The Best Barware To Upgrade Their Home Bar

Making craft cocktails at home is about more than having a few bottles of liquor in the cabinet. Ingredients are essential, of course. But the right tools can elevate a home bar from basic to exceptional — and it just takes a few smart additions.

Does someone in your life love to entertain and have an appreciation for finely crafted cocktails? Help them upgrade their home bar this holiday.

Mikasa Luxe Bar Tool Set with Stand

A home bar is all about having all the essential items to mix cocktails readily available. This Mikasa Luxe 6-Piece Bar Tool Set On Stand ($60) is not only gorgeous to display, but it has everything they need to make those martinis and Manhattans, from a shaker and a a strainer to a double jigger, a bottle opener, a stirrer, and ice tongs. It’s sleek and beautiful and will instantly bring all cocktails they make to the next level.

The Original Rabbit Corkscrew

A good corkscrew is necessary if they love to drink wine, and the Original Rabbit Corkscrew ($38.87) is a classic for a reason. This can uncork any size bottle of wine in seconds and because of the ergonomic handle, they will maintain control and dexterity comfortably. This is especially useful if having a party and uncorking bottles all night long! It also comes with a foil cutter, and an extra non-stick coated spiral. 

Verve Culture Artisan Citrus Juicer 

While we don’t necessarily immediately associate a juicer with a home bar, fresh-squeezed juice is an essential for many cocktails. This type of small hand juicer ($98) is often seen in the markets throughout Mexico, and it’s simple and sturdy. Whether juicing lemons, limes, or oranges, this is easy to use and the difference will be easy to taste in the cocktails that result.

Death and Co. Home Bartending Kit 

Another fantastic set of bar tools ($150), this includes a mixing glass, strainer, bar spoon, 1oz/2oz jigger, and weighted shaking tins. Making quality craft cocktails boils down to the right tools and ingredients, and a set like this will be a great start.

OXO Steel Ice Bucket & Tong Set 

Whether chilling martini glasses or shaking up a mojito, ice is an essential part of many cocktails. This ice bucket and tong set ($51.99) is useful in keeping ice frozen longer, by preventing sweating and slowing down the melting process. It also has a moat inside so the ice that does melt stays away from the cubes. It’ll be an essential for a home cocktail party.

Lenox Tuscany Classics Wine Decanter

If they really appreciate fine wine, how they pour and serve it will matter to them. The Tuscany Classics Wine Decanter ($49.95) has a curved, flowing design that not only looks elegant but helps to maintain maximum flavor.

Leeway Home Set of Coupe Glasses

Coupe glasses can add an elevated elegance to even the most simple of martinis, making a set of these glasses ($60)  a must for any home bar. How pretty will this look for everything from welcome vodka martinis to dessert espresso martinis?

MacKenzie-Childs Moose Bottle Stopper

If there’s a bottle of wine that they hope to use again later that night or the next day, keep it fresh in style with this elegantly adorable moose-themed bottle stopper ($42). With the fun checkered pattern and golden antlers, this would make an ideal hostess gift.