The complete home bar barware checklist

Want to stock your home bar with all of the equipment and glassware you may need to prepare any drink? A properly stocked bar makes guests feel comfortable and at home and lets the bartender see to their every need. Use this checklist to make sure your bar has all the right stuff.

GLASSWARE

Shot glasses: Shot glasses are used to serve a 'shot', usually an ounce of a single liquor.

Highball glasses: Highballs are tall drinking glasses, often used for sodas or mixed drinks. They generally hold from 12 to 16 ounces.

Double old fashioned glasses: These low and wide drink glasses usually hold about 12 ounces and are used for mixed drinks.

Brandy snifters: The large bowls of brandy snifters are ideal for savoring brandy or cognac.

Pilsner glasses or beer mugs: Pilsner glasses and beer mugs are the perfect size to hold a tall, cold one.

Martini glasses: Martini glasses are wide-rimmed stems used to serve martinis and other cocktails.

Margarita glasses: These attractive glasses are generally used to serve margaritas, but can be used to serve any blended drinks.

Mugs or heat-safe glasses: For guests who want a cup of coffee, it is important to stock either mugs or glasses that are safe when exposed to hot beverages. Use these for serving Irish coffee and other alcoholic coffee drinks, too.

APPLIANCES

Blender: A blender is a must-have for making frothy, blended drinks. A good blender can also be used to crush ice. Make sure your blender has a powerful motor that can keep those margaritas flowing.

TOOLS AND UTENSILS

Bottle opener: Pop off those beer bottle lids with a handy bottle opener.

Cocktail shaker: Cocktail shakers are available in a variety of sizes and shapes, but make sure your shaker will hold enough to prep drinks for two. For entertaining large groups, two or three shakers are probably de rigeur.

Zester: A zester is used to remove small sections of lemon or lime peel from the whole fruit.

Strainer: A strainer is used for preparing drinks that are mixed with ice to chill them, then strained. The strainer often has a handle attached to a stainless steel spring. It can also be used to remove pits or chunks of fruit.

Jigger: A jigger has two sides for measuring alcohol for drinks. Generally one side provides a one ounce measure and the other side holds one and a half or two ounces.

Knife: Keep a paring knife handy for preparing garnishes.

Corkscrew: There are many types of corkscrews, but all of the varieties have the same basic function - removing corks from wine bottles.

Foil cutter: A foil cutter easily helps remove the foil from wind bottles.

MISCELLANEOUS

Straws: A box of disposable straws will help guests slurp their drinks.

Stirrers: Keep stirrers handy for coffee drinkers and aficionados of unmixed drinks.

Bar towels: Bar or dish towels are invaluable for drying freshly washed glassware and mopping up spills.

Garnish bowls: Keep your olives, twists and cherries handy in small glass bowls.

Snack bowls and snacks: Keep munchies handy in small bowls on the bar.

Wine coaster: a wine coaster is placed under a wine bottle to catch drips and to prevent rings on furniture.

Cocktail napkins: Prevent those pesky rings on the bar and catch little drips by placing each drink on a cocktail napkin. Coasters can also be used, but they aren't nearly as good for sending a phone number home with a potential date.

Serving tray: A tray helps deliver beverages and snacks to guests with finesse and speed.

Ice bucket: An ice bucket keeps cubed ice convenient. Insulated ice buckets keep ice frozen longer.

Wine chiller: A wine chiller helps keep a bottle of wine cold by insulating it.

Bartending guide: Keep a reference of bar recipes handy for those unusual requests.