You step into a dimly lit bar in the 1800s.
The air smells of oak barrels and cigar smoke. Behind the counter, the bartender tips his hat, pulls out a worn leather kit, and starts mixing your drink. No fancy gadgets, no flashing lights, just practised hands & pure skill.
Now, jump to today.
Bars gleam with LED-lit shakers, sleek jiggers, precision pourers, and cocktail smokers that look straight out of a science lab. It’s fast, flashy, and Instagram-ready.
But how did we get here?
When did the simple muddler turn into a design statement?
And which bar accessories have stood the test of time?
Stick around, as in this blog, we’ll pour out the comparison of bar accessories then and now. We’ll also tell you how our favourite bar accessories & tools have changed with the times.
Evolution of Bar Accessories
1. 1800s: The Roots of Bartending
Bars back then were functional, dimly lit, and filled with character. Bartenders were local legends: part therapist, part entertainer, part chemist.
Core tools of the trade:
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Muddler: A basic wooden stick, used to mash sugar and herbs. No design frills, just utility.
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Shaker: The Boston shaker (one tin and one glass) emerged during this time and remains iconic.
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Bar Spoon: Long-handled, often handmade or modified teaspoons, used to stir cocktails like the Old Fashioned.
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Strainer: Before the invention of the Hawthorne strainer (with the spring), bartenders used basic mesh strainers or even their hands to hold back ice and pulp.
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Ice Tools: There were no freezers. Ice came from large blocks delivered by ice men. Bartenders used hammers and picks to shape it.
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Ashtrays: A common sight on every bar counter, often made of ceramic or metal.
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Glassware: Simple tumblers and heavy-bottomed glasses dominated. Function trumped finesse.
During this era, bartending was largely improvisational. There were no universal standards or precise measurements. It was all about feel, flavour, and finesse. Tools were minimal, and skill was everything.
2. Early 1900s: The Golden Age of Cocktails
This was the era of jazz, art deco, and the rise of cocktail culture in high society. Bars became classier, and bartending became a refined craft.
Changing face of bar accessories:
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Jiggers: Became more common as consistency grew important.
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Citrus Juicers: Hand-held citrus squeezers entered the scene, helping bartenders serve fresh juice quickly.
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Bitters Bottles: Sleek glass bottles with dasher tops allowed bartenders to add bitters drop by drop.
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Glassware: Coupes and highball glasses entered the scene, matching the era’s sense of luxury.
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Ice Buckets: Found in upscale venues, these allowed bartenders to store crushed or cubed ice more efficiently and fashionably.
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Ashtrays: Became decorative, often etched or matching the bar’s decor.
The Prohibition Period (1920 - 1933)
During the prohibition period, bar tools got stealthy. Portable kits, collapsible flasks, and discreet shakers were used in underground speakeasies. Cocktails became sweeter to mask the harsh taste of homemade alcohol.
The prohibition actually inspired innovation. Bartenders had to get creative to make low-quality booze taste good, leading to some of today’s best-loved drinks.
3. Mid-1900s: The Home Bar Boom
This was the Mad Men era. Cocktails left the bar and entered the living room. Home entertaining was in, and stylish bar carts became the ultimate status symbol.
What Changed:
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Bar Tool Sets: Bar tool kits were sold in department stores, complete with a jigger, strainer, shaker, and even themed ice buckets.
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Ice Crushers: Hand-crank or electric versions were common at house parties.
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Design Focus: Tools were often chrome-plated, with flashy designs to match mid-century aesthetics.
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Glassware: Lowballs, coupes, and Collins glasses came in sets.
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Ashtrays: Designed to match barware (glass, chrome, or ceramic pieces) that also served as decor.
Recipe booklets included with bar sets made the average person a mixologist. The bar accessories weren’t just functional, they were conversation starters. Entertaining became a show, and bar tools became part of the performance.
