A Bar Above Review: Best Home Bar Investment in 2023

Technical Analysis: Why It's Not "Just a Shaker"

As a reviewer of delivery services, I'm used to judging the final result. But here, we're talking about the tool that lets you create that result. I spent three weeks using the 4-Piece Mixology Kit and the 14-Piece Premium Kit from A Bar Above. Here is what lies beneath the metal.

1. Metallurgy at the Service of Taste

Most cheap kits on Amazon use grade 201 stainless steel or worse. The problem? They rust upon contact with fruit acids (lemon, lime) and end up giving your drinks a metallic taste.
A Bar Above exclusively uses 304 Stainless Steel (Food Grade). This is the standard in professional kitchens. I left lime juice drying in the shaker all night (don't do this at home, it was for science): zero traces of corrosion, zero residual taste after rinsing.

2. The Weighted Boston Shaker

This is the masterpiece. Unlike the "Cobbler" shaker (the 3-part one with the cap that always gets stuck), the A Bar Above Boston Shaker consists of two tins (28 oz and 18 oz).

• The Innovation: The bottoms are weighted. This changes everything regarding balance. When you shake, the weight helps create the back-and-forth motion, reducing wrist fatigue.
• The Welding: This is a critical technical detail. On low-end shakers, the weight is attached by 3 small spot welds that eventually fail (the bottom literally falls off). Here, the weld is continuous around the entire perimeter. It's solid.

3. The Hawthorne Strainer

Ever had unwanted chunks of ice or pulp in your Martini? That's your strainer's fault.
The one from A Bar Above features a high-density spring. The coils are extremely tight. This acts as a very fine first filter, blocking small ice chips that would dilute your drink too fast. The ergonomics are designed so your fingers never touch the liquid.

4. The Japanese Jigger

Forget wide, imprecise measuring cups. The Japanese style is tall and slim.

• Why is it better? A 2mm error on a wide diameter represents a lot of liquid. On a slim diameter, the error is minimal.
• The Hidden Trick: The measurement lines are engraved on the inside. You can measure 0.5 oz, 0.75 oz, 1 oz, etc., without having to guess. To pull off balanced cocktails like a Negroni or a Daiquiri, this precision is non-negotiable.

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The Highlights: User Experience

After shaking dozens of Margaritas and Whiskey Sours, here is what really stands out from the experience.

Effortless Sealing

This is the ultimate test. I filled the shaker with water and ice, and shook it violently over my computer (yes, I have faith). Zero leaks.
The metal contracts with the cold, creating an instant hermetic seal between the two tins. But the most impressive part is the opening. A sharp tap on the side (the "sweet spot") and it opens. No more stuck shakers that you have to run under hot water or bang against the wall.

Dishwasher Compatibility

This is a point often overlooked but crucial for us foodies who love cooking but hate doing dishes.
All elements in the "Stainless Steel" (Silver) finish go into the dishwasher without flinching. I tested 10 full cycles at high temperature: no warping, no rust spots. It's a huge time-saver at the end of the night.
Note: Be careful with colored finishes (Copper, Gold), see the "Limits" section.

The Educational Aspect

Unlike a brand that just sells you metal, A Bar Above was founded by mixologists (Chris and Julia Tunstall). Each kit often comes with access to basic courses or recipe cards that are actually reliable. You aren't just buying a tool; you're buying the method to use it. For a beginner, this is immense added value compared to a "No Name" kit.

Long-Term Value for Money

A complete kit costs about the price of 4 to 5 cocktails in a fancy cocktail bar or via a delivery app (fees included). Knowing that this gear is guaranteed to last for years, the return on investment is immediate if you like to host.

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The Limits and Drawbacks

Let's be frank. Even though I love this gear, not everything is perfect. Here are the real hurdles you need to know before pulling out your credit card.

1. The Price Point vs. Budget Options

A Bar Above is a US-based company, so unlike international buyers, we get fast domestic shipping. However:

• The Issue: Quality comes at a premium. A full kit is significantly more expensive than the generic sets you find at big-box stores.
• The Impact: A kit can cost upwards of $60 to $100. It's an investment compared to a $25 set. However, considering you won't have to replace it in six months, it's worth it. Just be aware that it's not the cheapest option on the shelf.

2. Fragility of Colored Finishes

The "Copper" and "Gold" versions look magnificent on Instagram.

• The Reality: Although the brand claims some colors are dishwasher safe, user reviews and my own tests show that the coating (PVD coating) eventually fades or scratches with time and repeated knocks.
• Advice: If you want it to stay beautiful for 10 years, go for the classic Stainless Steel (Silver) finish. If you choose color, wash everything by hand, which removes the convenience factor.

3. The Boston Shaker Learning Curve

If you've only ever used a "Cobbler" shaker (the one with the integrated cap), the Boston Shaker can be intimidating.

• The Risk: The first few times, if you don't seal the tins well, you will splash yourself. You have to learn the motion. It's not a product defect, but it is a barrier to entry for the complete neophyte who just wants to make a mojito once a year.

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Alternatives: The Comparison Match

To help you place A Bar Above, let's compare it to what exists on the market.

1. The "Industry Standard" Alternative: Cocktail Kingdom

This is the absolute reference for high-end cocktail bars worldwide (the famous "Koriko" shakers).

• Comparison: Cocktail Kingdom is often even lighter and more expensive. A Bar Above is slightly heavier (which some prefer for stability) and generally more affordable. If you want exactly what the bartender at the Ritz uses, it's Cocktail Kingdom. If you want the best quality/durability ratio for home, A Bar Above holds its own.

2. The "Delivery" Alternative: Uber Eats / DoorDash

Why bother making your own cocktails?

• The Match: Ordering 2 decent cocktails on an app costs you about $35 (with delivery and service fees). They often arrive lukewarm, the ice has melted and diluted the taste, and the presentation is zero (plastic cup).
• Verdict: With the price of 3 DoorDash orders, you've paid for your A Bar Above kit. The quality of a cocktail made fresh at home will always be superior to a delivered cocktail (unless it's a "bottled cocktail" without ice, but that's even more expensive).

3. The "Meal Kit" Alternative: HelloFresh / Blue Apron

These services sometimes offer "happy hour boxes" or cocktail kits as an option.

• The Match: It's nice for a quick fix, but the tools provided (when there are any) are often plastic gadgets or very thin metal that rusts. Use A Bar Above to prepare the ingredients from your Blue Apron box, and you'll see the difference in texture.

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