When entertaining guests, it is essential to have the proper tools of the trade to serve them a variety of drinks. Most folks locate all the necessary bar accessories through an all-in-one bartending set or kit. These usually include a shaker, strainer, measure, tongs, and bar spoon that could fit neatly into a holder. They usually contain all the basics you'd need to create most drinks and may include jiggers, a cocktail shaker with a strainer built in as well as a guide on how to make the most popular drinks.



Other things you should have handy are package of beverage napkins, cocktail straws, and ten to twelve plastic liquor bottles. One set of stainless steel condiment boxes and a bar mat is also optional. Other things like hanging towel holder, straw dispenser, glass rimmer, bar candy, pocket flask and brandy warmer are all necessary facilities for a home built bar.

There are over 20 different types of glasses to serve your drinks. Although this may seem a little ridiculous since we don't all serve 100 different drinks on a regular basis. Some glasses though, like the beer stein, pilsner glass and schooner, are self explanatory as the drink and glass often share the same name and are a very common request. Brandy snifters allow your guests to enjoy both the drink and the aroma of the liquor.

Do note that there are several different wine glasses- white, red, sherry & champaign saucers to accent the many vintages and states. Although champaign flutes are primarily for show, margarita and martini glasses are a must as they are synonymous with the liquor. Highball and regular cocktail tumblers keep all the hard liquor afficionados at bay.

A good standard blender makes all the frappe, margarita and daiquiri drinks possible. Look for one labeled a bar blender, or make sure it's powerful enough to crush ice. A lot of kitchen models aren't up to the job and will burn out easily. It seems quite ironic that in order to get the conversation flowing that you would need a device that blasts so much noise you can't carry on a conversation.

One simple device that has been all but replaced by technology is the corkscrew. Some, costing nearly a hundred dollars appear intimidating by nature. So long as it has a means to remove the foil wrapper and remove the cork with ease, it's a worthwhile accessory. However, even the corkscrew on your Swiss Army Knife would be sufficient--and make you appear more rugged than fancy.

For making Lemon Drops or Cosmopolitans you'll need a muddler. A muddler will mash up fresh fruits to release the full flavor of the drink. Some bartenders find it easier to use one in a shaker with ice, but it may be better to use your muddler first. Muddlers can be used to grind leaves, sugars and bitters for your julep or mojito.