The Essential (and non essential)
Home Bar Accessories.
Bar Accessories Come in all Shapes and Sizes
When you first start out, it’s easy to get lost in the world of bartender accessories because there are some pretty cool devices out there. But when you’re just starting out with accessorizing your home bar, I recommend that it’s better to stick to the basics.
Once you get into a groove with how you’re running your bar and the types of beverages you are serving most often, it’s easy to add on. So let’s start with the basic items that you might want to have in place. These are the essential bar accessories that will set you up to be able to create and serve a huge variety of options.
A Few Things to Keep in Mind
Before you start loading up on bartending accessories, it’s important to consider how much space you have in your bar area. Accessories can quickly become a problem if you have nowhere to store them. Consider how and where you will store what you buy. Also, some items (like shakers) will require washing and cleaning after use. Do you have a wet bar where this can be done onsite? Or do you have a standalone bar set-up where you’ll need to move items back and forth to a kitchen area? Thinking of this in advance can help you to prioritize what you need and also can help with the inevitable impulse buys of a cool bar tool that catches your eye.
Accessories for the Home Bar Make it Easier (and more fun) to Create and Serve Cocktails, Wine and Beer
The Essential Bar Tools for the Home Bartender.
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Cocktail Shaker
There are three kinds of cocktail shakers: cobbler, Boston and Parisian (French). Most professional bartenders use Boston shakers, but they can be tricky for a novice. I recommend the Parisian for the home bartender new to cocktail shakers. It is a cross between the other two models and is easy to use.
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Shot Glass/Jigger
While you may want to free pour your cocktails, it’s best to measure out your ingredients. Even though it may look cool, over pouring by going freestyle can alter the complex flavor profile of some cocktails. A good 1.5 oz stainless jigger is a must have. Double sided jiggers are great, with 1 oz on the flip side.
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Measuring Glass
In addition to a jigger, a measuring glass is indispensable if you plan to make cocktails. A good bartop measuring glass will have multiple measurements for things like mixers, juices, soda, syrups, spirits and other components of your craft cocktails.
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Hawthorne Strainer
A Hawthorne Strainer is the perfect accompaniment to your shaker. It allows you to filter out any ice chunks or pieces of fruit etc. as you pour your cocktail from the shaker to a glass. A high grade stainless steel strainer is a great investment.
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Julep Strainer
Similar to the Hawthorne Strainer, a Julep Strainer is use when pouring directly into a glass from a mixing glass or any other vessel. The Julep Strainer sits neatly on top of the glass to catch any large bits of unwanted items.
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Bar Spoon
A bar spoon is an essential multi-purpose tool to have behind the bar. They are used for many purposes, including mixing and layering cocktails and they are long enough for tall mixing glasses. They come in various styles.
Rogar Wine Opener
Not a must-have accessory, but if you want a splurge item for your home bar, a Rogar wine opener is the perfect combination of eye-catching style and valuable functionality for your home bar. From a distance your guests may mistake the Rogar for a beer tap, but that will change when they get closer.
Forget about messing around with handheld corkscrews, the Rogar will open any corked wine bottle in one motion with very little effort required. You simply place the wine bottle into the grip area and close the grips tightly with your left hand. While your left hand holds the bottle in place, you grab the handle with your right hand and pull it towards you 180 degrees.
That’s all it takes. The cork will be removed from the bottle and you are ready to pour.
The Supporting Cast: Bar Tools that Make Things a Little Easier.
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Citrus Juicer
Freshness matters for craft cocktails. A good citrus juicer will allow you to squeeze fresh lemons, limes and more for fresh juice in your drinks.
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Cocktail Muddler
A cocktail muddler lets you lightly crush mint leaves, fruit and more ingredients to release flavors for that fresh cocktail experience.
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Lewis Bag
When your cocktail calls for crushed ice, a Lewis Bag will make your life a lot easier. Allows you to crush ice with ease and no mess.