OK, so you might not be a professional bartender, or even have aspirations to be one. But if you love cocktails, and want to serve them properly, then you’ve probably thought about setting up your home bar. When guests come by, wouldn’t you love to be that person who has a welcome drink ready for them? Enter the home bar.  You don’t need loads of space, or dozens of expensive spirits, or heaps of fancy equipment. If you’ve got a spare corner at home, you’re halfway there.

The bar

Remember those awesome old bars your grandparents had installed in their homes in the ’70s? They were great, but they were also expensive – and let’s face it, kind of ugly (sorry Nan). These days, home bars are stylish, curated and very achievable. And, the truth is, you don’t need an actual bar – all you need is a cart or trolley, or even an old cabinet. Anything with a shelf and a wide open space at the top will work – it’s up to you.

The equipment

We’re not going to tell you to go buy loads of exxy equipment when a lot of this stuff, you’ll probably already have.

Cocktail shaker
If you’re serious about cocktails, a good quality shaker is an investment that’ll stand the test of time. Metal works best, as it’ll keep your drinks cool as you mix them.

Citrus juicer

You’ll need it to add zest to your drinks – a quick squeeze of lemon or lime really lifts a welcome drink. If this is beyond your home-bar stock, even using a fork will do the trick!

Paring knife
Essential for slicing lemons, limes and oranges like a pro. You can also use it to peel citrus for garnishes.

Long cocktail spoon
Not totally essential (a wooden spoon will do the job, let’s face it) but very nice to have, as it’ll blend your drinks properly. You’ll also look like you know what you’re doing.

Jigger
OK, this one is non-negotiable. Free-pouring might look cool on film, but in real life, you’re going to want to measure your alcohol. Use a jigger and take the guesswork out.

Glasses

A good selection of glasses  means you’ll always have choices when it comes to your cocktail-making. Martini glasses, highball glasses and short glasses are the three basic types you’ll need. Once you’ve got these, you can serve pretty much anything.

Alcohol

You don’t need rows and rows of expensive spirits, but a few high-quality bottles will go a long way in ensuring that you can serve guests whatever they want. Here are our picks.

Whisky
For: Whisky Sour, Whisky Spritz
We like: Johnnie Walker Red Label Scotch Whisky

Rum
For: Dark and Stormy and Mojito
We like: Bundaberg Rum Small Batch

Vodka
For: Martini, Vodka Soda, Cosmopolitan, Moscow Mule
We like: Ketel One

Gin
For: Martini, Tom Collins, Negroni, Gin & Tonic, Gimlet
We like: Tanqueray London Dry Gin

Bourbon
For: Manhattan, Old Fashioned
We like: Bulleit Bourbon

Tequila
For: Margarita, Sunrise, Paloma
We like: Don Julio

Mixers

A good selection of mixers gives you the freedom of choice, allowing you to make whatever takes your (or your guests’) fancy. Always keep a bottle of soda water in the fridge, as well as dry vermouth (for Martinis and Negronis) and a bottle of aromatic bitters.

Garnishes

Garnishes will boss out your cocktail concoctions in no time. If you’re having a party, stock up on fresh limes, lemons and oranges, as well as high-quality green olives and a few bunches of mint. Enjoy!

Drink responsibly

This article is sponsored by Diageo.