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At-Home Bartender Starter Kit (Bar Cart Essentials + Glassware + Garnishes)
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items Build your dream at-home bar cart with this complete, curated guide to home bar essentials. This list covers everything you need to be a bartender at home, from must-have cocktail tools (cocktail shaker, jigger, strainer, bar spoon, muddler, citrus p...
If your favorite drinks are dirty martinis, margaritas, and espresso martinis, you’re in the right place. I added dedicated sections for each so you can nail the classics at home, plus the fun extras that make it feel like a vibe: bar cart styling pi...
If your favorite drinks are dirty martinis, margaritas, and espresso martinis, you’re in the right place. I added dedicated sections for each so you can nail the classics at home, plus the fun extras that make it feel like a vibe: bar cart styling pi...
Sections
9
Foundation Pieces for Every Budget
The Core Tools & Non-Negotionables
Glassware That Feels Expensive
Bottoms Up
The Secret Sauce (Bitters, Syrups, Garnishes + Extra Credit Energy)
Make It Cute
Foundation Pieces for Every Budget
Start here if you’re building from scratch. These are the “where does everything live?” pieces, from affordable cabinets to bar carts that instantly make your space feel intentional and host-ready. (Ps: guess which one I own!!)
If you want a “real” home bar setup without doing the most, this is a great starter piece. Adjustable shelves are clutch for tall bottles and the random bar tools that never sit nicely anywhere.
54.6'' Modern Bar Cabinet With Adjustable Shelves ($190)
I own this one and I’m obsessed. The glass doors make it feel elevated and it’s honestly so satisfying being able to see what’s inside (aka you actually use what you buy instead of forgetting it exists).
New Bedford 2 Door Accent Cabinet Black (Less than $150)
This is perfect if you want storage + counter space for making drinks, especially in an apartment or smaller space. I love a sideboard moment because it can be “bar” but still look like normal furniture when you’re not hosting.
Sideboard Buffet Cabinet 40" Storage Cabinet ($120)
Gold bar carts instantly give “cute little cocktail corner.” Three tiers is ideal because you can separate bottles, glassware, and the fun garnishes so it doesn’t turn into a chaotic pile.
Gold Bar Cart with 3-Tiers Storage Shelves (Less than $110)
Budget-friendly and still does the job, plus the wine rack is a nice bonus. Lockable wheels are the detail that matters so you’re not playing “chase the cart” on hardwood.
2-Tier Rolling Bar Cart Indoor/Outdoor w/ Storage Shelves, Wine Rack, Lockable Wheels ($65, budget friendly)
This one is for max function, minimal budget. Glass holders + bottle racks help it stay organized and look way more “put together” than it has any right to for the price.
3-Tier Bar Cart with Glass Holders & 8 Bottle Racks ($50, budget-friendly)
The Core Tools & Non-Negotionables
The workhorses. If you buy nothing else, grab the basics from this section so you can shake, stir, measure, strain, and actually make drinks correctly (without random kitchen hacks).
A full set like this makes you feel like you know what you’re doing immediately (even if you’re Googling ratios). Ribbed texture is also a tiny detail that makes it look expensive on the cart.
French Home Ribbed 7-Piece Bar Tool Set
Love this for a cute, compact setup. The stand keeps everything from getting drawer-tossed and lost, which is half the battle with bar tools.
5pc Metal Bar Tool Set with Stand Gold - Threshold™: Barware Set, Gold Bar Accessories, Nonslip Base
This is a solid “I want to actually make proper drinks” set. Mixing glass + barspoon is key for martinis/old fashioneds, and a real jigger keeps your pours consistent (so your cocktails taste the same every time).
True Stainless Steel Mixology Bartender Kit, Includes Recipe Mixing Glass, Julep Strainer, Muddler, Double Jigger and Barspoon, 5-Piece Set
This is great if you like a little guidance while you pour (me too). Built-in measurements = fewer messy guesses, and it’s especially handy for espresso martinis where balance matters.
Rabbit Measuring Glass Cocktail Shaker
If you’re a martini girl, you need this. Stirring in a mixing glass keeps things silky and cold without over-diluting like a shaker can.
