I'll just go ahead and list a few of the things I use on a regular basis.

Koriko shakers are awesome. They look cool and function amazingly. Good investments. End of story.
http://www.cocktailkingdom.com/Koriko-set-of-2-Weighted-Tins-large-and-sma-p/sha_korikoxxxx_0028_set.htm

I prefer using a julep strainer over a hawthorne strainer, it works fine for me when I'm not muddling things into the drink I don't want served.
http://amzn.com/B001VZAMPQ
http://amzn.com/B000H7VF64

Get speed pourers. Even if you don't plan on free-pouring, they're nice to have a more standardized pouring speed so you can pour out of an entirely full bottle without worrying about spilling too much.
http://amzn.com/B002J8RRAM

A cheap bar spoon is an awful experience. A decent bar spoon is fine. An overpriced barspoon is (generally) just overpriced metal. However, the Tanqueray spoons and the Standard Spoon on kickstarter are actually pretty nice quality stuff. But that said, almost everyone I've met likes the regular old bar spoon.
http://amzn.com/B000VQOP5O
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/workofmyhands/standard-spoon-for-craft-cocktails

Have a jigger on hand, even if you free pour. Just for when you have nicer ingredients and want to try out a drink with them and would rather have the proportions right than have to revive the drink.
http://amzn.com/B00080B07Y

I make a lot of bitters myself or super small batch infusions, so having a set of mason jars on hand has been extremely helpful.

I use cheapo squirt bottles ( http://amzn.com/B007OM9W2E ) to store simple syrup or other infused simple syrup.

If you get super into infusions and stuff like that, I've heard a lot of good things about the iSi system; I have a friend with one, he absolutely loves his. I have to admit, it takes a lot of work and patience out of infusion. As well as whipped cream, or carbonating things, or what have you... now I might want to get one.

These two items are somewhat paired (at least for me) -- a water filter and an ice tray. For ice, I'm talking like the Tovolo King Size ice trays. Water filter -- doesn't matter, as long as it filters from what I can tell.
http://amzn.com/B00395FHRO

Something that's nice to have on hand so you can double-strain is a fine-mesh strainer. Can be harder to find on the cheap though, I ended up breaking down and going to a Bed Bath & Beyond for mine since everything on Amazon was fairly expensive the thrift shops near me didn't have one.

Get nice glassware. I remember when I was younger and someone demonstrated the importance of having nice glass when tasting wine. The same thing applies. This isn't exactly bar-tools, but it's critical to your cocktail experience. Drinking out of cheap glasses, or the wrong glasses, will really hurt the presentation and your perception of the cocktail. In essence, t's important to take pride in both how you make the cocktail and how you serve the cocktail.

That's all I got for now.

I think that s52 is actually right. I found the water bottle on Amazon and it's called a "re-fill tracker." The water filters can be purchased and are called "water filter refills" so I'm pretty sure that's what it's referring to.

Water bottle: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003NXJ2NW
Filters: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003OE7I7C

Buy a shaker setup that is just a pint glass and large metal shaker, which is essentially a large metal drinking glass. (Like this, but obviously you still need a pint glass). The fancier setup that consists of a pint glass with a two part lid/strainer ends up leaking and is useless. (Like this). There's a reason bartenders use the former. As a setup, it's BIFL worthy in comparison, works better, and is much easier to clean. You can buy a strainer that fits on that type of setup, too. (Like this).

What other pieces are you looking for?

Are you just bartending casually at home or are you looking to do it as a job in the future?

Jefferey Morgenthaler's book is great:https://www.amazon.com/Bar-Book-Elements-Cocktail-Technique/dp/145211384X

You'll want to get a jigger, I recommend oxo's graduated jigger, a barspoon, a mixing glass, a strainer, a set of shaker tins (get a small and a large, and seriously splurge for koriko not the other bullshit)

Those are all of the essentials, beyond that everything is fairly unnecessary but there are tons of other things you can buy. I guess a vegetable peeler could be handy for peels but you can just use a sharp paring knife for zest garnishes.

For glassware you can spend as much or as little as you want, depending on how much you care about appearance. When I first starting making drinks at home I had glasses for every variety of drink. I still have those glasses, but basically use these for everything, regardless if it's shaken stirred or whatever. Gimlets taste delicious out of them, manhattans taste delicious out of them.

