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It’s 5 o’clock somewhere, and happy hour is calling! Inviting a couple of friends over can often beat going out to a bar. All you really need is a couple of drinks, and you’ll find yourself deep in stories and laughter. Having a home bar is a great way to impress and entertain guests in a comfortable setting. Elevate your home bar experience with our favorite home bar accessories.
Have Some Class
If you have saved up liquor and spirits stored on top of a refrigerator or counter, then congratulations, you haven’t grown out of your college days! As a sophisticated adult, it’s high time you showcase your alcohol in a classy way. The first step is to have a dedicated space for it - a space where you can flex that 18 Year Dalmore and 20 Year Chateau Lafite Rothschild that you’ve been saving all these years. Owning a bar cart is the easiest way to get started. It’s compact, convenient, and has a section for each of your bar essentials. Create a more welcoming drink space with the Moe’s Home Collection After Hours Bar Cart and entertain your guests the Gatsby way.
Have The Right Tools
Knowing how to make your own concoctions can go a long way, but unlike carrying your office softball team on your back, you can’t mix a cocktail without some help. To ensure you’re not left mixing in a solo cup, pick up these basic bar tools:
Shaker
Ideally, a Boston Shaker (which has a built-in strainer) will allow you to properly aerate and mix your drinks. Shaking incorporates small bubbles into your drink and adds a bit of volume to the mouthfeel. It can spell a world of difference for martinis, sours, and the like.
Jigger
Mixology is a science! This tool allows you to properly measure your liquor by ounce. When it comes to making cocktails, it pays to be precise. Fight your urge to eyeball each ingredient and enjoy the benefits of a well-balanced cocktail that’s sure to garner you a compliment.
Cocktail Spoon
For when you want to channel your inner Bond and make a martini stirred, not shaken. The twists on the handle of the spoon complement the stirring motion to prevent splashes and dilute the drink.
Strainer
Just like how chefs use a food sieve to ensure sauce quality and texture, mixologists use a strainer to pour the perfect cocktail. Mainly used to make sure that your drinks don’t get any unwanted cameos from ice and seeds.
Glassware
While there are specific glasses for each cocktail, you don’t need to get them all at once. The two most essential glasses to have would be a highball glass for most cocktails and a whiskey glass for serving drinks on the rocks or neat. Stick to the classics, or get creative with your drinks with the old fashioned coktail glasses.
What Are We Drinking?
The general rule of thumb when stocking up your home bar is to start with the liquor that you love to drink. But, consider getting a couple of other spirits if you often have guests who prefer fruity little drinks because they can’t shoot a whiskey. To start off your mixology journey, these five spirits prove to be versatile:
Whiskey
Gin
Vodka
Sweet Vermouth
Rum
Liquor or Liqueur?
Technically speaking, liquor and liqueur are both distilled spirits that contain alcohol and are essential when mixing cocktails. These terms are often used interchangeably, but have distinct differences that you should know of if you truly want to impress your guests.
Generally speaking, liquors are the basis of a drink, while liqueurs are mainly used as flavoring agents in mixed drinks (however, some liqueurs can be enjoyed on their own). By nature, liquors are not sweet, while liqueurs are. It's generally accepted that there are six liquors: brandy, gin, rum, tequila, vodka, and whiskey.
Do NOT Forget the Ice!
A well-stocked home bar is about more than spirits and glassware. It includes the tools and accessories that elevate every drink from routine to memorable. Quality bar tools help you mix with confidence and present with style, but including a dedicated ice maker in your home bar setup takes your entertaining to the next level because it ensures you always have the right ice ready when you need it.
The ZLINE Touchstone series of ice makers is engineered for performance and reliability so you can produce abundant ice quickly and quietly. With both Gourmet and Clear Cube ice maker options, the ZLINE Touchstone Ice Makers focus on delivering large, crystal clear ice cubes that melt slowly for better-tasting cocktails.
Adding either of these ice makers to your home bar supplies means you spend less time hunting for trays and more time serving drinks that stay cold without dilution, giving your guests a consistently superior experience.
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Top It Off? Yes Please!