Cocktail Mixing Glass
The most underrated tool, honestly. Measuring is what separates “random strong drink” from “wait this tastes like a real cocktail bar.”
Sur La Table Double Jigger
Another jigger option, but this one looks vintage and really cool (imho). I would put this on my bar cart front and center.
Vintage Stainless Steel Stepped Jigger
This is how you get that smooth, clean pour (no ice shards, no pulp, no rogue herb bits). Especially worth it for espresso martinis and anything with citrus.
Fine Cocktail Strainer
Another strainer for clean pour, that also just looks really chic and modern.
Gold Julep Strainer
Pretty ice is such an easy flex. The bigger, clearer cubes melt slower, so your drink stays cold without getting watery instantly.
W&P Design Prism Ice Mold Tray
Fresh citrus makes everything taste 10x better, period. This saves your hands and keeps seeds out of your drink (a tiny annoyance that ruins the vibe fast).
Stainless Steel Lemon Squeezer - Figmint™
Perfect for mojitos, muddled berries, spicy margs, you name it. The extra length is nice so you’re not smashing your knuckles into the glass.
Natural Hardwood Extra Long Cocktail Muddler
Bar spoons are one of those “once you have it, you’ll always use it” tools. Great for stirring martinis and layering drinks, plus the gold looks so cute left out on the cart.
Gold Standard Bar Spoons
This is a garnish hero. Citrus peels are what make a cocktail smell amazing, and a good peeler gives you those clean ribbons without shredding the peel.
Misen's Premium Vegetable and Fruit Peeler
For slicing citrus wheels, trimming garnish, and making everything look intentional. A sharp paring knife makes the “cute but functional” garnish life way easier.
High-Quality Paring Knife for Precision Cuts | Misen
Because wine will always be invited to cocktail night. I like a gold one because it looks pretty enough to live on the cart instead of hiding in a drawer.
Gold Corkscrew Wine Bottle Opener
Glassware That Feels Expensive
This is the “it tastes better in a cute glass” section. The easiest way to upgrade your at-home cocktails is having the right glassware, and these picks make everything feel a little more elevated.
Coupe glasses instantly make anything feel fancy, even if it’s just a quick little spritz. Love these for the vintage ripple look and the “photoshoot your drink” vibe.
Viski Meridian Vintage Coupe Glasses Set of 2 - Champagne Glass, Art Deco Ripple Glassware Design, 8oz Gold Rimmed Stemmed Crystal Drinking Set, Clear
Classic martini shape, super clean and timeless. If you want that crisp, upscale look (and a proper martini experience), these are it.
ZWIESEL GLAS Pure Martini Glasses
A slightly roomier coupe is nice if you like your cocktails a bit more generous. Also great for espresso martinis when you want a little extra foam situation.
Edge 12-Oz. Coupe Glass
A set of 4 is perfect if you actually host. Matching coupes make the whole night feel curated, even if you’re just doing “apps + cocktails + gossip.”
Eve Coupe Glasses Set of 4
This set is such a hostess era win because you get a full matching lineup, and the brown tint makes everything look instantly more elevated (even a simple spritz). I love coupes for anything “fancy without trying,” and 12oz is roomy enough that you’r...
Set of 8 12oz Coupe Glasses Brown - Hearth & Hand™ with Magnolia
These are that perfect middle ground between classic and modern. They feel special enough for dinner parties, but still totally everyday-friendly, and a matching set of 4 makes your table look so intentional with basically zero effort.
Morgan Wine Glasses, Set of 4
These are a little more statement-y in the best way. The shape gives that “nice restaurant” vibe, and they make red wine feel like an occasion even if you’re literally just doing a cozy night in.
Waterfall Red Wine Glasses, Set of 4
Handblown glass just hits different. These are perfect for margarita night when you want it to feel like a whole event, not just “tequila in a cup.”
Handblown Margarita Glasses - Set of 2
I’m obsessed with stackable glassware because it’s cute and practical (aka doesn’t take over your cabinets). The ribbed texture + taupe tone is such a subtle, elevated detail, and 11oz is perfect for cocktails, iced coffee, or a little mocktail momen...
