One theme that is always a success is a Luau or Hawaiian themed BBQ. This is a very relaxed kind of party especially popular with teenagers. Your first shaking step is your invitations. These could be themed as well in the shape of a pineapple or palm tree. There are many online party supply shops that can help with not only invitations but decorations and accessories such as plates and napkins etc.
Tongs 3d motion multi directional are bar essentials. Every bar should have two pairs of them: one for ice and one for garnishes such as lemons, cherries, etc. Having two will ensure that the ice does not pick up the flavor of any of the garnishing.
If you are an aspiring bartender looking to enter the bartending profession, expect your future employer to own most of the equipment listed above. In other words, you do not need to own all of these tools, as they will become available to you once you start working at a bar.
With regards to muddling, not all ingredients are the same. It's best to muddle harder ingredients like citrus a bit more vigorously than delicate ingredients such drinks rotational as fresh herbs.
Around 1987 I ran into a purported real estate developer and things really started to go south. After a couple of legitimate loans his situation deteriorated, and I was compelled to enter into a very shady area of business practice. One thing led to another and when it was all said and done a whole bunch of money had evaporated into thin air. I manufactured fraudulent documents, lied to clients and compromised my integrity to the tenth degree in order to keep my little charade alive.
Glass Rimmers are particularly useful if your bar serves margarita, lemon drops, or any other specialty martini. They are used to evenly and quickly rim the cocktail glasses with either salt or sugar. They are comprised of a sponge tray and two other circular trays. The sponge wets the rim of the glass and the other trays can have sugar or salt to make rimming the glass highly efficient.