So, you’ve sipped spritzes in Sicily, savored martinis in Las Vegas and sampled Mai tais in Hawaii. But you don’t need a passport to relive those moments.
The right bar tools will bring the world’s cocktail culture straight into your own kitchen – while wowing your family and friends.
Here are our 5 must-have bar essentials for Jetsetters who want to mix, shake and pour like a pro — no flight required.
Shop the Bar – Jetsetter Approved Essentials
Bring the world’s best cocktail moments home with our favorite bar tools:
Cocktail Shaker – Worth the Splurge
A great shaker is the foundation of your bar. Opt for a double-walled stainless steel model to keep drinks cold, prevent condensation, and ensure a perfect seal (no mid-shake spills — we’ve all been there). We also love that while the inside is stainless steel, the outside is coated so your hands don’t freeze. The 22-oz size is perfect for making two cocktails and there’s fun colors too!
Jetsetter Pick: BrüMate Cocktail Shaker 22oz on Amazon – Sleek, durable, leak-proof and designed for years of happy hours.
Wine Opener – The Sommelier’s Secret
Whether you’re opening a bold Malbec from Argentina or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand, a reliable wine opener is non-negotiable.
We love TSA-compliant corkscrews for travelers, but at home, go for a sturdy lever-style or waiter’s friend.
Jetsetter Pick: Zulay Corkscrew Wine Opener on Amazon – Smooth pulls, no broken corks, easy grip handle.
Zester – Small but Mighty
Bright citrus zest can turn a good drink into a great one. From a Negroni Sbagliato with an orange twist to a classic gin and tonic with lime zest, a microplane zester earns its spot in your bar drawer. Bonus: it grates Parmesan, garlic, nutmeg and chocolate really nicely too!
Jetsetter Pick: Deiss PRO Citrus Zester & Cheese Grater on Amazon – Razor-sharp, versatile and easy to store.
Cocktail Measure (Jigger) – Precision in Every Pour
The difference between “pretty good” and “wow” is often precision. A jigger ensures your ratios are spot-on — essential for balance in cocktails like a margarita, martini or a Manhattan. This one is high grade sturdy 18/8 stainless steel and the graduated measurements gives better mixing of cocktails. See Main photo at the top of this post for the jigger
Jetsetter Pick: Briout Jigger for Bartending on Amazon – Accurate, sturdy and elegant.
An Easy Juicer – Fresh Juice is Best
Fresh juice — especially from citrus fruits like limes, lemons and oranges – is a MUST! It makes all the difference in your cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks. A hand-held squeezer is the way to go. Easy to use and Bonus: You can travel with it too! We love this one as it fits all citrus fruits.
Jetsetter Pick: Zulay All-In-One Citrus Squeezer on Amazon – A great all-in-one that fits all citrus fruits, including oranges, lemons and limes.
BONUS: Muddler – Your Flavor Infuser
Fresh herbs, sugar cubes, berries — a muddler unlocks layers of flavor you can’t get from syrups alone. Even at home, we love a compact hardwood muddler that’s easy to store but strong enough for heavy citrus. Bonus: The wood makes it travel friendly!
Jetsetter Pick: True Smash Wooden Muddler for Cocktails on Amazon – Durable, ergonomic and perfect for mojitos or mules at home.
The Jetsetter’s Mini Bar: Ready for Takeoff
For impressive and easy cocktail ideas, check out our YouTube channel. There are tons of fun and simple to make drinks available to you!
And once you’ve stocked these bar essentials, you’re ready to mix cocktails inspired by your travels — and maybe even invent a few new ones. From an Aperol Spritz on a Sunday afternoon to a French 75 for date night, your at-home bar can be a passport to flavor.
Pro tip: Keep a few global spirits on hand — like Italian Amaro, Aperol or Caribbean Rum — to add an international twist to your repertoire.
Jetsetter Tip: Store all these tools in a stylish bar cart or portable bar case so you can bring happy hour to any room (or rooftop) in your home.
Cheers, Jetsetters!!
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John Daly and Susan Anzalone are the Co-Creators and Co-Hosts of Undercover Jetsetter, a show on travel, food, and booze. They show you how to jet set the world and at home. They also co-authored the book, The TV Studio In Your Hand: How to Shoot, Edit & Deliver the Easy Way on Your iPhone. Join them for tips and hacks on the road, at home, or in the kitchen, and all over the world. And yes, as you will see, all on the iPhone. Susan is an expert in food and wine since her childhood days in Australia and then the United States, being the daughter of two lifelong employees of Pan Am Airlines. John is also a world traveler starting when he studied in Italy through his alma mater Providence College. John is also a Nevada Hall of Fame Broadcaster during his years as a Las Vegas news anchor at KTNV. He gained international fame as the host of the first all-video news magazine show, Real TV while also securing his bartending and mixology credentials from the Harvard Bartending School. You can follow them here on the free Wingding app on the Food and Travel Channels, on YouTube, Facebook, X, and Instagram.