Uncrate's Essential Cocktail Tools

The first weapon in your arsenal should be a cocktail shaker. Our favorite, and the style preferred by pro bartenders, is the WMF Boston Shaker ($45). It's made of 18/10 stainless steel and pairs with a measuring glass handily marked with ounces. If you're looking for something to spruce up the apartment, you can't go wrong with the hand-polished, helix-y awesomeness of the Nambé Twist Shaker ($145). It's made of thermal-retentive metal and comes with its own strainer.

Few liquor slingers are experienced enough to eyeball ingredients. And you're not one of them. For better tasting drinks, pick up a Stainless Steel Double Jigger ($6). One side holds 1 ounce, while the other holds 2 ounces, making for quick and accurate drink-making. For more precise measuring, we like the Oxo Mini Stainless Steel Angled Measuring Cup ($6), which has angled markings inside the cup, from 1/4 ounce to 2 ounces.

Your Sangria Blanca will taste their finest when you use freshly squeezed juice. To save time and space, go with Williams-Sonoma's Two-In-One Citrus Juicer ($20). It has a mechanism that can literally turn your fruit inside out to get every last drop. Made of nonreactive powder-coated cast aluminum, this juicer cleans up super easy too.

Mash it up with the Rosle Long Handle Fruit Muddler ($20). Longer than standard ones, it works great with taller glasses and bottles. The German-made stainless steel muddler sports a polycarbonate head with pyramid-shaped burls that demolish even the toughest of limes and the most stubborn of mint leaves. If you want something that can double as a protection device, you'll want a Solid Wood Muddler ($8).

You'll want to prepare your garnishes beforehand, but make sure you keep a set around all night in case the crowd is especially digging your pomegranate pours. We use a Wüsthof 3-inch Paring Knife ($10) and an Architec Bamboo Cutting Board ($10), but you can do better with Kegworks' Bar Cutting Board and Knife Set ($7), which doesn't absorb odors or swell and crack. If you've got money to burn, the Shun Ken Onion Paring Knife ($125) definitely means business.

The Hawthorne Strainer looks more complicated than it is. You use it with a Boston Shaker to keep the ice out of your drinks. Go with the Pedrini Cocktail Strainer ($11). The Italy-made gadget has a flexible spring head that adjusts to fit nearly any glass size.

You'll need one of these. It's good for everything. Go with this Heavy Duty Stainless Steel Bar Spoon ($5). It's extra long for scooping cherries and olives, stirring drinks, and layering shots. Also great for whacking non-tippers.