One little handy thing I've found is these seagram's bottles. Buy a 6 pk of the little glass club soda bottles. Once you use the soda, rinse them out and they're perfect for storing syrups, juices, etc. Plastic caps won't deteriorate like metal will in other styles of bottlees. They're short so they fit in weird parts of your fridge, hold enough syrup for plenty of drinks, etc etc.

I would never go for a manhattan shaker. They are notorious for locking up, as soon as there's a bit of liquid in the cracks (unless you buy really expensive japanese ones). They are also harder to clean than the simple two cups of a boston shaker, and the extra strainer isn't really hard to use.

I haven't used a parisian shaker, but that seems like it could do fine, but might lock up on you.


My own kit is made of a lot of individual stuff. Some from amazon, some from local shop, and some from china. If you want, I can do a writeup of where i got it, but since it's from china, it will take a month before you will receive the goods. However, the guys behind AbarAbove.com recently launched their quality bar tools line. They have a complete set of tools, which all seem to be of great quality. They have only gotten 5-star reviews so far: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LVY7VMH. It's $63 for the complete set.

Or you can just buy their boston shaker for $20, and this excellent strainer from OxO ($7), along with this measuring cup ($5)

Then you have a pretty good starter set. A fine strainer can be bought in most dollar stores locally for next to nothing, or you can find one on amazon. They are pretty much all the same, but it isn't really required if you're just starting out. I also have a bar spoon, a mixing glass and a muddler, but to be honest, I rarely use them. If you need to muddle something, use a wooden spoon or something. If you decide you really need one, look for one which is at least 6 inches long, to avoid bashing your knuckles on the edges of the shaker, or google "morgenthaler homemade muddler".

Hope your GF will be happy with your gift!


EDIT: Missed the part about you being from UK. Here's an updated list. I'll let the other one be for any americans who might wander through here.

• Shaker: Homekeros sems to have a good one. (£16, £19 with a strainer) The strainer looks fine.
  
• Shaker (alternative): If budget is a concern, then the Mezclar Tin on Tin Boston Shaker (£6) looks fine. One reviewer said, however, that the small tin was so tiny, it almost dropped to the bottom before making a seal. The other 9 reviews are happy with it though. Still, It's an amazing price!
  
• Strainer: The OXO strainer (£5.43 + £3.19 S+H)
  
• Measuring Cup: OXO angles measuring cup (£4.25)
  
• Citrus juicer: I kind of forgot about it in the main post, but this is a tool that get used every time I use the shaker and sometimes also just for cooking. Very useful. I recommend the Chef'n freshforce citrus juicer (£22.32)
  
  Seeing as there is a shipping charge, I probably wouldn't go for the OXO Strainer unless there's something else that you need from the american amazon. The one from the Homekeros set should be adequate.

Bartender's drink strainer, but it's missing the wire/spring thing that goes around it:
https://www.amazon.com/Bar-Tezzorio-Commercial-Bartenders-Supplies/dp/B071L5JHJY/

Do NOT get a cobbler. They are a pain to get apart and I haven't used one yet where the top part hasn't all but sealed shut completely. You want a metal on metal shaker. Steel has the best thermal properties and isn't ever going to break.

I personally would advise the following:

Shaker:
https://www.amazon.com/Stainless-Steel-Boston-Shaker-Professional/dp/B06Y2NN5N3/ref=sr_1_5?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1501019324&sr=1-5&keywords=boston+shaker

Spoon:
https://www.amazon.com/Hiware-Inches-Stainless-Pattern-Cocktail/dp/B00IRY8CJ2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1501019552&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=bar+spoon&psc=1

Jigger
https://www.amazon.com/Vking-Japanese-Jigger-Stainless-Cocktail/dp/B0126GQ806/ref=sr_1_8?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1501019600&sr=1-8&keywords=jigger

Strainer:
https://www.amazon.com/Winco-Stainless-Steel-4-Prong-Strainer/dp/B000H7VF64/ref=sr_1_4?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1501019642&sr=1-4&keywords=bar+strainer

Muddler (Edit): https://www.amazon.com/HIC-Muddler-FSC-Certified-Beechwood-8-75-Inches/dp/B00KLHNH34/ref=sr_1_14?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1501019848&sr=1-14&keywords=muddler

Barmat (Edit, but HIGHLY recommended): https://www.amazon.com/BonBon-Professional-Bar-Service-Mat/dp/B06X93XN69/ref=sr_1_4?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1501019915&sr=1-4&keywords=bar+mat

I'd search for a Bartenders Kit - something like this - to get a good sense of what equipment you might want for the types of drinks you'll be making. I definitely wouldn't buy one of those kits because they're almost always crap, but just for reference.

