Bar Spoon

The bar spoon, the must-have tool for your cocktails

What is a bar spoon?

As its name suggests, a bar spoon is a spoon used to stir cocktails. It’s an essential tool for bartenders to properly mix the ingredients of a cocktail in a regular glass or a mixing glass. Unlike a teaspoon, a bar spoon has a twisted stem. This key feature looks a bit like that of a corkscrew. It allows the spoon to stir smoothly or to layer cocktails.

The different types of bar spoons

There are several variations of the bar spoon, but the most common and widely used are the American, Japanese, and European styles. All three categories feature the same twisted stem.

The only difference lies in the tip. Here are the specifics of each type of spoon:

• • The American bar spoon: simple, functional, and budget-friendly.
  • • The Japanese bar spoon: generally longer with an elegant design. The tip can also come in different styles, such as a fork end for picking up garnishes.
    • • The European bar spoon: a slightly more stylish take on the American version. It features a disc at its tip, used for layering or muddling cocktails.

      Why does a bartender need a bar spoon for cocktails?

      The bar spoon, or mixing spoon, offers several techniques and benefits. As mentioned above, it’s mainly used to mix drinks. Of course, it’s not just about stirring randomly — there’s a real technique to it. The right way to use a mixing spoon is to roll it between your fingers while moving it around the glass. It’s the twisted stem that allows your fingers to perform this motion easily and effectively.

      A bar spoon is also used to layer your drinks. To do this, simply place the spout of a pourer against the stem of the spoon. Since the stem is twisted, the liqueur flows down along it and reaches the bottom without spreading out or splashing. This feature of the bar spoon is essential for pouring layered drinks that build up from the bottom of the glass.

      If your cocktail only needs a top layer, simply use the back of the spoon, placing it upside down over the drink. This way, you can gently pour your liqueur over the curve of the utensil. Your liqueur will then spread out more easily. A bar spoon is also perfect for gently stirring your cocktail. Note that it’s best not to stir too vigorously, as this risks hitting the ice cubes too hard and creating ice shards.