The Bar, Examined

Mixing Essentials For bar basics, stick with classics. but when it comes to accessories, by all means, experiment. heres a selection of our favorites. Drink out of both sides of a universal tasting glass (Albertos Vineyard for Alessi, $96 for two) -- one for whites and one for reds -- unless beers your thing. Push down gently on the Pop-Up bottle cap opener (Alessi, $50) and open your Peroni with equal ease and style. Scotch on the rocks more your speed? Plan ahead by throwing some whisky stones (Teroforma, $20) in the freezer first and avoid diluting your single malt with melting ice. Or please a crowd by mixing some of your own signature cocktails. Go old-school on the veranda with the Alexis cocktail shaker (William Yeoward for the Conran Shop, $775), or take a decidedly more modern route with the Michael Graves shaker (Target, $20). Send a letter to the editor about this article.