable straws, which feature a filter, keep mint and muddle fruits from getting stuck and obstructing your sip. Order at least eight of these for intimate dinner parties. Perfect for: Mojitos

Aluminum Strainer Funnel, $14.81

When squeezing fresh fruits like oranges, use this funnel to strain out the pulp. A strainer funnel also comes in handy when refining and decanting homemade liqueurs, bitters and syrups into decorative containers.

Perfect for: La Bombas

Whisky Stones, $20

Like your drink to stay chilled but not watered down? Pop these handcrafted soapstones in the shape of ice cubes in the freezer for a few hours before dropping them into a drink. They’ll keep it chilled long enough to spark lengthy cocktail party fodder about why your guests should try them, too.

Perfect for: Fine tequilas on the rocks

Hurom Slow Juicer, $399 

Fret no more about squeezing 30 limes by hand for your next batch of party punch. A reliable juicer is a must for the host or hostess. This  juicer gets its name from its motor, which moves slightly slower than most so that it can extract the most possible juice from the ingredients. Don’t let its name fool you: this juicer tackles everything from limes, beets, wheatgrass to ginger. Juice your cocktail fruits and veggies a day in advance and store in the refrigerator.

Perfect for: Margaritas