Tools for Your Home Bar

My go-to cocktails are a Manhattan, Negroni or Paloma. No matter your drink of choice, we've put together a selection of useful—and stylish–tools every home bartender should have.

First, you'll want a jigger to measure the exact amount of alcohol the recipe calls for. And if you’re like James Bond, you’ll also need a shaker. Whether you shake or stir, it helps to have a strainer for pouring drinks.

If you like an herbaceous or fruity essence, you’ll also want a muddler for crushing the herbs and fruits. I like a refreshing squeeze of a lemon or lime so I prefer a citrus press to keep seeds out of my drink. Large ice cubes add a great look and melt slower so there's less dilution of your tasty cocktail.

If you're stocking a new home bar, there are multi-piece barware sets and others for taking your mixology skills on the road. 

In addition to the bar tools, you’ll also want a selection of glassware—starting with rocks and highball glasses. Although, my new favorite is the coupe. They make any cocktail sexier. Other glassware to consider is shot, beer and wine glasses.

Finally, don’t forget coasters for protecting the furniture.