Five Reasons the Bar Spoon is a Basic Necessity
The time has come to address the elephant in the room (or… the spoon in the drink) : Isn’t a bar spoon just an unnecessary piece of metal in the bartender’s kit?
Simply put? No, absolutely not!
The bar spoon is not merely junk in the bartender’s trunk. It's a vital piece of kit and if you don't want to take our word for it, here are five reasons why...
Reason One: Many bar spoons are multi-functional
Bar spoons not only stir cocktails to combine ingredients that shouldn’t be shaken. They also mix the ingredients to an optimum temperature and dilution, because they don’t break down the ice too vigorously.
But it's the end of the spoon where it gets really interesting, weighted flat ended bar spoons, like the ProStirrer™ are great for lightly muddling herbs or reducing champagne bubbles, while the spoon itself can be used as a 5ml measure - the same as a conventional teaspoon.
Reason Two: Add Some Flair to the Mix
The multi-functionality doesn't end at measuring. Bar spoons can also be used for layering, garnishing and even cracking ice!
For those who don't know, layering a drink involves pouring liquids of different densities into the glass one at a time, starting with the heaviest to create a layered effect. Bols Bar Academy explain how to layer with a bar spoon to add some showmanship:
"Rest a flat-ended barspoon just on the surface of the first ingredient. Pour the second ingredient down the stem of the barspoon, lifting the spoon up as the level rises in the glass so the flat end is always just on the surface of the liquid. And repeat for following layers."
To add more drama to your drink, a teardrop shaped end can gently crack ice, whilst a fork-shaped end like our ProTrident is great for garnishing.
Reason Three: No Need to Get Tense!
If used correctly a bar spoon is the best way to stir a cocktail without tension or strain for the bartender. This is particularly true if the spoon is durable and ergonomically designed. See our blog on stirring for the correct way to stir a cocktail – a skilled hand and the right bar tool will avoid cramping hands or a poorly mixed drink.
Reason Four: A Clear Conscience
There is a rumour going around that you can just use plastic straws to stir your cocktail. But not only is the bar spoon way more effective than a straw, it is also much more ecologically friendly. And Überbartools™ range of stirrers made from hand-twisted stainless steel with a reinforced spoon to resist bending and breaking, making them more durable so you won't need to replace them as often as others.
Reason Five: The Choices Don't Have to be Overwhelming
Although there are lots of different types of bar spoons, the choice doesn't have to be too much to handle.
Überbartools™ can cater to all three styles to suit different bartender requirements. To help you choose:
- The ProStirrer™ follows the European style and is great for muddling and layering.
- The ProTeardrop™, with subtle elegance and added weight and the ProTrident™ for garnishing both follow the Japanese style.
- And finally for those looking for the simplicity of the American style, our classic Bar Spoon in gold, copper, chrome or platinum will do just the job.
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