Everyone wants to impress guests with their home bar and hosting skills. Here are the top 25 Bar Essentials that every home bar needs.
1. Jigger
The Jigger is an essential bar accessory that helps measure cocktails. Usually double sided with different size measuring cups ranging from .05 to 2.5 ounces. The advantages of using the jigger is ensuring proper measurements, and being able to use the different size cups to quickly measure cocktails.
2. Cocktail Shaker
C'mon, everyone knows that they need a shaker with their home bar, hell I travel with one, but I'm a barman, not a civilian. There is nothing more tacky than trying to impress your special someone or tinder date than mixing that margarita with a red solo cup. Take it from someone who mixes a drink so good, he once got a tip, get a shaker. Get a different color and add some contrast to your barware.
3. Corkscrew
There is no greater disappointment than getting to that hotel room with your wine and no opener. Having a quality corkscrew on hand is a must.
4. Beer Opener
When it comes to hosting a gathering or relaxing after a long day, having the right bar essentials can make all the difference. One of the most important tools in any beer enthusiast's arsenal is a good beer opener. While there are many different types of openers available, from traditional bottle openers to high-tech electric models, the key is finding one that is comfortable to hold and easy to use. Look for openers with sturdy construction and a non-slip grip to ensure that you can easily remove the cap from your favorite brews. With a reliable beer bottle opener at your fingertips, you can enjoy your favorite drinks with ease and style.
5. Ice Mold
Ice molds are a versatile tool for any home bartender or party host. With a variety of shapes and sizes available, these molds can add an extra touch of creativity and fun to your drinks. From classic spheres and cubes to playful shapes like skulls or hearts, there are endless possibilities to customize your ice. Additionally, using ice molds can also help slow down the melting process, ensuring your drinks stay colder for longer periods of time. So, whether you're making cocktails for a gathering or just enjoying a cold beverage on your own, consider investing in a few ice molds to elevate your drinking experience.
6. Citrus Press
If you're a fan of cocktails that require freshly squeezed citrus juice, investing in a citrus press can be a game changer. A good citrus press makes it easy to extract every last drop of juice from your lemons, limes, and oranges, resulting in a higher yield and more flavorful cocktails. Whether you're a professional bartender or a home mixologist, a citrus press can help elevate your drinks to the next level. With its sturdy construction and efficient design, a high-quality citrus press can be a reliable and indispensable tool in your cocktail-making arsenal. So, if you're ready to take your cocktails to the next level, consider adding a citrus press to your barware collection.
7 . Wine Glasses
When it comes to enjoying a glass of wine, the right glassware can make all the difference. Different types of wine glasses are designed to enhance the aroma, flavor, and overall experience of drinking wine. If you're building a home bar, it's important to have a variety of wine glasses on hand to cater to different varietals. Some common types of wine glasses include red wine glasses, white wine glasses, champagne flutes, and stemless glasses. Red wine glasses have a larger bowl to allow the wine to breathe and release its aromas, while white wine glasses have a smaller bowl to preserve the cooler temperature of white wines. Champagne flutes are tall and narrow to preserve the bubbles and showcase the effervescence, while stemless glasses are versatile and easy to use for both red and white wines. Having a collection of wine glasses can add elegance and sophistication to your home bar, making it the perfect place to unwind and enjoy a glass of your favorite vintage.
8. Beer Glasses
Having a well-stocked home bar is essential for any beer lover, but it's not just about the quality of the beer. The right glassware can enhance the overall drinking experience, by emphasizing the unique characteristics of each type of beer. There are a variety of beer glasses to choose from, each designed to suit a particular style of beer. For example, a pint glass is perfect for enjoying a classic American pale ale or a stout, while a tulip glass is ideal for savoring the complex aromas of a Belgian ale or a fruity IPA. Understanding the different types of beer glasses and their recommended uses can elevate your home bar to the next level, and ensure that you and your guests get the most out of every sip.
9. Champagne Flutes
If you're looking to create a home bar that's perfect for hosting elegant events or simply enjoying a glass of bubbly on a special occasion, it's important to have the right glassware. When it comes to champagne, there are a variety of glasses to choose from that can enhance the drinking experience. Flutes are the most common type of champagne glass, with a long, thin shape that helps to preserve the bubbles and showcase the color of the wine. Coupe glasses, on the other hand, have a wider bowl and shorter stem, and were originally popular in the early 1900s. Tulip glasses are a newer option, with a slightly wider bowl than flutes and a curved shape that helps to trap aromas. Ultimately, the type of champagne glass you choose will depend on personal preference and the occasion you're celebrating.
