When it comes to setting up a home bar, having the right equipment and tools can make a significant difference. It can transform an ordinary space into an exciting hub for socialising, akin to visiting a trendy bar in Newcastle. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the essential barware needed for the perfect home bar setup.

Basic Barware

1. Cocktail Shaker: A basic necessity for any bar, a cocktail shaker is crucial for mixing cocktails that need to be combined thoroughly. You can choose between a Boston Shaker, a two-piece shaker, or a Cobbler Shaker that comes with a built-in strainer.

2. Bar Spoon: This is not your regular spoon; a bar spoon is a long stirring spoon ideal for layering and mixing cocktails. It’s especially handy for reaching the bottom of tall glasses and muddling ingredients gently.

3. Jigger: This tool is used for measuring cocktail ingredients to ensure the right quantities. Jiggers come in various sizes, but the most common one has 1 oz and 2 oz cups.

4. Strainer: After shaking or stirring your cocktail, a strainer is used to separate the solid ingredients (like fruit or ice) from the liquid.

5. Muddler: A muddler crushes herbs, fruits, and spices in the bottom of the glass to release their flavours. It’s an essential tool for making mojitos, old-fashioned, and other cocktails.

Glassware

6. Highball and Lowball Glasses: Highball glasses are tall and are generally used for long drinks, while lowball glasses are short, primarily used for spirits and short cocktails.

7. Cocktail Glasses: The classic martini glass falls into this category. Cocktail glasses are generally used for drinks that are served 'up' - chilled, but without ice.

8. Wine Glasses: You should have both red and white wine glasses. Red wine glasses are typically rounder and wider, allowing the wine to breathe, while white wine glasses are narrower.

9. Beer Glasses: There are a variety of beer glasses, including pint glasses, beer mugs, and more specialised ones like weizen glasses for wheat beers and tulip glasses for IPAs.

10. Champagne Flutes: These tall, narrow glasses are designed to keep your champagne fizzy for longer.

Advanced Barware

11. Ice Buckets and Tongs: An ice bucket is great for keeping ice readily available when mixing drinks, and the tongs are more sanitary for handling the ice.

12. Cocktail Picks and Stirrers: Cocktail picks are perfect for garnishing your drink with fruits or olives, and stirrers are ideal for guests who might want to mix their drinks.

13. Decanter: A decanter is used to aerate and serve wine. It's particularly useful for older red wines.

14. Bar Mat: A bar mat helps to catch any spills or drips, making clean-up easier and protecting your bar's surface.

15. Citrus Juicer: Fresh citrus juice can make a world of difference in your cocktails - a citrus juicer will ensure you always have fresh juice on hand.

16. Bottle Opener and Corkscrew: Lastly, but importantly, don't forget to equip your home bar with a sturdy bottle opener and a corkscrew.

Bottom’s Up!

Whether you're a novice bartender setting up your first home bar or a seasoned mixologist looking to refine your setup, having the right tools and equipment can enhance your cocktail-making experience. From the fundamental tools like cocktail shakers and bar spoons to more specialised equipment like decanters and citrus juicers, this list covers everything you need for the perfect home bar setup.

Remember, much like the art of crafting the perfect cocktail, setting up your home bar should be an enjoyable experience. Before long, you'll be sipping on a homemade cocktail, basking in the accomplishment of your perfectly set up home bar. Cheers to that!