Setting up your Home Bar – Accessories
First we looked at the Basic and “Nice to Have” glassware of the home bar. Now, we will examine what we need, other than glasses, to be a great home bartender.
Let’s start with the obvious – an actual bar space. Not all us will have the luxury of a full wet bar – my home bar is a beautiful sideboard that stores my liquor, glasses and accessories. It’s close enough to my kitchen that the sink is never more than a few feet away. If you are relatively well-equipped, a trip to the sink won’t be necessary until clean-up time. Your bar space can also be your kitchen counter, the dining room table or the back patio. The possibilities are endless. Regardless of where your bar resides, here are a few recommend items to keep handy.
Cocktail Shaker
A metal shaker with a strainer and lid, this is an absolute essential. They are available in a variety styles and price points. Our suggestion, if you don’t have a wet bar – buy a few in different colours to avoid rinsing between drinks.
Bar Spoon
A long spoon used to stir – again, pick-up a couple to avoid the back and forth to the kitchen sink.
Muddler
Basically, a thick stick made of wood, stainless steel or plastic, used to muddle (or mash) ingredients at the bottom of a glass.
Jigger
A two-sided measuring device (1/2 ounce and 1 ounce)
Ice Bucket and Tongs/Scoop
Probably not necessary if you are preparing one drink but an absolute must at a party.
Blender
Not necessarily a bar accessory (as many of us have one in our kitchen) but it still needed an inclusion on this list. Who doesn’t love a frozen drink?
Juicer
A hand held, manual citrus juicer will save you from squirting yourself in the eye or accidently including a pip in your guests’ drink.
Straws and Toothpicks
Make sure you have straws and toothpicks (preferably plastic) on hand. Why not get crazy and have a few paper umbrellas too!
Bottle Opener & Corkscrew
Stay posted for: Stocking your Home Bar