Basics that I have in my bar are:

• mixing tins (I like the full-metal ones, others prefer the Boston Shakers w/ the glass)
  
• a stainless bar strainer
  
• a layering spoon/tool (yes, I have the turtle)
  
• a long cocktail spoon for stirring drinks
  
• some cocktail rimmers for rimming margaritas, lemon drops, etc.
  
• some jiggers for your higher-end stuff and pour-spouts for the basic stuff
  
• and a wine key + decanter + aerator if you're into wine (plus a vacuum pump for bottles you don't finish off right away).
  
  I just included the links for reference - you'll probably want to search a little for the highest-quality tools, because you really don't want flimsy stuff.
  
  For glassware, I like to just pick out unique stuff that I find in my travels, but I have all the basics - rocks glasses, highball glasses, long-stem martini glasses, margarita glasses, pint glasses, Guinness glasses, a couple of snifters, and a Chimay glass.
  
  For the booze it's kind of up to you, but just think about what liquor types a bar has in its speed-well for your base, and then just add higher-end, unique stuff from there. I always have a nice vodka, rum, tequila, gin, bourbon, irish whiskey, cognac, and brandy in the cabinet.
  
  Then I have the popular mixers/liquers - Grand Marnier (skip the Triple Sec and get the good stuff), Bailey's, Kahlua, Amaretto, Limoncello, Frangelico, Chambord, White/Dark Creme de Cacao, Blue Curacao, Sweet/Dry Vermouth, sour mix and simple syrup, soda + tonic, juices, Fireball, various Schnapps, etc.
  
  And then from there I just gradually collect bottles of high-end stuff that will get sipped slowly and dress the bar up a bit. Just picked up a bottle of Kraken that has one of the cooler labels I've ever seen (and tastes pretty damn good, too).
  
  Have fun!

Some comments and opinions, operating under the assumption that you are after a classic, basic margarita that will knock people's socks off, and aiming to steer you to that without bothering to deal with riffs and variations that one could do within the realm of "margarita":

Your Questions Answered / Margaritas 101

1. For the tequila, 100% agave is the only key. If it doesn't say 100% agave, don't even consider it, it's shit in a bottle masquerading as tequila. That said, there are plenty of perfectly serviceable 100% agave tequilas at/under ~$30/bottle, which is about what I'd expect to spend on a bottle for making margaritas. My preference is blanco - reposado and anejos tend to result in heavier-tasting drinks that aren't what most people want/expect when they ask for a margarita. They can be good, but let's get the basics down first. For specifics, Siembra Azul Blanco is my preference, though you can't go wrong with El Mayor Blanco, El Jimador Blanco, etc.
   
   
2. "While others say lime juice in a bottle is fine and can hardly tell the difference." <- people who say this are wrong, and you should discard both this and the rest of their opinions about cocktails and life in general. Lime cordial (Rose's) could have a place in a recipe, but it will be a variation on what a margarita is supposed to be, and it is certainly not a 1:1 sub for lime juice. Never, never, never (ever, ever, just for fuck's sake do not) buy ReaLime or any variation of grocery store plastic-bottled lime juice with the intent to use it in a cocktail of any kind, and certainly not in a margarita where lime juice is one of the stars of the show. It will only end in sadness and regret.
   
   
3. Cointreau. Bottom shelf plastic-bottled triple sec (Montezuma, DeKuyper, Jacquin's, etc.) is absolutely not a substitution. The "why" is basically the same as why you should insist on 100% agave tequila, and real lime juice: a good rule of thumb is that a cocktail is only as good as it's worst ingredient. Most triple sec is syrupy artificial garbage that bears no similarities to Cointreau or good curacao or Grand Marnier, other than that it's technically an orange-flavored liqueur. So, spend the extra $10 and buy a bottle of something that was actually made with oranges.
   
