10 Best Home Bar Essentials in 2022 (Alcohol Expert-Reviewed)

Pros:

• Accurate measurements every quarter ounce
• Lines and markings are stamped, so they'll never rub off
• Also available in other finishes or bell style

Cons:

• Tall, narrow shape can make seeing the measurements hard; consider their bell jigger if this concerns you

This Japanese style jigger from A Bar Above has measurement markings to make any drink you can possibly find a recipe for, all the way from a bar spoonful to two ounces. It comes in silver, gold or copper finishes, all of which are dishwasher-safe. If you're not a fan of Japanese-style jiggers, it also is offered in a bell shape.

Reviewers say it works as intended, although some point out that in a dim room the markings are hard to see in the tall shape. But they love how many markings it has, saying it makes it quick to mix a variety of drink recipes.

Pros:

• Eight total pieces (two each of four types) in lead-free crystal
• Classy look without an over-delicate construction; made for everyday use
• Easy way to get your new bar stocked with versatile basics

Cons:

• No rocks or Old Fashioned glasses included

This set from Godinger will allow you to quickly cover a variety of cocktails that work best in certain glasses. Instead of buying each type separately, you'll get two each of coupe, highball, collins, and goblet glasses. They're made of lead-free crystal with a cut-glass-like design.

Reviewers say they have a hefty weight and good, solid feel. One points out you can see a mold seam, but they say they have the look of expensive cut crystal but with the sturdiness those lack. They love how these are built for daily use, saying they draw compliments and are very practical.

Pros:

• Uses your own tap water and freezer to make clear ice
• Lack of air bubbles and size of cubes means it melts slowly
• Claims to remove 98 percent of total dissolved solids for pure taste

Cons:

• Finicky timing requirements
• Make sure the two-inch cubes will fit in your glasses

Making clear ice is tricky in most home freezers, but this system promises to do so using your regular tap water. Simply fill and freeze, but here's the key; the cubes need to be taken out 18 to 22 hours later. Any longer and you won't get the results.

That narrow window was one of the complaints from reviewers. However, the vast majority found it does what it says, yielding ice with no cloudiness that melts slower and tastes better. They say it's worth the freezer real estate, and many people make cubes ahead of time and keep them in baggies for later use.

Pros:

• Holds a lot of liquid and ice at once
• One weighted and one unweighted cup is generally considered easier to use
• Your choice of four finishes: silver, gold, copper, or bronze

Cons:

• Creating a leak-free seal and separating the cups of any Boston shaker does take a little practice

This Boston shaker can shake drinks in big quantities. The small cup is 18 ounces while the large holds 28. It's easy to create a watertight seal, and it's equally effortless to separate the cups, thanks to the weight in the larger one providing rigidity as well as balance when shaking.

A few reviewers said it takes a bit of practice to use, and it's a bit loud when used. However, many loved that this was one of the few shakers that could hold up to three cocktails! Even professional bartenders liked the weight, quality, and durability of the product.

Pros:

• Use to add ice for chilling unmixed drinks, crush mint leaves or citrus, or mix cocktails
• Most standard Hawthorne or julep strainers fit, according to reviewers
• Weighted bottom keep it steady

Cons:

• Aggressively crushing ingredients or tossing ice in can cause cracks

This mixing glass is made with lead-free crystal and has a weighted bottom, so it will stay put without you needing to hold onto it while you stir. It's available in 18 or 24 ounces, and they also sell sets with mixing spoons if you don't have one already.

A few reviewers were disappointed that it cracked during use or in the dishwasher. It's better being washed by hand. However, they loved the weighted bottom, said it fits the hand nicely, and has a good feel to it. They also say a standard Hawthorne strainer fits it perfectly.

Pros:

• Dual-purpose tool makes for faster prep and cleanup
• Twisted handle lets you make layered drinks
• Buyers consistently describe it as "sturdy"
  

Cons:

• If you use a muddler to crush ice, this is probably too delicate for that
• A bit short to use with a mixing pitcher

Save some time with this double-ended spoon that has a muddler built onto its end. This European-style bar spoon is long enough for making individual drinks. Pouring down the spiraled handle will also allow you to create layered drinks and prevent carbonated beverages from foaming over!

Reviewers love this spoon, saying it muddles well, is easy to manipulate, and feels good in the hand. You might want a longer one for making drinks in a larger vessel, but for mixing and muddling right in a glass, they find this one ideal.

Pros:

• Soft finger rest for comfort and a secure grip
• Short handle makes for compact storage
• Raised lip promises drip-free pours

Cons:

• Won't filter tiny ice chunks or fine pulp

This Hawthorne strainer will fit over most Boston shakers, mixing pitchers, and drinking glasses. It has a raised lip which acts as a spout to funnel ingredients toward the springs and catch them, while preventing drips. The compact shape and soft finger grip round out the design.

According to a few reviews, the spring is too loosely separated to filter thin ice chips. However, they say it doesn't get clogged easily, fits well onto basic shakers and glasses and doesn't require awkward positioning of the hand.

Pros:

• Includes two sizes to fit any drink, from martinis to Mai Tais
• Sets of 12 and 24 available
• Simple design suits any home bar's decor

Cons:

• Doesn't come with cup or pouch to house them

These cocktail picks will keep your garnishes where you want them, whether it's a cherry and orange slice on the rim of your Manhattan or whole strawberries sitting atop a frozen daiquiri. Two lengths make the set useful for any type of drink served in any height glass.

Reviewers say they're very shiny and look nice in a Bloody Mary or martini. They find that they sit well-balanced in a glass, and that the lengths work perfectly.

Pros:

• Choose from two bowl sizes for limes and lemons
• Juice drips out the bottom, leaving seeds out of your drink, and drips off of your bar counter

Cons:

• Some report the finish can get damaged over time

A traditional wooden reamer may be a classic bar tool, but this is a less messy and more efficient way to get lime and lemon juice. It has two different size bowls for getting all the liquid out of either fruit, leaving the seeds behind, and it comes in various colors to match your bar.

Reviewers report that it really does get all the juice out easily and cleanly. Some report broken handles and a chipping finish, but the vast majority say it's made the job of juicing citrus much less of a hassle. Some claim they're surprised they ever lived without it!

Pros:

• Create smoke-infused cocktails as well as foods
• Includes access to recipe ideas online
• Comes with storage bag, cleaning brush, two screens and wood chips

Cons:

• Doesn't come with dome to cover drinks, or batteries
• Reviewers say they went through the included wood chips quickly; plan to buy more right away

Add some smoky aroma and flavor to your cocktails, scotch, or appetizers with this portable gadget from GKC. All you need is four AA batteries, a lighter, and a dome (a big bowl will work) to cover the drink or food to be smoked. After the wood chips burn, leave the dome in place for a few minutes, then lift and serve.

The main complaints came from a few reviewers whose units stopped turning on. Most said it was one of the best items they've ever splurged on! They use it for bourbon and rye, Old Fashioneds, and for the meats, cheeses, fruits and veggies on their charcuterie boards. They say it's simple and really adds a lot of smoky flavor fast.