New Year, New Bar: Build Your Bar with These Essential Accessories

Every year, I participate in at least a partial Dry January ritual. Some years I go totally sans-alcohol, and other years, I cut back to just once a week. It’s a great time to stop, reset, and refocus on the spirits that brought me joy and find the bottles that would be worth sharing with others.

But, one of my favorite things to do as I take part in Dry January is taking stock of my accessories. Did I make more shaken drinks and need a fresh Boston Shaker? Or did I end up drinking more old fashioneds and can use a new tumbler or two? Whatever the case, if you want to join in this tradition with me, here are some of the essentials I love for this year!

EXQUISITE GLASSWARE

One of the most important bar accessories is glassware. While you can use any vessel for your drinks, why not elevate your old fashioned with this stunning Dartington Rocks Glass set? For drinks served up, the Waterford Mixology Circon Coupe has been on my wishlist for months now. The coupe will add the perfect touch to cocktails with a simple garnish, like a Martini or Manhattan.

For sipping, I am looking forward to purchasing these Waterford HiBalls. The glasses are excellent for gin and tonics and other cocktails as well!

If you are also looking for an elevated whisky-drinking experience, then these Glencairns are the sophisticated touch you need. Beautiful yet functional, these glasses are shaped to funnel the whisky aromatics into your nose, allowing you to taste more flavorful notes from your favorite single malt.

Speaking of versatility, ReserveBar’s Bar Tumblers are a must for every bar! They are ideal for everything from wine to cocktails. And, unlike many crystal glasses, these are dishwasher safe, making them one of the glasses I reach for the most.

KEEP IT COOL WITH ICE ACCESSORIES

Like most bar enthusiasts, I have become obsessed with creating perfectly shaped ice cubes and beautiful spheres to elevate my cocktail drinking experience. One of my new favorite ways to prepare a luxe old fashioned is to use an Ice Ball Press to handcraft a flawless round sphere for each drink. The kit comes with everything you need, including four cups specifically designed for freezing the correct amount of water. Just place the ice in the press, craft your cocktail, and then use the tongs to place the sphere in the drink, et voilà; you have prepared a mixologist-worthy cocktail!

If cubes are more your style, then the Osleek Whiskey Stones are essential. The gold stones are my personal favorite, as they add a sophisticated flair to my whisky drinking experience. I also tend to add a stone or two to my white wine to keep it chilled without compromising the flavors!

Do you prefer the standard ice cubes but want a more elevated way to style them on your home bar? Then I recommend getting a crystal ice bucket — like this gorgeous ReserveBar Ice Bucket. There are several other options to suit your bar aesthetic, all elegantly designed to add a functional yet beautiful replacement to the ice bucket that came installed with your refrigerator.

BARWARE FOR BOTH SHAKING AND STIRRING

No bar is complete without the basics. Luckily, you can stock your bar with everything you need to make an immaculately shaken drink with this Boston Shaker Kit. It includes a Boston Shaker, muddler, jigger, Hawthorn Strainer, bar spoon, and tongs, giving you the ability to mix up everything from a mojito to a whiskey sour.

If you prefer to elevate your accessories for at-home mixology, then this Smoking Kit is a must-have. The aromatic smoking blocks will add a touch of flavor (not to mention flare) to your cocktails, perfect for celebratory gatherings. With no glass cloches to break, simply light the smoking block of your choice and set your glass on top of it to capture the aromas and elevate your Negronis, Old Fashioneds, and more.

While it may not be for cocktails, this Coravin Pivot is one of my favorite purchases this year. My family loves wine, but it can be difficult to drink through an entire bottle in one sitting. This tool allows you to extend the shelf life of your wine for up to four weeks. No more pouring out perfectly good vino!

Whether you choose to partake in Dry January or not, these accessories are essential for any home bartender. Starting a new year seems like the ideal time to stock up on the tools you’ll need to wow your friends and family while helping you step up your mixology game!