Creating a home bar is not just a just a luxury; it’s a fun and functional way to entertain guests, explore your mixology skills, and unwind after a long day. Whether you’re a novice bartender (ahem – me) or an experienced mixologist, the right accessories can up the ante in your home bar setup. So let’s explore the best home bar accessories and some considerations to make your bar both stylish and practical.
Quick side note before we jump in—did you know we’ve set up two bar areas in our home? We’ve got a dry bar tucked between the kitchen and dining room on the main floor, and we also gave our basement bar a fresh, updated look. If you’re hunting for some home bar inspo, you’ll definitely want to check them out!
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Home Bar Accessories
Let’s jump into all the different accessories and bar tools you’ll want for your perfect home bar.
Cocktail Shaker – There are a couple options to consider here. Boston shakers (two-piece) or Cobbler shakers (three-piece) are essential in making those fancy cocktail recipes. Stainless steel shakers are a great choice for their durability and super easy to clean.
Mixing Glass – If you want to serve up the best martinis and Manhattans or other stirred cocktails for your guests, you’ll need to have a mixing glass on hand. Be sure to choose a heavy-bottomed glass for stability.
Bar Spoon – You’ll need one of these to go with your mixing glass. This is the long-handled spoon with a twisted shaft.
Jigger – For accurate measurement of spirits and mixers. We recommend a dual-sided jigger for versatility and to cut down on tools. These will have both 1oz and 2oz in one.
Strainer – There are two types of strainers; Hawthorne (with a spring) and Julep (perforated). You’ll want to ensure that it fits with your shaker and mixing glass.
Muddler – This can be a great addition to your bar for crushing herbs, fruit, and spices. Choose a wooden or stainless steel muddler with a flat end for better mashing.
Ice Tools – We suggest having an Ice Bucket for easy access for mixing and serving, as well as Ice Tongs for handling the ice. Look for insulated ice buckets to keep ice from melting quickly. If you buy a fancy looking ice bucket, it can also double as bar decor displayed on a shelf! Also, why not get one monogrammed to make it more personal? Check out the best ice buckets for your home bar here.
Glassware – There are many options of glasses; highball, lowball, martini, wine, champagne, and beer glasses. Then within wine glasses, there are options for white, red, port, etc. To have a functional bar, you don’t need to invest in every type of glass. Consider the type of drinks you plan to make and serve. Also, consider investing in high-quality glasses. Some of our favorite glasses to use are these coupes – perfect for champagne or cocktails!
Bottle Opener and Corkscrew – For opening bottles of beer and wine you can use a multi-functional tool that combines both and can save space. Another option that a lot of sports fanatics use are unique bottle openers that are fixated to the bar and may be decorated for a sports team or some other special hobby that interests you.
Liquor Pourers – You’ll want these for controlled pouring and minimizing spills. This is another accessory we’d suggesting opting for stainless steel pourers with a rubber seal for a snug fit and easy cleaning.
Bar Mat – If you’re planning on doing lots of cocktail making, a bar mat may be a good option to protect your countertop and provide a non-slip surface. Look for mats that are easy to clean and fit the size of your bar area.
Garnish Tools – It is always a nice touch to have a Zester for citrus peels and a Peeler for creating twists on hand. This can be a nice show piece for your cocktails and a chance to impress your friends. Ensure they are sharp and comfortable to use!
Blender – For all the frozen cocktail lovers out there or those of you living in Margaritaville, you’ll want to consider having a high-powered blender with multiple speeds settings. If you are going for the tiki bar vibe, then this is a must have!
Decanter – For our wine lovers out there, consider a decanter for aerating. A decanter is also a great accessory where you could add some personality and also be pretty decor for styling. Crystal decanters are also great for storing different liquors like scotch or whisky and are always a classy touch.
Coasters – This a simple accessory to have to protect surfaces and furniture from drink rings. Also, a simple way to add in a piece that matches the material and design of your bar’s aesthetic.
Cocktail Picks and Stirrers – These are nice to have for garnishing drinks and stirring. While you can go for disposable ones, we’d also suggest considering stainless steel picks that are reusable and elegant.
- Bar Cart – Just because you may live in a smaller space, like an apartment, don’t think you can’t have a home bar. A bar cart is a creative way to still have a designated bar space in any size space. If you don’t want everything out on display, another option would be a bar cabinet where you can close the doors.
- Wine Fridges – If you’re a wine lover, a wine fridge is a great idea to store all your favorite bottles and provide temperature and humidity control. Dual zone wine fridges are for both white and red wines. This is the brand we have for both our wine fridge and beverage fridge in our bar and we absolutely love it!
- Serving Tray – A serving tray is personal touch for your guests and also can serve as decor with the family name or initial inscribed.
- Cocktail Books – These are great to have at your bar for the obvious reason of looking up and learning new cocktails, but they are also great to use as decor. Added use, if someone you know has a home bar, these are the perfect gift to give! This one is my favorite cocktail book and this one is John’s favorite!
