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Cool bar tools

Four Chicago bartenders share their secret weapons for amazing summer cocktails.

By Lauren Viera
Published: July 12, 2012

385.sh.ss.tools
SUMMER DRINKING: TOOLS OF THE TRADE
SUMMER DRINKING: TOOLS OF THE TRADE
SUMMER DRINKING: TOOLS OF THE TRADE
SUMMER DRINKING: TOOLS OF THE TRADE
  • SUMMER DRINKING: TOOLS OF THE TRADE

    Charles Joly Beverage director at the Aviary (955 W Fulton Mkt, 312-226-0868)
    Favorite tool
    Zyliss Easy Grip zester
    Why it works
    “Cheap, durable and consistent,” Joly says of this dual zester–channel knife tool. “Other channel knives cut a jagged twist and don’t go deep enough,” he says. “This gives a great twist-type cut and extracts a massive amount of oil that can be aimed at the top of a cocktail with as much or little effect as you would like.”
    Where to get it
    $8 at cookswarehouse.com

    Photo: Elizabeth Jochum385.sh.ss.tools.CharlesJoly01xSS.jpgSUMMER DRINKING: TOOLS OF THE TRADE154964061
  • SUMMER DRINKING: TOOLS OF THE TRADE

    Daniel de Oliveira Brand ambassador for Olmeca Altos tequila
    Favorite tool
    “Mexican elbow,” a handheld citrus juicer
    Why it works
    De Oliveira has been seen carrying this tool on his belt loop—a serious compliment in a world of weak juicers prone to breakage. “I juice a case of limes solo in under an hour with this thing,” he says. “It’s great because you also get some of the oils from the fruit in the juice, which enhances the flavor—something you don’t get from an electrical juicer.”
    Where to get it
    $20 at themodernmixologist.com

    Photo: Elizabeth Jochum385.sh.ss.tools.DanDeOliveira01xSS.jpgSUMMER DRINKING: TOOLS OF THE TRADE154964112
  • SUMMER DRINKING: TOOLS OF THE TRADE

    Erin Hayes Beverage director at Perennial Virant and the J. Parker (1800 N Lincoln Ave, 312-981-7070)
    Favorite tool
    wood muddler (nicknamed “the Judge”)
    Why it works
    “I prefer it because it’s multipurpose,” says Hayes, whose muddler earned its moniker because of its intimidating size and weight. “I can crack ice, muddle and use it with a Lewis bag to crush ice. And,” she jokes, “I can keep people in line.”
    Where to get it
    Vic Firth muddler, $15 at amazon.com

    Photo: Elizabeth Jochum385.sh.ss.tools.ErinHayes01xSS.jpgSUMMER DRINKING: TOOLS OF THE TRADE154964163
  • SUMMER DRINKING: TOOLS OF THE TRADE

    Jennifer Contraveos Brand ambassador for Angostura; bartender at Barcito (151 W Erie St, 312-274-1111)
    Favorite tool
    handmade Lewis bag
    Why it works
    Contraveos’s friend made her Lewis bag (“She has since turned it into a little business and now sews them for profit”), which serves a purpose beyond its utilitarian ice-crushing function: It doubles as a bar-tool-carrying sack. “I can shove everything I need into it to get to whatever event I might be doing,” Contraveos says.
    Where to get it
    $30–$40 at Etsy.com/shop/LifeWithFox

    Photo: Elizabeth Jochum385.sh.ss.tools.JenniferContraveos01xSS.jpgSUMMER DRINKING: TOOLS OF THE TRADE154964214

Charles Joly Beverage director at the Aviary (955 W Fulton Mkt, 312-226-0868)
Favorite tool
Zyliss Easy Grip zester
Why it works
“Cheap, durable and consistent,” Joly says of this dual zester–channel knife tool. “Other channel knives cut a jagged twist and don’t go deep enough,” he says. “This gives a great twist-type cut and extracts a massive amount of oil that can be aimed at the top of a cocktail with as much or little effect as you would like.”
Where to get it
$8 at cookswarehouse.com

Photo: Elizabeth Jochum

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