The 4 Essential Bar Tools Every Home Bartender Needs And Why You Need the Tangerine Chest to Store Them.

At MadiraTrunk, we believe that every drink tells a story and every storyteller deserves the right tools. Whether you’re a seasoned mixologist or someone who simply loves hosting a good evening with a well-crafted cocktail, there are four fundamental tools that no home bar should be without: the jigger, the shaker, the strainer, and the bar spoon.

Let’s break it down and show you why a bar cabinet like our Tangerine Chest is more than just storage; it’s the soul of your setup.

1. The Jigger: Precision in Every Pour

Great cocktails begin with balance. A jigger is the bartender’s measuring cup, helping you maintain perfect proportions of spirits, liqueurs, and mixers. From a classic Negroni to a modern Margarita, the jigger ensures consistency every time. Forget the guesswork this is your tool for accuracy and sophistication. The two sides of the jigger are called 

Jigger Shot: It is the larger of the two sides; it holds either 50 ml or

60 ml. 

Pony Shot: This is the smaller of the two sides, holds either 25 ml or 30 ml. 

2. The Shaker: Shake Things Up

No bar is complete without a shaker. This dynamic tool chills, aerates, and blends ingredients seamlessly. Whether you’re making a Whiskey Sour or a Cosmopolitan, the shaker is what gives your drink that refreshing, silky texture. It’s where the magic begins,

loud, vibrant, and full of energy.

3. The Strainer: Finesse in Filtration

After you shake or stir, a strainer steps in to ensure only the good stuff reaches the glass. It catches ice, fruit pulp, or herbs so that your cocktail is clean and elegant. Think of it as the last 5 minutes of a marvellous MasterChef episode where the food is ready to be devoured with the right smells and the right textures.

4. The Bar Spoon: Stirred, Not Shaken

Long, sleek, and versatile, the bar spoon is for drinks that demand delicacy. It helps layer ingredients, stir cocktails to just the right chill, and even muddle lightly. From Old Fashioneds to Martinis, the bar spoon is all about control and grace. Think of it as the last step of your plating process. It is delicate and swirled to perfection.

Why You Need the Tangerine Chest

Now, imagine having all these tools and nowhere beautiful or functional to store them.

Enter the Tangerine Chest: our signature bar cabinet designed to elevate your space and your rituals. With thoughtfully crafted compartments, a perfect suede finish, and a splash of bold personality, it’s built to house not just your tools, but your entire bartending experience.

From Sunday brunches to late-night gatherings, the Tangerine Chest isn’t just storage, it's the centrepiece of every celebration. It keeps your tools organised, accessible, and always ready for the next pour.

Crafting cocktails at home is part science, part art, and all heart. With the right tools and a home like the Tangerine Chest to keep them in, you’re not just mixing drinks, you’re creating memories. Do it right, do it with us. MadiraTrunk will be the perfect home for your bar tools, because every passionate bartending enthusiast deserves a cabinet that is just as passionate.