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Free download HOME BAR Set-Up Guide: Essential Tools, Stock and Accessories for care-free party hosting (Get it below)
The most essential rule for setting up a home bar is to stock it with what you like to drink. Save your money. Don’t go overboard trying to stock every spirit and bar tool under the sun. You can grow as you go.
I had two unopened bottles of Tanqueray Gin won at an office party ten tears ago. Last year I read on a hunting blog of all places, this particular brand of gin made an excellent bug repellent. So I tried it. And it worked! Seriously.
If you’re gearing up for a party and just getting a home bar together, consider offering a signature cocktail. Buy the best quality liquor and garnishes your pocketbook allows. You can supplement the party drink with beer and wine plus a non-alcoholic option.
Here’s the essentials every home bar should have to host the perfect party.
Feature Photo courtesy of rawpixel on Unsplash
These are the basic liquors for a home bar. They are served straight up or used as the foundation of popular mixed cocktails.
~ Bourbon
~ Brandy
~ Blended Whiskey
~ Irish Whiskey
~ Blended Scotch
~ Gin
~ Rum (Light, Dark, Spiced)
~ Tequila
~ Vodka
~ Various Liquers
~ Red Wine
~ White Wine
~ Prosecco
~ Beer (Domestic, Imported, Craft)
Many of these non-alcoholic additions are pantry staples. Use them as mixers. You can’t have too much ice!
~ Club Soda
~ Ginger Ale
~ Cola
~ Lemon-Lime Soda
~ Spring Water
~ Milk/Cream
~ Ginger Beer
~ Tonic or Seltzer Water
~ ICE
Garnishes can be as simple as a lime wedge set on a glass rim or more elegant and showy, such as a skewered cherry tomato, celery stalk with leaves and green olives…Bloody Mary anyone?
Flavorings may be an essential ingredient for specific cocktails or an addition to enhance flavor to a guests particular taste — extra hot, sweet, bitter or fruity.
~ Angostura Bitters
~ Grenadine
~ Sweetened Lime Juice
~ Coconut Milk
~ Tabasco Sauce
~ Worcestershire Sauce
~ Horseradish
~ Various Juices/Fruit Nectars
~ Lemons
~ Limes
~ Pineapple
~ Oranges
~ Green Olives
~ Pearl Onions
~ Maraschino Cherries
~ Fresh Mint Leaves
~ Fresh Rosemary
~ Simple Syrup (Plain & Flavored)
~ Salt & Pepper Grinders
Bar tools will make creating cocktails easier especially if you keep them separate from your normal kitchen utensils. Consider an all-in-one bar tool set.
Note: The items below were sourced on Amazon for your convenience. The highlighted and underlined items will take you to Amazon.
You can purchase many of these items locally. Download the guide (below) which includes the checklist of items mentioned here. Take it with you when you shop.
~ Absinthe Spoon
~ Bar Spoon
~ Cocktail Shaker
~ Bottle Openers
~ Wine Stoppers
~ Citrus Squeezer
~ Citrus Peeler
~ Corkscrew
~ Wine Decanter
~ Cutting Board
~ Cocktail Strainer
~ Jigger
~ Measuring Spoons
~ Ice Bucket
~ Mixing Glass
~ Muddler
~ Paring Knife
~ Martini Stirrer
~ Ice Tongs
~ Bar Towels
~ Cocktail Napkins
These wish list items elevate your party to super party host.
I cannot lie…I LOVE my Margaritaville Frozen Concoction Maker. Whether for adult frozen cocktails or served with fruit juices as a treat for kids, it’s a non-negotiable in my house for summer entertaining. Mine is a few years old but these machines are built solid and sturdy to last a long time.
~ Bar Blender
~ Frozen Drink Machine
~ Ice Maker Machine
~ Serving Bar Cart
~ Outdoor Bar Stools
~ Portable Cooler with wheels
Get the Guide and Checklist
I love lists! Download this free guide and checklist.
Keep your home bar stocked and be ready anytime a party is about to break out at your place.
Be ready any time a party is about to break out! Instantly download your Set-Up Guide.
Remember to build your home bar as you go. Check sales flyers and stock up on essential beer, wine and spirits when the price is right. Be sure to treat yourself to a wish list item to make your home bar extra fun.
Posts You’ll Like:
Create the Ultimate Bellini Bar Plus 14 Delicious and Easy Recipes. The easiest of cocktail parties starts right here. Set it up once and let your guests help themselves all day, or night, long.
“Pretty in Pink” Margaritas | 15+ Easy Cocktail Recipes from Blush to Hot. A classic margarita is a fairly simple drink to make. With a little imagination you will take the expected lime version to new taste heights.
21 Super Creative Margaritas. Let your taste buds run wild with these out-of-the-box imaginative cocktails.
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