Upgrade your home bar setup with these must-have home bar accessories and tools. From shakers to strainers, make sure you have everything you need to craft the perfect cocktail.
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Your ultimate guide to home bar accessories
When you love making drinks at home, the right tools really do make a difference. Over the years I’ve tested more bar accessories than I can count: some winners, plenty of flops. I’ve fallen for shiny new gadgets only to be disappointed (like the shaker that blew its top mid-margarita and sent tequila raining from the ceiling. RIP, top-shelf tequila).
Now I always reach for the pieces that are sturdy, well-made and satisfying to use. Quality tools don’t just last longer — they make mixing your favorite drinks smoother, so you can spend less time fussing and more time enjoying the drinks and the people you’re with.
Tips for choosing bar tools
When you’re building up your home bar, whether it’s your first or you’re just upgrading, it’s easy to fall for the cutest new thing. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned: Not all bar tools are created equal, it’s true. (I’m looking at you, plastic lemon squeezers that break within a year!)
- Invest where it counts. Splurge on the tools you’ll use constantly (shaker, jigger, strainer) and save on the extras you’ll rarely touch.
- Look for durability. Stainless steel, solid wood and heavy glass tend to outlast cheaper plastic versions.
- Trust premium brands. Bartender-designed tools, like the ones from A Bar Above, Barfly and Cocktail Kingdom, are ones you’ll see in quality bars. The tools at big box stores just don’t compare (and I’ve tried a lot).
Essential home bar accessories
There are lots of high-quality bar accessories out there that get the job done — and do it well. With the right bar tools, you’ll be mixing drinks worth raising a glass to — cheers to that! Let’s start with the essentials.
Already have the basics covered? Skip to leveled-up bar tools.
In addition to the basics, every bar should also have versatile glassware that work for more than one type of drink, like martini glasses *, rocks glasses * and highball glasses * for simple mixed drinks.
Bartending set
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This complete basic bartending set * from A Bar Above is my favorite. It’s a little spendy, but it includes premium versions of the essential tools: a Boston shaker *, a jigger with measurements, three kinds of strainers, a muddler * and a bar spoon *. This one is great choice for anyone starting from scratch or fully updating their gear, but you don’t have to have a matching set. You can buy all of these items individually.
Jigger
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To measure out any liquid ingredient, a double-sided Japanese-style jigger shaped like an hourglass is just the thing you need. In fact, I recommend having two, so you aren’t slinging spills around when you flip it. It’s key to get one with measurements marked in both ounces and milliliters, so you don’t have to guess at how much booze or simple syrup you’re adding.
A bell jigger * is another option. It is designed with a wide middle and flared shape, which makes it easier to grip and less likely to slip when your hands are wet. Many bartenders prefer its rounded shape and balanced weight for speed and accuracy.
Cocktail shaker
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cocktail shaker lids for mason jars
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Cocktail shakers are the centerpiece of any home bar. They come in two main styles:
- Cobbler shaker *: This is a 3-piece shaker which has a metal body, a built-in strainer top and a separate lid. These are great beginner-level designs, and they are what everyone thinks of when you picture a cocktail shaker. But when you’re ready to advance, graduating to a 2-piece shaker and a choose-your-own-adventure strainer yields more professional results.
- Boston shaker *: This is the 2-piece style you’ll see every professional bartender using behind the bar. They are simply two cups that fit together and seal up when you tap them against the counter. They come apart easily with another tap against the counter. Bostons are easy to clean, and you can use any kind of strainer (Hawthorne, julep, fine-mesh) with them.
You can also make a shaker out of a mason jar. No need for a special lid, but they are fun to have around or gift with my favorite cocktail infusion kits.
Mixing glass
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The next level up from a shaker is the mixing glass * — because not every cocktail is shaken! A sturdy one is an essential tool for stirred cocktails like the martini. Plus it adds touch of classic bar style to your bar cart *! But you can, of course, stir a cocktail in a shaker and just… not shake it.
Bar spoon set
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A bar spoon * isn’t just a long spoon — it’s built for control. The slim, twisted handle makes it easy to stir cocktails smoothly without melting too much ice or over-diluting the drink. Its long handle helps you reach the bottom of tall mixing glasses or shakers. The back of the spoon doubles for layering ingredients (like a float on a New York Sour or mini beer shot).
Strainers
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The Hawthorne strainer is the most classic design, but there are really three types of cocktail strainers.
- Hawthorne strainer *: With its coiled spring, this strainer fits snugly over a shaker tin and flexes to catch ice. It’s the workhorse for shaken drinks and works well with most glassware.
- Julep strainer: A perforated, spoon-shaped strainer that sits inside a mixing glass *. It’s perfect for stirred cocktails like a martini or Manhattan, keeping ice back while you pour.
- Fine-mesh cocktail strainer: Used in tandem with another strainer, it catches tiny bits of fruit pulp, herbs or ice shards. This gives you an extra-smooth, elegant finish in the glass. Think of it as a filter that polishes your cocktail.
Citrus press
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Though there are many ways to juice citrus, there’s nothing more precise than a citrus press juicer *. It’s easy to store in a drawer or on the bar, and it easily pushes out fresh lemon or lime juice right into your shaker or mixing glass.
But you need to juice a lot of citrus, say for a pitcher of margaritas, you may enjoy having an electric juicer instead. I absolutely love mine!
Muddler
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A muddler * is the go-to tool for unlocking flavor from fresh ingredients like mint, citrus or berries. Instead of tearing herbs or crushing fruit to a pulp, use a good muddler to gently press — not smash — to release oils and juices, which add vibrant, fresh notes to cocktails. It’s an essential for classics like a mojito or old-fashioned, where that burst of flavor makes all the difference.
