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  1. Photograph: Elizabeth Jochum
    Photograph: Elizabeth Jochum

    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

  2. Photograph: Elizabeth Jochum
    Photograph: Elizabeth Jochum

    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

  3. Photograph: Elizabeth Jochum
    Photograph: Elizabeth Jochum

    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

  4. Photograph: Elizabeth Jochum
    Photograph: Elizabeth Jochum

    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

Cool bar tools

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

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