Medium bamboo board with juice groove for bar prep. Dedicated surface preventing cross-contamination.

A dedicated cutting board for bar prep prevents your garnishes from tasting like last night's onions. Bamboo is ideal—harder than most wood yet gentle on knives, naturally antimicrobial, and sustainable. The juice groove catches citrus juice and prevents bar mess, while the medium size (typically 12x16 inches) provides workspace without dominating limited bar real estate. Keep it exclusively for cocktail prep, washed immediately after use, and your garnishes will taste clean and fresh.

Paring, utility, and small serrated knives for comprehensive bar prep. Professional kitchen tools for cocktail applications.

A proper bar knife set provides the right tool for every cutting task: paring knife for precision garnish work, utility knife for larger citrus and fruit cutting, serrated knife for strawberries and tomatoes (Bloody Marys!) without crushing. Store them on a magnetic strip or in a knife block near your bar area, keeping edges sharp and tools accessible. Professional bar kitchens treat knives with the same respect as restaurant kitchens—sharp, clean, and stored properly.

3.5-inch professional blade for precise citrus and garnish work. The essential cutting tool for cocktail prep.

A sharp paring knife is non-negotiable for proper garnish work. The short blade provides precise control for cutting citrus wheels, creating uniform lemon wedges, and detailed garnish work that larger knives can't achieve. High-carbon stainless steel holds an edge longer, while an ergonomic handle prevents fatigue during prep. The difference between a dull knife (which crushes citrus, releasing bitter pith oils) and a sharp one (which cuts cleanly, preserving sweet oils) is immediately apparent in your cocktails' flavor.