Keep the holiday cheer flowing with a well-equipped bar to boost the holiday spirits for friends and family as you gather. Set up a home bar for the holiday celebrations that’s versatile enough to tap into all year long.
Let’s start with the essential spirits. No need to get overwhelmed, just stock with the key liquors to make most standard cocktails: Gin, Rum, Tequila, Vodka, and Whiskey. Liqueurs, such as Vermouth, Amaretto, Coffee, Irish Cream and Orange are also good to have on hand.
Mixers are just as essential as spirits. Most standard cocktails are going to require at least one or two. These are some of the more popular ones for the most common libations: orange juice, cranberry juice, tonic water, club soda, ginger ale, and ginger beer. Provide sodas, such as coke or sprite, as additional mixers or for non-drinkers to enjoy.
Now for the home bar essential gear. Even though you may be limited in space, there are several ways you can still designate an area for a home bar. The bar cart on wheels would be ideal for moving around inside or outside as you entertain guests. The all-weather bar table set is another great option that can be used both indoors and outdoors. Here’s our top picks of home bar essentials to help get you an idea of where to start as you design the perfect home bar!
The ideal spot for entertaining guests with your collection of drinks or appetizers. The upper shelf and lower cabinet with shelves provide plenty of storage for bar essentials. The mesh styled doors and sides of the piece are made of metal. The shelves and backing are constructed of durable laminate. The rolling cart has locking casters to stay in place when needed.
For more information: Wood and Metal Bar Cabinet with Wheels
We recommend only those who know their way around a bar cart opt for this one. If you like to dive into the more difficult end of the drink mixing pool, this complete 24-piece set will have you whipping up whiskey sours and strawberry daiquiris with ease. All of its materials are abrasion-resistant and rust-proof, so you won’t have to worry about it wearing down over time. Here’s a little game to play if you want to step outside your comfort zone: flip to a random page in the included cocktail recipe booklet to get some inspiration and try out a new drink!
For more information: Stainless Steel Bartender Set
Take a trip around the globe with this internationally inspired set of cocktail mixers. Inspired by destinations from Puerto Rico to Singapore. Includes Appletini, Pina Colada, Sunrise, Moscow Mule, Tropical Painkiller, Margarita, Blue Hawaiian, Mojito, Peach Bellini, Singapore Sling, Caipirinha and Mai Tai mixers.
For more information: Global Cocktail Mixers Set
Precision-etched European lead-glass pieces with playful patterns of dots, lines and swirls. Guests will enjoy their own unique pattern and drinks will never get mixed up. Slightly oversized glasses hold 10-ounces, with slender stems, thin rims and etched detailing that changes with each glass.
For more information: Mikasa Cheers Martini Glasses
Inspired by Art Deco influences serves up a modern twist on classic style. The clean-cut lines of the Structure rocks glasses make them perfect for entertaining guests during cocktail hour or an elegant dinner party. The versatile 4-piece set coordinates easily with your existing barware. Each double old-fashioned rocks glasses hold 11-ounces.
For more information: Structure Rocks Glasses
The fun and whimsical designs of the Cheers collection is sure to set a festive mood at your next gathering. Each glass is precision-etched with a different design so guests can easily identify their glass. Perfect for serving wine and cocktails or use as a water or juice glass. Set of 4 stemless wine glasses holds 17-ounces.
For more information: Mikasa Cheers Stemless Wine Glasses
A Moscow Mule has a wonderful and time-honored tradition of evolution from the New York bartenders of the 1940s. Create beautiful, presentable cocktails using these original Copper Plated Moscow Mule mugs. Stable base, comfortable and easy to hold Brass handle. Extra sturdy. Great for Moscow Mules or other beverages such as iced-tea, soda, lemonade, or juices. Every cocktail tastes better cold, so don’t forget to add ice.
For more information: Copper Plated Moscow Mule Mugs
Raise the bar by displaying elegant-looking glacier orbs at the bottom of your drink. The Peak Sphere Ice Mold makes the same large 2-1/2″ round ice “cubes” you would find in a traditional Old Fashioned. You should be able to remove the ice from the mold easily, as it is flexible enough to peel it back away from the ice. These will keep your cocktails cold without melting quickly and look great in just about any signature cocktail. Create beautiful ice to brighten up cocktails by mixing in herbs like mint, pieces of fruit, or freezing whole spheres of juice.
For more information: Sphere Ice Mold
If you enjoy beer, here is a different and dramatic way to serve up your favorite brews! The Perfect Black and Tan Beer Layering Tool is a nifty little gadget that will be your go-to when someone wants a flawless beer cocktail. Black and Tans (the combination of Guinness and Bass Ale, Blue Moon or Stella Artois) work because lighter beers will float to the top of heavier ones. Creating layered beer drinks is all about liquid density and gentle pouring so remember to pour slowly and you can easily turn a basic beer into a true novelty. Wow your buddies by making a couple of these simple yet stunning drinks.
For more information: Beer Layering Tool
Every home bartender needs a trusty wine opener like this in his arsenal. The Cork Pops Legacy Wine Opener easily removes the cork from a bottle of wine. Just insert the needle straight down through the cork, press once and the cork pops out. The wine opener uses a low-pressure inert gas cartridge to gently pop the cork without affecting the taste of the wine or harming the environment. Includes an easily replaceable cartridge that will open approximately 60 bottles of wine. Features four foil cutters on base stand for easy removal.
For more information: Cork Pops Legacy Wine Opener
Ready for the big leagues? The Vitamix 5200 belongs in every kitchen and bar area. It can handle everything for all your frozen cocktail or smoothie needs. The aircraft-grade hardened stainless steel blades are designed to handle the toughest ingredients. Rotate the dial at any point during the blend, to manually adjust and achieve a variety of textures. With a 64-ounce container, this unit is ideal for blending medium to large batches. It can handle drinks for a quiet get-together or a large backyard gathering.
For more information: Vitamix 5200 Blender
Perfect for indoor or outdoor use. Weather-resistant wicker withstand weather conditions all year long. Great for entertainment in your home’s bar area, on the patio, deck, or even near the pool during summertime gatherings. Built-in shelving store drinks, bottles, mixers, ice, tools, accessories, and more. The glass tabletop provides an elegant touch and a smooth surface to place food and drinks.
For more information: All-Weather Wicker Bar Table Set