Summer is here, the barbecue invites are rolling in, and it's a great time to sit outside with a homemade cocktail. And with the right tools and cocktail recipes, you can easily become a master at-home mixologist in no time. Whether you're looking to make a classic margarita, a fruity rum runner, or even some tasty mocktails, we've got the best bartending kits to help you impress all your friends. Plus, we've handpicked some of the best spirits to get you started including rum, whiskey, tequila, bourbon, and mezcal.
These kits have everything you need to make standard (and expert-level) cocktails. For a drink that tastes like it was made... not in your kitchen, here are the best bartending kits to add to your bar cart.
This Modern Mixology Bartender Kit includes all the essentials for crafting the best cocktails right at home, and the sturdy wooden stand keeps everything organized. "The addition of recipe cards really steps this set up a level," said one reviewer. "It also feels durable, doesn't take up too much space, and is visually appealing on the counter-top."
If vodka sodas are the most advanced cocktail you currently know how to mix, the Barillio Elite Cocktail Shaker Set is a great place to start. It has everything you need to make most standard cocktails—with a price tag that won't bust your budget if you discover mixology isn't actually your thing. On top of being beautiful and functional, one reviewer also noted that it's leak-free.
For a kit that doubles as decor, you should go with the Mixology & Craft 10-Piece Kit. The simple and modern stand holds all the essentials and looks lovely on a bar cart or kitchen counter. This reviewer also loves how little space the stand takes up.
This 15-piece Mixology & Craft Bartender Kithas everything you need to craft amazing cocktails. The 24-oz stainless steel shaker also features a built-in strainer. "The wooden holder is heavy and durable," said one reviewer. "The tools are all very nice and I love the [recipe] cards that come with it."
The Bokhot 14-Piece Cocktail Shaker Set keeps all of your pieces in one place so you never have to worry about where they could be. The stand also rotates so you can easily reach what you need. Convenient, right? "The kit has everything you need to make all kinds of cocktails, and with the design of its holder, it’s easy to get what you need without having to look for it," said one reviewer.
For the mixologist on the go, the Mixology & Craft Travel Bartender Kit is a must-have. The canvas bag has plenty of pockets to keep all the included tools organized and features a comfortable strap for carrying. This reviewer is impressed by the weight and quality of the tools and was able to fit extra utensils in the bag due to its large size.
With 24 individual pieces, including a muddler, jigger, strainer, and ice tongs, the Soing Cocktail Shaker Set is perfect for someone who knows what they're doing and is looking for tools to make a more advanced drink. This reviewer loves how the stand keeps all the tools organized.
Whether you're limited on space or just want a no-frills set, the Mixologist World Cocktail Shaker Set is the best choice. The large 24-ounce shaker, muddler, jigger, mixing spoon, and tongs are all made of food grade stainless steel. "It contains everything you need to make a great drink, the materials are awesome, and it is stunning to look at," said one reviewer.
Fan of the minimalist look? This matte black showstopper might get more attention than the cocktail itself. "The quality is there and the matte black makes any bar cart look insanely cool," said one reviewer about the VonShef Parisian Cocktail Shaker Barware Set. "It’s definitely a conversation piece."
Not all cocktails are meant to be shaken, such as a Manhattan, negroni, or an old fashioned. For stirred cocktails, Cork & Mill's Cocktail Mixing Glass Set includes a 24-ounce crystal glass and durable stainless steel bar tools. "The glass is high-quality and heavy, and supports a hefty load of ice and alcohol," said one reviewer.
TheHomestia Cocktail Mixing Glass Barware Setadds instant style to any bar. The 24-ounce crystal mixing glass also comes with stainless steel bar tools. "It is beautifully detailed and makes a classy statement on my whiskey bar," said one reviewer.
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How we picked these products
When it comes to making cocktails, a good bartending kit is essential. We researched the best bartending kits for making the best drinks right at home. We looked for sets that are made of high-quality, durable materials and included bartending basic tools, such as a shaker, jigger, strainer, and mixing spoon. We also made sure to include products to fit your lifestyle, whether you're a mixologist on-the-go or want something with all the bells and whistles.
As an Editorial Fellow for Good Housekeeping, Katie covers health, beauty, home, and pop culture. Outside of the office, you can find her killing it on the karaoke machine or listening to true crime podcasts.
Ni'Kesia Pannell is an entrepreneur, multi-hyphenate freelance writer, and self-proclaimed Slurpee connoisseur that covers news and culture for The Kitchn. She's the former Weekend Editor for Delish who also writes about faith, health and wellness, travel, beauty, lifestyle, and music for a range of additional outlets.
Allison Arnold is the Associate SEO Editor at Delish, where she writes about kitchen gadgets and food and culture. She likes exercising almost as much as eating, and has a thorough Google Maps ranking system for her favorite restaurants and bars. You can find her spewing hot takes on the food world and planning her next trip, all with multiple cans of seltzer open at a time.