How to Stock a Home Bar for Entertaining

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When you’re setting up a home bar, it should reflect to your own taste and those of your guests. I entertain all the time and my friends love margaritas, sipping on red wine, and fruity cocktails so you won’t find Brandy or Bourbon on my bar cart. Before each planned party, assess your bar essentials and do so each season. In today’s post, I’ll show you how to stock the perfect home bar. I will breakdown everything from drinkware and bar tools to beverages and mixers.

Step 1. Have the Essential Drinkware

You should choose drinkware that has character and expresses your style. You also want to make sure you have a few glasses on hand and are of good thickness. A good glass is one that is sturdy enough to handle a muddler. Choose only what you need.

• Tumblers
• Margarita Glasses
• Double Old-Fashioned’s
• Martini Glasses
• Wine Glasses
• Champagne Glasses
• Shot Glasses
• Beer Mugs

Step 2. Have the Right Tools

When you’re preparing drinks and cocktails to wow your guests, having the right tools make all the difference. Some of these items may already be in your kitchen!

• Cocktail Shaker
• Muddler
• Jigger
• Bottle Opener/Corkscrew
• Hand Juicer
• Stirrer
• Zester
• Strainer

Step 3. Beverages, Garnishes & Mixers

With this list of ingredients, you can create just about any drink you want or requested, but remember that a home bar should reflect both your own tastes and those of your guests. It should be suited to your particular style of entertaining so only choose ingredients you really need.

Alcohol Beverages

• Bourbon
• Brandy
• Champagne
• Cognac
• Cointreau
• Gin
• Irish Whiskey
• Scotch
• Tequila
• Vodka
• White Rum
• Red Wine
• White Wine

Mixers & Non-Alcoholic Beverages

• Bitters
• Cola
• Fruit Juice
• Ginger Ale
• Sparkling Water
• Tonic Water
• Triple Sec
• White Vermouth

Garnishes

• Cocktail Onions
• Lemons
• Limes
• Maraschino Cherries
• Nutmeg
• Olives
• Oranges
• Salt
• Sugar
• Whipped Cream

On a budget?

Stocking a home bar doesn’t have to lighten your wallet either. Again, all you need are bar supplies that suit to your particular style of entertaining. If you’re on a budget, pick only what you need from each category and opt for a drink cart instead! Below are some great drink carts I highly recommend:

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Reference: Pottery Barn

Photography: FTD