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What are some features to look for in a cocktail shaker?

A cocktail shaker mixes, chills, and dilutes cocktails for the perfect temperature and flavor. To get a cocktail shaker like professional bartenders use, look for one made from food-grade stainless steel. Choose a product that's leakproof and rustproof and pick a shaker you can put in the dishwasher for easy cleanup. If you're new to shaking cocktails, choose a cobbler shaker. This shaker comes with a metal tin, a built-in strainer, and a cap that can often double as a shot glass.

What are some non-alcoholic cocktail mixers to have on hand?

Club soda is a carbonated mixer that adds fizz to a cocktail and can go with many types of liquor. Tonic water contains quinine that comes from tree bark. It adds a somewhat bitter flavor to cocktails, and many people think it pairs perfectly with gin. When you need to add a little sweetness to a cocktail, simple sugar does the trick. Basically, this mixer is liquified sugar, so a little goes a long way.

What is the difference between a champagne flute and a champagne tulip?

A champagne flute features straight sides and narrow bowl for a sleek, streamlined look. This shape helps preserve the bubbles in sparkling wine, so it makes a good choice for dry, brut champagnes. A champagne tulip has a shorter, diamond-shaped bowl, which collects the aromatics in champagne. It makes a good option for fruitier champagnes like rose and prosecco.