Top Ten Home Bar Essentials

Drinking and celebrating are a large part of our culture, and boy, sometimes it would be really nice to have a place to store those wine glasses and bottles. Like a home bar! Creating a simple bar in your own home is a cinch if you have a little extra space. It could be in the basement, game room, a nook in the living room or a section of your kitchen. Regardless of where you decide to put it or how big it ends up, what are the essentials that you need to create a basic home bar? Well, let's examine the essentials!

1. Alcohol, club soda
This is a must for any bar. How can you enjoy a drink without it?

2. Glassware
Try getting a small number of different types of glassware, such as red and white wine glasses, as well as martini and shot glasses. It's OK to have beer or a mixed drink out of a regular glass.

3. Ice bucket
To chill your wine or glasses, or just to hold ice for use in drinks, an ice bucket is an important staple to your home bar.



4. Stirrers
You'll always want to stir something!. Alcohol and other liquids sometimes have different weights and you don't want all of the alcohol at the bottom of the glass -- so mix it up! They're also great to stick in drinks with an olive on them.

5. Napkins or coasters
When handing someone a drink, it's nice to give them a coaster or napkin for the condensation. Even dive bars give you a napkin.

6. Blender
If you want to make anything with crushed ice, like a Margarita you'll need a blender. It mixes hard to stir items so easily and blends your ice into a deliciously smooth beverage. Just don't forget to put the top on before you blend!

7. Martini shaker
You don't need to be James Bond to like martinis. These days appletinis and peartinis are all the rage. Be sure to have a mixer on hand to keep up with the new drinks. Not only do you just look cool when mixing, but you'll impress your martini-loving guests.

8. Bottle opener and corkscrew
A beer bottle opener and wine corkscrew are both a must. You'll need something to open the lovely presents your guests bring over to you!

9. Wine stoppers
Done with your wine but broke the cork? Wine stoppers and wine pourers (not just for wine!) are great, inexpensive items to have laying around your mini bar.

10. A sink
This isn't an essential element to have in your home bar, but you should have one nearby for cleaning your glassware. If you plan to create a bar without a sink, try designing it close to your kitchen to avoid a cleanup mess.

Tip: I recommend also purchasing a book about mixed drinks with recipes so when you're friend requests a Ma' Bonnie Wee Hen you know what it is and how to make it!

All set? I'll drink to that!