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Bar spoon

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A long spoon for stirring, and a small measure when a recipe calls for a bar spoon.

A bartender stirs a drink over ice with a long twisted bar spoon, holding the shaft lightly between the fingertips.
A twisted bar spoon in use. Photo: Yuri Barreto on Pexels. Not the spoon in our pick.

What it does

A bar spoon is two tools: a stirring instrument and a small, approximate measure.

The twist lets the shaft rotate between your fingers so the bowl travels around the inside wall of the glass rather than churning through the middle, which helps keep a stirred drink clear and smooth. It is also your measure for anything a recipe gives in bar spoons, such as the crème de violette in an Aviation. Bowl sizes vary from spoon to spoon, so when a recipe calls for a bar spoon it means a small, approximate amount, such as a little syrup or liqueur. For anything that needs an accurate measure, use a jigger. Using the same spoon each time keeps the drink consistent.

How to use it

Stir a drink

  1. Add the liquids and ice to the mixing glass.
  2. Slide the spoon down the inside wall, with the back of the bowl against the glass.
  3. Hold the shaft lightly between your fingertips.
  4. Move the bowl around the inside wall in a smooth circle, letting the twist turn in your fingers.
  5. Keep going for the time in the recipe (20 to 30 seconds for the Boulevardier), then lift the spoon out.

Measure with it

  1. Hold the spoon level over the shaker tin.
  2. Pour until the bowl is full.
  3. Use the same spoon every time you make the drink, because spoon sizes differ.

What to look for

  • A long shaft that reaches the bottom of your mixing glass
  • A twisted shaft that turns easily between your fingers for a smooth stir
  • A weighted or bulbous end, which generally acts as a counterweight and helps the spoon sit balanced in your hand

Used in

Boulevardier

Stirred, served over one large cube. Stirs the drink.

Aviation

Shaken, served up. Measures the crème de violette.

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This page includes an Amazon.ca affiliate link. See our affiliate disclosure. Please drink responsibly.