16 Home Bar Essentials to Stock Your Bar Cart Like a Pro

Whether whipping up the classics or experimenting with new libations, a good cocktail shaker is a must. Cocktail Kingdom’s Leopold Weighted Shaking Tin Set is likely the only shaker you’ll need going forward. Inspired by the brand’s antique barware collection dating back to the 1920s, this two-piece set offers a tight seal and easy separation, ensuring that drinks are prepared with minimal to no mess. 

In our tests, the Cocktail Kingdom Leopold Weighted Shaking Tin Set was one of the only products to receive a perfect ranking across our list of testing categories, including design, value, and ease of use. We particularly loved the sturdiness of the product, as well as its two-tin feature, which makes cleaning the cups super easy. Although the stainless steel exterior is prone to drips and fingerprints, simply wiping them down with a microfiber cloth when drying promises to leave the tins shiny.

When it comes to glassware, few companies are as reliable and industry-vetted as Riedel, so it’s no surprise that their Old Fashioned glass set remains our choice option. Crafted from clear crystal glass, the set’s minimal and sophisticated design renders them ideal for use across a variety of cocktails and spirits pours, with each glass designed to fit large-format ice. The glasses are dishwasher safe, making clean-up as easy as possible.

In our tests, we had a hard time finding any flaws with them. The lower side walls are a bit lower than usual, rendering their capacity slightly less than usual, but we found the size perfect for a classic Negroni or an Old Fashioned. Of course, pricing can be considered a downside, as $45 for two glasses is certainly not cheap, but we truly believe these are the best in the category — and if cared for properly, will last a lifetime.

Most industry experts agree that in addition to great ingredients and glassware, using top-tier ice is important. Enter ClearlyFrozen’s High Capacity Home Clear Ice Cube Tray, perfect for crafting ice destined for home cocktail creations or plain pours of various spirits. Crafted from BPA-free silicone, this interchangeable ice cube tray makes a variety of ice cube shapes, including 21 smaller cubes, six tall spears, or ten standard, two-inch rock cubes. 

Upon testing the mold, it was immediately clear that the cube size versatility offered by the tray was its best asset. Line the tray with the size of your choice, fill it with water, and wait 24 hours for the best results. We also noticed that the larger container and foam surround helped directionally freeze the ice, which made the ice less cloudy than usual. Sure, the price tag is a bit higher than your standard ice tray, but for the quality and versatility it provides, we deem it worth the splurge.

Citrus is a main ingredient in many classic cocktails, and freshly squeezed juice makes a big difference. After testing dozens of products, we found that OXO’s simple yet functional citrus juicer delivered the best option, specifically for the quality-to-price ratio. Crafted from die-cast aluminum, the squeezer is ideal for extracting juice from halved lemons and limes and ensures that every last drop of liquid is drawn out from the fruit. 

Beyond the squeezing capability, we especially loved the squeezer’s soft, non-slip handles, which provide a firm grip and optimally absorb pressure, making the squeezer comfortable and easy to use. We also found that the OXO Good Grips’ handles were slightly longer than most from other brands, and helped to increase extraction leverage without extra effort.

We recommend Riedel’s highball glasses for classic highball cocktails topped with soda. Designed to hold both standard and regular ice cubes, this dishwasher-safe glass is perfect for serving up classic two-part drinks, including whiskey sodas, rum and cokes, and G&Ts. Riedel’s highball glass was designed in conjunction with spirits specialist Zane Harris, an industry expert with years of experience in cocktail-specific glassware. 

Although the price tag may seem high, in our tests we found the spend worth it for the design and functionality. Plus, the glasses are made from crystal. We loved the classic slender shape of the glass and found that the ribbed etching added a visual pop. One thing to note is that the glasses’ capacity clocks in at slightly less than other standard highball glasses (11 ounces), but can easily be worked with by simply adjusting the amount of ice added to the glass. These glasses make a great gift for cocktail lovers.

