Bar accessories

First, consider how often you use something. If you reach for it more than ten times per shift, it should be within easy reach, without twisting or bending. Everything else can go under the bar. Then choose the size. A 30 cm glass rack fits in a narrow washing area. A 40 cm rack holds more glasses at once, but also needs more counter space. A crate for 35 glasses is designed for stacking and carrying. So check whether it comes with a lid.

Syrup and juice are easier to dispense from a squeeze bottle than from the original packaging. You can do it with one hand and see at a glance how much is left. Squeeze bottles are available in 35 and 70 cl sizes. When choosing a cutting board, consider where it will go. For citrus, 30 by 20 cm is enough. If you cut large quantities of garnish, 40 by 30 cm is more convenient.

Give everything a designated place, and stick to it. That way, you won’t have to search during the rush, and after closing you can immediately see if anything is missing. Place the cutting board on the side of your dominant hand, with a bar mat underneath so it stays in place. Arrange squeeze bottles in the order you use them, not by color.

Place wet glasses upside down on a glass rack, not on a towel. This lets air circulate and prevents a musty smell from lingering. If you’re taking your glasses outside or to another room, carry them in a crate with a lid. Glasses stacked loose on a tray are the most likely to break when you move them.

Everything behind the bar that comes into contact with drinks must withstand moisture, acids, and cleaning. Stainless steel is the safest choice. It doesn’t absorb odors and is usually dishwasher-safe. Plastic is lighter and won’t break if dropped. Just check that it’s food-safe and won’t discolor from citric acid.

Rubber and silicone feel good in your hand and dampen noise. Over time, though, they absorb odors. Replace them if they become sticky or discolored. Empty squeeze bottles every day and rinse them out. Otherwise, sugar in the spout dries out and attracts fruit flies.

If you’re looking for tools for mixing, take a look at the cocktail supplies. To pour from bottles on the bar shelf, you need pour spouts . If you’d like to see what a complete station looks like before stocking up, the bar tools page lays everything out. The mojito shows you which items you use together in practice.