Every artist needs the tools to craft and present their art, and honestly, a drink enthusiast is no different. Anyone that considers themselves a lover of drinks will shudder at the thought of wine being served in a mug or a martini being mixed without a Boston shaker. The art of drinking becomes more exciting through the proper use of various drinking accessories.
Keep reading if you want to start your home bar but have no idea which essential accessories you should purchase first.
1. Old Fashioned Glass / Rocks Glass / Whiskey Glass
The old-fashioned glass is well named because it is the standard glass that existed before any modern cocktails were created. It is best used to serve spirits that are consumed with ice such as whiskey. Some cocktails, for example, the Old Fashioned, are also best served in rocks glasses.
The most expensive drinks, as well as those that take the longest to consume, can be served in rocks glasses. Your drinking essentials collection should include buying the best quality glasses with heavy bottoms that look and feel good in your hands.
Retailers have various designs of rocks glasses to suit all personalities. From plain crystal ones that are perfect for reserved people to elaborately crafted ones for the more flamboyant drinkers. When you purchase a set, look for glasses that have a capacity of 6 to 8 ounces.
2. Highball Glass
Highball glasses are taller than rocks glasses and have a capacity of between 10 to 12 ounces. You will need this type of glass for mixed drinks such as gin and tonics, vodka sodas and whiskey gingers. They are also very useful for cocktails that are mixed with a lot of crushed ice. This is also the glass you will use for your sober moments when you just want to drink soda, juice or water.
Bartenders serve most of their drinks in highball glasses, so this is the one glass you should definitely have in your bar.
3. Coupe Glass
The coupe glass is perfect for drinks that are best served chilled without any ice. It is the glass you will pour your shaken (not stirred) martini into. The stem on the couple glass allows the drinker to hold their chilled drink for a while without warming it as they would if they were holding the drink in a whiskey glass.
This glass is preferred to the martini glass by most bartenders because it doesn’t spill drinks as easily as the martini glass. It is also more fashionable and modern.
When purchasing coupe glasses go for larger ones that can contain about 8 ounces. These will give you a lot of space to swirl your chilled cocktails without any spillage.
4. Universal Wine Glass
If there is one drink that needs its glass it’s wine. Traditionally wine has only been served in wine glasses due to the stems that prevent the drink from getting warm while someone drinks it.
Wine glasses are a must in every drinkers’ bar. While some may prefer to have a separate glass for red, white and rose wines, you can start with a universal wine glass that serves all types of wine.
Look for medium-sized glasses that are about 9inches in height and can carry about 18 ounces of liquid. Part of the charm of wine is its presentation so look for fascinating wine glasses that will attract attention and compliments. They should make whoever is holding the glass and drinking from it feel upscale and glamorous.
5. Juice Press
A lot of the drinks you make will need some lemon or lime juice. A juice press will quickly and efficiently get you the juice you need for your cocktails. Buy a stainless steel one without any rubber or plastic parts. These will be the easiest to clean and will last the longest.
6. Shot Glasses
What occasion is complete without the whole group taking a shot together? If you enjoy hosting parties, you need a dozen shot glasses in your bar. They are a fun accessory so look for those with interesting designs that will draw compliments from guests.
Shot glasses should contain about an ounce and a half of liquid so that no alcohol spills during the ‘cheers’ ceremony. They are compact and easy to store as well.
7. Drink Covers
No one wants a sweaty beer or to have to grip freezing cans. That’s where drink covers come in handy.
These are cool little clothing like additions made for your drinks, mostly beer cans. They are typically made of foam and can come in plenty of cool designs. To artistically express yourself, check out a custom koozie that best fits you.
8. Ice-Cube Trays
Next to alcohol, ice is a drinker’s best friend. You will need at least four ice cube trays in your fridge so that you always have enough ice, even when entertaining. The best size for ice cube trays is those that make cubes measuring 1.25 inches.
If you frequently make icy cocktails consider buying ice ball molds that make 2-inch ice balls. These work better for cocktails as they take longer to melt than rectangular ice cubes.
9. Mixing Jug and Bar Spoon
A mixing glass comes in handy when making cocktails for several people. Make sure that it is thick enough to withstand stirring from a metal spoon. It should also have a spout for easy pouring.
Look for jugs that come together with mixing spoons. You can also buy a separate stainless steel mixing spoon that is a good length.
10. Boston Shaker
Whenever you think of a bartender one image that probably comes to mind is a man shaking a mix of alcohol and ice using a metallic Boston shaker. This item is essential for drinking accessories for anyone that wants to make some good concoctions.
Buy a Boston shaker set that comes with two metal tumblers, a double-sided jigger for measuring spirits, a mixing spoon, a hawthorn strainer, and a fine-mesh strainer.
11. Wine and Bottle Opener
One of the worst feelings is not being able to find a corkscrew to open your wine bottle. Make sure you absolutely have one of these, as well as a regular bottle opener, available.
There are several modern openers that open soda and beer bottles as well as wine. Buy a fascinating one that will bring a smile to your face whenever you pop open a drink.
Add the Essential Drinking Accessories to Your Collection
If you’re looking to build an at-home bar or if you just love to drink, you’ll definitely need the essentials to make sure you can create your best mixtures whenever you’d like. Take a look at this list of drinking accessories and be sure to add all that apply to you to your cabinets.
For more tips and tricks, read some of the other articles on our blog.
