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  • How to Use a Bar Spoon – 3 Stirring Techniques Explained

    How to Use a Bar Spoon – 3 Stirring Techniques Explained

Shake Like a Pro – Learn the Techniques Behind Great Cocktails & Confident Flair

How to Use a Bar Spoon – Level 1, 2, 3

Welcome back to The Shaking & Mixing Guide – your go-to resource for learning professional bartending techniques at every level. Whether you're a cocktail enthusiast, curious beginner, or the go-to drink maker at every gathering, this series is here to help you shake, stir, and spin like a pro.

In this second instalment, we’re shining a spotlight on one of the most elegant and underrated tools in the bartender’s arsenal: the bar spoon. Mastering it is about more than stirring a drink — it's about control, precision, and even flair.

We've teamed up once again with @inkedoz — UK-based bartender trainer, mixologist, and flair specialist — to break down how to use a bar spoon in three levels of skill: from basic stirring technique to smooth, showstopping spins.

Why Use a Bar Spoon?

The bar spoon is more than just a long-handled stirrer — it’s a tool of finesse. Its unique design helps you chill and dilute cocktails evenly while maintaining a clean, crystal-clear presentation. For drinks built directly in the glass or stirred in a mixing vessel, it’s essential.

It’s also a chance to add performance to your pouring. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or just enjoying a quiet night in, using a bar spoon properly elevates your craft — and if you throw in a spin or two, you’re suddenly the centre of attention (and the life of the party).

Level 1: The Fundamentals

Hold the bar spoon between your index and middle fingers. Gently guide the spoon around the inner edge of your mixing glass in a smooth, controlled motion. The goal is to chill and dilute the drink without agitating it too much.

This technique is perfect for cocktails like:

  • Martini – crisp, clean, and stirred to perfection
  • Negroni – where equal parts meet gentle balance
  • Rob Roy – a whisky classic that rewards patience and precision

Level 2: Momentum & Rotation

Once you're confident with control, it’s time to build momentum. Using the same grip, push the spoon forward with a bit more energy. Let it roll over your index finger and catch it smoothly with your thumb. It's the first step toward flair – and it looks great.

Adding a touch of performance to your stir? These cocktails love a stylish build:

  • Manhattan – bold yet refined, ideal for stirred elegance
  • Boulevardier – rich and bitter, built with intention
  • Vesper – shaken in Bond films, but stirred in real life

Level 3: The Spin Catch

Here’s where showmanship comes in. Start with a three-finger grip (thumb, index, and middle). Push the spoon’s handle forward using your middle finger, allowing it to spin over your thumb. Then catch it in its original position — a seamless move that takes practice, but never fails to impress.

This level isn’t just for professional bartenders — it’s for anyone who wants to turn cocktail-making into a performance. Nail this move and you’ll be stealing the spotlight at every house party, date night, or dinner gathering.

More Than Just Technique

Every level of spoon control improves your ability to mix well-balanced, perfectly chilled cocktails. But it also builds your confidence — and makes your presentation unforgettable.

When friends see you stir a Martini with the poise of a pro or add a quick spoon spin before serving a Boulevardier, it changes the experience. You’re not just making drinks — you’re setting the tone for the evening.

Watch It in Action

In the video above, @inkedoz demonstrates each level clearly and fluidly. From smooth stirring to sharp spins, it’s a quick masterclass in technique and flair. If you're serious about upping your cocktail game, this is the perfect place to start.

Tools to Get You Started

Ready to master the technique? Explore our professional tools to elevate your mixology setup:

Follow @inkedoz on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube for more flair bartending inspiration, tutorials, and behind-the-scenes content.

If you found this guide helpful, share it with a friend or fellow cocktail enthusiast. Stay tuned for the next entry in the series as we continue building your mixology skills — one pour, stir, and stylish move at a time.

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