Home Bar Essentials

Prior to COVID-19, I rarely (read: once yearly? maybe) would make cocktails at home. I always made sure to have liquor on hand, but I was always more likely to open a bottle of wine rather than make a cocktail. But now, with all this time at home, making cocktails has become a fun activity to pass the time. After spending the last 4 months making them, I have realized there are certain items I’m always pulling for and therefore, like to have *just in case*. Depending on individual tastes, there are other items I recommend, but don’t consider as an essential…rather an item to add in if you want to have a fully stocked bar.

My Bar Must Haves

(My favorites are included in parentheses)

• Gin (Hendricks)
• Tequila (Casamigos – this is more pricey and I don’t use in margaritas since you can’t really taste it. I save it for more complex cocktails)
• Vodka
• Elderflower liquor (St. Germaine)
• Simple syrup
• Tonic water
• Soda water (Topo Chico)
• Lemons and Limes
• Cocktail shaker
• Jigger
• Strainer
• Wine opener (I like just a classic, no frills style)
• Juicer (this is seriously SO helpful)
• Fresh herbs: Basil, Mint, Rosemary (my favs)
• Fresh juice: I typically always end up using grapefruit juice
• Cucumbers

Other items I like to have on hand, but don’t use quite as often…

• Scotch
• Bourbon
• Mezcal (Ilegal is the best – I personally use this ALOT, but I know other people don’t always love the smoky flavor)
• Orange Bitters
• Vermouth
• Olives
• Cocktail picks
• Cocktail mixing glass (good to use when a drink is stirred, not shaken)
• Mixing spoon (the one I have is a spoon + muddler)
• Wine stopper and wine aerator
• Ice mold

My Favorite Glasses

Below are my favorite glassware from wine glasses to coupe glasses. Is it totally necessary to have all of these options? No. But we’re also spending essentially all our time at home and I want my cocktail to be in the appropriate glass – make it really feel like I’m out at a bar and paid $15 for it 😉

Hope this helps and if you have any questions, let me know 🙂

Cheers!

Kel