1 of 2

Write now Article Tools

Cocktails in the lounge before dinner anyone? Sound fun? Well, let us get building our home bar ready for a dry martini.

Identify what you're going to use for your bar's base, this could be a corner unit, a traditional sideboard, or even just a little corner in the room, with a table and chairs, preferably bar styled and a cupboard above. Try to inject some glamor in to your bar, with the addition of a few lights. Fairy lights always look wonderful and pretty, but for a little more sophistication try the round bulbed kind. Or, if you're feeling fun, a search on e-bay will show all sorts of lighting possibilities from pink elephants to cacti lights. A mirror on the wall in the bar area will look great, particularly with postcards from your friends on their travels tucked in.

Over the bar, you've got several choices, do you want 70's glamor, in which case go for a couple of cool glitter balls? Or how about kitsch cocktail style, with some pink flamingo's and a blow up cactus? The flamingo's can be put together by downloading pictures, gluing to card, and cutting out the shapes, true make and do style. Finally, you could go for 80's chic, try and get hold of a neon bar sign, or some neon strip lighting to add to your bar area. Very Studio 80's!

Now for the bar accessories, you'll need a cocktail shaker, preferably shiny silver, an ice bucket, for a kitsch version try a vintage pineapple. Add in some mats, some stirrers, again either 80's cool in plain metal, or go full out for the pink elephants! A few little plates, or bowls for those essential slices of lemon and lime, and olives.

Glasses are key to complete the look, you'll need a selection but at least including high ball tumblers, squat tumblers, shot glasses, wine, champagne and classic cocktail glasses at a minimum. A glass collection can be built up over time, so don't worry if you don't have everything to start with.

Finally, the booze, consult your favorite cocktail making kit and stock up. I'd suggest gin, vodka, cassis, Drambuie, whiskey, brandy, tequila and orange liqueur to start. Add in a few bottles of juice, sour mix, tonic, soda water, angostura bitters, and some sodas and you're in business.

Invite your friends over for a first drink to christen your new bar and enjoy!

Learn more about this author, Bev Jenkins.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about How to build a bar in your home?
We want to hear your view. Write now!