Bar Tools We Recommend
The gear our test bar actually reaches for. A few of these are all you need to make every shot on the site.
Weighted Boston Shaker
A weighted, professional-grade Boston tin set. Seals tight and shakes cold fast.Double Jigger (1 / 2 oz)
Precise 1 oz / 2 oz measures with etched interior lines so every pour is exact.Twisted Bar Spoon
Long twisted stem for smooth stirring and clean layered-shot floats over the back of the spoon.Hawthorne Strainer
The coil-spring bar strainer that keeps ice back so you get a clean pour every time.Heavy-Base Shot Glasses
Thick-based standard 1.5 oz shot glasses — stack well, feel premium, match every recipe on the site.Bar Rimming Tray Set
Wide trays for salt, sugar, and Tajín rims — the trick behind margarita, lemon-drop and Mexican Candy shots.Bartender Starter Kit
Shaker, jigger, spoon, strainer, and more — the fastest way to a real home bar in one purchase.Silicone Ice Cube Trays
Large slow-melt cubes keep shaken drinks cold without watering them down.Note on images: Product images shown above are illustrative representations of each category, not photos of the specific Amazon items linked. Click through to Amazon for the actual product photos, current pricing, and full details.
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The Bar Tools You Actually Need for Shots
You do not need a full bar to make great shots, but a few good bar tools make every round faster and cleaner. The picks above are the ones our test bar reaches for most: a weighted shaker for chilling, a dual jigger for accurate pours, a twisted spoon for layering, and heavy shot glasses that feel right in the hand. Because shots are all about precision and speed, the right bar tools matter even more here than with full-size cocktails.
Once you are set up, put them to work with our shot recipes, or use the What Can I Make finder to see what your bottles can make. New to mixing? Our guide to bar tools & bartending basics walks through the core techniques, and how to layer a shot covers stacking. Please drink responsibly — Shot Chef is for adults 21 and older.