Maintaining a well-stocked bar can be an expensive endeavor. The good news is that spirits will last indefinitely if stored correctly so you can build your collection gradually without spoilage. We'll show you how to stock your bar at home, with spirits, mixers, garnishes, tools, glassware, and even storage options.
It's important to note that something is a "bar essential" only insofar as you use it. This list of essentials can be added to or subtracted from depending on how you plan to use your home bar.
Bar Toolkit
The number of bar tools and gadgets on the market is endless. Luckily, you can handle a majority of home bartending tasks with just a handful of tools, and we're willing to bet you already have quite a few in your kitchen right now.
1. Bottle Openers and Corkscrews
Chances are you've already got one, but a bottle opener is necessary for opening glass bottles of beer and various mixers. Many wine openers can also be used to open beer, and options range from your simple corkscrew to a do-it-all, electric wine opener.
- Best Bottle Opener: OXO Stainless Steel Bottle and Can Opener, $16; amazon.com
- Best Corkscrew: Chef Craft Waiters Corkscrew, $6; amazon.com or walmart.com
- Best Corkscrew and Bottle Opener Duo: Beneno Corkscrew Wine Bottle Opener, $15; amazon.com
- Best Electric Wine Opener: Oster Cordless Electric Wine Opener Kit, $35; amazon.com or target.com
2. Jiggers
A jigger is a mini measuring cup that helps you achieve exact measurements for your co*cktails. A standard jigger is double-sided, with one side holding 1.5 ounces on its large side (the equivalent of one shot) and 0.75 to 1 ounces on its small side (or what's known as the pony shot).
But you'll also find Japanese-style jiggers, which are longer and skinnier, with one side typically measuring 2 ounces and the other measuring 1 ounce. You can even find literal mini measuring cups that some argue are much easier to read than traditional, double-sided jiggers. But at the end of the day, you only need one.
- Best Standard Jigger: OXO Steel Double Jigger, $12; amazon.com
- Best Japanese Jigger: Homestia Double co*cktail Japanese Jigger, $10; amazon.com
- Best Measuring Cup Jigger: OXO Steel Angled Measuring Jigger, $10; amazon.com
- Best Jigger Set: Tezzorio Set of 3 Stainless Steel Double Jiggers, $14; amazon.com
3. Shakers and Strainers
A stainless-steel co*cktail shaker is the key to refreshingly chilled, shaken drinks. It can come in two forms: Boston-style and cobbler. The former is a metal tin that fits tightly over a pint glass so it doesn't spill on you while you shake. Most professional bartenders use a Boston-style shaker because they're faster to use and easy to clean. At home, you may prefer a cobbler, a one-piece shaker with a built-in strainer, eliminating the need for extra parts.
If you're using a Boston-style shaker, you'll need a Hawthorne strainer to prevent ice or other solid ingredients from dropping into your glass. When you strain from a mixing glass, you'll need to use what's known as a Julep strainer. Some folks might purchase a fine mesh strainer (sieve) to strain out ultra-fine ingredients like pulp.
- Best Boston-Style co*cktail Shaker: Cresimo Professional co*cktail Shaker, $20; amazon.com
- Best Cobbler co*cktail Shaker: Etens co*cktail Shaker, $10; amazon.com
- Best Hawthorne Strainer: co*cktail Kingdom Koriko Hawthorne Strainer, $25; amazon.com
- Best Julep Strainer: HIC Kitchen Julep Bar Strainer, $14; amazon.com
- Best Fine Mesh Strainer/Sieve: OXO Steel Fine Mesh co*cktail Strainer, $12; amazon.com
- Best co*cktail Strainer Set: Koviti 3-Piece Stainless Steel co*cktail Strainer Set, $18; amazon.com
4. Mixing Glasses and Spoons
A mixing glass is a designated glass for stirring co*cktail ingredients. You can use any drinking glass from your cupboard, but a mixing glass is an elegant and functional addition to any home bar.
Bar spoons are made with long handles specifically for stirring a mixed drink from the bottom of the glass to the top without splashing. Some have smooth handles, which add extra weight, while others have textured, spiraled handles for easy grip.
