Best Bar Spoons

A classic martini is stirred, not shaken (sorry, Mr Bond, but you’re mashing up the ice too much), and for this you will need a bar spoon. Its length will reach into cocktail shakers and jugs, while its twisted stem aids in stirring – it should be rotated through the fingers – and layering, when liquor is poured against the twist and travels down the shaft to the bottom of the glass. There are several types of bar spoon with subtle differences, although generally they all hold 5ml (one teaspoon) of liquid. The American is the most basic, with a shorter twist and a rubber tip, usually red, to protect the hand. The European model has a longer twist and a flat, circular tip at the end which is used for muddling. The Japanese bar spoon has a teardrop tip that helps balance the spoon in the hand. Occasionally it has a fork on the tip, for picking up ingredients. It’s usually longer, up to 16", which gives it an elegant theatrical appearance as you show off your mixology skills.