A Really Good Corkscrew

Although sommeliers prefer the original Waiter's Friend corkscrew, it's sometimes nice to skip the ceremony and let the Rogar Estate wine opener do the job for you. It sits or mounts on a table or bar and makes uncorking a breeze. Available at Venice Wine & Coffee Company and The Island Gourmet, 201 West Venice Ave., Venice. (941) 485-1668.

Glass Acts

Nothing beats a smooth drink served in a smart glass, and they don't get smarter than the Saint-Louis Diabolo collection. A good bar setup should include glasses for martinis, highballs, Collins and beer as well as brandy snifters, sherry copitas and champagne flutes. For wine, Riedel crystal stemware is the vessel of choice; the finest glasses for technical and hedonistic purposes. Available at Mary's on Main, 1454 Main St., Sarasota. (941) 363-9333.

Essential Tools

Williams-Sonoma's stainless-steel bartender set includes a strainer, jigger, bottle opener, bar knife, ice tongs and stirrer. Buy a good bartender guide, monogrammed napkins and some bar towels, and you're good to go. Williams-Sonoma, Westfield Shoppingtown Southgate, Sarasota or visit www.williams-sonoma.com. (941) 361-2400.

Advanced Mixology

A muddler is used to crush an ingredient so that its oils and other flavor components are released. You can do neat things with a grater, ice crusher and blender, too, so include these in your setup. Available at Annabelle's Home and Kitchen, 1924 S. Osprey Ave., Sarasota. (941) 552-0339.