Home Bar Basics: What You Need to Know to Build Your Own Home Bar

by Lauren Gregoire

Why is a home bar so important?

A home bar is a set of tools, ingredients, and mixers that are used for personal consumption. It's typically stocked with the basics, such as liquors, spirits and liqueurs, bitters and vermouths, wine glasses (not stemware), ice buckets, or ice bags to chill down drinks quickly or store drinks in a refrigerator to reduce the temperature, and jars or bottles of liqueur. Some also include a juicer or other mixer, stirring spoons/tongs, measuring cups and spoons, and strainers for cocktails like the julep ice cream strainer (a metal ring with a handle), shakers for drinks such as the daiquiri shaker or the old-fashioned glass cocktail shaker.

What are the must-have elements of a home bar?

A home bar is typically just a small countertop that allows you to store alcohol and mixers. A typical home bar includes: - liquor bottles - bar glasses - bar tools - cocktail shakers. A home bar typically includes a liquor cabinet, wine fridge, beer cooler, ice maker, and more.

The best place to start?

Find the best place to start if you're looking for a new wine fridge or alcohol cabinet. DIY Home Bar offers a large selection of beverage coolers, ice makers, kegerators, and wine fridges.

What should you store on your shelves and behind the scenes?

In a world where information is available at your fingertips, it can be hard to figure out what to keep on your shelves and what to store behind the scenes. Wine bottles will create a lovely display for the backdrop of your bar. Under the bar is where the magic happens. This is where the wine fridges and kegerators will live. Creating a good bar atmosphere is key to enjoying your space.

Put your bar together!

Why is a home bar so important? A home bar can be an excellent way to have fun with friends and family. It can also make your living room or kitchen feel a little less 'empty'. There are many benefits to having a well-stocked home bar.