Bartenders, employees of cafes and restaurants, as well as simply true lovers of cocktails, will easily answer the question of what a bar spoon is. Without this tool, the bar will not be able to make a significant part of the drinks so loved by many. For bartenders, a cocktail spoon is one of the main elements of the standard set necessary for work. Even the preparation of certain types of coffee cannot do without this important and necessary tool.
Materials
A bar spoon is used in work quite often and performs a wide variety of functions. The materials for its manufacture can be diverse, each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Let's consider them in more detail.
One of the most popular and best-selling materials is stainless steel. Several factors contribute to this, such as durability, unpretentiousness in care, and sufficient strength.
In addition, the price is quite affordable, and the tool is available for not too much money. A stainless steel can be consumed daily, it will not lose its appearance and form.
Often cocktail spoons are purchased for bartenders in expensive establishments made of chrome nickel steel. This material has a higher price, but it also has excellent external data. Over time, the tool does not fade. It has a noble flickering shine and looks very impressive and expensive. However, it must be borne in mind that this material is quite demanding in care, contact with abrasive detergents can adversely affect its appearance.
Cheaper material is cupronickel. Bar spoons made from it resemble silver ones and look very advantageous.However, over time, such tools darken, and restore their shine and color is not possible.
Of course, it should be noted that bar spoons can be made and from real silver.
However, you need to understand that their price will be more than decent. They are considered to be elite instruments and are used in work mainly by bartenders of pathos and expensive establishments.
Main types
The design of a cocktail spoon resembles a teaspoon. Its standard volume is 5 milliliters, but there are other varieties. This helps the employee behind the bar to correctly measure the amount of ingredients needed for the drink. But there is a difference, it is expressed in the length and shape of the handle of the tool.
The length indicator can be different and ranges from 20 to 50 centimeters. This is due to the fact that the handle should go into even the highest glass with a narrow neck and be sure to reach its bottom. There is no standard for length; the bartender himself can choose the instrument with which he will be most comfortable working.
As for the shape of the handle, in most bar spoons it is twisted, since it is with its help that it is easiest to prepare layered cocktails that many people like. However, in some cases, it can be flat.
All types of spoons are mostly determined depending on the shape of the nozzle, which is located at the end of the handle. There are tools for layered drinks, for Mojito and with a fork.
Bar spoons for layered drinks have a twisted handle, on the end of which is located the disk. It is with the help of the disk that cocktails are prepared in glasses of small capacity. He is responsible for the distribution of fluid.
Bar spoons for Mojito they have a small pestle made of plastic at the end of the handle, which looks like a small madeler. Such a tool is used to crush lime or chop mint. However, in the case when such cocktails in the institution are put on a large stream, such a design will not work. The pestle is quite fragile, in this situation a standard madeler made of wood, which has more durable working teeth, is more useful.
Bar spoons with a fork have small cloves at the end of the handle. They are used to decorate cocktails.
Such a spoon can easily move, for example, a cherry, picking it up in a jar and putting it in a cocktail glass. Using the same tool, you can remove the bones.
How to choose?
Cocktail spoons cannot be called the main tool in the work of the bartender. However, without them, too, it will not be easy, so experienced employees of cafes and restaurants prefer not to save on the manufacturer. The reason is simple - the quality products of a well-established brand will remain attractive for longer, and there will be no unpleasant nuances with it. Therefore, in this case, higher material costs still pay off.
As for the length, its selection is individual. It is necessary to take into account the orientation of the institution and the presence in it of cocktail glasses of various depths. The same goes for the material. It makes no sense to use silver spoons in cheap bars; they do not underline the status of a place.
The handle nozzle is also selected according to the cocktail card. If possible, it is recommended to purchase several types. In addition, stainless steel tools have a fairly budgetary cost and good characteristics, you can afford them even for a small institution.
Among the popular manufacturers can be noted the company Bergoff. This Belgian company is famous for quality products, you can buy a bar spoon of stainless steel at a fairly low price.
The brand Eternum also known among bartenders. The main emphasis here is also on stainless steel products. Prices are slightly higher than in the previous case.
Firm Wuesthof offers quality German products.Among the manufacturing materials for cocktail spoons, carbon steel is used predominantly. Premium silver models available.
Ukrainian manufacturer Steelay offers consumers stainless steel products. It is famous for its high quality and affordable price for products.
How to use?
The bar spoon that is used in the work should reach the bottom of any glass with drinks. It can be used in various containers and for a wide variety of purposes.
First of all, it is worth highlighting, of course, the mixing of drinks and ice. During this action, the handle rotates smoothly in the glass, and its movements resemble the work of a propeller. Using this process, you can cool the juice or cocktail.
Mixing time individually, it is determined by the bartender. It is important to consider that in the case when everything is done too quickly, the drink will not have time to cool, with a long procedure the ice will have time to dissolve, and this will not look too appetizing. Among bartenders, a special pride is the silent mixing, during which the ice floes move evenly and do not hit each other.
Another task of a cocktail spoon is to measure the ingredients. We are talking about both liquids and bulk products. The designation of a bar spoon in recipes is marked as b. l or bsp. However, it must be borne in mind that, in addition to the standard, some may have a different volume.
And also with the help of a twisted handle layered cocktails can be made. This technology is familiar to every bartender and is not difficult. A spoon rests on the bottom or wall of the glass, and the components of the cocktail pour into its handle.
The fluid moves in a spiral slowly, which allows layers to be laid on top of each other. You can use the disk located on the tip, with its help layers are also easily formed.
Sometimes a cocktail spoon can act as an opener. With its help, you can quite easily uncork a bottle. And also the plastic pestle at the end of the handle can be used to chop fruits and herbs. With a fork, you can easily add the necessary ingredients, such as olives and berries.
There are no difficulties with using a bar spoon in general. Professional bartenders handle this tool easily and at ease. The main condition is to know what this or that element is for.
See which bar spoon is more convenient to use in your work.
