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Whether you’re an aspiring mixologist or are just trying to up your hosting game, a fully stocked home bar is a great addition to dinner parties or casual weekend evenings in.
Get our list of basics to have on hand and tips to set up your own bar at home!
Wet vs. Dry Bars
A wet bar is built with plumbing and a sink, which is helpful for easily rinsing and washing glasses and other bar equipment without having to lug it all to your kitchen.
A dry bar is a more affordable option that still allows you all the benefits of home bar entertaining, just without a sink.
Learn more about the differences of wet vs. dry bars and which is right for your home.
How to Set Up a Home Bar: What You Should Always Have on Hand
Determine how you’ll use your home bar: with sizable groups or just a few people? Will you opt for a full cocktail bar or just a bar cart?
Even if you have a small bar area, you should still keep it fully stocked and ready to whip up a beverage.
How to Set Up a Small Home Bar
Creating an inviting and functional bar doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice space or aesthetic within your home. How you display your bar components can really make a difference in how much overall space is used.
A floating rack helps store bottles and glassware in an organized way, while also keeping fragile pieces at an elevated surface and away from being accidentally knocked over.
Wall hooks are another minimalistic way to store and display cups with handles.
A repurposed nightstand, small media cabinet, or sideboard are handy pieces of furniture to incorporate to conceal any bar tools or glassware that you don’t necessarily want on display.
The 5 Steps to Set Up a Full Home Bar
1. Choose Furniture
2. Assemble a Cocktail Set
- Shaker
- Strainer
- Long Spoon
- Tongs
- Jigger
- Muddler
- Corkscrew
- Bottle Opener
3. Purchase Equipment Basics
- Glassware
- Knife and Cutting Board
- Cocktail Recipe Book
- Cocktail Napkins
- Containers for Ingredients
4. Stock Up on Ingredients
- Spirits
- Mixers
- Canned Ingredients (olives, cherries, etc.)
- Fresh Ingredients (make a list but save purchasing these for right before you plan to use them)
5. Decorate
- Choose a theme that fits into rest of the room where your bar is located
- Go for inviting, cozy vibes
- Personalize with decorations, colors, and pieces that are special to you!
Fully scope out your vision and choose the right setup for your bar.
If you opt for more of a wine sampling area, invest in one or two special wine bar pieces for chilling, storing, pouring, tasting, and pairing!
Party Planning Tips to Show Off Your Home Bar
Now that your bar is installed, stocked up, and ready to go, here’s how to set it up for a party.
Practice and Prepare a Few New Drink Recipes for Guests
Ask for personal preferences for the right drinks for your guests. Here are 3 starter recipes that require minimal ingredients and tools:
Espresso Martini
- 1oz Vodka or Tequila
- 1oz Espresso
- 1oz Coffee Liqueur
- Espresso Bean Garnish
Moscow Mule
- 2oz Vodka
- ½ oz Lime Juice
- 6oz Ginger Beer
- Lime Slice Garnish
Aperol Spritz
- 2oz Aperol
- 3oz Prosecco
- 1oz Club Soda
- Orange Slice Garnish
Stock Up on Snacks
Finger foods work best so your guests don’t have to juggle a drink, a plate, and a utensil. Our favorite cocktail party snacks are charcuterie, appetizers, trail mix, chips, and chocolate (to pair with any kind of beverage!).
Choose a Theme
- Game Day Party
- Game Night
- Girls’ Night In
- “Stock the Bar” Party – this makes a great housewarming party idea! Request that each guest bring a bottle of their favorite alcohol. Now you'll have a stocked bar that you know will have some of your guests' favorites at all times.
Enjoy branching out and pushing your skills to try more drink recipes in your brand new space. You’ll be the go-to host in no time with your state-of-the-art home bar!
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