Buying Guide

Setting up a home bar can be an exciting and fun project, but it can also be overwhelming when deciding what items to purchase. To help make the process a little easier, we have put together a comprehensive buying guide that will take you through the steps of setting up your own home bar.

Determine the Space

Before making any purchases, it's important to determine the space where your home bar will be located. Take into account the size of the room and the amount of available space you have to work with. Consider whether you want a standalone bar or a bar cart that can be easily moved. Also, think about the style of your home, and choose a bar that will complement your decor.

Essential Bar Equipment

The following items are essential to setting up your home bar:

  • Barware: This includes items such as glasses, shakers, jiggers, strainers, and bottle openers. Invest in high-quality barware that is durable and will last for years to come.
  • Bar Accessories: Bar accessories such as coasters, napkins, and garnish trays are a great way to add a personal touch to your home bar.
  • Alcohol: Choose a variety of spirits to suit your tastes, including whiskey, gin, vodka, rum, and tequila. Don't forget to stock up on mixers such as tonic water, soda, and juices.
  • Ice: Ice is an essential ingredient in many cocktails, so it's important to have a reliable source of ice available. An ice bucket or cooler is a great addition to your home bar setup.

Furniture

The furniture you choose for your home bar will depend on your personal preferences and the size of your space. Some popular options include:

  • Bar Cart: A bar cart is a great option for those who want a portable bar that can be easily moved from room to room.
  • Bar Cabinet: A bar cabinet is a more permanent option that can be used to store your bar equipment and alcohol.
  • Standalone Bar: A standalone bar is a great option for those who have a larger space and want a more traditional bar setup.

Barware

Investing in high-quality barware is essential for setting up your home bar. Some popular items include:

  • Glassware: Choose a variety of glasses for different types of cocktails, such as martini glasses, highball glasses, and wine glasses.
  • Shakers: A shaker is an essential tool for mixing cocktails. Consider investing in a high-quality stainless steel shaker.
  • Jiggers: A jigger is used to measure out the perfect amount of alcohol for your cocktails.
  • Strainers: A strainer is used to remove ice or other ingredients from your cocktails.
  • Bottle Openers: A bottle opener is a must-have tool for opening beer and soda bottles.

Bar Accessories

Bar accessories are a great way to add a personal touch to your home bar. Some popular options include:

  • Coasters: Coasters are a great way to protect your furniture from water marks and spills.
  • Napkins: Napkins are essential for wiping up spills and keeping your bar area clean.
  • Garnish Trays: Garnish trays are a great way to store and display your cocktail garnishes.

Alcohol

The alcohol you stock in your home bar is just as important as the tools you use to make your cocktails. You want to make sure that you have a variety of spirits and mixers to accommodate everyone’s tastes. Here is a list of essential alcohol for your home bar:

  • Vodka: Vodka is a versatile spirit that can be used in a variety of cocktails, including martinis, Bloody Marys, and Cosmopolitans.
  • Gin: Gin is another versatile spirit that is essential for a home bar. It’s used in popular cocktails like gin and tonics, martinis, and gin fizzes.
  • Rum: Rum is a popular spirit that’s used in cocktails like Mai Tais, Daiquiris, and Pina Coladas.
  • Tequila: Tequila is a must-have for anyone who loves margaritas or wants to make other tequila-based cocktails.
  • Whiskey: Whiskey is a popular spirit that can be used in cocktails like Old Fashioneds, Manhattans, and whiskey sours.
  • Brandy: Brandy is often used in cocktails like sidecars, snifters, and brandy alexanders.
  • Mixers: Mixers are essential to have in your home bar, including tonic water, soda water, orange juice, cranberry juice, and grenadine.

When purchasing alcohol for your home bar, it’s important to invest in high-quality spirits and mixers. This will ensure that your cocktails taste their best and are enjoyable for you and your guests.

Choosing the Right Glassware

The right glassware can make or break your home bar experience. You don’t need to have every type of glassware, but it’s important to have the essentials, such as martini glasses, wine glasses, highball glasses, and shot glasses. It’s also important to choose high-quality glassware that is durable and dishwasher safe.

Stocking Your Bar

Once you have the basic tools and glassware, it’s time to stock your bar. Start by determining what types of drinks you like to make and what your guests prefer. A well-stocked bar should have a variety of spirits, mixers, garnishes, and non-alcoholic beverages. Here’s a list of essential items to have:

  • Spirits: gin, vodka, rum, whiskey, tequila, brandy, and triple sec
  • Mixers: tonic water, soda water, orange juice, cranberry juice, and lime juice
  • Garnishes: olives, cherries, citrus fruits, and mint leaves
  • Non-alcoholic beverages: sparkling water, fruit juices, and tonic water

Displaying Your Barware

Displaying your barware and tools adds to the overall aesthetic of your home bar. Consider investing in a bar cart or a wall-mounted bar rack to store and display your bar essentials. This not only keeps your bar organized but also adds to the decor of your home.

Enjoying Your Home Bar

Now that your home bar is set up, it’s time to enjoy it! Experiment with different drink recipes and share them with your guests. Don’t be afraid to try new ingredients and drinks to find your signature cocktail. And always remember to drink responsibly and enjoy your bar in moderation.

In conclusion, setting up a home bar is a fun and exciting project that can be done in a few simple steps. With the right tools, glassware, and ingredients, you can create a home bar that is functional and stylish. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a quiet night in, your home bar will provide you with endless entertainment and enjoyment.