What is the primary purpose of a bar spoon?

The primary purpose of a bar spoon is to stir cocktails and measure ingredients. This tool is specifically designed with a long handle, which allows for easy stirring of drinks in tall glasses or mixing tins. It typically features a small, round bowl at one end that can be used for measuring amounts of various ingredients, such as spirits or syrups, allowing bartenders to accurately incorporate the right quantities into their cocktails.

Stirring with a bar spoon is essential for cocktails that require a gentler mixing method to maintain the clarity and texture of the drink, as opposed to shaking, which can aerate and dilute the mixture more. Additionally, the design of the bar spoon can aid in layering ingredients for visually appealing presentations. The other options—shaking cocktails, garnishing drinks, and serving cold beverages—do not specifically align with the primary function of this tool, which is focused on stirring and measuring.