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It’s always 5 o’clock somewhere, right? The latest barware has become a home décor staple perfect for entertaining friends and family. So why frequent the local pub when you can mix your own drinks at home, Brian Flannigan style? (That’s Tom Cruise’s character in Cocktail.) Here, we break down the anatomy of a perfect at-home bar.
Step 1: Start With a Gorgeous Bar Cart
Whether your preference is vintage or modern, mahogany or gold, round or square, you want a cart that works well with your home’s aesthetic. This gorgeous metal-and-glass piece from Candelabra is a throwback to Old Hollywood and perfect for the host with the most … style. Can’t you just picture Bette Davis sauntering up and pouring herself a scotch? (www.shopcandelabra.com, $699.88)
Step 2: Add Glassware
Depending on the size of your bar cart and your typical drink preferences, you may not need to purchase a full spectrum of glassware. But you want to make sure you cover the following categories: wine, beer, cocktails and celebrations.
This versatile, all-purpose wine glass accommodates both red and white varieties. (Williams Sonoma, $72 for set of four)
Oliver Bonas’ modern champagne flutes are perfect for toasts. (oliverbonas.com, $43.83 for set of two)
Made of beautifully crafted glasses, these cocktail tumblers are great for anything from an Old Fashioned to a jalapeño margarita. (thebarcartist.com, $23.99 for set of two)
Your favorite craft beer or cider will look (and taste) stellar in this rustic, gold-rimmed pint glass. (thebarcartist.com, $11.99 per glass)
Step 3: Don’t Forget the Necessary Tools
Your utensil arsenal makes all the difference. You won’t regret picking up these barkeep essentials.
Shaker: Nothing says “Welcome” better than a pineapple, so greet your friends with a shaken (not stirred) martini in this pineapple shaker. (wandpdesign.com, $80)
Ice bucket: Timeless, sophisticated and perfect with both modern and vintage themes. (simonpearce.com, $210)
Bar tool set: Channel 1950s style with this elegant, deco tool set to truly make crafting drinks an experience. (westelm.com, $79)
Corkscrew: Open your libations with this fun and functional conversation starter. (jonathanadler.com, $128)
Step 4: Accessorize
Spice up your bar cart with something personal that will enhance the guest experience in terms of functionality, aesthetics or both.
Coasters: Beautiful and chic—to pair
with your best mimosa recipe.
(rosannainc.com, $22 each) Cocktail napkins: Washable linen, with sayings that get straight to the point. (shoplettermade.com, $48 for a set of 4)
Cocktail recipe book: A guide for
perfect classics and an inspiration for
new concoctions, this belongs in every
at-home bar. (www.nytimes.com, $29.95)
Wild animal cocktail stirrers: Give your
drink a touch of the wild side with these
stirrers. (food52.com, $22 for a set of 10)
Step 5: Stock Up
Make sure you have plenty of your favorite champagne, vodka, gin, tequila, bourbon, bitters, tonic water, club soda, cranberry juice and special liqueurs. And don’t forget accouterments like Maraschino cherries, olives, lemons, limes and mint leaves.
