In the world of mixology, crafting the perfect cocktail isn’t just about the ingredients; it’s also about the tools you use. Among the instruments in a bartender’s arsenal, the cocktail spoon stands out as one of the indispensable essentials. These seemingly straightforward utensils come in various shapes and sizes, each designed to cater to specific bartending needs. This week we take a look at some of the most important differences.
Collinson vs Hudson
The primary differences between the Hudson and Collinson bar spoons lie in the presence of a flat edge on the Hudson spoon. This flat edge makes it a versatile tool, suitable for stirring, layering, and creating intricate cocktails that require precise control. The Collinson spoon is known for its straightforward and practical design, making it a reliable choice for bartenders looking for a simple yet elegant tool.
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- Mezclar 450mm Collinson Cocktail Spoon Stainless Steel
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- Mezclar 450mm Hudson Cocktail Spoon Copper Plated
Masher vs Fork
The choice between a cocktail spoon with a masher or with a fork-end depends on your priorities. If you want to maximise flavour extraction from your ingredients, the masher is the better option. The circular end also helps when it comes to layering drinks, as liquid can be poured down the spiral stem.
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- Professional 11″ Cocktail Mixing Spoon
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- Cocktail Spoon with Masher
The fork-end spoon is good for muddling and layering too, especially when you’re working in compact or narrow glasses. The fork can also be used to skewer garnishes and provide a unique aesthetic for your cocktails, and it’s also great for when you want to incorporate small components like sugar or herbs evenly into the cocktail.
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- Mezclar 300mm Cocktail Spoon with Fork Stainless Steel
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- Mezclar 300mm Cocktail Spoon with Fork Copper Plated
Large vs Small
Cocktail spoons come in different lengths and have different sized spoon heads. The G&T spoon is shorter, not only to match the glass size, but also to ensure a thorough and elegant stir. Small spoon heads are ideal for extracting garnishes like cherries, olives, or citrus twists from their containers without dripping excess liquid into the cocktail and for precisely measuring small quantities of liquid. This is particularly useful when crafting cocktails that require accurate proportions, as even slight variation can effect the balance of flavour.
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- Antique Brass 450mm Collinson Spoon
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- G & T Spoon 6″