   
4. I'm also partial to the Jim Meehan / Dave Arnold recipe:
   2 oz tequila
   0.75 oz Cointreau
   0.75 oz fresh squeezed lime juice
   0.25 oz simple syrup (make this yourself, it's called 'simple' for a reason)
   Shake with ice, hawthorne strain into a glass. Garnish with salt/lime wedge per your or your guest's preferences.
   
   Regarding "replace triple sec with simple syrup". They aren't even sort of the same or similar tasting. No.
   
   Regarding orange juice: Nope. You could certainly make the case for playing around with some (again, preferably fresh squeezed) orange juice in a variation of a margarita, but it has no place in a classic margarita.
   
   
   

   Barware Recommendations
   

   
   I noticed elsewhere that you mentioned bar tools. My recommendations are:
   
   For your shaker/strainer, I haaaaaate three-piece tins. Hate them. Simply: in my experience they are very leak-prone. So, despite seeming like the simpler, one-stop-shop option, they kind of aren't. Also, they're typically not particularly well balanced or weighted, which makes shaking more awkward than it needs to be.
   
   So, my preference is to buy two piece tins: Koriko tins - awesome, appropriately weighted, seal nicely. It seems silly, but watch this video too, and look at how to break the seal. Trust me.
   
   ...and then a separate Hawthorne strainer. People have their preferences. I have an Oxo Hawthorne. It works.
   
   Glass rimmer: The one you linked would work fine, but it's not necessary if you have a small plate and a lime. This is the secret of glass-rimming as far as I'm concerned: to prep the rim for salt, do not use water. Use your garnish, preferably a citrus fruit. Cut yourself a lime wedge, then cut a single-cut notch in the flesh of the lime. Get your glass, put the lip of the glass in the notch, and run the lime around the rim. Put some coarse kosher salt on a plate, and flip your limey-rimmed glass into it until you've got the coverage you want. I would also specify to not use table salt. The grains are too fine, so with every sip you'll get much more salt/perceived salt taste - it will be overwhelming, basically.
   
   Juicer - the one you linked is probably fine. To a certain extent, an elbow (/handheld cocktail juicer) is an elbow. To wit: I use a Tanqueray-branded one I got for free somewhere along the line. It's totally adequate, and the one you linked will be too.
   
   ...
   
   Holy shit, that got long. Anyway, ask away if you've got any more questions - happy to offer an opinion.

To get started in glassware, I would keep it simple. I find that most drinks can be successfully executed with two types of glassware: a 5oz coupe/cocktail glass and an old fashioned/rocks glass. I consider a Collins glass to be optional, as I personally don't like drinking out of them (they're typically served with a straw which is wasteful). I'll often use an 11oz double old-fashioned glass in its place.

In terms of brands I own several sets of the Luminarc Barcraft series coupes (available on Amazon). I like them because they're a fair price, which is great because I don't have to feel bad if one breaks. I also have the highballs which are also pretty decent.

If you're looking for higher end, I really like the New York Bar series from Stolzle. You can checkout the whole line here.

I personally use a Top Shelf shaker which I really like. Feels much nicer then some of the cheaper ones. The strainer I have is from Modern Mixologist. After having so many of the cheaper ones break, I decided to get one that I hopefully wouldn't have to replace. So far its been great and I enjoy using it.

The other tools I would consider getting is a meddler, a fine mesh strainer, a mixing glass, and a bar spoon!

edited: typo

It is a drink strainer used to strain the ice out of a drink after chilling them.

http://12bottlebar.com/

Go to that site, which is sadly no longer active, but the back log is great. Find recipes that basically use the stuff you have, and start working your way through it. Read the articles.

Or, they have a book, which is worth buying.

You will likely not be needing that blender, at least not very often. I find most blended drinks are more work than what they're worth on a small scale.

Otherwise, you just need a shaker and a pint glass for stirred drinks. You also might want to purchase a Hawthorne Strainer, a jigger, and possibly a mesh strainer.

I could list out 50 drinks that basically just use the spirits you have plus some juices/sugar, but I'd just be listing the stuff that's on 12 Bottle Bars site.

