Going out isn’t always feasible after kiddos come into our lives, and besides, staying in with friends can sometimes be more intimate and more comfortable. In a few simple steps, you can turn your home into the place to be. You can find everything you need to build your first home bar in a weekend, and then you can ask the guys over for a drink and give them all a break after a long week of demanding careers and dad duties.
Pick a Spot
Most people have a bottle of liquor here and there, wine glasses somewhere else, and beer glasses in yet another cabinet. It’s easy to just shove things where we can fit them. For your home bar, you can keep it simple, but you need a designated area to keep all the drink essentials in one spot. It doesn’t have to be an actual bar—an old hutch or a bar cart that you can move from room to room works equally well. Get creative and see what you can come up with.
Plan Ahead
Get out a notebook and pen, and make a list. First and foremost, what do you like to drink? And what do your friends and loved ones enjoy drinking? Take stock of what you have, make a list of what you need, and then head to the liquor store.
Start with basic spirits—bourbon, whiskey, vodka, rum, and gin are great starts. Then, add some mixers such as tonic, cola, grapefruit and orange juices, and lemon-lime soda. You may also need bitters and simple syrup. Keeping a cutting board at the bar area is helpful for garnishing with lemons, limes, and oranges.
Glassware
You’re going to need the appropriate glassware for different types of drinks, so be prepared with a variety. For example, if you have friends who are bourbon afficionados, they’ll notice if the glass is incorrect. Impress them with the right one. Wine glasses should be varied for reds and whites, and beer glasses are offered in a few different heights for different types of beers. Martini glasses are worthwhile investments, too. Glasses truly do serve a purpose other than getting our favorite liquor drink into our mouths. The right one gives our senses complete enjoyment of our drink of choice.
Everyone’s bar will be unique to their home and social circle. Build your bar according to what the people around you will want to enjoy. There’s a good chance you already have most of everything you need to build your first home bar.