- Best Mixing Glass: Hiware Professional 24-Ounce co*cktail Mixing Glass, $16; amazon.com
- Best Bar Spoon: A Bar Above Heavyweight Bar Spoons (Set of 2), $18; amazon.com
5. Ice Makers, Molds, and Buckets
Ice plays a crucial role in co*cktails. Skip the cloudy, odor-holding freezer ice, and instead invest in a few different ice molds and makers for craft co*cktails. Spirit-forward drinks (like a Manhattan or an old-fashioned) are best served with large cubes and spheres as a longer melt-time prevents the drink from diluting too quickly.
For your tropical drinks, go with crushed or pebbled ice. This will keep the drink cool and the sheer quantity of ice helps dilute the heavy syrups typically used in these drinks.
And finally, standard, 1 x 1-inch cubes are what you'll use for everything else since standard ice cubes are excellent for shaking. Also, a designated ice bucket and scoop are always handy for easy access when making co*cktails or chilling wine.
- Best Large Cube Ice Mold: Tovolo King Cube Silicone Ice Tray, $12; amazon.com
- Best Spherical Ice Mold: Tovolo Sphere Ice Molds, $12; amazon.com
- Best Ice Mold Set: Ticent Ice Cube Trays (Set of 2), $10; amazon.com
- Best Pebble Ice Maker: GE Opal Nugget Ice Maker, $630; amazon.com
- Best Standard Ice Mold: Ozera 2-Pack Silicone Ice Cube Tray, $15; amazon.com
- Best Ice Bucket and Scoop: Oggi Double-Wall Insulated Lid & Ice Scoop Ice Bucket, $30; amazon.com
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6. Juicers, Cutting Boards, and Peelers
There are a handful of tools you can purchase to help with prep work of fresh ingredients like juice, zest, or slices of fruit. Freshly squeezed citrus will always be superior to bottled, so we recommend having a juicer that gets the most juice from your fruit.
You'll also need to have a couple of small cutting boards on hand for prepping ingredients like herbs for muddling or making garnishes. A simple paring knife or vegetable peeler will do the trick when you need a citrus peel.
- Best Handheld Citrus Juicer: Chef'n FreshForce Citrus Juicer, $23; amazon.com or walmart.com
- Best Mini Plastic Cutting Board: San Jamar Saf-T-Grip Plastic Cutting Board, $10; amazon.com
- Best Mini Bamboo Cutting Board: Brite Concepts Bamboo Cutting Board, $7; amazon.com
- Best Paring Knife: Henckels Classic Razor-Sharp 4-Inch Paring Knife, $24; amazon.com
- Best Vegetable Peeler: Kuhn Rikon, Original 4-Inch Swiss Peeler, $8; amazon.com or walmart.com
Glassware
It's tempting to buy a different type of glass for every different type of co*cktail (like margarita glasses or martini glasses), but having two to three different-sized glasses will work for nearly any co*cktail you could ever want to make. Plus, elegant co*cktail glasses look stunning in a bar cart or cabinet.
- Best Coupe Glasses: Libbey Signature Kentfield Coupe co*cktail Glasses (Set of 4), $39; amazon.com or walmart.com
- Best Collins Glasses: LEMONSODA Premium Highball Glass Set, $25; amazon.com
- Best Rocks Glasses: LUXU Whiskey Glasses, $22; amazon.com
Bar Carts and Cabinets
You'll need somewhere to store and display your growing liquor and bar collection proudly. You don't have to drop thousands of dollars—you can find stylish, minimalistic bar carts for less than $100.
- Best Overall Bar Cart: VASAGLE 3-Tier Kitchen Serving Bar Cart, $64; amazon.com
- Best Bar Cart for Small Spaces: Novogratz Helix Bar Cart, $45; amazon.com, walmart.com, or wayfair.com
- Best Overall Bar Cabinet: FATORRI Industrial Wine Bar Cabinet, $230; amazon.com
- Best Bar Cabinet for Small Spaces: Ciecie LED Home Mini Bar Cabinet, $109; amazon.com
- Best Corner Bar Cabinet: Home Source Corner Bar Unit, $249; amazon.com
Essential Spirits
It's easy to get overwhelmed with the variety of liquors on the market, but rest assured, if you have these key ones, you're set up to make most standard co*cktails.
There's no need to splurge on top-shelf spirits for your collection (although you certainly can if that's your preference). Plenty of bartenders don't use top-shelf liquor when crafting co*cktails.
1. Gin
For classic gin co*cktails like gin and tonics, Tom Collins, and of course, the original martini, gin is certainly an essential behind the bar.