I won't do a ton, but here's an example of one rabbit hole: First, make a Gimlet, if you like it, then try a Fitzgerald, if you like it, then make a Bee's Knees. If you like that, then make a Gold Rush...

You get the idea.

Meh. I guess the third one. Best reviews and it has a metal-on-metal shaker, which is my personal preference. If your interest persists you will probably end up upgrading almost everything in the kit.

You could probably get by for a long time with just a shaker, jigger, barspoon, hawthorne strainer, and a fine mesh strainer.

$47 total and all those products have a much better chance of persisting in a cocktail enthusiast's equipment for the long haul. You could later add quality versions of the other stuff (muddler, more jiggers, etc).

I have owned (and still use!) everything in that above list. Though I am considering upgrading the hawthorne strainer to one with a tighter coil in the spring (I have heard good things about Cocktail Kingdom's).

I guess I'm confused. You're getting him a cobbler shaker, but that has a built-in strainer. So you wouldn't want to get him a Hawthorne, you'd want to get him a fine strainer for double strained cocktails. If you want to get a Hawthorne for the mixing glass, the Oxo strainer (available on Amazon) is very highly rated by the folks here.

Bar spoon

Tin

Hawthorne strainer

Jigger

This is a fairly cheap startup kit that will cover your bases.

Old Fashioneds are stirred in the rocks glass directly. Bitters, simple syrup, orange peel -> muddle -> add ice -> add whiskey -> stir til diluted properly.

Use a pint glass with the tin for shaken cocktails. You can also use a pint glass for stirred cocktails that are served up (Manhattan, Martini). Throw down on a Yarai mixing glass if you get really serious, they're awesome.

If you decide to get more serious tools, I've got a ton of stuff from Cocktail Kingdom - really high quality, sees 4 days a week of hard bar use and a bit of work at home, but not cheap. I'd start with their shaken kit, add a spoon and a muddler, and possibly a Yarai glass and fine mesh strainer. Their shipping is a little outrageous, so I usually pick up as much as I can at once to justify it.

Here's the OXO strainer. Sucks that it's so expensive there. It's $7 US here, and I do prefer it to a standard Hawthorne, however the standard will certainly get the job done.

I also prefer a French shaker myself. That's certainly a matter of preference. I feel like I'm seeing more shakers other than the standard Boston popping up at high end bars these days, so I'm not alone.

I don't really like the cobbler shakers. When they get cold the cap freezes on, turning them into an unreliable version of a French shaker anyway (still have to worry it might just fly off when you're shaking) so why not just go French?

Unless you are looking to look fancy don't waste your money. Just go to amazon/walmart and find a shaker tin, all-in-one "jigger", and a pint glass from your local cabinet. That is really all you need to get started.

If you want to add on some stuff just to make life easier you can get a bar spoon, muddler, strainer, fine strainer (get rid of those ugly ice bits), and a citrus juicer.

Save your money for alcohol to make more drinks!

thanks for the info. I just bought [this mixing glass] (https://www.target.com/p/libbey-25-25oz-cocktail-mixing-glass/-/A-50910405?&ref=Order_Confirmation_Email) but I'm not sure if the hawthorne will be big enough.

For example, the [OXO hawthorne on Amazon] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000DAQ93/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_4nRuzbT8J1N7Z) is only 4.4 inches wide, and the mixing glass is 4.7...

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000NNO2X0/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1484408642&sr=8-2&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=boston+shaker&dpPl=1&dpID=31d8BgihRpL&ref=plSrch

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0000DAQ93/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1484408783&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=hawthorne+strainer&dpPl=1&dpID=51H0dKd5jBL&ref=plSrch

Used this for 3 years, works great, never leaks. Cobbler shakers are kind of clunky and leak on me. With the Hawthorne strainer you will be ready to make 95% of all drinks.

It's a cocktail strainer. Here's Oxo's version

Cocktail strainer

OXO SteeL Cocktail Strainer https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000DAQ93/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_2C4VBb5B6WW40

For new items, I have been very happy with my set though appearance was pretty important to me so they cost more than other options. I have had the below trio for a little over 4 years. WMF Boston Shaker, their measurer and their new strainer (I have a previous version that is curvier). Everything has held up well, the ink on the glass has held up through occasional machine washings, the styling is beautiful, the metal pieces get dropped all the time and nothing has dented or scratched.

