Are you planning to create a home bar?
A home bar can create an excellent space for entertaining guests. So, when that New Year ticker comes around, ensure you have everything necessary for your first brew or mix.
Creating a home bar may come naturally to some, but it can be daunting for others. Start by determining which components or primary pieces will suit your needs.
From there, you can identify what you need for your home bar. Read on so you can prepare to be the life of any party!
1. Glassware for your Home Bar
Glassware comes in many shapes and sizes, and if you want to keep your home bar looking professional, it’s best to invest in a good set. Essential items for any home bar are stemware glasses, tumblers, and highball glasses.
A set of martini glasses makes them perfect for adding a touch of sophistication. For spirits, opt for short or double-shot glasses explicitly created for liquor.
For beer, consider beer mugs and pilsner glasses; the wide brim allows for a full flavor and is excellent for presenting beer or cider in style. Consider champagne flutes (for sparkling wines) and fluted glasses (for sipping types) or even snifters (for stronger spirits).
2. Stock upon Essential Spirits
One of the most important things you need to get to stock your home bar is a selection of essential spirits. This includes whiskey, tequila, vodka, gin, and rum.
For those who prefer beer, stock up on the light and dark options and ales and stouts. As far as wines go, you can also stock up on a variety of white or red options or even sparkling wine.
Once you have these basics, you can get creative and mix up various drinks.
3. Mixers and Garnishes are Must Haves
When planning a home bar, mixers and garnishes are must-have items. Mixers like juices, sodas, tonic water, and beer add flavor and refreshment to drinks.
Garnishes like limes, mint, cucumbers, and olives add color, texture, and aroma to drinks, highlighting their flavors. Don’t forget to get an ice bucket, strainer, jigger, stirrers, and Napkins.
4. Don’t Forget the Non-Alcoholic Drinks
When stocking your home bar, don’t forget the non-alcoholic drinks to ensure something for everyone. Sodas, such as cola, root beer, and ginger ale, are classic favorites.
Consider investing in gourmet or naturally flavored sodas to provide something unique and extra delicious. Additionally, pick up some bottled iced tea, sparkling and regular water, and tonic water for mocktails.
Freshly squeezed lemonade and limeade are great options too. Juices such as cranberry, orange, and grapefruit, are excellent choices.
5. Cocktail Sets
A cocktail set is one of the essential items you need to get when you set up your home bar. This handy set contains all the tools you need to mix and make delicious cocktails.
It includes a jigger, bar spoon, strainer, stirrer, cocktail shaker, and possibly other items such as a juicer and muddler. Of course, you will also need bottles of your favorite spirits, liqueurs, mixers, and glasses to serve them in.
When you’re ready to serve your drinks, an excellent selection of cocktail napkins finishes your home bar perfectly.
6. Coolers and Champagne Buckets to Keep Things Icy
Coolers and champagne buckets are a great way to ensure that drinks remain icy cold when outfitting a home bar. An easy and inexpensive way to start is by allocating a cooler that can be used to chill bottles of drinks or to serve pre-mixed cocktails, like sangrias, juleps, and mojitos.
For an extra touch of glam, a larger champagne bucket with a lovely centerpiece and lid can be an excellent way to showcase champagne or sparkling wines. Coolers and champagne buckets are perfect for large gatherings and can be filled with plenty of ice and any desired drinks.
Plus, if the party spills outside and you need an area to store your beverages, these tools can easily be moved outdoors!
7. Gather Up Your Bar Tools and Gadgets
When gathering the necessities for your home bar, there are certain tools and gadgets that you must have on hand to be able to craft those beautiful libations. You’ll need the proper barware and ice buckets to make drinks like a pro.
Also, you will need a good selection of essential tools like jiggers, shakers, strainers, zesters, tongs, pickers, and this product to complete your home bar.
8. Fridge For Keeping Things Ice Cold
In the collection of items you need for the perfect home bar, one at the top of the list should be a fridge for keeping things ice cold. It’s essential to have a reliable fridge that can hold large and small items chilled over long periods.
Depending on the size of the fridge, you can even store an abundance of mixers, spirits, and beer. An ideal home bar fridge has adjustable shelves, so you can maximize the space it provides.
If you’re having a party or have guests, you can also use it for food and drinks that need to stay cold, like soft drinks and snacks.
9. Invest in a Bar Cart and Some Cabinet for Storage
Having a home bar is a great way to have a spot to relax, have a good time, and enjoy a nightcap with friends. Bar carts are a great way to store wine, spirits, and mixers in an organized way and can be easily moved around for entertaining.
Cabinets will keep these staples out of sight and securely locked away when not in use.
10. Put in Some Mood Lights and Furniture
Mood lights and furniture can do a lot to make your home bar complete! For a dramatic effect, consider adding a few pieces of ambient lighting.
String or lamp-style lighting are popular options and can be placed around the bar space to provide a warm, inviting atmosphere. Additionally, a few well-chosen pieces of furniture will give your home bar more appeal.
A bar-height table is perfect for conversations, while some comfy lounge chairs can make a great place to relax with a cocktail.
Home Bar Is Where the Part Gets Rolling
The home bar is great for hosting friends, playing bartender, and enjoying a night in. With the right tools and ingredients, you can be your mixologist.
Get prepared for the summer season and create the perfect home bar; get creative and have fun!
What are you waiting for? Get started on creating your home bar today!
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