Guide to setting up the perfect home bar

With these tips, you’ll be ready to whip up amazing cocktails and create a fun, social environment for you and your friends. Cheers!
 

Setting up a home bar is a great way to bring the ambiance of a pub into the comfort of your living room, and it’s a skill that’s sure to impress your guests. Here are some essential tips to help you create a cocktail space that’s both functional and stylish:

1 - Choose the right location

First, select a suitable space in your home to set up your bar. This could be a shelf in the living room, a drinks cart, or even a dedicated area in the kitchen. The important thing is that it’s accessible and has enough space to store bottles, accessories, and glasses.

2 - Build a basic liquor inventory

To start, focus on having a basic liquor selection that allows you to create a variety of cocktails. Consider including:

Spirits: Gin, vodka, rum, tequila, whiskey, and vermouth.

Liqueurs and bitters: Such as Cointreau, Amaretto and Angostura, which add complexity to drinks.

Wines and sparkling wines: For those special moments or for drinks like the Aperol Spritz.

3 - Invest in essentials

Make sure you have the right set of tools to prepare your cocktails perfectly:

Cocktail shaker: Essential for mixing ingredients.

Measuring cup (jigger): To measure the exact details of each ingredient.

Stirrer and strainers: For drinks that don't need to be shaken.

Ice buckets and tongs: Ice is essential in many cocktails.

4 - Variety of glasses

Have different types of glasses to serve your drinks with style:

Whiskey glasses: For drinks served neat or with ice.

Martini glasses: For cocktails like the classic martini or cosmopolitan.

Tall glasses: For drinks that require more mixing, like the mojito.

Short glasses: Perfect for negronis and old fashioneds.

5 - Décor and Ambiance

The aesthetics of your bar are just as important as its contents. Consider adding:

Lighting: Soft lighting to create a cozy ambiance.

Decorative accessories: Themed art, plants, or cocktail books.

Personal touches: Like an LED display with fun quotes and aspirations.

6 - Learn classic recipes

Mastering a few classic cocktails is essential for any amateur bartender. Here are a few recipes to get you started:

Martini: Combine gin and dry vermouth, stir with ice, and serve in a martini glass with an olive or lemon peel.

Old Fashioned: Mix bourbon, sugar, Angostura bitters, and an orange slice, served over ice.

Mojito: Muddle mint leaves with sugar and lemon juice, add white rum, ice, and top with soda water.

Negroni: Mix equal parts gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari, optionally with orange peel

7 - Innovate with fresh ingredients

Using fresh ingredients can take your cocktails to the next level:

Herbs: Like mint and basil, which add freshness.

Citrus fruits: Lemons, oranges and limes for a tart touch.

Spices: Like cinnamon and nutmeg for depth of flavor.

8 - Experiment and customize

Don't be afraid to experiment and create your own mixes. Practice makes perfect, and you may discover unique codes that make your signatures.

9 - Drink responsibly

Always promote responsible alcohol consumption. Be aware of the limits and make sure your guests are having a safe time, too.