A shaker, a jigger for measuring, a strainer and a bar spoon will make almost any classic cocktail. A multi piece shaker set bundles all of them, which works out simpler and cheaper than buying each piece separately.

A large cube has less surface area for its volume than a handful of small ones, so it melts more slowly and waters the drink down far less. For spirits served over ice, particularly whisky, it makes a noticeable difference by the second half of the glass.

Cloudiness comes from dissolved air and minerals freezing into the centre. Boiling the water and letting it cool before freezing helps, and filtered water helps more. Freezing slowly from one direction gives the clearest result, though for most people at home a slight cloudiness makes no difference to the drink.

A lid stops freezer odours transferring into the ice, which is the usual reason homemade ice tastes off. It also stops spills while you carry a full tray to the freezer and lets you stack trays without them contaminating each other.

A Hawthorne strainer has a coiled spring and sits over the shaker to hold back ice and large pieces. A fine mesh strainer catches the smaller bits, such as fruit pulp, herb fragments or ice shards, and is used as a second strain for a cleaner drink.

No, and this is worth knowing. Unlike wine, spirits do not benefit from breathing, and long term storage in a decanter can slowly dull the flavour if the stopper is not airtight. A decanter is a serving and display piece, so keep the bottle for storage and decant what you plan to drink.

Check the individual listing. Stainless steel usually handles a dishwasher, though plated finishes such as rose gold last considerably longer with a rinse and a hand dry. Decanters and anything with a narrow neck are better washed by hand and left to drain upside down.

You press a glass down onto it at the sink and jets rinse the inside in a second or two. It clears dust from stored glassware and gives a quick rinse between pours, which is why bars use them. At home it suits anyone running a dedicated bar area with a sink nearby.

Rinse it with warm water straight after use rather than letting residue dry inside. For a stubborn film, warm water with a little uncooked rice swirled around lifts it without scratching. Avoid detergent, which leaves a taste, and stand it upside down to dry fully before storing.

It is one of the easier categories to buy for, since a shaker set or an ice ball mould suits someone who enjoys a drink without needing to know their taste in spirits. The decanters work as a display piece too, which makes them a safe choice for someone who already has the practical gear.