10. Cocktail Glasses
Having the right glassware for your cocktails can really enhance the drinking experience, and impress your guests. There are many different types of cocktail glasses available, each designed to complement a specific drink. For example, a martini glass is perfect for serving up a classic martini, while a highball glass is ideal for tall, refreshing drinks like a gin and tonic or a mojito. A rocks glass is great for serving up drinks on the rocks, like a whiskey sour or an old fashioned. For more elegant, sophisticated cocktails like a negroni or a Manhattan, a coupe glass is the way to go. And don't forget about the classic margarita glass, with its distinctive shape and salt-rimmed edge. With a few key glasses in your home bar, you'll be well-equipped to whip up any cocktail your heart desires.
11. Wine Decanter
Wine decanters are an essential addition to any home bar, as they not only add an element of elegance to the presentation of wine, but also enhance the wine's flavor and aroma. A decanter is a vessel used to transfer wine from its original bottle to a container with a wider base and more surface area, allowing for greater exposure to air. This aeration process allows the wine to open up and release its full potential, providing a richer and more complex tasting experience. Additionally, decanting can help remove sediment from older wines, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable sip. With a variety of styles and designs available, wine decanters can be both functional and stylish, making them a must-have for any wine lover's home bar.
12. Wine Chiller
Love perfectly chilled white wine, but hate using a messy ice bucket? You need a wine chilling stick to keep your wine chilled for hours. Freeze your winecicle in the freezer and then pop it on your cold wine like a cork. Then you can simply pour cold wine directly through the spout!
13. Blender
Are you ready to take your home bar game to the next level? Then, it's time to invest in a trusty blender! A blender can be your new best friend when it comes to whipping up delicious cocktails that'll make your guests go wild. Whether you're blending up frozen margaritas, piña coladas, or even a cheeky strawberry daiquiri, a blender can make it happen in a jiffy. Plus, with so many blender options out there, you can find one that fits your budget and your style. So, say cheers to your new blender and get ready to impress your friends with your bartending skills!
14. Wine Rack
Are you a wine aficionado with a home bar that's lacking a bit of pizzazz? Look no further than the trusty wine rack! Not only do wine racks provide a stylish storage solution for your favorite bottles, but they also make for a great conversation starter during your next dinner party. Whether you're a fan of bold reds or crisp whites, there's a wine rack out there that's perfect for you. Plus, let's be real, nothing says "I'm an adult who has it together" quite like a well-organized wine collection on display. So let's raise a glass to the wine rack - the unsung hero of the home bar!
15. Margarita Glasses
Ah, the margarita! Is there anything more refreshing and satisfying on a hot summer day? And what better way to enjoy this classic cocktail than by sipping it from your very own margarita glass? Sure, you could use any old glass, but where's the fun in that? A margarita glass adds a touch of elegance and excitement to your home bar setup, and makes you feel like you're lounging in a tropical paradise (even if you're just in your backyard). Plus, it's the perfect vessel for holding all the delicious ingredients that make up a margarita - the tequila, the lime juice, and of course, the salt on the rim. So why settle for a boring old tumbler when you could be sipping your margaritas in style? Get yourself a set of margarita glasses and start living your best life, one sip at a time!
16. Glass Rimmer
Are you tired of serving up lackluster cocktails at your home bar? Do you feel like something's missing from your margarita game? Fear not, my friend, because I have the solution for you: the glass rimmer! Not only does this nifty little tool make your drinks look more impressive with perfectly salted or sugared rims, but it also adds an extra layer of flavor to your sips. And let's be real, who doesn't love a little extra flavor? So go ahead, upgrade your home bar game and impress your guests with the perfect margarita, courtesy of your trusty glass rimmer. Cheers to that!
17. Trident or Cocktail Spoon
Are you ready to take your at-home bartending game to the next level? Well, let me introduce you to your new secret weapon: the cocktail spoon! This bad boy is not just any ordinary spoon, oh no, it's specifically designed to help you stir up the perfect cocktail. With its long handle and twisted design, you can effortlessly mix your ingredients together without any spillage or mess. Plus, let's be real, it just makes you feel like a fancy mixologist. So, the next time you're whipping up a margarita or an old fashioned, don't forget to give your cocktail spoon a little twirl and impress all your friends with your newfound bartending skills. Cheers to that!
