Alcohol, Club Soda
This is a must for any bar. How can you enjoy a drink without it?
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Top Ten Home Bar Essentials
by Jaime Derringer
Drinking and celebrating are a large part of our culture, and boy, sometimes it would be really nice to have a place to store those wine glasses and bottles.
Like a home bar! Creating a simple bar in your own home is a cinch if you have a little extra space. It could be in the basement, game room, a nook in the living room or a section of your kitchen. Regardless of where you decide to put it or how big it ends up, what are the essentials that you need to create a basic home bar?
View the gallery above for a list of home bar essentials.
Photo Credit: flickr/adamjackson1984
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Glassware
Try getting a small number of different types of glassware, such as red and white wine glasses, as well as martini and shot glasses. It's OK to have beer or a mixed drink out of a regular glass.
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Ice Bucket
To chill your wine or glasses, or just to hold ice for use in drinks, an ice bucket is an important staple to your home bar.
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Stirrers
You'll always want to stir something!. Alcohol and other liquids sometimes have different weights and you don't want all of the alcohol at the bottom of the glass -- so mix it up! They're also great to stick in drinks with an olive on them.
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Napkins or Coasters
When handing someone a drink, it's nice to give them a coaster or napkin for the condensation. Even dive bars give you a napkin.
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Blender
If you want to make anything with crushed ice, like a Margarita you'll need a blender. It mixes hard to stir items so easily and blends your ice into a deliciously smooth beverage. Just don't forget to put the top on before you blend!
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Martini Shaker
You don't need to be James Bond to like martinis. These days appletinis and peartinis are all the rage. Be sure to have a mixer on hand to keep up with the new drinks. Not only do you just look cool when mixing, but you'll impress your martini-loving guests.
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Bottle Opener and Corkscrew
A beer bottle opener and wine corkscrew are both a must. You'll need something to open the lovely presents your guests bring over to you!
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Wine Stoppers
Done with your wine but broke the cork? Wine stoppers and wine pourers (not just for wine!) are great, inexpensive items to have laying around your mini bar.
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A Sink
This isn't an essential element to have in your home bar, but you should have one nearby for cleaning your glassware. If you plan to create a bar without a sink, try designing it close to your kitchen to avoid a cleanup mess.
Photo Credit: flickr/ANOXLOU
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