Cocktail Kingdom gains another spot on our home bar essentials list with their Hoffman Barspoon. Reproduced from an antique product in the company’s barware collection, this special spoon is best known for being used at New York’s Hoffman House during the early 20th century and is designed with a smooth coil and long, curved topper, to comfortably encourage a balanced stirring motion for cocktail creators.

Richie Barrow of Hero Bar in Nairobi, Kenya is a big fan of this option for its dual-sided capabilities. “The Hoffman Barspoon is quite handy, as it has a smaller scoop on the other end of the spoon that could be used for adding a pinch of dry ingredients without adding moisture to the storage jar,” he says. This versatile bar spoon comes in a few finishes, including stainless steel, gold-plated, and matte black.

When seeking out a jigger to keep on your home bar, finding one with ample measurement marks is key — and this updated design from Piña Barware knocks it out of the park. Crafted from 100% stainless steel, this bartender-approved design features six different measurement marks on the interior and exterior of the product. The jigger is also dishwasher safe, providing hassle-free cleanup.

Brooke Toscano, General Manager at Milady’s, has used the Piña Slim jigger for quite some time and shares that this updated version is even more user-friendly. “Most 2:1 jiggers don’t include the 1/4-ounce measurement, causing you to buy a second even smaller option,” she says. “This jigger has every measurement from 1/4 to two ounces labeled easily inside and outside with no band in the center, making it comfortable to use.”

Crafted from non-treated, non-varnished wood, Cocktail Kingdom’s Natural Wood Muddler is ideal for extracting flavor from herbs and spices, which promise to add a flavor-packed punch to a myriad of cocktail creations at home. Ryan Liloia, Head Bartender at Clover Club, shares that Cocktail Kingdom’s Natural Wood Muddler is his at-home choice, describing it as reliable, classic, and affordable.

“I’ve used a wide range of Cocktail Kingdom’s equipment over the years, both at home and in professional settings, and when it comes to bar tools, their attention to detail and passion for the craft is unmatched,” he says.

The original house brand of Cocktail Kingdom, Koriko offers a variety of at-home bar essentials, and the Hawthorne Strainer is no exception. Developed in collaboration with bar pioneer Don Lee, this heavy-duty strainer is made from stainless steel and features a wide body and tight coil to thoroughly strain ingredients.

Janice Bailon, Head Bartender at Leyenda, shares that the Koriko Hawthorne Strainer is her trustworthy pick, as it prevents ice chips from flowing into the glass and sits nicely on glasses and tins. “It also prevents me from buying a fine strainer, so fewer tools are necessary,” she says.

In addition to adding complexity to drinks, bitters help balance out sweet and sour flavors in cocktails, which can come from juices, citrus, and other ingredients. Angostura has long been a trustworthy bitters brand for bartenders around the world, and although the Trinidad and Tobago-based brand’s exact recipe is a tightly kept secret, a few commonly known ingredients include citrus peel, gentian, and clove. 

“Without a doubt, at home, I always have a bottle of Angostura bitters at the ready,” says Liloia, describing Angostura bitters as an essential ingredient for many classic drinks. He highlights the bitters’ signature baking spice notes, including cinnamon, cloves, and allspice. Liloia recommends simply mixing a few dashes into cold, fizzy club soda for a solid, easy-to-make way to enjoy their signature flavors.

Whether crafting an espresso martini or simply mixing with soda water, one thing’s for sure — vodka is a staple on your home bar. A solid go-to option is Ketel One. Founded in 1983, this Dutch vodka is known for its smooth and balanced taste. Crafted from 100% GMO-free wheat, the vodka is distilled in a combination of columns and copper pot stills before aging and charcoal filtration. The vodka is known for its clean flavors of citrus, dried herbs, and a touch of honey. 

