Bars have been largely closed since the arrival of COVID-19. Yet at the same time, alcohol use has been on the rise across the United States. As with so many other human activities, happy hour has been happening at home. That means it’s a good time build a home bar that has both style and substance.

Where to Start

With so many spirits, glassware options, furniture pieces and mysterious tools out there, it’s easy to feel intimidated by the prospect of a home bar. Remember that the process is supposed to be fun, and know that it’s OK to start small.

Pamela Dylag is the co-owner of Velveteen Rabbit, an Arts District bar in Downtown Las Vegas that’s famous for its elaborate cocktails. But at home, Dylag likes to keep her bar simple.

She recommends picking two to three favorite spirits (she stocks gin, Mezcal and whiskey) and then adding a few modifiers, like tonic, lavender bitters and the elderflower liqueur, St. Germain.

In terms of display and storage, Dylag recommends cruising the vintage stores on Main Street to find a cool and unique bar cart. She uses a 1920s-era hospital cart she bought at Las Vegas boutique Patina. “It doesn’t have to be a traditional bar cart,” Dylag says. She recommends searching for something cute and interesting that “fits into your home decor.” A corner or countertop will also work if you’re short on space.

“I used to have that perfectionist energy,” Dylag says. “But [your home bar] should be relaxing, fun and ultimately a reflection of you. If you wanna go all the way, that’s fine, but you don’t have to.”

Glassware

More than just presentation, glassware changes the shape, experience and sometimes even taste of a drink. “I love collecting glassware,” Dylag says. She and her Downtown bar share a love for mixing and matching thrifted and vintage finds. If you follow that aesthetic, Dylag says to aim for a consistency in style rather than a full set of glasses.

Cocktail glass Perfect for martinis.

Copper mug A must for those who want an authentic Moscow Mule.

Old Fashioned glass Also known as a rocks glass, this holds simple spirit-based cocktails served over ice, aka “on the rocks.”

Wine glass There’s a large enough variety for this to be its own genre. Go with something simple yet elegant.

Tiki mug Sometimes you just need something fun. Buy some unique mugs from local bar Frankie’s Tiki Room (frankiestikiroom.com/merch-hut).

Mason jar Though not officially glassware, this handy jar can double as a shaker and a glass. It can also seal with a lid, so it’s great for storing mixed drinks and infusing liquors.

Collins glass Like a highball glass but a little taller and narrower. If you like the gin-based Tom Collins, this one’s for you.

Cocktail coupe Also known as a champagne saucer, this glass is great for juice cocktails.

Shot glass Bonus points if it’s a souvenir glass from an imploded casino.

Champagne flute The most elegant of bubbly wines deserves its own glass.

Whiskey nosing glass Its unique shape helps you best enjoy whiskey, bourbon or scotch.

Highball glass The tall, narrow shape keeps carbonated drinks fizzy longer.

Goblet A general-purpose glass that will hold a margarita as well as a beer.

Absinthe glass Harkening back to the Belle Epoque, this elegant glass is made specifically to measure and serve absinthe. You don’t need it, but you’ll want it.

Tools

A full set of bar tools can be a beautiful addition to any bar. but they aren’t necessary, at least in the beginning. You can use a mason jar to mix drinks, a metal straw for a barspoon and so on. Beyond that …

Barspoon. Use its extra-long handle to stir drinks.

Cutting board. Dedicate one to cocktails, so your drinks don’t have the essence of dinner.

Jigger. A two-sided measuring container.

Juicer. Hand-held is great for making fresh lime juice.

Muddler. Necessary for mint juleps!

Shaker. The Boston shaker consists of a tin and a glass, while the Cobbler shaker comes with a built-in strainer. Boston is best, according to Tony Abou-Ganim’s book The Modern Mixologist.

Strainer. The Hawthorne strainer is preferred by professionals.

Stocking up on spirits

No matter your design choices, every bar lives and dies by its libations. Begin with the basics: “For most starting out, you can’t go wrong with a bottle each of our favorite vodka, Cointreau, London dry gin, French dry vermouth and 100% agave tequila,” cocktail expert Abou-Ganim says in a press statement from the publisher of his book, The Modern Mixologist.

Though they often don’t have the same shelf life as a liquor, it’s important to keep your favorite mixers on hand, such as juice or soda water. If you’re hosting guests (perhaps in 2022), make sure to stock up on nonalcoholic beverages.

Go local

“Source as much locally as you possibly can, because that’s going to support your community,” says Wyndee Forrest, co-owner of CraftHaus Brewery. “Whether it’s spirits, mixers, juices or glassware, we have great artisans in our town.”

While it’s impossible to buy regional-specific alcohol—Champagne is, by definition, from France—you can purchase the booze from local, independently owned liquor stores. Forrest recommends Khoury’s Fine Wine & Spirits.

Further reading

• The Modern Mixologist by Tony About-Ganim

• Liquid Vacation: 77 Refreshing Tropical Drinks From Frankie’s Tiki Room in Las Vegas by P Moss

• The Joy of Mixology: The Consummate Guide to the Bartender’s Craft by Gary Regan

• The Aviary Cocktail Book by Grant Achatz, Nick Kokonas, Micah Melton, and Allen and Sarah Hemberger

• The Fine Art of Mixing Drinks by David EmburyDrinks