15 Essentials to Stock Your Bar Cart Like a Pro

By Food & Wine
Updated January 24, 2020
Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
Credit: © Arielle Cifuentes
Whether you just moved into your first home or you’re just ready to graduate from Fireball shots, there's never a better time to stock a proper bar cart. There are a few basics you’ll need for all your upcoming cocktail parties, and we've created a list to give you the best results for every Negroni, margarita, and Tom Collins. Read on for all of the essential tools for your home bar.

Related: 21 Gifts for Cocktail Enthusiasts
Start Slideshow

1 of 15

Boston Shaker

Credit: © Arielle Cifuentes

The good thing about the Boston shaker (a two piece operation comprised of a tin and a cup) is that it can double as a mixing glass so you can stir or shake as needed.

Stainless Steel Boston Shaker, $20 at crateandbarrel.com

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 15

Bar Spoon

Credit: © Arielle Cifuentes

Whatever you have in your silverware drawer just won’t make a martini as easily as the twisted, long-handled bar spoon will. It will fit into any tall mixing glass and the design makes it easy to pour ingredients down the spoon.

Hiware Stirring Spoon, Set of 3, $10 at amazon.com

3 of 15

Jigger

Credit: © Arielle Cifuentes

Precision, precision, precision. If you’re going to make a good drink it should be measured correctly. It’s best to grab a jigger that measures up to 2 ounces in half-ounce measurements.

OXO Steel Double Jigger, $10 at amazon.com

Advertisement

4 of 15

Muddler

Credit: © Arielle Cifuentes

Some people use the back of spoon, to mash up herbs, fruit or other solids in their cocktails. But you’re classier than that.

Stainless Steel Cocktail Muddler, $6 at amazon.com

Winco Wooden Muddler, $4 at amazon.com

5 of 15

Bar Knife

Credit: © Arielle Cifuentes

In a pinch a paring knife will do—the most important thing is that the knife be reasonably short for control when you’re cutting things like fruit or citrus peels. A knife like this Rabbit is an affordable one that can also help you garnish, but if you want to get really fancy, there’s nothing better than the Jackson Cannon knife.

Rabbit Bar Knife, $8 at amazon.com

6 of 15

Strainer

Credit: © Arielle Cifuentes

This one should be self explanatory, but you’ll have to move those drinks from the shaker to the glass somehow.

OXO Steel Cocktail Strainer, $8 at amazon.com

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 15

Lowball Glasses

Credit: © Arielle Cifuentes

For an old fashioned, a Negroni or anything with ice the lowball rocks shape is a classic. Go with a simple set or splurge on durable glasses from Riedel or Dorset. The reason drinks served up (those without ice) typically come in stemmed glasses is so you don’t warm the cocktail holding it in your hand. Opt for a coupe for those cocktails.

Riedel Spey Double Old-Fashioned Glasses, Set of 2, $23 at williams-sonoma.com

Leopold Coupe Glass, 6oz - 6 Pack, $40 at amazon.com

8 of 15

Highball Glasses

Credit: © Arielle Cifuentes

For your G&Ts and most anything fizzy. Highballs usually hold bright, cold refreshing cocktails.

Italian Highball Glasses, Set of 6, $22 at amazon.com

9 of 15

Vodka

Credit: © Arielle Cifuentes

Since it’s often so basic (as in “not complicated” not as in “pumpkin spice flavored) vodka can get overlooked sometimes. But you can get a great small batch bottle for under 30 bucks that will mix well in any cocktail you please. We’re partial to Hangar 1 and Deep Eddy, but you can find a few more here.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 15

Gin

Credit: © Arielle Cifuentes

The botanicals in gin can leave bottles all over the map, but if you want something versatile and affordable Beefeater dry gin is a safe bet. Here are a few more bottles to add to your list though.

11 of 15

Rum

Credit: © Arielle Cifuentes

We’d recommend starting off with a white rum—the thing for making a mojito or an off-brand (non-cachaca) caipirinha, and we’re fans of Brugal extra dry.

12 of 15

Whiskey

Credit: © Arielle Cifuentes

A bottle of whiskey could easily become the single most expensive item on your bar, but a super affordable yet super mixable bottle is a surprising old stand by you might have snuck from parents’ liquor cabinet growing up: Jack Daniels. Don’t believe us? Try one of these cocktails and get back to us.  When you’re ready for something pricier, here’s a list for you.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 15

Tequila

Credit: © Arielle Cifuentes

If you’re just starting your bar you might be more used to shooting crappy tequila than mixing it in cocktails. A couple good bottles to get started: Espolón blanco or, if you want to bump up a price point, Casamigos blanco.

14 of 15

Vermouth

Credit: © Arielle Cifuentes

A good martini and Manhattan should be in your cocktail repertoire, and that means you’ll need some vermouth handy—dry will be the most versatile. Dolin is a solid brand to start with.

15 of 15

A Few More Things

Credit: © Arielle Cifuentes

Make sure you have some sugar handy for making some simple syrup and some citrus for juices and garnishes.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Up Next

By Food & Wine