Prep Tools

Bar Spoon

Long twisted spoon for stirring and layering drinks

A long-handled spoon with a twisted stem for stirring cocktails smoothly in a tall glass and layering liqueurs over its back. The spiral lets it spin between your fingers for a controlled stir. The bowl also measures a rough teaspoon.

A bar spoon is a long-handled spoon with a twisted stem for stirring cocktails smoothly in a tall glass and layering liqueurs over the back of the bowl. The spiral lets it spin between your fingers for a controlled, even stir that chills and dilutes without splashing. Its small bowl also measures roughly a teaspoon.

Types & varieties

Twisted-stem spoon

Spiral shaft that rotates between your fingers for a smooth stir; the classic.

Weighted-end spoon

A teardrop or disc on the end for balance and for muddling or capping in a pinch.

Flat-disc (Japanese) spoon

A small flat disc at the end ideal for layering and for crushing a sugar cube.

Stirring technique

Hold the twisted stem loosely between thumb and two fingers and let it slide and rotate as you trace the inside wall of the mixing glass, keeping the back of the bowl against the glass. The aim is a smooth, quiet stir that chills and dilutes a spirit-forward drink without whipping in air or chipping the ice into shards.

Stir spirit-only drinks; shake ones with citrus or egg
Keep the spoon against the glass wall for a smooth motion
Let the twisted stem rotate between your fingers
Layer liqueurs by pouring slowly over the back of the bowl

Common uses

Stirring spirit-forward cocktails to chill and diluteLayering liqueurs and cream over the back of the bowlMeasuring small amounts of syrup or bittersReaching the bottom of tall mixing glassesGently combining ingredients without aerating

Tips & pitfalls

Stir, don't shake, spirit-forward drinks like a martini or Manhattan — it keeps them clear.
Pour a liqueur slowly over the back of the bowl to float a layer on a drink.
Hold the stem loosely so the spiral does the work and the spoon glides.
The bowl measures about a teaspoon for syrups and bitters in a pinch.
Keep the back of the bowl against the ice and glass wall for a smooth, even stir.