Just like any other equipment in your kitchen, a good set of bar tools can make a big difference in how (and how often) you prepare something. I live in a cocktail household, and thus do a decent amount of shaking, stirring, and muddling. However, up until very recently my bar tool situation was pretty lackluster — a cobbled-together, piecemeal combination of items I’d either purchased or been gifted over the years, none of which were really stellar.
Upgrading the whole scenario had been on the back burner for a long time, until I recently found a comprehensive set that’s so well-designed I can’t imagine needing another bar tool again: the Caraway Complete Bar Set.
What You Should Know About Caraway’s Complete Bar Set
Caraway’s bar set launched in late October and includes every tool I was looking for, plus a thoughtfully made storage system to hold it all. The nine-piece set comes with a 16.9-ounce insulated cocktail shaker, muddler, wine key, strainer, bar spoon, and jigger. It also comes with a wooden storage base for the tools, as well as a fabric-wrapped backer that offers a little color (there are six options) for the display.
The tools are made with stainless steel, and are all dishwasher-safe with the exception of the wine key. The storage base can be hand-washed.
My Honest Review of Caraway’s Complete Bar Set
I can honestly say these are some of the most well-designed bar tools I’ve ever used. Prior to this I had been using a shaker made with very thin metal that made what I would generously call a “passable” seal between the body and the lid. I often wrapped the shaker in a dish towel before shaking to catch any errant liquid that made its way out.
I did not experience one drip or leak when using the Caraway shaker to make drinks. In addition to being mess-free, the shaker is a great size: large enough to make two cocktails at a time, but small enough to fit (and shake) in one hand. The body of the shaker is also insulated, which means cold drinks stay cold, and you don’t have to worry about melting ice diluting your cocktails.
The jigger is another standout. A typical cocktail jigger is double-sided, but with no measurements. It’s up to you to remember that the small side is half an ounce and the larger side is 1 1/2 ounces. The Caraway jigger cleverly updates that design with measurement markings etched on the inside, which liberates you from the fog of jigger mystery.
While I don’t use a bar spoon, muddler, or strainer as often as the other tools, I still found them to be high-quality. The muddler in particular was very ergonomic and had a great weight. My previous muddler was made of wood and always had a lingering smell of whatever herbs had been muddled last. I love being able to throw this one in the dishwasher.
The storage base also looks quite smart on my home bar. I like having everything at the ready for easy access, instead of stored in separate drawers and shelves, and needing to be corralled every time cocktail hour hits. The magnetic storage backer comes in six colors, so I was able to choose one that went with my existing decor. Plus, I like that it attaches to the base with a magnet, so I can easily remove it if I want a visual change.