7 Home Wet Bar Essentials for Budding Mixologists

If you’re a budding mixologist, creating a home wet bar can be a great way to hone your skills and experiment with new cocktails. You can delight friends and family with your creations while making beautiful new drinks. A well-stocked wet bar is essential for making a variety of cocktails, from classic martinis to trendy new concoctions. 

In this post, we share seven home wet bar essentials that every budding mixologist should have. From a bar spoon and strainer to a citrus juicer and glassware, these items are must-haves for taking your drinks to the next level. So, let’s get mixing!

1. Shaker Set

A shaker set is a must-have for any home wet bar. A good shaker set includes a shaker tin, a strainer, and a jigger. With these three tools, you can make a variety of cocktails, from shaken drinks like margaritas to stirred drinks like Manhattans.

2. Bar Spoon

A long-handled bar spoon is a versatile tool that can be used for stirring cocktails, layering drinks, and even muddling herbs or fruit. Look for a bar spoon at least 12 inches long, with a twisted or spiral handle for easy gripping.

3. Mixing Glass

A mixing glass is a large, heavy-bottomed glass that’s used for stirring cocktails. It’s essential for making drinks like martinis, negronis, and Old Fashioneds. Look for a mixing glass that’s at least 16 ounces and has a wide opening for easy stirring.

4. Strainer

A cocktail strainer is used to separate the ice and other solids from the liquid when pouring a cocktail. There are two main types of strainers: Hawthorne and Julep. Hawthorne strainers fit over the top of a shaker tin and have a spring that catches ice and other solids. Julep strainers are used with a mixing glass and fit over the opening, allowing the liquid to be poured out while keeping the solids in the glass.

5. Citrus Juicer

Freshly squeezed citrus juice is essential for many cocktails, from margaritas to mojitos. A handheld citrus juicer is an inexpensive and easy-to-use tool that can save you time and effort when making fruity cocktails. Look for a juicer that’s made of sturdy materials like stainless steel, and that’s easy to clean.

6. Ice Bucket and Tongs

Ice is an essential ingredient in many cocktails, so having a dedicated ice bucket and tongs is a must. Look for an ice bucket that’s well-insulated and can hold enough ice for a party. Tongs are essential for serving ice without touching it with your hands.

7. Glassware

The right glassware can make a big difference in how a cocktail tastes and looks. Some essential glassware includes:

• Rocks glasses: Short, wide glasses used for drinks served over ice, like whiskey or rum and coke.
• Highball glasses: Tall, narrow glasses used for drinks served over ice, like gin and tonic.
• Martini glasses: Stemmed glasses used for cocktails that are shaken or stirred and served up, like martinis or cosmopolitans.
• Champagne flutes: Long, narrow glasses used for sparkling wine and Champagne.

Conclusion

Creating a home wet bar is a fun and rewarding project for budding mixologists. With these seven home wet bar essentials, you’ll be well on your way to making a variety of delicious cocktails in the comfort of your own home. Remember, building a home wet bar doesn’t have to be expensive, and you can start with just a few key items and build your collection over time. So, start stocking your bar today and get ready to impress your friends and family with your bartending skills!