10 Bar Essentials You Didn’t Know You Needed

If you’re like me, you’ve got a home bar. One that you’re proud of. And it’s got all the usual tools: a cocktail shaker, bottle and wine openers, a strainer, maybe one of those twisty handled spoons, if you’ve gone all out.

And it works for you. But if you want to add to your bar, and really up the Impressive Factor, then you need to add some essentials that not only perform much needed tasks, but look cool while doing it.

Since I’m always looking for the newest and hottest in bar gear for my home bar, I turned to the only person to ask for these things, Miss Charming. Besides the fact that she’s a master mixologist with 10 books under her bar apron, can whip up the meanest cocktail you’ve ever tipped past your lips, and works with one of the best-stocked bar supplies sites, BarProducts.com, she’s also ridiculously hot. (That’s her pic up top.) So any excuse to call her.

Here is her list of the Top 10 Essentials for Every Guy’s Home Bar. The stuff that would have her impressed when her date offered to fix her a drink after an expensive dinner out. All are available in Miss Charming’s “Master Mixology” section of BarProducts.com, and most are inexpensive enough to fit everyone’s budget. (Some almost embarrassingly inexpensive.) Proving you don’t have to spend a lot to impress. Whether or not she’s had too much to drink…

1. Cap-On®
You know those speed pourers bartenders use to measure out a perfect 3-count pour? Very useful, and very convenient. But at the bar, they go through a few bottles a night. At home, you’re not. (Hopefully.) So you’re going to want to keep the cap on the bottle. Which is where Cap-On comes in.

The world’s first inverted pour spout, simply push a Cap-On® into the bottle, and you can pour a 3-count just like the pros. Much better than glug-glugging. Over pouring. And spilling all over the place during parties. The real beauty is that since it sits flush with the top of the bottle, you can keep the Cap-On® in the bottle, then screw the cap back on. And at only 69 cents a dozen… or just under 6 cents each… you can put one in every bottle, then just toss them out when the bottle’s kicked.

2. V-Rod™
This double ended bottle opener (and bartender life saver), performs double duty. One end opens capped bottles and the other pops off stubborn pour spouts from liquor bottles. (Plus you can recycle the Cap-On® by popping it out with the V-Rod™.) You can also customize a V-Rod™ with any design of your choice at www.logobarproducts.com $7.99.

3. Ice Ball Mold
The hand crafted ice ball craze started in Japan. (And I’ve posted on how hot it is.) Now you can buy an Ice Ball Mold and keep your own collection in the freezer. Besides looking great in a glass, a large ice ball in your cocktails means less water dilution. And that means better drinks. $4.95.

4. Absinthe Fountain & Set Up
Ever since Absinthe became legal again in the US in ’07 with the help of Lucid, this mysterious liquor and its ware has fascinated many. There are many ways to enjoy this once illegal elixir, but the best is from a French designed glass and spoon or a Green Fairy Fountain. Price ranges from $20 – $400 depending on how elaborate you want to get.

5. Cool Tiki Mugs
Tiki Culture was hot in the 1930s, the 1950s, and now it’s hot again. And no bar would be complete without a set of retro-modern tiki mugs. Just promise me you won’t put little umbrellas in them. Prices range from $6-$10 each.

6. Stainless Steel Pineapple Corer
Ever had a colada straight out of a pineapple? There’s nothing better at a poolside barbeque or beach bash. And this corer makes it easy. Just cut the top off a pineapple. Screw the corer into the pineapple, then pull out the meat. You now have a pineapple glass. And can use the meat to make cocktails. $19.95.

7. Artisan 2-piece Shaker and High-End Hawthorne Strainer.
This beautifully curvy 2-piece shaker normally sells for $700 because they make them of sterling silver and silver plate. This one is a brushed stainless steel and is just as beautiful. At only $9.95. (And she’ll never know the difference.) Pairing it with a high-end Hawthorne strainer bumps up your bar status even higher. $16.95.

8. Clear Plastic Jigger
Mixing top level drinks is all about balance. And to do that, you’ve got to pour measured amounts of liquor. That’s where a jigger comes in. But so many jiggers suck. Everyone loves this one. It’s very easy to read and see the measurements. And it also comes in neon colors. Should you have an 80’s theme night… $2.50.

9. Vintage Replica Metal Mesh Glass Siphon
So stunning, yet so functional. It’s most definitely the showpiece and conversation starter for any home bar. Gives a vintage 1930s-40s old Hollywood film feel. And provides fresh sparkling water for your cocktails. $89.00.

10. Black & Tan Turtle
Pure genius. Forget trying to slow pour to make a perfect Black and Tan. Simply set the turtle on top of a glass and pour the stout over his “shell” to layer it on top of lager. Works every time. Plus, it can be used to make any layered concoctions behind your home bar. $6.95.

For more cool, essential and inexpensive bar gear, head over to BarProducts.com