Bar Tools; the essential tools for every home bar.

Every home bar should be equipped with all the proper tools before you mix your first cocktail. If you don't have the basics you can't and won't impress your friends. Building a home bar might seem like a complicated and potentially expensive undertaking, but it doesn’t have to be. You really just need a few essential tools and ingredients to whip up professional-quality cocktails at home. Most of these items can be inexpensively purchased at a restaurant supply store. As you move forward there will be places to buy fancier items. Remember, half the fun is the paraphernalia.

So in no particular order...

• Jigger or Shot Glass For Measuring Ingredients. Some drinks call for precise measurements so have several on hand.

• Bar Spoon. A long handle spoon for mixing.

• Cocktail Shaker. There are many to choose from, just make sure it's sturdy.

• A Cocktail Strainer.

• A Cocktail Mixing Glass To Serve A Crowd

• A Juicer. Fresh lemon, lime or orange juice should only be used for cocktails that call for them. Never use a mix.

• Reusable Cocktail Picks. If you’re making drinks with olives, fruit or another garnish, you can keep the decoration in place with reusable cocktail picks. Reusable garnish picks look so nice for a cocktail party so get rid of the disposables!

• Ice Bucket. They're practical and look great on a bar.

• Paring knife. For cutting fruit garnishes. Be sure to get a high quality one and keep it well sharpened.

• A small cutting board. Never cut on the counter.

• A Muddler.

• Cocktail Napkins. Practical for absorbing condensation on glasses as well as classy and festive. Presentation is everything!

• Corkscrew. Preferably with a sharp foil cutter.

These are the essentials, for now, in my opinion. There more tools to follow. I will be getting into a discussion and list of the different glasses and liquor for your home bar next.