One thing to remember, the jigger is not standard size since it is from Germany. This never bothers me and it is so pretty and easy to clean that I think it is worth the tradeoff.

That's a cocktail strainer like: American Metalcraft S209 4-Prong Stainless Steel Bar Strainer https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0077E1NVC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_J4GLzbJXDSPTY

Coffee filters tend to filter like that for me as well.

Try running through a mesh strainer or a good french press. The French press will get everything that isn't really tiny, but you'll still be left with a minor amount of suspended particulate matter. So you may consider running it through the french press several times.

BTW, since this recipe you linked to (looks good BTW!) doesn't have a lot of potential particulates - everything is left pretty solid - it shouldn't require a lot of filtering anyhow.

If you don't have a french press, just pick up a fine mesh strainer, they're like £5 and you can use it for all the rest of your infusions. You don't need one specifically for cocktails, any similar strainer will work. You might also consider a funnel to help cut down on the messes. So add another £2. :)

Example fine mesh strainer: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Fine-Mesh-Barmans-Conical-Strainer/dp/B00CUEBHQK

Get a strainer and grind the pill down into a powder and see if it makes a difference in come up for you.

Hold with index and thumb.

I’ve done this with crystals before and seems to work well to get it into powder form. Never did it with a pressed pill though. I may try next time I roll, so we’ll see.

Please let us know if it works.

The basics:
Shaker: http://www.amazon.com/Premium-Cocktail-Shaker-Set-Stainless/dp/B000796F1W/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1377017012&sr=8-1&keywords=cocktail+shaker

Spoon: http://www.amazon.com/RSVP-Endurance-Stainless-Steel-Handle/dp/B000F7JY00/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1377017049&sr=8-3&keywords=cocktail+spoon

Muddler: http://www.amazon.com/Tablecraft-H4258-Stainless-Muddler-Plastic/dp/B0032FOQY6/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1377017078&sr=8-8&keywords=cocktail+muddler

My fav strainer: http://www.amazon.com/OXO-1058016-SteeL-Cocktail-Strainer/dp/B0000DAQ93/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1377017130&sr=8-1&keywords=cocktail+strainer

Jigger: http://www.amazon.com/OXO-Steel-Angled-Measuring-Jigger/dp/B00B6LUAPW/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1377017174&sr=8-6&keywords=oxo+measuring+cup

These few things should get her to a good start. If she prefers a Boston Shaker (http://www.amazon.com/Stainless-Steel-Cocktail-Shaker-oz/dp/B000NNO2X0/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1377017243&sr=8-6&keywords=cocktail+shaker), all you'll need is a typical pint glass to go with it.

Oh, you've gotta get these big ice cube trays. Only way to enjoy your cocktail, if you're serious about your drinks.(http://www.amazon.com/Tovolo-KING-Cube-Trays-Blue/dp/B00395FHRO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1377017434&sr=8-1&keywords=big+ice+cube+tray).

Does she has glassware? Collins glasses, old fashioned glasses, highballs? Might be good to look for some of those too. Also, people often give away glassware on Craigslist for free or for next to nothing.

If I can think of anything else, I'll come back to this. Should get you off to a good start though.

Just bottles & cans at this point. When you say "spoon trick," are you referring to a tablespoon or to a cocktail strainer?

Thanks!

Well, it's $8.00 for the replacement springs + a ridiculous $13.11 for shipping. Or i can buy the whole strainer from Amazon for $15 with free shipping. I guess i'll buy the strainer. That way, if the spring doesn't play well with the OXO, i already have my replacement.

Question: What's the difference between the two options? One has two prongs sticking out opposite the handle, and one doesn't. Is there any reason for the prongs that i should consider?

No Prongs:

https://www.amazon.com/Cocktail-Kingdom-Koriko-Hawthorne-Strainer/dp/B01HSMCSK2/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1527255742&sr=8-4&keywords=KORIKO+strainer

Prongs:

https://www.amazon.com/Cocktail-Kingdom-2-Prong-Hawthorne-Strainer/dp/B01LY46MOO/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1527255742&sr=8-7&keywords=KORIKO+strainer


Thanks again

You could just add the purée to start your F2. Then when you’re ready to drink it, just pour it through something like this.