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Your Home Bar Essentials
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items Get ready for holiday entertaining with an elevated home bar everyone will love! Whether you're just starting to create your home bar, or need to refresh your bar entertaining items, this list gets you ready for guests and friends during the holiday season, and beyond. Also the PERFECT list for holiday gift-giving!
Sections
5
Glassware and Stemware to Serve it All
Mix it Up with These Essentials
Don't Forget the Garnishes
Add some Whimsy to the Bar
Resources to Up Your Cocktail Game
Glassware and Stemware to Serve it All
Dress up your cocktails with these gorgeous, contemporary glassware and stemware. It sets the tone and makes every drink feel curated.
First let's start with the essentials in stemware. I am LOVING this Aline collection from Mikasa - the shape of these is contemporary and clean, and with both white, red, and sparkling glass options in the collection, it's easy to have a sophisticat...
Aline
I LOVE my 'Cheers' martini glasses from Mikasa! The designs are unique, but still subtle, so the real star of the show - your cocktail - shines through. These are generous glasses, so you can serve a full martini or Cosmo for plenty of sipping. So ...
Cheers® Set of 4 Martini Glasses
You simply cannot beat the quality of Zwiesel when it comes to stemware and barware. Always highly-rate products with classic shapes and generous sizes, this is another great way to easily stock your bar with all the glassware essentials. Check out...
Zwiesel Glas at Bed Bath & Beyond
If you love the Cheers glassware pattern from Mikasa, then look no further! You'll find all of the Cheers glassware options right here! From highball glasses to stemless champagne glasses and so much more, you'll love the selection and prices,
Mikasa Cheers Glassware - Bath & Beyond
I still think pouring a cold beer in a beer glass is a classy way to serve a guest. I love the simple, classic look of these beer glasses - similar to those you'd see in a pub or bar. It's a great set at a great price!
Grant Beer Glasses, Set of 4
I'm loving these mugs, because they're not your traditional rounded copper mugs. These have a more contemporary look, while still perfect for serving that ice-cold mule. Have plenty of limes, ginger beer, and your favorite alcohols on hand, because...
Libbey Moscow Mule Copper Mugs, 14-ounce, Set of 4 - Set of 4
I myself am not a big stemless wine glass fan, but I know so many people that prefer this as a 'spill-proof' option for serving wine and spritzes. I'm loving the clean look and the size of these. You can also serve affogato, gelatos, and other dess...
Mikasa Set of 4 Lana Stemless Wine Glasses, 18 Oz
When it comes to glassware essentials, I will also choose clear glass, or clear glass with a very minimal pattern. Now there are others that would like a bit more pizazz, bringing more colors, patterns and interest to their barware. I love the uniqu...
16 oz. Confetti Glass Stemless Wine Drinkware Gold Dishwasher Safe Beverage Glassware Set of 6
I love a great coupe glass for champagne, Paper Plane cocktails, bourbon cocktails and so much more. Even if you have flutes, I would still consider these an essential for any home bar. And you simply cannot beat Zwiesel for quality!
Schott Zwiesel Bar Collection Champagne Coupe Glass
These old-fashioned glasses have this beautiful, classic feel guests and friends will appeciate. They come in four colors, and are great for cocktails, mocktails and water glasses. You'll find you're reaching for these all the time!
Fortessa Jupiter Triple Old-Fashioned Glasses, Set of 6
Mix it Up with These Essentials
There are some tools you just can't do without on a home bar. Consider this your list of all things essential for a complete home bar setup.
Every bar needs a juicer - you simply can't make a margarita, Cosmo or Mojito without one! I actually own two so I can always have one handy for a party or get-together. I also love that these come in different colors. Makes adding lemon and lime ...
Single Bowl Metal Citrus Juicer Hydration Nation Orange Squeezer
I own four of these spoons and I use them all the time. For taller drinks, pouring layered drinks, or simply having a dedicated bar spoon at the bar, you'll wonder how you ever went without one! Definitely a must-have in my book.
Premium 12 Inch Stainless Steel Cocktail Spoon
What's right number of bar tools? Well I think 12 is a bit too many, 4 feels like something is missing. That's why I'm recommending this 7-piece set from Godinger. This set includes all of the tools I use regularly when mixing up cocktails at home...
Ebony Bar Tools, Set of 7
Maybe not an essential for everyone, but there are certainly times when you do need to stir a cocktail, and NOT shake it. This lovely cocktail mixing glass is exactly what you'll want on your bar when you need to reach for a mixing glass with genero...
Everly Quinn Cocktail Mixing Glass 24oz 710ml
I am a fan of all the Rabbit products available to help you serve wine and drinks effectively and confidently. Macy's collection is perfect for helping you find the right combination of tools you need to get your home bar ready to go. Check them al...
Rabbit Barware Tools & Accessories Collection
Yes, you do need to aerate wine. Yes, it does make a difference. Yes, this is a great decanter for aerating wine before serving. Yes, I love mine. ;)
Schott Zwiesel Pollux Red Wine Decanter
What would I do without my electric corkscrew? I know I'd at least be pretty sad. I love the simple, compact shape of this electric corkscrew - it easily tucks away into a cabinet and takes up little bar space. It's also super-easy to use. You'll...
Sur La Table Gold Electric Corkscrew
I will never go back to shot glasses that don't have the measurements on them. This OXO style is perfect for your bar at home. It helps you mix up the perfect cocktail and gives guests that opportunity to measure correctly, too. You'll want to hav...