Vegetable peeler
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For those gorgeous orange zest garnishes on your old-fashioneds, you’ll want a good peeler. I swear by this vegetable peeler *, which makes it so easy to precisely sear off the orange zest — not the bitter white pith underneath.
Cocktail picks
favorite cocktail picks
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stainless steel cocktail picks
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Cocktail picks are a great way to level up your cocktail garnishes. Try skewering some olives for your next martini and cocktail cherries for a Manhattan, instead of dropping them inside. It looks more professional and they make it easier and less messy to munch on your garnishes.
Coasters
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Coasters may seem like a small detail, but they pull double duty. They protect your tables and bar from water rings and sticky spills, while also adding a little style to your setup. Whether you go for sleek leather, colorful cork or fun printed designs, coasters make serving drinks feel more intentional and put-together.
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Leveled-up bar tools
Once you’ve stocked your bar with the basics, it’s fun to add a few specialty tools that take your cocktail game up a notch. These leveled-up accessories aren’t strictly necessary, but they open the door to new techniques, cleaner presentation and more polished drinks. From tools that help you master garnishes to gear that makes mixing faster and smoother, these extras are what turn a simple home setup into a true bar experience.
Bitters bottles
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A reusable bitters bottle * is a stylish and functional addition to your bar setup. Decant Angostura bitters, Peychaud’s bitters *, orange bitters * or any bitters you like into one of these pretty bottles to dress up your bar cart *.
Rimmer dish
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For margarita lovers, a reusable salt rimmer is a stylish and functional addition. It’s perfect for rimming glasses with salt as well as sugar. You can even use it with flavored sugars and salts, like lemon sugar on a lemon drop martini.
Bartender’s knife
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Knives aren’t just for cooking. Bartenders need sharp knives for cutting fruit, trimming herbs or shaping peels into decorative twists. A dedicated bartender’s knife * makes these tasks easier and more precise, earning its spot as a true home bar essential.
Channel knife
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A channel knife is a small bar tool with a sharp, V-shaped blade designed to cut thin strips of citrus peel. It’s the tool you reach for when making a lemon twist, since it carves clean, decorative ribbons of zest without digging too deep into the bitter pith.
Bar mat
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I’m just going to say it: Making cocktails is messy. (Just ask my husband.) But a simple bar mat * just like the ones you see behind restaurant bars is a great way to minimize the mess. They catch spills and add grip to your countertop, making it less likely you’ll send a glass tumbling.
Decanter
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A whiskey decanter * adds instant sophistication to a home bar, keeping spirits fresh while displaying them in style. And they’re not limited to whiskey: You can use them for rum, vodka, gin or any spirit you’d like to showcase or that you grab often. A well-chosen decanter doubles as both storage and décor, making every pour feel a little more elegant.
And don’t forget bottle stoppers to keep wine or open spirits fresh when you don’t finish a bottle in one sitting.
Drink dispensers
party essentials
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If you love hosting, a large vessel is essential for serving batch cocktails to a group of guests. While they may not live on your bar cart full-time, pitchers, punch bowls and spigot-style dispensers are lifesavers when you need to mix drinks for a crowd. They keep serving simple and stress-free, look great on the table and free you up to actually enjoy the party instead of playing bartender all night.
Cocktail smoker
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A cocktail smoker kit lets you infuse drinks with dramatic, smoky aromas right at home, bringing a craft cocktail bar vibe to your counter. It’s a natural match for bourbon and whiskey cocktails, but it also adds intrigue to tequila drinks and even zero-proof creations. The ritual of smoking a cocktail feels theatrical, and the flavor it imparts makes each sip more layered and memorable.
Clear ice maker
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This unique ice mold creates crystal-clear ice that melt slowly, keeping cocktails chilled without watering them down. It’s a must-try for old fashioned fans, or anyone who loves sipping spirits in style.
Ice designer
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The ice designer * imprints striking patterns or shapes onto cubes, turning ordinary ice into a statement piece. The result is show-stopping, artistic ice that adds instant flair and sophistication to your cocktails. Beyond looks, it sparks conversation and makes even a simple drink feel like it came from a high-end bar — a small detail that elevates the whole experience.
Syrup dispensers
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Syrup dispensers make it easy to keep homemade simple syrups and infusions neat, fresh and ready to pour. They give you more control than storing in mason jars or random bottles, since the spouts measure smoothly without sticky drips. Plus, they look polished on your bar cart or coffee bar, and make it effortless to swap in seasonal flavors for cocktails, coffee or mocktails.
Hydroponic garden
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With a hydroponic garden *, you can grow fresh herbs at home year-round for garnishes like mint, basil, rosemary and thyme. They add brightness and flavor to cocktails, and they’re cost-effective and eco-friendly since you’re not constantly buying those little plastic clamshells.
Cocktail aging barrel
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A cocktail aging barrel * lets you add layers of depth and complexity to spirits right at home. By resting your cocktails or base spirits in oak for a few weeks, you infuse them with warm, woody notes that mellow sharp edges and create a rich, rounded flavor. They’re especially perfect for spirit-forward drinks like Manhattans or Negronis, giving your home creations the same nuanced character you’d expect from a bar.
Travel bartender kit
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A travel bartender kit bag * is a lifesaver if you’re the friend who always gets asked to make drinks, or if you love mixing cocktails while traveling. These compact bags keep all your essentials — shaker, jigger, strainer, spoons — neatly organized and protected. Instead of juggling random tools in your luggage or showing up empty-handed, you’ll have everything you need to set up a bar anywhere.
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