Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Pinterest Photos by Star Sabroso As per international research firm Euromonitor, a whopping 87 percent of all alcohol purchases in the Philippines are from off-trade consumption (bought in supermarkets or through wholesale retailers). While this translates into bars and lounges putting that extra oomph in getting people out of their homes and buying cocktails, it also foretells the emergence of a very discerning, very exclusive home bar consumer type. Enter: BevTools.com, the first Filipino bar tending tool brand in the country, all their products have undergone rigorous testing, and have gotten the seal of approval by industry experts, world-class bartenders, and Dionysian cognoscenti alike. Alvin Velasco, former business development head at Groupon Philippines, together with ABV owner Pat Cuartero and Paola Cruz who is into importation business, founded BevTools.com which started operating last February 2016 after almost a year in conception. “More and more, we’re seeing the emergence of a customer who knows what he wants, what he likes, and who he likes enjoying these things with,” says Alvin. “A gentleman consumer.” Typical customers of the site range from professional bartenders to home bar enthusiasts mostly residing in Metro Manila. So, gentlemen (and gentle-ladies): here’s a rundown of the tools of the trade you need to take up this exciting new hobby. Starter Kit Mixer Set Price: ₱3,975 Contains: Kosa Mixing Glass 415 mL; Stainless 1oz. And 2oz. Japanese jigger; Stainless Muddler Bar spoon; 27cm Stainless Julep Strainer Types of drinks made: spirit-forward drinks; cocktails stirred for a clearer finish, less dilution (vs. shaken) Shaker Set Price: ₱2,995 Contains: Stainless Parisian Shaker; Stainless 1oz and 2oz Japanese Jiggers; Stainless ½oz and ¾oz Japanese jiggers; Stainless Hawthorne Strainer Types of drinks made: cocktails that feature fruit juices, dairy, or egg whites Shakers: Parisian Shaker (gold), Heavyweight Cobbler Shaker (copper), Classic Shaker Tin Price: ₱1,599 / ₱3,199 / ₱1,090 There are different kinds of shakers to choose from and the choice is really up to personal preference. The Parisian Shaker has the sexiest shaker design, it is used to aerate drinks for a frothy result after a vigorous shake of ingredients for 5 to10 seconds, one disadvantage though is it can be difficult to pop open when it’s cold. For intermediate to seasoned home bar enthusiasts, Alvin recommends upgrading to a 3-piece Heavyweight Cobbler Shaker, utilised for a signature Japanese “hard shake”. The Classic Shaker Tin (or Boston Shaker) on the other hand is a favorite of pro bartenders, it takes a certain finesse to put together and shake but once you learn how to handle it, it becomes an easy task and instantly makes anyone look like a pro. Mixing Glass 500 mL and 415 ml Kosa Mixing Glass and Hideki Mixing Glass Price: ₱1,699 / ₱1,499 / ₱1,799 It is used to prepare cocktails that contain light ingredients that do not require a hard shake, but a light stir and a strain. Japanese Jigger Price: Gold 2 oz ₱1,069, 1 oz ₱979/ Stainless 2 oz ₱419, 1 oz ₱359 / Copper 2 oz ₱929, 1 oz ₱839 The jigger is the mark of precision and care in crafting cocktails, and you can’t get more exact measurements than from these Japanese jiggers (save from graduated cylinders, which just don’t have that sleek look that BevTools espouses). Bar spoons: Teardrop, Hoffman, Trident, and Muddler Price: ₱1,199 – ₱1,799 Uses for a bartenders spoon can go beyond the basics. You can choose the style depending on your drink preparation, but it’s always best to get a twisted shaft that works with your natural motion when stirring and resists bending. The Teardrop gives off a tight spin for a comfortable mixing, the Hoffman’s bar spoon’s flared end is ideal for stirring and layering drinks, the Trident is used for grabbing olives, cherries or other garnishes, and a Muddler bar spoon has a hammer or disk placed on the end to mash –or muddle– fruits, herbs, and spices at the bottom of a glass. Strainers: Julep and Hawthorne Price: ₱499 – ₱1,399 Hawthorne strainers has a metal spring fixed around the edge of the strainer rim rolls inward to fit inside the glass, as the spring inside filters out the ice. Best for use with a Parisian shaker. The Julep on the other hand is used to remove ice from a mixed drink as it is poured into the serving glass, the Julep strainer will fit snugly into a mixing glass or shaker when inserted at the proper angle. Drink Ware: Classic julep cup, Moscow Mule cup, and Kosa Single Rock Glass 200 ml Price: ₱P849/pc, ₱749/pc, and ₱939/pack of four As with other bar wares drink wares vary in design and offers different functions for your drinks. BevTools.com offers three kinds of drinking vessels: the Classic Julep cup, Moscow Mule cup, and Kosa Single Rocks Glass. The Classic Julep cup is a signature glass for drinking a mint julep (bourbon, water, crushed or shaved ice, and fresh mint) but it’s definitely not the only cocktail you can drink in it. Moscow Mule cup is used for, of course, making a Moscow Mule a cocktail made with vodka, spicy ginger beer, and lime juice. These 100 percent pure copper mug keeps your Mule kicking long after you’ve saddled up. The Single Rock Glass also known as the Old Fashioned glass is a short tumbler used for serving good Old Fashioned cocktail or other spirit-forward drinks. If you’ve set your sights on entertaining with panache, there are also a few gems available from the BevTools product catalogue that might catch your eye, no matter your skill level. Almost all of BevTools’ products are available in three different finishes of copper, gold, or stainless steel. You may also order custom branding for your Tools for a minimum purchase. Visit http://www.bevtools.com for a comprehensive product catalogue and price list, or contact Alvin Velasco to make an order.