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A well-stocked home bar is necessary whether you love mixing drinks, collecting wines, or entertaining guests with cocktails and mocktails. Aside from these reasons, there are several advantages to keeping your home bar stocked with your favorite (and frequent guests) drinks.
A Well-Stocked Home Bar is Ready for Any Occasion
There’s always a reason to celebrate! Whether it’s your favorite sports team winning the championship or your friend finally having the courage to quit their toxic job, a well-stocked home bar ensures you’re prepared for any gathering, especially for gatherings where you need to impress someone (aka your in-laws).
Offering your guests a diverse selection of wines, spirits, and cocktails will impress them and improve their overall experience of hanging out at your home.
No Last-Minute Runs
Have you ever been to a party where the host needs to excuse themselves and run off to the nearest convenience store to buy some drinks and ice? If you don’t want the same thing to happen to you, make sure all your bar essentials are available before an event. Having all essentials, such as coasters, ice tongs, serving trays, etc., in one place will also save you time, making hosting and serving drinks quicker and more efficient.
Cost-Effective
Stocking your home bar with your favorite drinks can be cost-effective in the long run, especially if you like to unwind after a long day, since making drinks at home is cheaper than going to bars or restaurants.
Buying spirits, mixers, and other bar supplies in bulk can also lead to savings and reduce the need for frequent trips to the store for re-stocking.
DIY Drinks
If you’re always experimenting with different drinks, a stocked bar allows you to create your signature cocktails and beverages you can flex at your next event. Having all the essentials at home can also stir up your creativity, making it easier to create themed drinks for your parties (i.e. drinks that are red and blue for 4th of July gatherings or pink drinks for a bachelorette party).
Increased Home Value
A home bar will increase your home’s value if you plan to resell in the future. This home feature will attract potential buyers, specifically those who, like you, love to entertain their family and friends at home.
Improved Socialization
Having a dedicated bar area encourages socialization (since we all want a glass or two to get rid of inhibitions and participate in karaoke) and creates a focal point for guests to mingle and interact. Stocking up your bar with different drinks, especially if you already know what your guests prefer, will make them feel valued and comfortable at your home.
Drink Quality to Your Liking
Making your own drinks ensures that they are to your liking, especially if you have all the ingredients to make your signature cocktail. You can also guarantee that the ingredients and mixers used are fresh and high-quality.
Personal Enjoyment
A well-stocked bar can also be a source of entertainment and relaxation, whether you enjoy a quiet night at home with a drink in your hand or hosting a lively gathering. If you’re a collector, spending time organizing your drinks is another way to enjoy your home bar if you’re not in the mood to drink.
Cocktail Shaker Set
No home bar is complete without a cocktail shaker set. Look for stainless steel options not only for longevity but it’s what most bartenders use.
Crystal Decanter
A crystal decanter serves a dual role: for aesthetic and practical purposes. Use it to keep and pour out your favorite spirits and for your Instagram worthy shots of #DrinkAndUnwind
Bar Cart
A stylish bar cart is not only for organizing your bar essentials but for displaying them as well. Choose one with multiple tiers and built-in glass holders such as this one from VASAGLE for easy access to your drinks and glassware. It’s also a convenient way to serve your guests if they prefer to drink in another area of your home.
Wine Bottle Opener Set
For wine lovers, a reliable wine bottle opener is obviously necessary. Choose a set that includes a corkscrew, foil cutter, and wine pourer to have all the essentials needed for opening and serving your favorite red or white wine.
Highball glasses
Highball glasses are a must-have for any bar home because they are versatile. You can’t go wrong serving gin, tonics, or mojitos using these glasses. Invest in durable (you know why: tipsy guests, slippery hands) and dishwasher-safe glasses to ensure you are always prepared for guests.
Ice Cube Molds
A no-brainer, really. Because who wants a warm drink (unless, of course, it’s tea or coffee)? If you’re bored with plain, old ice cubes, there are quirky and fun-shaped ice cubes that you can buy, such as this shark fins ice cube mold.
Wine Glass Set
Aside from highball glasses, it’s also essential for a home bar to have wine glasses. Look for a set that includes both glasses for red and white wine (yes, they need to be served in different glasses if you don’t want your wine snob guests to look down on you).
Serving Tray
A serving tray not only adds a touch of elegance to your home bar, but it also makes serving drinks easier and transporting cut lemon and limes from the kitchen to the bar area.
Stylish Coasters
Protect your wooden table with a set of stylish coasters. Be on high alert and follow your tipsy guests who have a sneaky habit of putting their drinks down wherever they please.
