In order to do effective mixological research, you must first have the right equipment. This is not expensive, and it does not take up a lot of space. Here are the essentials:

• A ready supply of ice
• 4-8 small cocktail glasses (often available at antiques shops)
• two measuring jiggers
• a teaspoon and a long bar spoon
• a small cocktail shaker
• a strainer
• a muddler
• a dedicated cutting board (not the one you cut onions on)
• a sharp small knife and a peeler/zester
• a blender if you expect to research frozen drinks