Barrow reaches for Ketel One, as its wide distribution makes it easy to find and deems it a reliable brand for bars. “I love their commitment to the environment and the bartending community at large, [as they’ve initiated] fun and creative projects that have been bartender-led,” he says. Barrow describes the product as a solid vodka for any home bar and a great option for mixing or sipping on the rocks.

Crafted in Osaka, Japan, Roku Gin is a silky, versatile gin that promises to cover all your bases. Distilled in Osaka using various pot stills, the gin is ideal for mixing into cocktails at G&Ts or sipping on its own over ice. Kim Banegas, Beverage Director at Ikigai, explains that Roku translates to “six” in Japanese, which pays homage to the six botanicals used in the product. “These six botanicals reflect Japanese flavors and culture, including yuzu citrus and green tea,” she says.

Banegas notes that Roku Gin has a unique umami-driven flavor profile, which sets it apart from many Western gins. “This unique flavor profile allows it to be used in many cocktails, from classic gin and tonics to more inventive mixed drinks,” she says. Banegas describes the gin’s beautiful bottle as the cherry on top. “The design is inspired by Japanese culture, featuring a minimalist aesthetic that reflects the elegance of Japanese art and tradition.”

With thousands of whiskey brands, narrowing down a steadfast bar cart option can feel impossible, though keeping it simple with Michter’s US*1 Bourbon is a safe bet. Made from a corn-dominant mash bill (79%) rounded out with rye and malted barley, the bourbon is aged in new American oak barrels before being chill-filtered. Signature notes of brown sugar, vanilla, and toasted nuts lead to a warming, cinnamon-tinged finish. The bourbon is bottled at 45.7% ABV, which is a few degrees higher than the required minimum for bourbon (40%). 

“When it comes to whiskey, I usually have Michter’s bourbon on hand — it’s versatile and delicious in shaken or stirred cocktails,” says Liloia, who describes one of his go-to cocktails with Michter’s as a whiskey sour. “The depth of flavor of Michter’s bourbon adds a complex yet balanced flavor profile to this classic libation,” he says. Additionally, Liloia notes that Michter’s bourbon is also great to sip on solo, whether neat or over ice.

Few tequila brands are as widely recognized as Patrón, and there’s a good reason why. Crafted entirely from 100% Weber Blue agave hand harvested in the highlands of Jalisco, this world-class spirit is still made in small batches using two different distillation methods. After all piñas are roasted, the first method uses a traditional tahona, while the second uses a more modern shredder. The tequila’s signature citrusy and herbaceous palate is marked by undertones of cracked black pepper, offering a harmonious mouthfeel and persistent finish. 

“Patrón Silver is my go-to because it offers a balance of flavors that works well in cocktails,” says bartender Ricardo Rodriguez. “The volcanic soil where they harvest their agave contributes to the unique flavor profile, and it’s additive-free.” While suitable for mixing into cocktail creations, the best way to experience the tequila’s smooth, slightly peppery flavors is to pour a splash over ice and enjoy — perhaps while drumming up your next tequila-forward cocktail creation.

Dry vermouth is essential in many classic cocktails, including martinis and Old Pals. Matt Maretz, principal bartender at Employees Only NYC, reaches for Dolin. “It’s known for its crisp, delicate flavor profile, with subtle herbal and floral notes that enhance cocktails without overpowering them,” he says. Marez notes that Dolin’s balance of dryness and complexity works well in martinis and Employees Only’s signature Provençal cocktail, made with lavender-infused gin stirred with herbs de Provence-infused dry vermouth (Dolin) and Cointreau.

For a sweet vermouth option, Bailon regularly reaches for Cocchi Torino. Crafted in Piedmont, the vermouth utilizes the Moscato grape as its base wine and is aromatized with a handful of botanicals, including artemisia and citrus. “Cocchi Torino has a lot of versatility and acts as a complement in cocktails rather than the star when intended,” she says. Bailon loves the vermouth’s signature notes of chocolate and orange and reveals that she particularly loves using it in a Negroni.