- Best Overall Gin: Tanqueray London Dry Gin, $26; saucey.com
- Best Budget Gin: Gordon's London Dry Gin, $11; saucey.com
- Best Top-Shelf Gin: The Botanist Islay Dry Gin, $29; saucey.com or Gray Whale Gin, $36; saucey.com
2. Rum
Light rum (also known as white rum) is the base of all sorts of tropical drinks like daiquiris, mojitos, pina coladas, mai tais, and more. Dark rum has been aged in oak barrels, unlike white rum, which is aged for a shorter time in steel barrels. Dark rum can work in place of light rum, but note that it will bring a stronger, molasses-like flavor to these co*cktails. Buy a smaller, secondary bottle of dark rum for use in bold co*cktails like the Dark 'n' Stormy.
- Best Overall Light Rum: Bacardi Superior White Rum, $15; saucey.com
- Best Overall Dark Rum: Gosling's Black Seal Rum, $25; saucey.com
3. Tequila
Keep a large, inexpensive bottle of unaged blanco, or "silver" tequila, on hand for use in tequila sunrises, margaritas, and other tequila-based co*cktails. Tequila reposado, or "gold" tequila, is aged for a minimum of two months and up to 364 days, giving it a smooth, sweeter taste that's great for shots. Premium brands of añejo tequila, which is agedbetween one and three years, are better for sipping.
- Best Overall Tequila Blanco (Silver): Olmeca Altos Tequila Plata, $29; saucey.com
- Best Overall Tequila Reposado (Gold): Hornitos Reposado Tequila, $22; saucey.com
- Best Tequila for Sipping: Don Julio Añejo Tequila, $52; saucey.com
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4. Vodka
This is a versatile spirit, so don't be afraid to buy the 1.75-liter bottle. Use it in vodka martinis, vodka Collins, sea breeze, Cape Cod, vodka & tonic, white Russians, screwdrivers, etc.
- Best Overall Vodka: Tito's Handmade Vodka, $18; saucey.com
- Best Budget Vodka: Kirkland Signature American Vodka, $15; totalwine.com
- Best Top-Shelf Vodka: Belvedere Vodka, $22; saucey.com
5. Whiskey
Whiskey is an entire classification of liquor; it can refer to Bourbon, Scotch, Tennessee, Rye, Irish, Japanese, and more. Each has its own flavor profile and uses, but we recommend starting with Bourbon and/or Tennessee whiskey, as well as Rye. This will set you up for most co*cktails.
Bourbon Whiskey: Used in Manhattans and old fashioned co*cktails.
- Best Overall Bourbon: Maker's Mark Bourbon Whiskey, $24; saucey.com
- Best Budget Bourbon: Four Roses Bourbon, $33; saucey.com
- Best Top-Shelf Bourbon: Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Bourbon, $52; reservebar.com or drizly.com
Blended Scotch: For drinking on the rocks, or mixing in Rob Roys (Scotch Manhattans).
- Best Overall Blended Scotch: Johnnie Walker Black Label Blended Scotch Whisky, $32; saucey.com
- Best Budget Blended Scotch: The Famous Grouse Blended Scotch Whiskey, $18; saucey.com
Single Malt Scotch: For sipping neat (without ice). There are many to try, with smoky, peaty, and caramel overtones. Experiment as your budget will allow.
- Best Overall Single Malt Scotch: Lagavulin 16 Year, $82; saucey.com
- Best Budget Single Malt Scotch: The Glenlivet 12 Year, $61; reservebar.com
Tennessee, Rye, Irish, or Japanese Whiskey: Enjoyed on the rocks or in whiskey sours and hot toddies.
- Best Overall Tennessee Whiskey: Jack Daniel's Old No. 7 Tennessee Whiskey, $20; saucey.com
- Best Top-Shelf Tennessee Whiskey: Uncle Nearest 1856 Premium Whiskey, $57; saucey.com
- Best Rye Whiskey: Bulleit Rye, $25; saucey.com
- Best Irish Whiskey: Jameson Irish Whiskey, $24; saucey.com
- Best Japanese Whiskey: Suntory Toki, $32; saucey.com
6. Liqueurs
With so many to choose from, this is an area where you can let your personal taste be your guide. You may want to buy liqueurs that you enjoy drinking and for cooking: orange liqueur, coffee liqueur, and Irish cream are delicious in chocolate desserts. And of course, vermouth is essential for martinis (dry), and Manhattans (sweet).
