How to Set Up Your Own Mini-Bar

Last updated: 8 March 2022 

[Ordering alcoholic drinks when eating out jacks up your total bill. Time to start a mini bar at home! You’re going to need some essential bar tools, basic liquors, mixers, and garnish. These aren't cheap investments, but in the long run, you’ll be saving a lot more!]

Have you ever wanted to grab some drinks or a cocktail or two at a bar but you’re just too broke, too lazy? 

Here’s a quick guide on how to get your in-home mini bar running while still wearing your 10-year-old pyjama pants. 

Prep Your Equipment 

Bare essential bar tools and apparatus that every home bar should prepare.

1. Bar Spoon

To mix the cocktail with precision and maintain a balance of flavour. 

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2. Jigger

To measure correctly and consistently and avoid over-pouring. Jiggers typically range from 1oz-2oz.

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3. Two-Piece Shaker

To mix drinks more efficiently. Bonus points because you look cool using it.

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4. Muddler

To pound and mash certain fresh ingredients such as mint to release its essence into the drink. 

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5. Cocktail Strainer 

To separate ice and residue from the liquor as you pour out your drink.

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6. Juicer

To juice limes, lemons, oranges, etc. for your cocktails.

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7. Cocktail Glassware

To hold whatever liquor or cocktail you plan on serving. Make sure the glass shapes suit the alcohol poured as it makes or breaks the experience.

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8. Ice Tray & Mould

To provide suitable ice for different styles of cocktails.

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Stock Your Bar with Liquor

Start with the basic liquors you enjoy most, then expand your collection as you familiarise yourself with mixology. Here are some suggestions:

1. Tequila

Silver tequila is a good start for beginners as it has the most adaptable flavour. Popular cocktails include the Margarita. 

2. Gin

Dry gin has a neutral taste and allows for a variety of flavour pairings - Gin & Tonic and Martini are popular choices. Bombay Gin is an excellent dry gin to start with.  

3. Rum

Light rum can be used to make most cocktails such as daiquiri, piña colada, rum mojito, etc. Dark rum is suited for heavier cocktails like dark & stormy or hot buttered rum.

4. Whisky

Its range of flavours pairs well with straightforward cocktails like an Old Fashioned to sweeter cocktails such as the winter whisky sour.

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1. Vermouth

Try starting with dry and sweet vermouth. Their respective botanical and sweet flavours enhance the base liquor in cocktails. 

2. Bitters

Bitters are neutral alcohol infused with botanicals such as herbs, spices, fruits, roots, and tree bark to add more flavour and spice cocktails. Try the popular Angostura aromatic bitters for an extra kick in your next Manhattan.

3. Orange Liqueur

An orange-flavoured sweetened distilled spirit. Known as a bartender’s best friend, it is an integral ingredient in Sidecars and Margaritas.

4. Syrups

A solution of equal parts white sugar and water used to sweeten many cocktails.

5. Juices

Juice your own fresh fruit if possible, but if you want to buy packaged juices, buy small cans, so they’re always fresh. Orange, cranberry, and pineapple have the most uses. 

6. Sodas

To open up the flavour of heavier alcohols such as whisky. Consider club soda, tonic water, ginger ale, and coke.

End with Garnish

Just like how some spring onions can make fried rice look fancy, so can garnish with a cocktail.

1. Freshly Cut Fruit

As a fresh finishing touch for the eyes and the palate.

2. Olives

For the traditional dry martini.

3. Mint Leaves

Easy herb to grow at home and great for mojitos and mint juleps.

4. Maraschino Cherries

Can’t make an Old Fashioned and a Manhattan without these ruby gems.

Is it Worth the Hassle?

Setting your own mini-bar at home will cost you some extra expenses for sure. But in the long run, you’ll probably be able to make 100 cocktails at home for the price of 50 cocktails in bars. 

So if you have some extra funds to invest and you love drinking, go for it. 

Tenor

Before that, a few things you should consider:

• You’ll have to clean and maintain your own bar
• You can store sealed homemade cocktails in the fridge for 2-3 days.
• Opened and used liquors can be stored at room temperature, but their flavour and colour die with time, so consume them fast!

Ready to bartend?