From shakers to spirits: A beginner’s guide to building a home bar

Setting up a bar at home can be a fun and exciting project for anyone who enjoys entertaining guests or simply wants to have a convenient place to make their favorite drinks. Whether you’re a seasoned bartender or a complete beginner, there are a few key things to consider when setting up a home bar. 

Here we cover everything you need to know to get started, from choosing the right equipment to stocking your bar with essential ingredients.

Choosing the right equipment:

Before you start stocking your bar with alcohol and mixers, you’ll need to invest in some basic equipment. Here are a few things to consider:

1. Bar Cart or Home Bar: The first thing you’ll need to decide is whether you want to set up a dedicated home bar or use a bar cart. If you have the space, a home bar can be a great way to create a dedicated space for entertaining. However, if you’re short on space, a bar cart can be a great option since it can be easily moved from room to room.
2. Shaker: A cocktail shaker is an essential tool for any home bar. Look for a shaker with a built-in strainer to make it easy to pour your drinks.
3. Jigger: A jigger is a small measuring tool used to measure spirits and other ingredients. Look for a jigger with both ounce and milliliter measurements to ensure accuracy.
4. Bar Spoon: A bar spoon is a long, thin spoon used for stirring cocktails. Look for a spoon with a twisted handle to make it easy to layer ingredients.
5. Strainer: A strainer is used to remove ice and other solids from your drinks. Look for a Hawthorne strainer, which fits inside a cocktail shaker and strains out ice and other solids.
6. Glassware: Finally, you’ll need to invest in a few different types of glassware, including rocks glasses, highball glasses, and martini glasses. Look for glasses that are both stylish and durable.

Stocking your bar with essential ingredients:

Now that you have your equipment in place, it’s time to start stocking your bar with essential ingredients. Here are a few things to consider:

1. Spirits: The foundation of any good home bar is a selection of spirits. Start with a few basic options like vodka, gin, rum, tequila, and whiskey. You can always expand your collection later on.
2. Mixers: In addition to spirits, you’ll need a variety of mixers to make your drinks. Look for options like tonic water, soda water, cranberry juice, orange juice, and lime juice.
3. Bitters: Bitters are an essential ingredient in many classic cocktails. Look for options like Angostura bitters, which can be used in a wide range of drinks.
4. Simple Syrup: Simple syrup is a mixture of sugar and water that is used to sweeten cocktails. You can buy pre-made simple syrup or make your own by boiling equal parts sugar and water.
5. Ice: Finally, don’t forget about the ice! Invest in a good quality ice tray or ice maker to ensure 

Setting up your bar:

Now that you have all of your equipment and ingredients in place, it’s time to set up your bar. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

1. Organize your equipment: Make sure that all of your equipment is easily accessible and organized in a way that makes sense for you. For example, you might want to keep your shaker and jigger together in one area and your strainer and bar spoon in another.
2. Keep your spirits and mixers separate: To make it easy to find what you need , it’s a good idea to keep your spirits and mixers in separate areas. This will help you quickly identify what you need when making a drink and will also keep your bar looking neat and organized.
3. Label your bottles: To avoid confusion and make it easy to find the right bottle, consider labeling your spirits and mixers. You can use a label maker or even just masking tape and a permanent marker.
4. Display your glassware: Displaying your glassware can add a decorative element to your home bar while also making it easy to find the right glass for each drink. Consider installing shelves or a rack to showcase your collection.
5. Add personal touches: Finally, don’t forget to add some personal touches to your home bar. This could be anything from a favorite cocktail recipe book to a piece of artwork that complements your bar’s decor.

Maintaining your home bar:

It’s important to maintain your bar to ensure that it stays in good condition. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

1. Clean your equipment: After each use, make sure to clean your equipment thoroughly to prevent any residual flavors from mixing into your next drink. 

Most equipment can be cleaned with warm water and dish soap, but you may also want to invest in a bottle brush to clean out your shaker and strainer.

2. Rotate your alcohol: To keep your alcohol fresh and prevent it from going bad, make sure to rotate your bottles regularly. Use older bottles first and store new bottles in the back.
3. Keep your bar organized: Regularly clean and organize your bar to keep it looking neat and tidy. This will also make it easier to find what you need when making drinks.

Setting up a home bar can be a fun and rewarding project that allows you to entertain guests and make your favorite drinks in the comfort of your own home. By following the tips outlined in this article, you’ll be well on your way to creating a home bar that is both functional and stylish. 

Remember to choose the right equipment, stock up on essential ingredients, and maintain your bar to ensure that it stays in top condition for years to come.