Coffee & Bar Tools

Equipment for the drinks station: Boston shaker sets, whiskey cooling rocks, electric chillers, cast iron teapots and coffee filter caddies.

Boston shaker or cobbler shaker?

A Boston shaker is two tins, or a tin and a glass, with a separate strainer. It is what bars use because it is faster, seals harder and is easier to clean. A cobbler has a built-in strainer and cap, which is friendlier to learn on and slower in use.

Do whiskey stones work?

They chill without diluting, which is the point, but they hold far less cold than ice so they bring the drink down a few degrees rather than properly chilling it. For a spirit you do not want watered, they are the right tool; for a long drink, use ice.

Why cast iron for a teapot?

It holds heat for far longer than glass or ceramic, so a pot stays drinkable through a second and third cup. The trade-off is weight and care — dry it immediately, and never leave tea standing in it.