Nothing says sophistication quite like your own home bar. Whether you enjoy the art of mixology, are a fan of bar and accessory design elements, or like to entertain guests frequently, a home bar can instantly add something fun and unique to your space.
If you’re planning on creating your own home bar, or have recently got one, and need some help with how to fill it, we’ve got you covered. Here, we’ve created a list of some of the must-have items and spirits to create a professional-looking bar at home.
1. Bar Furniture
The first step in creating a home bar is investing in some quality bar furniture. Bar carts are very on-trend right now and look fantastic when all dressed up with twinkling lights, bottles, essential equipment, glassware and more. If you’re living in a small space too, a bar cart will be perfect as a bar area dedicated to preparing and presenting your drinks and will easily make a stylish statement.
If you have a bit more space to play around with, a bar cabinet would be the ideal choice. Fill it with your favourite bottles, add decanters for a touch of luxury and leave room for lamps and other small decor pieces such as trays and accessories, to ensure it’s both functional and aesthetically pleasing. If you’re decking out a whole room or area for your at-home bar, why not go the extra mile and get a neon sign to really complete the look (if that’s your vibe!).
2. Bar Tools
Having the right set of bar tools can make all the difference when it comes to crafting cocktails. From shakers and jiggers to stirrers and strainers, not only will these help you to learn and create, but they’ll also look great sitting on your home bar.
You can usually pick up a bar tools starter kit, which will have everything a beginner needs. As you learn more, or if you’re already a skilled bartender, you may find the need to introduce more complex tools and gadgets such as a citrus juicer or a soda stream to make your own soda water and juice for cocktails at home.
Alternatively, if you’re not into mixing but still want delicious bar-quality drinks at home, stock up on our pre-mixed cocktails, which features some iconic classics and several unique signature drinks too.
3. Bar Accessories
No bar is complete without some bar accessories. They’re essential to the creation of cocktails, and can really help to elevate your home bar. Ice trays, whether a square ice tray or a spherical ice tray, will keep your drinks cool and refreshing without impacting taste. Plus, using ice trays for different types of ice will only enhance your drinks as they dilute.
You’ll also want to invest in ice buckets and tongs - perfect for when you’re hosting - as well as a good corkscrew, bottle opener, and even a wine rack. There are a plethora of bar accessories out there, and we’d suggest starting with the essentials first and building up over time.
4. Glassware
A successful bar needs to have plenty of glassware, suited to all different types of cocktails, wines, beers and spirits to keep the drinks flowing. The right cocktail glass, from highball and lowball tumblers to coupe and martini glasses, will really help to bring out the complexities of flavours, aromas and textures of the drinks.
Both functional and eye-catching, beautiful crystal glasses also look incredible when displayed in a bar. Whether it’s Champagne flutes or stylish, colourful cocktail glasses, having an array of glassware in full view will only make your home bar look even more impressive.
5. Foundation Spirits and Mixers
The last thing you want is an empty home bar. You’ll need a constant supply of foundation spirits and plenty of mixers on hand to be able to create your favourite tipple or a guest’s cocktail of choice in no time. Some bottles we’d recommend keeping stocked up include:
- Vodka
- Standard gin
- Flavoured gins
- White and dark rum
- Whiskey
- Tequila
We’d also recommend keeping these mixers available:
- Lemonade
- Soda water
- Fresh juice
If you want to go the extra step further, having a selection of different flavoured syrups such as strawberry, raspberry and passionfruit, as well as pure sugar syrups, will go a long way in creating the perfect cocktail.
6. Cocktails by Spirits
Once you’ve collected the essential spirits to display and use in your home bar, it’s time to start experimenting and creating cocktails. If you’re initially unsure or want to compare your cocktail creation to a bar-quality cocktail, keeping a selection of premixed cocktails on hand can be a useful, and delicious, way to learn.
Premixed Gin Cocktails
We have plenty of delicious premixed gin cocktails on offer including the classic Gimlet if you’re looking for something tangy and refreshing or the fan-favourite Negroni for a dry, bitter-sweet flavour.
Premixed Whiskey Cocktails
Warm, rich and comforting, there’s nothing like enjoying a soothing premixed whiskey cocktail after a long day. The iconic Old Fashioned was made for sipping and socialising, and our signature Brown Gold offers an elegant and aromatic evening drink with coffee and vanilla.
Premixed Tequila Cocktails
If you’re throwing a party that you anticipate lasting long into the night, then some premixed tequila cocktails will certainly be welcome. Our tart and tangy Margarita cocktail is bound to impress. Or, if you're wanting something a little different, try our Tommy’s Margarita, which is a unique take that really allows the tequila to shine.
Premixed Rum Cocktails
There’s nothing quite like a delightfully refreshing premixed rum cocktail that’s perfect for every season. From the classic Daiquiri with its invigorating citrus flavours to the fruity and tropical Mai Tai, you’ll easily bring paradise straight to your home bar.
Premixed Vodka Cocktails
With so much variety, premixed vodka cocktails are always a hit. Whether you’re looking to get the party started with a bittersweet Vodka Sour or want to unwind with a rich Espresso Martini, there’s a vodka cocktail to suit every mood.
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