10 Home Bar Essentials
I get asked quite often, “What are some of the most essential pieces of equipment that I need to have in order to make some amazing drinks at home?” My response is generally the same: “You don’t really need much to build up your home bar. A few solid pieces will go a long way and you can add on as you need.”
Many people assume that you need to have the best shakers, stirrers, crystalware, and top-shelf bottles to make those drinks that you pay way too money for at your local watering hole or favorite club. In fact, you need surprisingly little to make most cocktails and you more than likely have everything that you need lying around your kitchen already. Here’s my list of 10 Home Bar Essentials to really step up your cocktail game.
1. COCKTAIL SHAKERS
A good set of cocktail shakers will last you a VERY long time. If possible invest a little money into a set of Tin on Tin shakers or Boston Shakers as opposed to the cobbler shakers you’ll normally find and it’ll pay off in no time.
2. JIGGERS/ MEASURING CUPS
While most drinks can be measured using shot glasses, for a more accurate pour you want to use a jigger. Getting some nice measurers with clear markings will take your drink making skills up to the next level.
3. A GOOD SHARP KNIFE
You’re more likely to injure yourself while using a dull knife than with a sharp knife. Invest in a dedicated bar knife and keep it sharp.
4. A TOWEL
Never leave home without your towel. The same is to be said about working behind the bar. Always keep a clean towel nearby to clean up any spills, wipe your hands, or clean up an overpour.
5. ONE TYPE OF ALCOHOL
When you get into cocktail making it’s best to start with one drink in mind and work up from there. If you want to start with only making Old Fashioned’s you don’t need a muddler, or a strainer, or a citrus squeeze yet, but you will need a good Whisk(e)y.
6. ICE
Ice is essential to a good cocktail so get some good ice or ice molds to quickly improve the overall quality of your cocktails.
7. REUSABLE STRAWS
Save the planet. Save the turtles. This one is pretty self explanatory.
8. MASON JARS/RESEALABLE BOTTLES
I upcycle most of my empties. Use empty liquor bottles for water for guests or to store the syrups and flavorings that you make. If you have them already, use them, but if you have some spare coins, then get yourself a few corkable glass bottles to store some of the things that you’ll make in batches. Just make sure to thoroughly clean everything beforehand.
9. STRAINERS
Those built in strainers that cobbler shakers have are ok, but having a specific device for this purpose will yield better results. The two types I recommend would be a Hawthorne Strainer, and a fine mesh strainer. When making cocktails, focus more on the drink and less on the equipment. If the ingredients get into the glass, you’ve done a good job.
10. CITRUS SQUEEZE
This little tool has been the hardest working tool in my bar. You should absolutely invest in one of these if you’re going to be making cocktails with fresh lemon or lime juice. It’s a must.
