Let’s face it, home bars are awesome! They give you the luxury of your favourite drinks at home – in style – and they’re quite the showstopper for your friends and family events. It doesn’t just stop at getting a home bar though, you’ve got to get it set up perfectly to truly harness your new drink-making powers! There are a few things you’re going to be needing, all of which are laid out in this beautifully practical list just for you.
1. Quality Glassware
One thing that massively elevates the cocktail drinking fun is the perfect glass. Different drinks will typically require a different glass – we won’t bore you with all the details but you can see how different glasses affect your drinking experience here.
Essentially, if you want to get the most enjoyment out of your drinks and cocktails, you’ll want a range of glasses to suit each. Glass styles include the tumbler, martini glass, the highball, the coupe, amongst many others! Whichever drinks you plan on making most, make sure you’ve got the right glass for it, and don’t cheap out on low quality. Higher quality glasses will last much longer, break less easily, feel nice and weighty in the hand, and ultimately make the drinking experience better.
2. Equipment
Before you can start making any kind of cocktail, you’re in need of a few bits of equipment. Some just make your job easier, whilst others are essential to making a good drink.
Basic items that you’ll want to include:
- A cocktail shaker
- A juice press
- An hourglass jigger
- A muddler
- Bar spoons
3. Garnishes
Garnishes are often seen as after-thought or an extra, but you shouldn’t underestimate the power of the perfect garnish for your homemade drinks. Not only do they add flavour, aroma, and texture to your drinks, they add that luxury feel you’d otherwise only get from going out.
There are loads of cocktail garnishes to choose from, anything from raspberries, strawberries, and blueberries to citrus peels, to fresh herbs like mint and basil. For the biggest effect on your drinks, go for fresh ingredients.
4. Mixers
Mixers make up a strong portion of many drinks and cocktails, so it’s important to make sure you’ve a) got a broad range and b) got enough quantities. They’re great for adding flavour, diluting drinks, and even changing how your drinks look.
The most commonly used mixers include things like tonic water, soda water, ginger beer, grenadine and other syrups, bitters, and fresh fruit juices.
5. Spirits
Where would your cocktail bar be without any spirits? Even if you’re not an alcohol drinker, getting some non-alcoholic spirits is a good idea if you’re planning on making a lot of cocktails. Spirits add flavour, change the overall make up of a drink, and are ultimately what make cocktails, cocktails.
As you explore the world of drink making with your new home bar, you’ll start to learn which spirits to use for which drinks and why. But, if you’re just starting out and just want to make an awesome drink without needing to know too much of what goes on, these spirits will pretty much have you covered: dark rum, white rum, whiskey (both scotch and bourbon are great), vodka, tequila, and gin.
Now that you know how to set up your home bar for perfect drinks making, you can take your mixology to the next level! Not only will your downtime be more enjoyable but you’ll be able to impress your family and friends with your new skills.