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.

Every aspiring mixologist needs the right tools. We've rounded up the essentials you'll need to properly outfit your home bar and get you on your way to being the star of the party. Because without the right tools, your guests might mistake your margaritas for martinis. Or margarine.

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