by Sean Brison |
Last Updated: June 11, 2022 Contrary to what you might think, bar spoons are used for more than just stirring drinks. While this post lays out seven stirring models you can buy right now, we’ll also get into some of the nice-to-know logistics about these thoughtfully designed instruments at the end of the post – so you can get the most out of yours.
1. Update International Barware Mixing Spoon
If you're looking for a stirring hit behind your bar, this one from Update International features an 11-inch, stainless steel twirled neck with a red knob for optimal grip. A worthy craft cocktail accomplice for any home bartender or aspiring mixologist.
2. New Star Food Service Bar Spoon
New Star Food Service has been manufacturing commercial kitchen products for over 15 years and has over 2,000 items including this 18/8 stainless steel bar spoon with red cap. Tough enough to withstand the beatings of any high-volume bar, while cheap enough to belong in any would-be bartender's tool kit. The days of using a butter knife to stir your cocktails are finally over.
3. Barfly Muddle Bar Spoon
In case you were unaware, sticking your fingers in drinks is a no-no. So, why not get an extra-long bar spoon? This one from Barfly measures 40 cm (that's nearly 16 inches) and comes equipped with a precision formed bowl, twisted stem, and muddler. If you like the feel of heft in your hand paired with a wrought iron appearance when crafting your next boozy beverage, this model can meet the needs of any home bar.
4. Antique Copper Bar Spoon
The folks at Barfly expertly crafted this alternative bar spoon sporting an antique copper finish. It's well-balanced with a length suited to meet the bottom of your tallest mixing vessel. Designed to match the most elegantly rustic of bar decors.
5. Hiware Cocktail Mixing Spoon
Hiware is an authoritative kitchenware brand in the hospitality and foodservice market trusted by industry professionals for over 20 years. Ideal for drinks catering to the "stirred, not shaken" crowd, this single teardrop piece passes the rigors of the most spirited home bartender. Its twisted stem, weight, and balance make it one of the more ergonomic spoons on this list.
6. Heavyweight Bar Spoons by A Bar Above
A Bar Above designs quality bar supplies made by a bartender for bartenders. This set of two comes equipped with one smooth and one twisted handle. The smooth gives extra weight to the hand while the twisted lends extra grip. Both possess the perfect balance of comfort and speed.
7. Zulay Premium Cocktail Spoon
Attractive and well-balanced, the Zulay Premium is bright, brooding, and so much better than your last bar spoon. The weighted teardrop handle and precision-crafted bowl make for a very stirring edition to your home bar. Zulay believes in its high-quality product so much that they offer a lifetime guarantee.
Types of Bar Spoons
There are three common
- American
Bar Spoon - European
Bar Spoon - Japanese
Bar Spoon
Each style will vary slightly but share specific characteristics that make them practical choices for stirring drinks and crafting cocktails.
Fully-functional, traditional bar spoons with the most utility are typically 12 inches in length, have a spiraled shaft, and measure 5 ml. Those are the core components, but today’s spoons vary.
Let’s examine the three types.
American Bar Spoon
The American
It’s an inexpensive stirrer.
It doesn’t feature a fully twisted shaft running the entire length of the
European Bar Spoon
The European
However, don’t use this as a muddler substitute.
The traditional muddling of firmer fruits, vegetables, and herbs requires a heavy-weight bar tool.
The spiraled stem runs the full length from top to bottom which makes it easier for drink layering.
Japanese Bar Spoon
The Japanese
Its length can be 40 cm or more.
Bar Spoon Length
The average length is 12 inches but some extend upwards of 18 inches or more. The extra weight and length of your
You may even find the stir to be quieter (although definitely not required for stirring a cocktail).
Your hands shouldn’t hit the rim of your
It’s also worth noting that the longer the spoon, the more impressive it looks and can add to the theatrics as you mix drinks.
Why Is a Bar Spoon Twisted?
Bar spoons have a twisted stem to help stir with the least amount of resistance. It’s also ideal for layering cocktails, especially those requiring many layers in a tall glass.
Physics Fact: When something is easier to stir it’s called Laminar Flow. It’s where fluid travels “smoothly or in regular paths.” and why twisted and corkscrew stems exist.
How Much Is a Bar Spoon In Oz.?
A
But there are variations with many spoons today.
If adhering to the International Bartender Association, your spoon bowl’s volume will hold 2.5 ml (½ teaspoon) measurement.
A
What Are Bar Spoons Used For?
Bartenders use bar spoons to stir cocktails, muddle ingredients, layer drinks, and crush ice cubes. It’s also a good measurement for something small (e.g. a dash of something).
Some bar spoons have a small fork at one end (like a trident) and are used to pick up solid ingredients for muddling but don’t use it for garnishing as the fork pierces whatever is in its way (that includes your garnish).
I use the flat disc to muddle sugar cubes (e.g. when making an Old Fashioned) or blueberries and mint.
The flat disc works well in this instance and sidesteps the need for a traditional muddler.
When using the flat disc at the end of a twisted
Especially good for layering drinks in highball glasses.
Further Reading:
The Last Word
Go for the weighted bar spoons as they’re the best for stirring. The weight brings a nice velocity and balance.
Length is good but might prove unwieldy depending on your:
- Bartending environment
- Travel bag
Typical lengths run 11-12 inches. You want yours to reach the bottom of your
You might have the best jigger, strainer, and assorted drinkware, but without a
Want more tips? Read this.