Setting up a home bar can be an exciting endeavor for any cocktail enthusiast. Whether you're crafting a simple gin and tonic or an elaborate layered cocktail, having the right cocktail tools and ingredients can elevate your mixology game.

Here’s a guide to the must-have essentials for a home bar, ensuring you have everything needed to impress your guests and enjoy your favorite drinks in the comfort of your home.

Basic Bar Tools

Shaker

A good shaker is indispensable for mixing cocktails. There are two main types: the Boston shaker and the cobbler shaker. The Boston shaker consists of two cups that fit into each other, while the cobbler shaker includes a built-in strainer. Both are effective, so your choice depends on personal preference.

Jigger

A jigger will help you measure the exact amount of liquor and mixers. Most jiggers have two sides with different capacities, typically one ounce and half an ounce.

Bar Spoon

A long-handled bar spoon is necessary for stirring ingredients, particularly in a mixing glass. It's designed to reach the bottom of tall glasses and shakers for effective mixing.

Strainer

A strainer is used to keep ice and fruit pulp out of the drink when pouring it into a glass. The most common types are the Hawthorne and Julep strainers.

Muddler

For cocktails that require fresh herbs or fruits, a muddler is used to crush these ingredients and release their flavors. It’s essential for making mojitos or caipirinhas.

Glassware

Having the right glassware for the right cocktail contributes to a great drinking experience and adds an aesthetic appeal to your presentation.

Highball and Lowball Glasses

These are the staples for most cocktails. Highball glasses are tall and suited for long drinks mixed with a larger amount of non-alcoholic mixer. Lowball glasses, or rocks glasses, are shorter and perfect for drinks served on the ice or those that are more spirit-forward.

Martini Glasses

Iconic with a wide brim and a stem, Martini glasses are ideal for drinks served without ice like martinis or Manhattans.

Specialty Glassware

Depending on your cocktail preferences, you might also want specialty glassware like Margarita glasses for tropical drinks, or copper mugs for Moscow Mules.

Ingredients and Mixers

Spirits

Stock a selection of basic spirits: vodka, gin, rum, tequila, and whiskey. You can use these to create a vast majority of cocktails.

Mixers

Include a variety of herbal and fruit infusions as well as sodas, tonic water, and juices. Having a range of mixers allows you to cater to different tastes and cocktail recipes.

Bitters

A few bottles of bitters, such as orange or Aromatic bitters, can add depth and complexity to your cocktails.

Syrups

Enhance your drink with a variety of syrups. Options like simple syrup and flavored syrups (e.g., vanilla or toasted coconut) can elevate your drink-making experience.

Spice Blends

Add extra flavor with spice blends. Incorporate options such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and other spices to give your cocktails a unique and sophisticated touch.

Extras

Ice Maker or Ice Trays

Good quality ice helps with dilution and sets the temperature of cocktails. Consider an ice maker or invest in ice trays that produce large, slow-melting cubes.

Garnishes and Extras

Stock up on common garnishes like lemons, limes, cherries, and the trending dehydrated orange slice cocktail garnishes. Also, keep on hand some salt and sugar for rimming glasses.

Cocktail Books

A cocktail recipe book or app can inspire you with new ideas and refine your mixing techniques.

Tipsy Cocktail Supply Co.: Your One-Stop Shop

Equipping your home bar with these essentials will prepare you to handle just about any drink request.

Whether it's a casual evening with a simple mixed drink or a more formal gathering where you want to impress with complex cocktails, having the right tools and ingredients makes all the difference. Start with these essentials, and over time, you can expand your collection to include more specialized items as your skills and interests grow.

Tipsy Cocktail Supply Co. provides everything you need for your home bar, from essential tools like flasks and glassware to complete mixing sets.

Our home bar essentials are designed to make your drink preparation as enjoyable as the drinking itself. We have unique, handmade items to add a touch of personality and style to your home bar and high-quality tools that will stand the test of time.