- Best Overall Sweet Vermouth: Carpano Antica Formula Vermouth, $37; saucey.com
- Best Budget Sweet Vermouth: Dolin Rouge Vermouth, $18; saucey.com
- Best Overall Dry Vermouth: Dolin Dry Vermouth, $18; saucey.com
- Best Budget Dry Vermouth: Martini & Rossi Extra Dry Vermouth, $13; saucey.com
- Best Coffee Liqueur: Kahlua Rum and Coffee Liqueur, $18; saucey.com
- Best Irish Cream Liqueur: Baileys Irish Cream Original, $21; saucey.com
- Best Orange Liqueur: Grand Marnier Cordon Rouge Orange Liqueur, $32; saucey.com
Essential Mixers
Mixers are just as essential as spirits since most standard co*cktails require at least one (more likely two). Having some of the more popular mixers will ensure you always have what you need to make your favorite libations.
1. Carbonated Mixers
These include tonic water, club soda, and flavored sodas like ginger beer (for Moscow mules), ginger ale, cola, etc. Not only are these popular mixers for co*cktails, but it's also nice to have some on hand for non-alcoholic drinks.
- Best Tonic Water: Fever-Tree Premium Indian Tonic Water (Pack of 24), $34; amazon.com
- Best Club Soda: Fever-Tree Premium Club Soda (Pack of 8), $29; amazon.com
- Best Budget Club Soda: Schweppes Club Soda (1 Liter), $2; walmart.com
- Best Ginger Beer: Q-Mixer Ginger Beer, (Pack of 24), $22; amazon.com
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2. Bitters
Used in Manhattans and other co*cktails, bitters are spirits infused with botanicals meant to balance out co*cktails containing sweet and/or sour flavors.
- Best Bitters: Angostura Aromatic Bitters, $9; amazon.com
- Best Bitters Variety Set: Hella co*cktail Co. co*cktail Bitters Variety Pack, $38; amazon.com
3. Grenadine
This pomegranate-colored (and, traditionally, flavored) syrup is used in Shirley Temples, tequila sunrises, and layered drinks.
- Best Grenadine: Liber & Co. Real Grenadine, $19; amazon.com
- Best Budget Grenadine: Barsmith Grenadine, $10; amazon.com
4. Juice
Orange juice, cranberry juice, tomato juice, and all forms of citrus juice are common ingredients in mixed drinks. Sweetened lime juice is usually available in the mixer aisle with grenadine.
- Best Sweetened Lime Juice: Rose's Sweetened Lime Juice, $4; walmart.com
5. Sweet and Sour Mix
Sweet and sour mix is a staple behind any bar. It's usually made with a mixture of lemon juice, lime juice, sugar, and water. Use it to make classic co*cktails like whiskey sours, amaretto sours, and, of course, margaritas.
- Best Sweet and Sour Mix: Collins Sweet and Sour Mix, $12; amazon.com
6. Simple Syrup
Simple syrup, as the name might suggest, is simple enough to make yourself with only two ingredients: sugar and water. You can even go as far as to infuse it with berries or herbs. But if you prefer the convenience of premade simple syrup, you can find it in most grocery stores.
- Best Store-Bought Simple Syrup: Stirrings Pure Cane Simple Syrup co*cktail Mixer, $13; amazon.com
Essential Garnishes
Though you may be tempted to skimp on garnishes, don't. Part of the fun of preparing and investing time and money into a great co*cktail is the presentation. Plus, depending on the type of garnish, they can also add flavor to the mix. Keep a collection of olives (for martinis), citrus fruits and/or peels, and maraschino or co*cktail cherries on hand for all your favorite drinks. You can find these ingredients at any grocery store, but specialty retailers also make them with co*cktail drinkers in mind.
- Best co*cktail Olives: Divina Castelvetrano Pitted Olives, $10; amazon.com
- Best co*cktail Cherries: Luxardo Maraschino Cherries, $23; amazon.com
Why Take Our Word For It?
Melanie Fincher is a food writer and editor for Allrecipes. An avid home cook and food journalist with experience writing news and lifestyle content, Melanie has spent the last three years working exclusively in food media. Her work can also be found in Food & Wine, MyRecipes, and Better Homes & Gardens.
