Mix It Up: 12 Pieces of Barware You Didn’t Know You Were Missing

Do you know what dads like? Swiss Army knives — and all manner of well-engineered tools. This shaker, like other three-part cobbler shakers, has a strainer built-in, but it also includes a jigger too. Not to mention it's basically leakproof, unbreakable, insulated so it won't sweat, and feels really good in the hand.

No matter how neat you are, you're going to need towels to prevent the counter or bar from turning into a sticky mess. This six-pack of environmentally conscious waffle-weave 20x30-inch towels are super absorbent and don’t look bad, either.

If you don't whip up cocktails frequently enough to justify a higher priced shaker, this budget option helps showcase drinks mid-shake. The simple top threads onto a 15-ounce Mason jar and has a strainer built-in. Spend the money you've saved on better-quality booze.

Some nights — even with perfectly clear ice in the freezer and a cabinet full of functional cocktail crafting tools — all you want is something simple, like an old fashioned or maybe a whiskey rocks. This crystal tumbler is engineered for those nights. Sized to hold ice, if you prefer your drinks chilled, the base has a series of groves that help trap ingredients you're muddling.

Curious drinkers are bound to experiment and eventually start Googling 'infused vodka' or 'DIY bitters recipe.' If that's you, then you'll appreciate the bottoms of these bottles. They unscrew, which means you’re not feeding liquids, or flavor agents like rosemary or lime wedges, down narrow necks. It's also perfect when it's time to clean them or infuse other things like olive oil.

Another tool for playing with flavors is a whiskey decanter, and this one also has a detachable compartment at the bottom where you can put the accompanying white oak pellets. It’s a more presentable aesthetic, and doesn’t have to be used only for whiskey — although it doesn’t come with herbs or berries for whatever off-label use you have in mind.