18. Pour Spout
Hey there, fellow cocktail enthusiasts! Are you tired of pouring too much booze into your drinks and ending up with a stronger buzz than intended? Fear not, because we've got just the thing for you - a measured pour spout! Say goodbye to eye-balling your pour and hello to perfectly portioned drinks every time. This nifty little gadget attaches to the top of your liquor bottle and dispenses a precise amount with each pour. No more guessing games or wasted liquor - now you can impress your guests with your impeccable mixing skills and avoid any embarrassing over-pour mishaps. So go ahead, shake up that martini and enjoy it with confidence, thanks to the trusty measured pour spout. Cheers!
19. Liquor Decanter
Looking to spruce up your home bar? Nothing says sophistication quite like a sleek liquor decanter. Not only does it elevate your drink game, but it also adds a touch of class to your home decor. Say goodbye to boring liquor bottles cluttering up your bar cart and hello to a chic, organized display. Plus, it's the perfect excuse to show off your fancy spirits collection to all your guests (even if they're just virtual ones for now). So go ahead and treat yourself to a fancy decanter - because who needs an excuse to add a little fun and flair to their home bar?
20. Muddler
Hey there, cocktail lovers! Are you ready to shake things up in your home bar? Well, get ready to add some flavor and flair to your drinks with a muddler! Don't let the name fool you; this handy little tool is not for playing in the mud. It's for crushing and grinding herbs, fruits, and other ingredients to release their flavors and aromas into your cocktails. Plus, it's a great stress-reliever after a long day of work! So, whether you're a seasoned mixologist or just starting out, a muddler is a must-have in your home bar kit. Get ready to muddle your way to cocktail perfection!
21. Shot Glass Set
Are you tired of boring old shot glasses that make your home bar look like a sad, lonely corner of your kitchen? Fear not, my boozy friend, because we've got the solution for you! Introducing the ultimate shot glass set that will bring some life and excitement to your drinking experience. These glasses are not only practical, but they're also stylish and will impress your guests. Plus, they're perfect for those nights when you just want to kick back with some friends and let loose. So, what are you waiting for? Upgrade your home bar and add some fun to your drinking game with this awesome shot glass set! Cheers!
22. Vacuum Sealer
Looking for a way to keep your wine fresh and tasty for longer? Look no further than a wine vacuum sealer! It's like a superhero for your wine, swooping in to save the day (or night, depending on when you're enjoying your vino). With just a few quick pumps, the vacuum sealer removes all the pesky air from your open bottle, preventing oxidation and ensuring that your wine stays as delicious as the moment you opened it. Plus, it's the perfect accessory for your home bar, adding a touch of sophistication and practicality to your drinking game. So go ahead, pour yourself a glass (or two), and rest easy knowing that your trusty wine vacuum sealer has got your back!
23. Ice Machine
Are you tired of constantly running to the fridge for ice when you're mixing up a fancy cocktail for your friends? Say hello to your new best friend: the countertop ice maker! This little machine is a game-changer for any home bar enthusiast. With its sleek design and compact size, it can fit right on your countertop without taking up too much space. And don't let its size fool you, this bad boy can crank out enough ice to keep your party going all night long. Plus, no more dealing with pesky ice trays and the never-ending struggle of trying to twist them just right to release the cubes. The countertop ice maker is the ultimate solution for your home bar needs, and trust us, your guests will be seriously impressed.
24. Personalized Bar Glasses
Are you tired of using boring old glasses for your at-home happy hour? It's time to upgrade to personalized bar glasses! Whether you prefer a classic whiskey sour or a fruity margarita, sipping from a glass with your name or a quirky phrase will make your drink taste even better. Not only do personalized glasses add a touch of fun to your home bar, but they also make for a great conversation starter at your next party (or virtual happy hour). So why settle for plain glasses when you can have your own unique set that truly reflects your personality? Cheers to drinking in style!
25. Drink Pitcher
Are you tired of serving your drinks in boring old plastic pitchers that make you feel like you're hosting a child's birthday party? It's time to upgrade to a glass drink pitcher that will make your home bar the envy of all your friends! Not only does it look elegant and sophisticated, but it's also much more durable than plastic, so you won't have to worry about it cracking or chipping after a few uses. Plus, with its crystal-clear glass construction, you'll be able to show off your perfectly crafted cocktails to their full potential. So, say goodbye to the boring and hello to the fabulous with a glass drink pitcher for your home bar!