Straws

The length depends on your glass. A 14- or 15-centimeter straw fits in a tumbler or old-fashioned glass and sticks out just above the rim. For highball and hurricane glasses, choose 20 to 21 centimeters. If the straw sticks out too far, it will tilt when you set the glass down and tap against the rim.

Next, the material. Glass straws are clear and tasteless, so your drink stays as it is. They are also the most fragile. Stainless steel almost never breaks and conducts cold. That feels nice with an ice-cold drink, but you’ll notice it with a lukewarm one. Copper and gold have the same core with a coating over it and need a little more care when washing. The metal straws are 6 millimeters thick. Wide enough for juice and soda, but too narrow for a smoothie with chunks.

Add the garnish first and the straw afterward; otherwise, you’ll push the mint or citrus wheel aside. With a mojito , it works the other way around. Insert the straw deep into the crushed ice so the guest drinks from the bottom and the mint stays on top. When making a mai tai, place the straw alongside the rim, next to the garnish. That way, the layer of rum on top stays intact until the first sip.

In a wide glass, a bent straw sits more securely and won’t roll over the rim. In a narrow glass, use a straight straw. A bend will press against the side and push the straw up.

The dishwasher never gets the inside of a straw clean. The spray arm can't reach inside a six-millimeter tube, so syrup and milk residue stay there and dry out. Immediately after use, run the included brush through it under the tap. Only then put the straw in the machine.

Glass straws are sturdier than you might think, but they won't survive a fall onto tile. Wash metal straws with a gold or copper coating at a low temperature and without harsh dishwasher detergent. Otherwise, the coating will discolor over time.

If you know which glass the straw goes in, it’s easier to choose. You’ll find tall glasses under highball glasses, balloon glasses under gin and tonic glasses and mugs under tiki glasses. Brushes for straws and glassware are under glass brushes. If you’re missing anything else behind the bar, take a look under bar spoons.