Cocktail sets
A cocktail set bundles the core tools — shaker, strainer, jigger and bar spoon — into one box, usually cheaper than buying each piece separately. Check it includes a proper 25ml/50ml jigger, not just a shot glass.
- A cocktail set needs a shaker, strainer, jigger and bar spoon
- Boston tin sets hold more than three-piece cobbler sets
- Gift sets often add a stand or base for display
- Buying separately can cost less if you already own some tools
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Cocktail set with recipe cards
£29.00 Add to cart -
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Copper cocktail making set, five pieces
£38.50 Add to cart -
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Eight-piece cocktail set with wooden stand
£52.00 Add to cart -
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Flair training kit, two practice bottles
£16.50 Add to cart -
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Four-piece cocktail bar set
£19.50 Add to cart -
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Seven-piece cocktail set in a carry case
£42.00 Add to cart -
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Six-piece beginner cocktail set
£27.50 Add to cart -
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Wine accessories gift set, four pieces
£22.00 Add to cart
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Buying a cocktail set is the easiest way to get everything at once, rather than picking tools individually. Sets range from basic five-piece kits to weighted, presentation-boxed versions meant as gifts. The right one depends on how often you'll actually use it: a simple stainless steel set covers most drinks at home, while trade-style tools suit anyone mixing several nights a week. Look past the box and check what's inside.
Which type do you need?
The main difference between kits is what's included, and whether the tools are trade-grade or mostly decorative.
| Type | Best for | Worth knowing |
|---|---|---|
| Basic cocktail set | A first set of bar tools on a tight budget | Often has a shot-glass measure instead of a proper 25ml/50ml jigger |
| Boston shaker set | Anyone planning to make cocktails regularly | Needs a bit of practice to seal and open the tins smoothly |
| Cobbler (three-piece) set | Beginners who want something that just works | The built-in strainer can clog with pulp or muddled fruit |
| Gift or presentation set | Buying for someone else, or wanting tools on display | Looks good on a shelf, but the tools aren't always the best quality |
How to choose
Is a cocktail set worth it, or should you buy the tools separately?
For most beginners, yes. A set is nearly always cheaper than buying a shaker, strainer, measure and bar spoon one at a time, and it guarantees the pieces fit together properly u2014 a Boston tin and its strainer need to match. The trade-off is choice: you get whatever measure or strainer the set comes with, which isn't always the best version of that tool. If you already own one or two decent pieces, buying the rest separately can work out cheaper and let you pick exactly what you want. If you're starting from nothing, a set is the simpler route, and you can upgrade individual pieces later once you know what you actually reach for.
What should a beginner's kit actually include?
At minimum, four things: a shaker (Boston or cobbler), a strainer, a jigger marked in millilitres, and a bar spoon for stirring and layering. Some sets add a muddler for crushing fruit and herbs, a pourer for spirit bottles, and a small stand to keep everything together. Extras like ice tongs or a citrus zester are nice but not essential when you're starting out. Be wary of sets that pad the box with garnish picks or coasters instead of a second core tool u2014 count the genuinely useful items rather than the total piece number printed on the packaging.
What to check before buying a gift set
Presentation boxes are designed to look good unwrapped, which isn't the same as being good to use. Check the shaker is stainless steel rather than a chrome-plated lighter metal, that the measure shows real millilitre markings rather than vague lines, and that the strainer's coiled spring sits flush against the tin. A wooden stand is a nice touch but adds nothing to how the drinks turn out, so don't pay much extra for it. If you're buying for someone who already makes cocktails, a well-made shaker or a set of proper jiggers is usually more useful than another all-in-one box.
Common questions
What's usually included in a cocktail making set?
Most sets include a shaker, either Boston or cobbler style, along with a strainer, a measure and a bar spoon. Better sets add a muddler and a pourer for spirit bottles. Cheaper sets sometimes swap a proper measure for a plain shot glass, so check the actual contents list rather than just the piece count printed on the box before deciding it's good value.
Are cheap cocktail sets any good?
Cheap sets are fine for occasional use, but the metal is often thinner and the shaker's seal less reliable, which makes it more likely to leak during shaking or stick shut afterwards. If you'll be making drinks regularly rather than a few times a year, spending a bit more on a proper stainless steel set usually pays off in how long it lasts.
Do I need a cocktail set to start making drinks at home?
No. You can improvise with a lidded jar for shaking, a tea strainer for straining and ordinary measuring spoons for measuring, and plenty of drinks just need stirring in a glass anyway. A set simply makes the process quicker and more consistent, which starts to matter once you're making cocktails often rather than occasionally at the weekend.
What's the difference between a Boston set and a cobbler set?
A Boston set uses two metal tins that fit together and needs a separate strainer. A cobbler set is three pieces u2014 tin, built-in strainer and cap u2014 that work straight out of the box with nothing else needed. Cobbler sets are generally easier for beginners; Boston sets hold more liquid and are what most professional bars actually use.
Are cocktail sets dishwasher safe?
Most stainless steel pieces are dishwasher safe, but check the specific set, as chrome-plated finishes and any wooden stands usually aren't. Hand-washing keeps a shine on plated tools for longer and stops the seal on a shaker tin loosening or the spring on a strainer weakening over repeated washing cycles.