4. 2000s: The Revival of the Craft
The cocktail renaissance began in the early 2000s. As the new millennium hit, speakeasy-style bars opened in big cities, vintage glassware returned, and bartenders began reviving vintage recipes and rediscovering old tools.
Tools Reimagined:
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Japanese Jiggers: Sleek, hourglass-shaped, and highly accurate.
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Weighted Shakers: Provided better grip and balance.
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Yarai Mixing Glasses: Elegant and used for spirit-forward stirred drinks.
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Fine Mesh Strainers: For ultra-smooth finishes.
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Glassware: Coupes, Nick & Nora glasses, and etched crystal made a comeback.
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Ashtrays: Faded from fashion in most modern bars due to smoking bans, but vintage-style ones remained in themed joints or outdoor spaces.
Homemade syrups, infused spirits, and bitters exploded in popularity. Precision and presentation became as important as taste. Tools had to look good, work better, and photograph perfectly.
5. Present Day: Tech Meets Tradition
Today’s bartenders are part scientist, part artist. We’ve entered the age of performance bartending, where tools do more than mix. They dazzle, elevate, and innovate.
Modern Day Bar Accessories:
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Cocktail Smokers: Infuse drinks with wood smoke right before your eyes.
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Digital Jiggers: Measure down to the millilitre (no guessing).
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Sous-Vide Infusers: Flavour spirits in hours instead of weeks.
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LED-Lit Shakers: Flashy crowd-pleasers for parties and clubs.
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Smart Pourers: Track exact pours for cost control and consistency.
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Glassware: Ultra-specific and often custom-etched.
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Ice Buckets: Temperature-controlled or double-walled.
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Ashtrays: Mostly reserved for luxurious cigar lounges or outdoor spaces, often marble or glass in high-end spots.
Focus has shifted to sustainable bar accessories. Reusable straws and stirrers (often stainless steel or bamboo), biodegradable cocktail napkins and tools made from recycled or upcycled materials have become popular.
Social media has made bartending visual. Tools are now designed not only to work well, but also to look great.
Timeless bar tools that never left
Trends may come and go, but a few OGs still reign:
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Muddler: Still used to smash herbs, fruit, and sugar.
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Shaker: Every bartender’s must-have, whether it’s a Boston, Cobbler, or French shaker.
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Bar Spoon: Elegant, practical, and perfect for layered drinks.
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Jigger: Still the gold standard for consistency.
In a Nutshell
Bar tools and accessories have come a long way. We've moved from hand-chipped ice blocks in wooden saloons to cocktail domes and QR code menus in modern, luxurious bars. It’s amazing to see how much things have changed.
But at its core, bartending is still about one thing: creating a great drink and a memorable experience.
The tools may have changed, but the mission remains the same: shake, stir, sip, repeat.
If you're the kind of host who believes in good vibes, great company, and better cocktails, it's time to give your bar setup a stylish upgrade.
Explore Ek Do Dhai’s collection of modern and quirky bar accessories, designed to turn heads, spark conversations, and make every pour a little more fun.
FAQs
1. What is the history of the bar cart?
The bar cart originated in the 19th century as a tea trolley in Victorian England. By the 1940s and 1950s, it evolved into a stylish home bar essential in the U.S., reflecting post-Prohibition cocktail culture and mid-century modern design trends.
2. What is the history of the bar spoon?
The bar spoon dates back to the 19th century and was originally used in apothecaries and bars for precise stirring and layering. Its long handle and twisted stem became essential for mixing cocktails smoothly without disrupting ingredients.
3. What is the origin of bar?
The word "bar" originates from the Old French barre, meaning a rod or barrier. It entered English in the 12th century and came to refer to both physical barriers and, later, to establishments serving alcohol, where a counter (or "bar") separates servers from customers.
4. What is a speakeasy bar concept?
A speakeasy bar is a hidden or secret bar that mimics the style of Prohibition-era establishments in the 1920s United States, when alcohol was illegal. These bars often have concealed entrances, vintage decor, and a focus on craft cocktails, creating an exclusive and nostalgic atmosphere.