Atwell 11-oz. Taupe Stackable Ribbed Double Old-Fashioned Glass
Brown tortoise anything has my heart, and these look way more expensive than they are. They’re perfect for casual cocktails and everyday drinks, and they give your bar cart that warm, styled look without being too precious to actually use.
Thyme & Table 12 fl oz Brown Tortoise Drinking Glasses, Set of 4
Simple, classic, and works for everything from old fashioneds to a cute little mocktail. These are the “you’ll use them constantly” glasses.
Alma 10-Oz. Clear Double Old-Fashioned Glass
The fluted texture is such a pretty upgrade. This is the glass that makes your drink look expensive before you even take a sip.
Symphony 8-Oz. Fluted Double Old Fashioned Glass
Bottoms Up
A smart starting shelf. These are the core bottles that let you make a ton of classic cocktails at home without owning 47 different things you’ll never touch again.
A great “house vodka” for mixing without feeling like you’re sacrificing taste. Perfect for keeping on hand for vodka sodas, espresso martinis, and anything citrusy.
Kirkland Signature American Vodka, 1.75 L
It's a classic for a reason and it’s a staple in so many homes. Easy, reliable, and mixes well with basically everything.
Tito's Handmade Vodka
A solid gin to start with if you want to make classics like gin + tonic, gimlets, or a bee’s knees. It’s crisp without being too “perfume-y.”
Broker's Gin
Dry vermouth is a martini essential, and Dolin is a go-to. Pro tip: store vermouth in the fridge once opened so it stays tasting fresh.
Dolin Vermouth Dry
Sweet vermouth = negronis, manhattans, and all the cozy cocktail vibes. Same fridge rule applies, and it makes such a difference.
Dolin Rouge Sweet Vermouth
A great bourbon for mixing and sipping, especially for old fashioneds. If you’re building your first bar shelf, this is a strong, versatile pick.
Kentucky Straight Wild Turkey Bourbon
Having one bourbon + one scotch gives you range without going overboard. It’s the easiest way to be “prepared” for different tastes when people come over.
Famous Grouse Blended Scotch Whiskey
A super friendly tequila for margs and palomas, and it doesn’t have that harsh bite. If you love tequila nights, this is an easy staple.
Casamigos Tequila Silver
his is a great “everyday tequila” that still feels legit. I love it for spicy margs and any tequila cocktail where you actually want the tequila to show up.
Tapatio Tequila Blanco
Perfect base rum for daiquiris, mojitos, and anything tropical. A simple bottle like this opens the door to a ton of classic cocktails.
BACARDÍ Superior Rum | White Rum
The Secret Sauce (Bitters, Syrups, Garnishes + Extra Credit Energy)
This is where cocktails go from “I mixed a drink” to “wait… you MADE this?” Bitters, syrups, and garnishes add depth and make everything feel like a real cocktail bar moment.
This is peak “I’m hosting” energy. If you love old fashioneds, smoked cocktails are such a fun flex and it turns drink-making into a whole little moment.
Viski Smoked Cocktail Set| Glass Carafe with Smoker Pellets for Smoke Infusion. Cocktails Smoking Barware Tool Set with Recipe Book, Black
Sampler kits are the best because you can try multiple flavors without committing to a giant bottle. Perfect for experimenting with seasonal cocktails and finding your signature “house drink.”
Cheeky Bar Syrup Cocktail Premium Sampler Kit
Bitters are like seasoning for cocktails. This set is great if you like whiskey drinks and want to make them taste deeper and more “cocktail bar” without doing anything complicated.
Woodford Reserve Bourbon Barrel Aged Cocktail Bitters Gift Set - 50ml Bottle
This is the OG. If you make old fashioneds at home, this is basically mandatory.
Angostura Aromatic Bitters, 16 oz Bottle
This is such a fun upgrade for margaritas because it’s not just salty, it’s a little sweet too. Use it on half the rim so people can choose their own adventure.