Nothing says “I’m better than you” to your guests more than displaying your wine collection. Bringing bottles out of the cellar and into view creates a stunning showpiece and conversation starter. Like a bookshelf, it highlights your individual taste and gives you the opportunity to tell stories about each bottle you have. Design a beautifully stunning way to display your wine collection with the Moe’s Home Collection Cheds Teak Wine Bar, and create lasting impressions. This display has slots on top for your wine glasses, and 2 tiers of shelves for displaying other spirits. For a more sophisticated look, try setting metal trays with neatly organized glassware and a drink spice kit atop the shelf.
Home bars don’t have to be complicated. If you don’t have one yet, it’s easy to get one started. All you really need are the right tools, the willingness to try something new, and a rotation of basic cocktail recipes. The bar is now open, and enjoy the rest of your night!
Bar and PlumbingHave more questions about Rustic Kitchen and Bath’s Bar Collection? Call us at 1 (855) 986-9439 or book a consultation on our website.
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FAQs
What are the essentials for setting up a home bar?
A functional home bar starts with a dedicated space, core bar tools, versatile spirits, proper glassware, and reliable ice. Whether it is a bar cart or a built-in nook, organization and accessibility are key to an enjoyable setup.
Do I need a full bar cabinet or is a bar cart enough?
A bar cart is often the easiest way to get started. It provides storage, mobility, and visual appeal without requiring a permanent installation. Built-in bars offer more capacity and design impact but are not necessary for most homes.
What bar tools should every home bar include?
At a minimum, a home bar should include a shaker, jigger, cocktail spoon, and strainer. These tools allow you to mix, measure, and serve cocktails properly while improving consistency and presentation.
Is a Boston shaker better than a standard shaker?
Yes. A Boston shaker allows for better aeration and temperature control when mixing drinks. It is preferred by many home bartenders and professionals for cocktails like martinis, sours, and daiquiris.
What glassware should I buy first for a home bar?
Start with highball glasses and whiskey glasses. These cover the majority of classic cocktails and spirits served neat or on the rocks. Specialty glassware can always be added later.
Which spirits are best for a beginner home bar?
The most versatile starting spirits are whiskey, vodka, gin, rum, and sweet vermouth. These allow you to create a wide range of classic cocktails while accommodating different guest preferences.
What is the difference between liquor and liqueur?
Liquor is the base spirit of a drink and is not sweet, while liqueur is typically sweetened and used to add flavor. Liquors include whiskey, vodka, gin, rum, tequila, and brandy, while liqueurs are often supporting ingredients.
How important is ice quality for cocktails?
Ice quality is critical. Clear, slow-melting ice chills drinks without excessive dilution, preserving flavor and balance. Poor-quality ice can water down cocktails quickly and affect taste.
Is an ice maker worth it for a home bar?
Yes. A dedicated ice maker eliminates the need for trays and ensures a steady supply of high-quality ice. Clear cube and gourmet ice options are especially valuable for cocktails and entertaining.
What type of ice is best for cocktails?
Large, clear cubes are ideal for spirits-forward cocktails because they melt slowly. Gourmet ice works well for other mixed drinks, sodas, and crushed-ice cocktails.
How can I make my home bar look more stylish?
Displaying bottles, glassware, and accessories in an intentional way elevates the space. Mixing materials like wood, metal, and glass, along with proper lighting, creates a curated and inviting look.
Should wine be part of a home bar setup?
Yes. Wine displays add visual interest and make entertaining easier. Visible wine storage can serve as both décor and a conversation starter, especially when paired with coordinated glassware.
Do home bars increase home value?
While not a requirement, a well-designed home bar can enhance lifestyle appeal and perceived value, particularly in homes designed for entertaining.
What brands offer bar-friendly refrigeration and ice solutions?
Brands like ZLINE Kitchen & Bath offer wine coolers, beverage refrigerators, and ice makers designed to integrate seamlessly into home bars while delivering reliable performance and refined style.
Is it expensive to build a home bar?
A home bar can be scaled to fit almost any budget. Starting with essential tools and spirits allows you to build gradually while still enjoying the benefits of entertaining at home.
