How to Build a Cocktail Bar at Home

Written By Hannah Wojtowicz

Want to impress your friends—or just make your evenings at home feel a little fancier? Building a cocktail bar at home doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. With a few basics, you can mix up your favorite drinks anytime. Here’s how I like to set mine up:

1. Stock the Essentials:

  • Spirits: Start with versatile ones like vodka, gin, rum, tequila, whiskey, and a liqueur or two.

  • Champagne & Spritz Items: Keep a bottle of sparkling wine or champagne on hand, plus Aperol, soda water, and oranges for the perfect Aperol Spritz.

  • Mixers: Soda water, tonic, ginger beer, juices (orange, cranberry, pineapple), and simple syrup.

  • Bitters & Extras: Angostura bitters, grenadine, and fresh herbs or citrus for garnishes.

2. Tools You’ll Need:

  • Cocktail shaker

  • Shot glass for measuring

  • Muddler

  • Mixing spoon

  • Strainer

3. Glassware:

  • Highball and lowball glasses

  • Wine glasses

  • Martini or coupe glasses

  • Flutes or stemless champagne glasses for spritzes

  • Mason jars or casual tumblers work too!

4. Add a Personal Touch:

Decorate your bar with pretty bottles, trays, and fun coasters, or even a small shelf dedicated to your favorite spirits. Don’t forget garnishes like lemons, limes, fresh herbs, and orange slices—they make a huge difference, especially for spritzes.

5. Stock for Your Favorite Drinks:


Think about what you actually like to drink. If you love Margaritas, have tequila, lime juice, and triple sec. If you’re a Whiskey Sour fan, make sure you’ve got whiskey, lemon juice, and simple syrup. For spritz lovers, keep your Aperol, prosecco, soda water, and oranges ready to go.

6. Keep It Fun and Flexible:

You don’t need every bottle or tool under the sun. Start small, and add things as you discover new drinks you love. Your bar should make you excited to experiment, not stressed!

With just a few spirits, mixers, and tools—including all the essentials for a perfect Aperol Spritz—you can turn any corner of your home into a mini cocktail bar. Have fun mixing, try out new recipes, and make your nights in feel extra special!

XO, Hannah

Hannah Wojtowicz
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