By 
A proper at-home cocktail bar is something that every tired grown up finds themselves sorely lacking at some point or other in their life. Whether you seek to sip on an icy cold mojito after a long day at work or are simply looking to play bartender for your friends on the weekend, there’s no denying that the perfect home bar set-up would be an absolute asset to your home just like an enclosed patio, alongside also ensuring you always have a surefire way to take your entertaining skills to the next level.
Of course, the perfect cocktail beckons a perfect set-up — so in the spirit of spirits, we’ll look into everything you need to create the perfect at-home cocktail bar that is sure to wow friends and family. Read on to find out more!
A Blender Is A Must-Have
If you’ve ever enjoyed the cold and refreshing taste of a blended cocktail and are interested in re-creating the experience at home, a blender should be on the top of your list of must-haves.
Blenders are an essential bar tool in any well-rounded bar, especially if you enjoy a frozen margarita or daiquiri in the summer. Blenders also easily crush ice up in seconds, meaning you’ll never have to spend another dollar at the supermarket or gas station on insanely overpriced bags of cut ice.
As an added bonus, most blenders are capable of preparing up to 1.4litres of both liquids and solids, ensuring that you’ll never run out of tipple when you’re entertaining or throwing a party. You can have a go at preparing your own specialty mixed drinks in bulk amounts to make sure that your party is totally personalised and prepped to last the night!
The Jigger
If you really want to take your bartending skills to the next level, it’s really time to stop “eyeballing” your cheeky pours. Instead, invest in a jigger that will allow you to pour out precise amounts of your drink components to create the perfect cocktail you’ve ever made. Jiggers are the ideal measuring utensil for bartenders all around the world as they are the perfect bar tool for creating consistently amazing and well-mixed cocktails time and time again. Thankfully, they’re also incredibly affordable and easily found in any kitchen store or bottle shop in your local area.
High Quality Glassware
You can’t serve a cocktail in a coffee mug which is why spoiling yourself with a few sets of high quality bar glassware is essential. We highly recommend getting yourself a set of martini glasses, highball glasses, rocks glasses and margarita glasses at the very least. This will ensure that you’re set up to serve a large variety of drinks, and that you’ll be able to satisfy any cravings that you or your guests may be experiencing.
Stocking your shelves with a good assortment of glassware will also help you feel like you’re in a high-end cocktail bar, even if you’re in the comforts of your own home. It’s all about the experience, so be sure to pay attention to detail when stocking your glassware shelves!
The Essential Cocktail Shaker
Of course, no cocktail bar is complete without a cocktail shaker. When selecting a cocktail shaker, look for something that is stainless steel as this will help chill your drinks faster. Ideally, you’ll want to invest in a cobbler shaker set that consists of three parts — a metal tumbler, a lid with a built-in strainer and a metal cap to cover the strainer.
If you really want to go all out, you could also add a Boston shaker to your arsenal. Boston shakers consist of two parts: a mixing glass and a metal tumbler, it is so simple you make a drink even on a trampoline. Ingredients are poured into the tumbler and the mixing-glass is then placed on top. Be sure to give your shaker a squeeze so that it creates a seal before you get your shake on.
Foundation Spirits
And now on to the exciting part where we get into exactly what foundation spirits your cocktail bar should be stocked with. The first rule of stocking your bar is to choose spirits that you know and enjoy. There is no point in wasting money on alcohol that you detest and this is the only way to develop a knack for making and appreciating cocktails. Some of the foundation spirits that any good at-home bar should have include vodka, gin, Scotch whisky, Bourbon whisky, white rum, dark rum and tequila. Feel free to add or subtract from this list according to your personal preferences. Equipped with these essentials, you’ll be able to whip up almost any cocktail recipe that you find online.
Mandatory Mixers
Mixers are another essential component of any well stocked home cocktail bar, so be sure to stock up on essentials such as cola, ginger beer, fruit juices, and soda water. Don’t forget to grab some fresh lemons, limes and oranges while you’re at it for garnishes or for making specialty drinks like negronis. You may even choose to cut up and freeze your lemons, lime, and oranges in wedges or slices to ensure you always have the works for any and all specialty drinks that may require a little burst of citrus. Depending on what cocktails you prefer, you may also want to stock cans of tonic water, tomato juice or Angostura bitters.
A Gorgeous Bar Cart
Last but not least, if you want to add a touch of elegance to your home bar set up, investing in a gorgeous bar cart is always recommended. Bar carts are one of the hottest home furnishings around and provide you with the most elegant way of displaying your spirits, glasses and other bits and bobs. If you have the space for one, a bar cart makes a great dedicated area for mixing a drink while entertaining your guests. Not to mention, they look sophisticated as heck which is always a good thing!
Creating the perfect at-home cocktail bar isn’t as difficult as you may think. By investing in some quality essentials, you’ll be able to mix up any and every drink your heart desires. Say goodbye to overpriced drinks at the pub and hello to delicious drinks with friends in the comfort of your own home.
Comments