Casamigos x Williams Sonoma Salty Sweet Orange Rimmer
Spicy marg girlies, I see you. This adds that “restaurant marg” flavor instantly with zero effort.
Sur La Table Chili Lime Salt Cocktail Rimmer
For the filthy martini crowd only (aka the elite). They’re bold and savory and instantly make your martini feel like it came from a real bar.
FILTHY® Blue Cheese Stuffed Olives | Premium Cocktail Garnishes
A classic garnish that makes everything look festive. Great for old fashioneds, whiskey sours, and even mocktails when you want it to feel cute.
Red Maraschino Cherries for Cocktails
These feel a little more “grown up” than bright red cherries, and they taste richer too. Perfect for old fashioneds and anything bourbon-based.
Black Cherry Cocktail Garnish
So pretty for spring/summer cocktails and they’re zero-maintenance. The best part is they last forever, so you always have a garnish on hand.
Dehydrated Strawberry Cocktail Garnishes | Yes Cocktail Co
This makes every drink look intentional, immediately. Also smells amazing, which is underrated because half of tasting is aroma.
Dried Orange Garnish
Perfect for margs and tequila cocktails when you don’t have fresh limes. Great “backup garnish” that still looks totally cute.
Dehydrated Lime Garnishes
This is the “wow” factor. A tiny pinch on top of foam or a rim makes the drink feel like a Pinterest cocktail (but still functional and easy).
Dried Edible Flower Sprinkles | Edible Confetti for Food Decor, Cocktail Garnish
Make It Cute
The finishing touches that make your bar cart feel styled, not cluttered. Think trays, coasters, pretty details, and little upgrades that pull the whole look together.
This is one of those things that makes your bar cart look styled, not just stocked. Also practical because bitters are used constantly and it’s prettier than the original bottle.
Glass and Brass Bitter Dispenser - Hearth & Hand™ with Magnolia
Trays are the secret to making a cart look curated. It corrals bottles and tools so everything looks intentional even if you’re mid-hosting chaos.
Bleecker Glass Bar Tray
A tray that feels decorative but still works hard is my favorite kind. Use it for glassware or for your “garnish corner” so you always look prepared.
Daphne Tray
Coasters are a must if you have nice furniture, but these are also just… adorable. The beading makes them feel special, like you actually planned the vibe.
Folkulture Beaded Coasters Round, Set of 4 Coasters for Drinks - Evil Eye
Candles on a bar cart are such an underrated move. They make cocktail night feel cozy and “hostess era” without trying too hard.
Striped Cocktail Candles
Perfect size for slicing citrus and prepping garnishes without taking over your counter. Walnut also looks so warm and elevated in photos.
Dark Walnut Cutting Board, Small 11 x 6 in
A great book for when you’re bored of making the same two drinks. I love having a cocktail book out because it doubles as decor and a “pick a drink” activity when friends are over.
Every Cocktail Has a Twist: Master 25 Classic Drinks and Craft More Than 200 Variations|Paperback
This one is amazing if you want to understand the why behind cocktails (aka how to freestyle confidently). Great for leveling up without feeling like you’re taking a class.
Cocktail Codex - by Alex Day & Nick Fauchald & David Kaplan (Hardcover)
Linen napkins instantly make your setup feel expensive. Also very practical because cocktail nights = spills, always.
European Linen Stripe Napkins | Quince in Terracotta/White Stripe
These are so cute I can’t. Perfect for olives, cherries, citrus slices, and they photograph insanely well.
4pk Bow Cocktail Picks Silver - Threshold™
Even if you’re not a Bloody Mary person, these are fun for garnish-heavy drinks. I love these for parties when you want that “wow” garnish moment.
Bloody Mary Cocktail Picks: Stainless Steel Tree Branch Garnish
Decanters make the bar cart feel grown and polished. Bonus: they’re perfect for keeping a “house” spirit on display (vodka/tequila/whiskey) so it feels intentional.
Liquor Glass Decanter with Stopper Clear - Threshold™: Wine Decanter, Dishwasher-Safe, Cadmium-Free, 24oz Capacity
This is SUCH a statement piece. The etched look reads vintage and elevated, and it’s the easiest way to make your cart look like a boutique hotel bar.