- Special Ice – Large Ice Cubes and Ice Balls are great options in home bars because they melt more slowly than smaller ice cubes, which helps prevent drinks from diluting too quickly. They also add a touch of sophistication and visual appeal to cocktails, making them feel more like a crafted, professional drink. John has been loving this clear ice maker to add to his Old Fashioneds.
Key Considerations for Your Home Bar Setup
Space and Layout
Setting up a home bar is all about maximizing space and creating a layout that feels both inviting and functional. First, think about the space you have and how you’d like to use it—are you working with a cozy corner, a full wall or transforming an entire room? For smaller spaces, a bar cart or a bar cabinet might be ideal, giving you a compact but stylish setup. If you’ve got more room, consider adding a counter or island that can double as a prep area, with bar stools for a relaxed vibe. Accessibility is also key; place frequently used items, like glasses and mixers, within easy reach, and use shelves or cabinets to store less-used items or special bottles. Good lighting, too, can elevate the whole setup, making it feel warm and welcoming. Finally, don’t overlook details like a small sink if possible, which adds both convenience and a touch of sophistication to your home bar.
Theme and Aesthetics
Getting the theme and aesthetics right can make a huge difference in creating the perfect vibe for your space. Start by thinking about what you want the bar to say about you and the experiences you’re looking to create. Do you want a sleek, modern lounge feel with minimalist decor, or a cozy, rustic setup that feels warm and inviting? Maybe you’re drawn to a tropical tiki theme or a classic, speakeasy-style bar. The colors, textures, and materials you choose will all play a role in shaping that theme, from the wood finish on the bar counter to the style of the lighting fixtures. Also, consider your glassware, bar tools, and decorative elements—details like vintage bar signs, cocktail recipe books, or quirky barstools can reinforce your theme and add personality. The goal is to create a cohesive look that makes your bar feel intentional and inviting, so it’s somewhere you and your guests want to spend time.
Functionality
When setting up a home bar, functionality is key—you want it to look great but also make your life easier when it’s time to mix up drinks. First, think about the essentials: a sturdy surface or bar cart, enough space for a few key bottles, and a set of quality tools like a shaker, strainer, and muddler. A mix of storage options is super helpful—shelves for displaying beautiful bottles, cabinets or drawers for glassware, and a small fridge if you like to keep mixers or garnishes cool. Lighting can make a big difference too! Dim, warm lighting adds ambiance, while under-shelf lights make it easy to see what you’re doing. Finally, don’t forget easy access to ice—whether it’s a nearby freezer or an ice bucket, since ice is essential for most cocktails. Keep it organized, but don’t feel pressured to have everything; a thoughtful, personal setup is what makes it feel welcoming and functional.
Budget
It’s easy to get carried away with fancy bottles, high-end equipment, and sleek furniture, but a solid home bar doesn’t have to break the bank. First, consider what you actually like to drink, and focus on stocking the essentials around your preferences. Start with a few versatile spirits that form the base of most cocktails—like vodka, gin, whiskey, and rum—and add more as you go. For tools, you don’t need every gadget; a basic shaker, jigger, strainer, and muddler will handle most drinks. Think about glassware, too; a small collection of multipurpose glasses can cover a lot of ground without costing a fortune. And if you’re handy, you might be able to DIY the bar itself or repurpose furniture to save some cash. Lastly, build up slowly! A well-curated bar is all about quality over quantity, so add bottles or tools as you find new cocktails to try.
Maintenance
Maintenance is one of those key areas that can make or break how much you actually enjoy using it! For starters, consider the materials you choose—glass, wood, and metal each require different upkeep. Wood countertops might need regular sealing, while metal can show fingerprints and may require a bit more polishing to keep looking sharp. Also, storage is huge: make sure everything from your glassware to your bottles has a designated spot, so cleaning up after entertaining doesn’t feel like a chore. Stock up on microfiber cloths for quick touch-ups on glassware and mirrors, and don’t forget a drip tray or coasters to prevent sticky spills. Another smart move? Keep a few cleaning essentials close at hand, like a gentle glass cleaner or a mild soap solution, especially if you’re using specialty glassware. The better you maintain things as you go, the more fun and inviting your home bar will feel, without all the post-party hassle.
Dry Bar vs. Wet Bar
When deciding on a home bar setup go can choose to go with a dry bar or a wet bar. A dry bar is a simple setup without plumbing, usually featuring shelves, a counter, and some storage for your bottles and glassware. It’s a great choice for anyone tight on space or looking for a less intensive setup that still provides a fun place to mix and serve drinks. A wet bar, on the other hand, includes a sink, which means you’ll need plumbing, but it offers a lot more convenience—especially when it comes to cleanup, washing glasses, and prepping garnishes. While a dry bar is usually more budget-friendly and can fit into more spaces, a wet bar adds that extra level of functionality, ideal for anyone who plans to entertain regularly or take cocktail-making seriously. Think about your space, budget, and how often you’ll be using the bar to decide which setup suits your needs best.
Building the perfect home bar is a journey that involves selecting the right accessories, considering your space, and a great way to reflect your personal style. With the essential tools and thoughtful touches, you can create a bar that’s not only functional but also a joy to use. Now time to mix yourself the perfect drink and cheers to your perfect home bar setup!
