What is a bottle pourer?
Bottle pourers with a built-in measure give you precise control when pouring spirits into a cocktail glass or cocktail shaker.
These bar helpers are usually made from stainless steel or plastic. When buying one, you can choose between a free-flow pourer and a measured dispenser. With a free-flow pourer, you can pour as much liquid from the bottle as you like, whereas a measured dispenser releases a fixed amount each time.
Bottle pourers: Useful facts and benefits
A bottle pourer is an essential tool for any home bar or party cellar. The first patent for a bottle pourer with a built-in measure was filed in 1963 by John J. Daly. He wanted to create a liquid pourer for spirit bottles that would dispense the desired amount of spirit whenever the bottle was tilted. As a result, bartenders could prepare drinks much faster during celebrations or parties. If you work in a bar, you'll already be familiar with the word "pourer" — it's the term used for the various types of spirit and juice pourers. For example, if you're mixing yourself a "Rock Shandy" as a sundowner, a pourer will help you measure out the gin, tequila or vodka accurately. It's best to insert the bottle pourer so that the spout faces the bottle's label, so you can instantly tell which direction the opening points in.
How to use it
When mixing cocktails for a wedding reception, it's important to keep the proportion of spirits in check, so things don't get out of hand before the ceremony at the church has even begun. At a party in your own party cellar, it can be handy to use differently coloured pourers with a built-in measure — that way, you'll immediately know which drink is in which bottle. The lower end of the pourer has a conical shape, allowing it to fit snugly into bottle necks of different sizes. It should be inserted (gently) as far as possible into the bottle opening. When pouring, tilt the bottle at a 45-degree angle. Keep in mind that sugary liqueurs can clog up the spout, so you should clean your pourer regularly.
