Bartenders, workers of cafes and restaurants, as well as just true lovers of cocktails, can easily answer the question of what a bar spoon is. Without this tool in the bar will not be able to make a significant part of the much-loved drinks. For bartenders cocktail spoon - one of the main elements of the standard set necessary for work. Even the preparation of certain types of coffee can not do without this important and necessary tool.
Materials
Bar spoon is used in work quite often and performs a variety of functions. Materials for its manufacture can be varied, each has its advantages and disadvantages. Consider them in more detail.
One of the most popular and best-selling materials is stainless steel. This is facilitated by several factors, such as durability, unpretentiousness in the care, sufficient strength.
In addition, the price is quite democratic, and the tool is available for not too much money. Stainless steel can be used daily, it will not lose its appearance and shape.
Often for bartenders in expensive establishments cocktail spoons are purchased from chromium-nickel steel. This material has a higher price, but it is notable for its excellent external data. Over time, the tool does not tarnish. He has a noble shimmering glitter and looks very impressive and expensive. However, it must be borne in mind that this material is quite demanding to care, contact with abrasive detergents can adversely affect its appearance.
A cheaper material is melchior. Bar spoons made from it resemble silver ones and look very advantageous. However, over time, such tools darken, and to restore their brilliance 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 elite instruments and are used in work mainly by bartenders of pathos and expensive institutions.
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 correctly measure the amount of ingredients needed for a drink. But there is a difference, it is expressed in the length and shape of the tool handle.
The length indicator can be different and ranges from 20 to 50 centimeters. This is due to the fact that the handle must enter even into the tallest glass with a narrow neck and be sure to reach to its bottom. There is no standard length, the bartender can choose the tool with which he will be most comfortable to work.
As for the shape of the handle, it is twisted in most bar spoons, since it is with the help of it that the easiest way is to make layered cocktails that are loved by many. However, in some cases it may 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, at the end of which the disk is located. It is with the help of the disc 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 plastic pestle at the end of the handle that looks like a small madler.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 flow, such a design will not work. The pestle is quite fragile; in this situation, a standard wooden madler, which has stronger working teeth, is more useful.
Bar spoons with a fork have at the end of the handle small teeth. They are used to decorate cocktails.
Such a spoon can be easily moved, for example, a cherry, having picked it up in a can and put it in a cocktail glass. With the same tool you can remove bones.
How to choose?
Cocktail spoons can not be called the main tool in the work of the bartender. However, without them, too, will not be easy, so experienced employees of cafes and restaurants prefer not to save on the manufacturer. The reason is simple - high-quality products of a well-established brand will keep an attractive appearance longer and no unpleasant nuances will arise with it. Therefore, in this case, higher material costs will 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. Spoons of silver does not make sense to use in cheap bars, they will not emphasize the status of the place.
Nozzle on the handle is also selected according to the cocktail menu. If possible, it is recommended to purchase several species. In addition, stainless steel tools have a fairly low cost and good performance, you can afford even a small establishment.
Among the popular manufacturers can be noted company Berghoff. This Belgian company is famous for its high-quality products, you can purchase a stainless steel bar spoon at a fairly low price.
The brand Eternum also known among bartenders. The main focus 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, predominantly carbon steel is used. Premium silver models are available.
Ukrainian manufacturer Steelay offers consumers stainless steel products. It is famous for its high quality and affordable product prices.
How to use?
Bar spoon, which is used in the work, should reach the bottom of any glass of beverages. It can be used in various containers and for a wide variety of purposes.
First of all, it is necessary to single out, 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 the propeller. With this process, you can cool the juice or cocktail.
Mixing time individually, it defines the bartender. It is important to bear in mind that in the case when everything is done too quickly, the drink will not have time to cool down, with a long procedure the ice will have time to dissolve, and it will not look too appetizing. Among bartenders, special pride is silent mixing, during which the pieces of ice move evenly and do not hit each other.
Another task of a cocktail spoon is the measurement of ingredients. It is about both liquids and bulk solids. The designation of the bar spoon in the 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 by means of the twisted handle layered cocktails can be made. This technology is familiar to every bartender and is not difficult. A spoon rests against the bottom or side of the glass, and the components of the cocktail themselves pour over its handle.
The fluid moves in a spiral slowly, which allows you to lay layers on each other. You can use a disk located on the tip, with its help layers are also easily formed.
Sometimes a cocktail spoon can act as a bottle opener. With its help it is quite easy to uncork a bottle. As well as a plastic pestle at the end of the handle can be used to grind fruits and herbs. Fork easily add the necessary ingredients, such as olives and berries.
There are no difficulties in using the bar spoon as a whole. Professional bartenders handle this tool easily and naturally. The main condition is to know why this or that element is necessary.
About what bar spoon is more convenient to use in your work, see below.
