One of the things I would like to have in my next house is a home bar area for keeping wine and entertaining guests with mixed drinks. After I got a copy of The Essential Bar Book, I decided to do some research and put together this list of home bar essentials.
Disclosure: I received The Essential Bar Book from Blogging for Books to review. This post also contains affiliate links. I will receive a small commission from purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you.
I love entertaining! Having friends over and cooking for them is one of my favorite things to do. It’s nice to open up a bottle of wine to enjoy with dinner, but how about impressing your friends by making cocktails, martinis or margaritas?
This list is just a few of the basic tools you need to get you started making mixed drinks at home. I consulted The Essential Bar Book to find the definitions and uses of each tool.
The Essential Bar Book
Cocktail Shaker: used to shake together the ingredients for one of the recipes from the book, Sherry Flip. This classic eggnog recipe would be perfect for the holidays!
Strainer: used to strain a chilled cocktail into a glass.
Double Jigger: used to measure small quantities of liquids.
Bar Spoon: a long, thin-handled spoon used for stirring, mixing and layering drinks.
Muddler: usually a long-handled rod with a blunt end, used to muddle cocktail and mojito ingredients.
Paring Knife: useful for making garnishes by peeling or slicing fruit.
Do you have a home bar? What are some of your must-have tools?
The Golden Vlog: November
I’m joining Faith from Life w/ Mrs. G. and the Artist again this month for The Golden Vlog! Get a glimpse into my Thanksgiving traditions, holiday plans and favorite recipes!
Faith Golden says
I just love that you linkup!! That bike ride sounds awesome! Nashville should be fun! Have a great time and have a happy thanksgiving!!
Jenna Brussee says
Thank you for hosting, Faith! I’m really glad I joined in. It’s been so fun to watch everyone’s posts about Thanksgiving. Too bad we can’t all meet up for a friendsgiving dinner!
Katie says
I can’t wait for the cider recipe!!! Nashville is going to be great.. have tons of fun!
Jenna Brussee says
The cider is soooo good! I am excited to make it again. And I am really looking forward to Nashville. It’s going to be a great trip.
Cassie Lee says
SOUND EFFECTS EVEN?! I can’t. You showed me up hahaha. Love that your family does a bike ride! too cool
Jenna Brussee says
I love experimenting with the video editing! I want to get a better program, but this one is fun too. Thanks for watching! I need to head over to your blog and watch yours.
Daisy @ Simplicity Relished says
Oh this is WONDERFUL! I really need more tips on keeping a bar and what we need. My husband drinks straight whiskey and I don’t, so this is super helpful to have 🙂
And I love your video and hearing about your Thanksgiving traditions 🙂
Jenna Brussee says
Having a home bar would be a lot of fun for at-home date nights, too! And thanks for watching the video, it was a lot of fun to share about the holidays coming up.
Mandy says
This book looks awesome, I’ll have to check it out. And I love the videos, keep them coming!
PS: Your hair looks great that way =D
Jenna Brussee says
I really like this book. And I’m so excited to get my next book from Blogging for Books now!
I really have enjoyed making the videos. I’m going to have another one next week 😀 And thank you! Beth from Oak and Oats did a tutorial on that hairstyle and I do it all the time now! So easy and cute.
Leah Mancl says
A bike ride is a new one that I’ve heard! That’s actually a pretty good idea. I don’t know how well it would work out in Wisconsin, though. It might be a really short bike ride! Haha. 😉 Black Friday makes me really anxious too… too many people, too much confusion. And not a whole lot of fun, to be honest haha.
Jenna Brussee says
That would be so cold in WI! It works out for us since we live in Florida. A lot of times I’m wearing shorts on Thanksgiving.
Leah Mancl says
Lucky duck! We had our first snowfall this last week and it’s only like 25 degrees here right now. 🙁
Sarah @ 12 Twenty Seven says
I love that your family goes for a bike ride! I don’t think I could do it because I am always SO FULL! But, you do live in Florida so I bet it’s so nice out! Also-Nashville is AMAZING, you will love it! 🙂
Jenna Brussee says
It is always great weather here for our bike ride on Thanksgiving! I am really excited for Nashville. What are some of your favorite things to do there? I’m trying to make a list of places to go.
Sarah @ 12 Twenty Seven says
Definitely go to Gaylord Opryland–it’s amazing and if you go close enough to Christmas, it’s gorgeously decorated! Drive around downtown, too, it’s so much fun to see all of the restaurants/music joints and bars! I’ve heard the Country Music Hall of Fame is pretty amazing, too, but I haven’t been!
TheAdventuresofBugandBoo says
I’m with you on the rushed / cramped shopping – I wouldn’t do black Friday for those reasons!! The bike ride thing is awesome. Enjoy seeing your brother! 🙂
Jenna Brussee says
Exactly! It’s usually not too bad if you go during the day on Black Friday. I might go for a little bit this year.