Having an at-home bar is a great way to upgrade your entertaining skills. But building a proper bar requires stocking it with accessories beyond glassware, whether you're making a classic cocktail(Opens in a new window), pouring a shot(Opens in a new window) or opening a bottle of wine(Opens in a new window). While home bar carts are popping up all over Pinterest(Opens in a new window), you don't necessarily need an entire piece of furniture dedicated to making drinks, especially when many of us have limited space to work with and limited mixology skills.
Therefore, we spoke to Juan, Senior Product Manager and OXO’s in-house cocktail expert about the best home bar accessories for beginners and what drinks they could master with them. Read on for his recommendations.
The Accessories You'll Need For a Cocktail Bar:
1. Cocktail Shaker:
Our shaker is double walled to prevent condensation on the outside, and protect hands from getting chilly while shaking.
2. Steel Cocktail Strainer:
Also referred to as a Hawthorne strainer, it's used to strain ice for crystal-clear drinks. It also has a raised lip to prevent spills.
3. Steel Double Jigger:
Two sides for measuring and pouring plus all the measurement markings you could ever need.
4. Y-Peeler or Paring Knife:
Either one of these tools is perfect for peeling or paring garnishes.
5. Covered Silicone Ice Cube Tray - Large Cubes:
Not quite a secret ingredient, but these extra-big cubes will make your drinks (and you) look like a professional barkeep.
6. No-Spill Ice Cube Tray:
This is great for mixing drinks and keeps spills at bay while you replenish.
Now use these great accessories by making our favorite cocktail recipes below. Then learn about how to build a coffee bar, the best cocktail-making gifts(Opens in a new window), and what to do with leftover wine(Opens in a new window).
