A home bar is an important element of your home’s design. It doesn’t have to cost a fortune, neither do you require a designer to build one. All you need is a passion for bartending, a keen eye for visuals, some time on your hand to research online and you can have a spread that will impress even the professionals.

In fact, unless you are a teetotaler, no home is complete without a well-stocked bar. With more people working from home and spending a greater amount of time at home, it is the perfect time to set up your own little nook of a home bar.

Selecting your Liquor

There is no ideal spread but try to include a choice of spirit in each category. A selection of Scotches for those special occasions, Vodka for dreaming up some great cocktails, Gin for afternoon soirees and mini celebrations, Rum when you are in that kind of a mood or some fine wine. Basically, it is important to have a smattering of many spirits from tequila to wines and so on.

But also remember that what turns these into amazing cocktails are modifiers such as amaros. Amaros are trending now with a craze for brown, bitter and stirred cocktails. Select classics such as Vermouth or Aperitif or take your local stockist’s advice.

While cocktails have been the conventionally the domain of white spirits, whisky has gradually made in-roads with some contemporary and classic twists.

Mixing up fabulous cocktails

A unique home bar that reflects your individuality also requires careful consideration and a budget. Think of the cocktails you love the most and the ones your friends and family do. Now select the ingredients and accessories that are required to mix them. For instance, if you love Manhattan, then you know where to start.

Invest in a high-quality bar kit. You can also build it up by choosing your own accessories. A good quality cocktail shaker is a must. If you aren’t sure where to find the best cocktail shakers from, then head to bestcocktailshaker.com.

Next pick up a couple of strainers, a mixing glass, a muddler, a bar spoon and a peg measure. Some other accessories that you can consider include a pourer, a stopper and an infusion kit.

Don’t forget to invest in a high-quality blender to create magical cocktails. Get at least a 48-ounce blender with multiple speeds so you get the best results. Motor power is another factor that matters. Choose a motor with at least a 500-watt motor.

Some home hacks you can try for cocktail equipment

People often swap a peg measure with a shot glass. However, you still need to know the exact quantity measure to be able to follow cocktail recipes.

For muddler, strainer and bar spoon, you can find easy replacements from your kitchen. Although, it is advisable to sterilize and set aside so the alcohol doesn’t smell of onion or garlic.

For jiggers, you can accurately substitute with measuring cups that have ounces labelled.

Pro Tip: If the recipe seems to call for demerara (as most recipes do), you can substitute it with equal parts brown sugar and water. Bring the water to a small boil, add the brown sugar and stir it until it dissolves.

Glassware

Make sure you select a design that suits the overall aesthetics of the bar. When buying your glassware, match it to the overall look and design of the bar and also the kind of cocktails you are most likely to serve. From highballs to tumblers, shot glasses, each type of barware has a specific purpose to the cocktail you serve.

Last but not least invest in a range of flavour accompaniments from syrups, tarts and cordials. Your home bar is ready. Now impress your friends and family with your bartending skills.