Bormioli Rocco Selecta Decanter - Etched Starburst Glass with Airtight Diamond Stopper - 33.75 Oz. Italian Glass Barware, Dishwasher Safe
Ice buckets are one of those “you don’t need it until you do” items. Perfect for hosting so you’re not running back and forth to the freezer all night.
Hammered Metal Ice Bucket with Ice Scoop - Threshold™
Tiny but mighty. I love these little holders for keeping picks clean and accessible, and concrete adds a modern, styled touch.
Concrete Toothpick Holder
Extra Filthy, Please
For the filthy martini girlies (respect). Everything here supports the perfect salty, ice-cold martini setup, plus the fun accessories that make it feel like a ritual.
This is for the dirty martini lovers who want to lean IN. It adds that briny, olive-forward vibe in a way that feels intentional, not just “I dumped brine in here.”
Olive Vermouth
This is the easiest way to get that perfectly dirty, salty martini flavor without guessing how much brine is too much. Pro tip: start small, stir, taste, then add more because you can always go dirtier but you can’t undo “ocean water.”
Olive Brine | FILTHY® Premium Cocktail Garnishes & Mixers
These are the drama queen olives in the best way. Bigger olives = bigger garnish moment, and they make your martini feel instantly more “nice hotel bar,” even if you’re in pajamas.
Quincy XL Magnum Sized Spanish Olives
The cutest themed detail for martini night. I love these for hosting because it makes everything feel curated and a little playful.
Embroidered Olive Cocktail Napkins
If you’re a martini person, this is such a fun read and a cute styling piece. Leave it on the cart and it basically becomes a conversation starter.
The Martini: Perfection in a Glass Hardcover Book
Practical and adorable, which is my favorite combo. Perfect if you’re opening wine too, or just want a pretty tool that isn’t hideous.
Olives Corkscrew
I’m obsessed with anything that’s themed but still classy. These make martinis feel special, and they’re reusable so it’s a win.
Olive Icon Glass Martini Picks, Set of 6
A set of 4 is perfect for hosting martini night. These give that “upscale lounge” vibe and instantly make your drink feel more legit.
Alfré's Penthouse Martini Glasses (Set of 4)
The spiral stem is so pretty and a little extra (in the best way). This is the glass you pull out when you want the cocktail to feel like an occasion.
Nova Spiral Stem Martini Glass
Bar cart art is the easiest styling hack. This one is playful and on-theme without being cheesy, and it makes the whole corner feel intentional.
Tell Me When Print Horizontal Print Dirty Martini Print Modern Wall Art | Cocktail Print Olives Print Bar Cart Decor
The perfect little dish for olives, lemons, or cocktail cherries. I love having a dedicated bowl so the garnish situation feels cute, not chaotic.
Olive Glass Snack Bowl
Unnecessary? Yes. Do I still want it? Absolutely. It’s one of those tiny details that makes your bar cart feel curated and keeps picks from living chaotically in a drawer.
Olive Toothpick Holder
Margarita & Tequila Night
Your “margs at home” toolkit. Rimmers, salts, and cute tequila-glass moments so your next taco night turns into an actual event.
These are perfect for margs, ranch water, palomas, and basically anything tequila-adjacent. A good juice glass is underrated because it works for cocktails and everyday drinks.
Icon Juice Glass
These are such a vibe for tequila night. Handmade pieces make hosting feel special and they look amazing on a bar cart.
Handcrafted Mexican Barro Shot Glasses | Talavera Style Clay Tequila Glass | Handmade Pottery Drinkware
This is the easiest way to make your marg taste like it came from a restaurant. Do a half rim so you can sip salty OR not, depending on mood.
Spicy Cocktail Salt by Big Night x Jacobsen
Rimmers are messy in theory but so worth it in practice. Having a dedicated one makes margarita night easier, cleaner, and honestly more fun.
Margarita Rimmer Personalized-Unique Bar Accessory
So fun for experimenting, and it’s also a cute “host gift” idea. Infusions are the easiest way to make a basic tequila feel custom and elevated.