OXO Steel Double Jigger
If you only get one item for your home bar, make sure it's a great shaker. This one, from OXO, is highly rated, easy to use and a great buy! No leaks, and you'll love using it for mixing up your favorite cocktails!
OXO Steel Cocktail Shaker
I love this ice bucket for both its look and its functionality. The flip top lid is a great space-saver, and the scoop on the side makes this a winner all the way around. You'll grab this every time you host.
3.8 Litre Ice Bucket with Flip Top Lid and Ice Scoop
Don't Forget the Garnishes
What else can I say? Don't forget the garnishes! It's the best way to dress up your drinks and make them picture-perfect (and oh-so-tasty)!
I love my salt rimmer, and find I use it all the time. What I don't have (yet) is this fantastic Acacia wood 3-tier salt/drink rimmer. But I'm loving this look, and know this will be the focal point of your next home bar setup when you entertain. ...
Acacia Wood Margarita Salt Rimmer Set, 3-Tier Cocktail Bar Accessory
I'm loving this bar mat for the way it helps you organize your space. Especially helpful if you have less counter space, or if you're preparing signature cocktails, and need a dedicated space for prep. A really innovative and useful product!
True 3-in-1 Bar Mat
This is how you elevate a cocktail from tasty to amazing! This chili lime salt delivers heat to any cocktail - great not only for margaritas, but also for Bloody Marys, Bloody Marias, and a variety of savory cocktails. See what you can come up with...
Sur La Table Chili Lime Salt Cocktail Rimmer
These rich, decadent cherries are exactly what every bar needs when entertaining! Perfect for Manhattans and other bourbon drinks, or any drink that needs a touch of sweetness, these are the cherries guests will reach for.
Luxardo Gourmet Maraschino Cherries, 14.1 oz Jar
For your martini-loving guests, you can't go wrong with the rich flavor of a bleu cheese olive. Not a fan of bleu cheese - no worries! Filthy also has pepper-, pickle- and pimento-stuffed olives so everyone can have their favorites!
Filthy Blue Cheese Stuffed Olives - 8.5 Oz
These cherries are absolutely amazing for cocktails, mocktails, baking, and everything in between. And the jar is perfect for placing on a bar for guests to serve themselves - so pretty and unique!
Fabbri Amarena Wild Cherries in Syrup
Adding citrus to a home bar is the perfect way to give guests a chance to add fresh aroma and flavor to cocktails. And this garnish tool means creating the lemon, lime and orange peels and twists that dress up any drink. This is a fantastic add to ...
3-in-1 Cocktail Garnish Tool
Add some Whimsy to the Bar
I love those little touches on a bar or in a cocktail that just make you smile. Here are some of my very favorites - perfect for gift-giving, too!
I LOVE my winer dog wine charms, and now they come as cats, too! They're just so adorable. PLUS - they stay on the wine glass, don't scratch the glass, and are so easy to put on and remove from the glass. These also make amazing gifts!
Fred Wine Lives Charms, Set of 6
I love a Paper Plane cocktail. And I'm adoring these incredibly unique and eyecatching cocktail picks! Perfect for garnishes of all types, your cocktails are going to get the star treatment when you serve them with these picks. They come in severa...
Paper Plane Reusable Cocktail Picks
You need a bottle opener. This is the one to get. Great design that will grab everyone's attention!
Vintage Airplane Bottle Opener by Kate Aspen, Propeller Plane
First, that's funny. ALSO - I'm a fan of these corks, especially for wines you'll be placing in the fridge . The flat profile of these means you'll have a much better chance of fitting the corked wine bottle in your fridge... if you're a quitter. ;...
Cork Are For Quitters Wine Stopper | Wine Corks | Wood Wine Cork
I have these winer dogs and I love them almost as much as all my guests! Not only are the too cute, they're also easy to get on and off a wine glass, stay put, and don't scratch your wine glasses. You'll pull these out for every party. They're als...
Fred Winer Dogs Wine Charms, Set of 6
Love, love, love. Surprise and delight guests when they go to sip their old fashioned and get a sight of this! Very fun, and fantastic for a great bourbon or tequila cocktail.
Tovolo Skull Ice Molds, Set of 2
You need him. You know you do. He'd also be the perfect complement to those winer dog wine glass markers! What a great idea for a wine stopper.
Sur La Table Fred Winer Dog Bottle Stopper
This may not be for everyone, but for those who like to add a touch of fun (or are Westerners at heart), this is just such a fun statement piece. Perfect as a gift!
Bull Decanter
Making ice with molds like this takes time, but it's so much fun - and guests get such a kick out of it! I love this set because you get a sizeable piece of ice, it will fit well in a freezer, and it just looks great!
4-Cavity Skull Ice Cube Mold Silicone, 3D Whiskey Ice Trays for Cocktails
Resources to Up Your Cocktail Game
What's left? How about fantastic cocktail recipes! You'll find all my favorites on my site, Decadent Parties. Which one will you mix up first?
One of my most popular site sections, “Cocktails that Delight” will give you PLENTY of delicious cocktail recipes to surprise and delight guests! Come back often to find the latest and greatest recipes.
Cocktails that Delight!
Elevate the presentation of all your cocktails with these easy, elegant garnishes. Add these to your cocktails, and they'll be Insta-worthy in no time!
5 Easy Homemade Cocktail Garnishes to Wow Your Guests