Setting Up the Perfect Home Bar: What, Where & Why You’re Missing Out
There are many reasons why creating (or updating) a home bar is a good idea. Firstly, it offers lots of potential as a fun project to help distract you from the harsher realities of life; secondly, it’s a great space for entertaining or treating yourself to something cold and spirit-laden at the end of a long day; and finally, it’s one of the ultimate expressions of adult life — particularly now, when Saturdays and football go hand-in-hand.
But where to start? How many bottles of spirits are required? And where do you find all the fiddly little bits that make a home bar what it is? This starter guide is the right place to kick off.
The first step is identifying a suitable spot in your home for a bar set-up. An under-staircase nook is a great spot, as is unused space in your dining area or, if you’re dealing with limited space, a bar/serving cart might be the best option.
Establish what you need to make this area functional — e.g., glass shelves, a countertop for preparation, lighting, bar stools, etc. — and get some help setting up if needed.
Take the opportunity to explore what’s out there and play around with themes (e.g., a clean and classic look, tropical aesthetic, or ‘man cave’ vibe), color, and style.
Think about what suits your interests, represents you, and would work best with the space you have.
It’s important to stock up on your favorites, of course, but don’t forget that a home bar is for entertaining too; it’s good to offer some variety. Plus, a limited selection of liquor means you’re less able to try out different kinds of recipes.
Don’t fret; you don’t need to have a nightclub-standard repertoire of spirits on the first day. Instead, keep adding to your collection over time.
Unless you have no plans to drink anything but whisky on the rocks at your home bar, it’s not complete without mixers and modifiers. Bartenders typically suggest stocking your bar with modifiers like vermouth (dry and sweet), Cointreau, and Campari — great for martinis, margaritas, and a host of other cocktails.
Good old soda and tonic water are also quite necessary, but remember, it’s worth buying glass bottles over cans or plastic, as glass retains carbon dioxide (bubbles) better.
What’s a great bar without the right glasses? It’s all part of the experience.
To ensure you’re getting the best out of your private pub, it’s worth investing in good-quality drinkware — flutes, wine glasses, snifters, etc. Read more about the different kinds.
Having the right tools at hand also makes all the difference, especially when dealing with more detailed recipes. A mixing glass, bar spoon, jigger, shaker, and a Hawthorne strainer are a good place to start.
A mini fridge nearby is a fine idea, but if you’re in the mood to really go all out, consider an ice cube maker, like this one.
They make ice much faster than your plastic tray in the freezer can, and that’s particularly important when you’re entertaining. Plus, ice makers have large holding buckets where your ice can sit, without melting, for long periods of time. Win.