Tequila Infusion Kit, Tequila Gift Set, Tequila Gift for Men, Drinking Gift Set, Cocktail Infusion, Gift for Husband, Gift for Him, DIY Gift
This is perfect if you want consistency (or you’re making margs for a group). The fill lines take the guesswork out so your drink doesn’t swing wildly from “watery” to “whoa.”
Margarita Recipe Glass | Easy fill lines for a perfect drink every time!
A salt cellar is a little more chic than the typical rimmer tray situation. It keeps your salt fresh and looks cute sitting out.
"Barkeeper's Salt Cellar" Margarita Glass Rimmer
These are such a fun party moment. They add a subtle salty vibe as you sip (and they look amazing styled on the cart).
Himalayan Salt Tequila Glasses- Set of 4
Love this if you actually make margs often because it turns margarita night into a whole little ritual. Also perfect for batching because you can shake a bigger round and keep the vibe moving.
Brooklyn Steel Co. Margarita Shaker Set
These are soooo cute and the olive tone is such a chic, slightly vintage twist (it looks styled without screaming “theme party”). A matching set of 4 also makes hosting feel instantly more put-together.
The Rue Margarita Glass Set Of 4 in Olive
This is for the “I want the tools but I want them to look cute on the cart” girlies. It’s super handy for salt/sugar, stirring, garnishes, and keeping everything together so you’re not scavenger hunting mid-marg.
Margarita Cocktail Utensil Set
The blue rim gives instant vacation energy (even if you’re just making a Tuesday marg). It’s also a really nice everyday size, so it works for margs, palomas, ranch water, even mocktails.
Pacifico Blue Rim 12-Oz. Margarita Cocktail Glass
Espresso Martini Era
If you want the coffee martini vibe without the chaos. This section is everything you need to make espresso martinis at home, whether you go full setup or keep it easy with mixers.
These are so cute for espresso martinis and they make the whole drink feel more “proper.” I love having a dedicated espresso martini glass because the foam + presentation is half the experience.
Nespresso Martini Glasses - Nespresso™ USA
If you want to go full espresso martini era, a real espresso maker makes a big difference. Fresh espresso gives you better flavor and better foam (aka the pretty top layer).
Slim Espresso Maker with 20-Bar Pressure, White Icing
This is the perfect in-between if you don’t want a full espresso machine. It makes strong coffee that works beautifully in espresso martinis and it looks cute sitting out.
Bialetti Moka 6 Cup Express Espresso Maker
These are such a cute hosting detail and they make it feel like you planned the night. Also, espresso martinis = drips, so this is both pretty and practical.
Personalized Linen Cocktail Napkins / Coaster – Embroidered
Love a mixer for quick nights when you want the vibe without the effort. Great for keeping on hand for guests who ask for espresso martinis and you’re like “say less.”
Here's How Espresso Martini Cocktail Mixer
This is a fun, dessert-y twist for cozy nights. Perfect if you want something different than the classic espresso martini but still want it to feel like a treat.
S'Mores Espresso Martini Mixer Kit
A good concentrate is the “cheat code” for consistent flavor. Great for batching or making multiple drinks without measuring 12 things.
Sur La Table Espresso Martini Craft Cocktail Concentrate
Sea salt + coffee is such a good combo. This one gives you that slightly elevated, more complex flavor without being too sweet.
Stonewall Kitchen Sea Salt Espresso Martini Mixer
If you’re brewing your own espresso or moka pot coffee, quality beans matter. This is a great option for rich flavor that holds up in a cocktail.
Blue Bottle Espresso Whole Bean Espresso Roast Coffee - 12oz
The cutest little garnish/snack for espresso martini night. I love these for a serving tray moment, or even as a sweet bite between drinks.
Organic Chocolate-Covered Espresso Beans
Bar cart art is the finishing touch that makes the space feel styled. This is perfect if espresso martinis are your signature drink and you want your bar corner to match.
Espresso Martini Print, Espresso Martini Poster, Classic Cocktail Bar Wall Art, Bar Cart Art Prints, Retro Cocktail Print, Bar Accessories