Every man knows the best meals always start (and end) — with a stiff drink!
It isn’t just what you serve, but how you serve it.
Make a lasting impression at your next dinner party and turn heads by upgrading your home bar setup with these must-have items for the budding mixologist in your life.
Bar-Tool Set
Legacy - Picnic Time Brand Madison Tabletop Cocktail Set
There are bar sets — and then there are bar sets. Picnic Time Brand’s Legacy set is the latter. Install this beautiful cherry-stained acacia wooden box (aka piece of art) on your countertop and open it to reveal a treasure trove of 19 high-end tools for engineering the best and most sophisticated after-dinner drinks anywhere. With its prop-up lid and pull-out drawer, the Legacy makes a great organizer and sophisticated space-saving storage place for all your bartending needs. The set includes: six cocktail sticks, a cocktail stick caddy, hawthorne strainer, tongs, bar spoon, double-sided jigger, muddler with plastic head, corkscrew, two-piece shaker, paring knife, bottle opener, glass ice bucket with stainless steel handle, mixing glass with pour spout, and marble cutting board. Just look at it.
$328.00
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Cocktail Smoker
Crafthouse Fortessa by Charles Joly Stainless Steel and Glass Smoking Box
Everything changes the moment you start lighting wood chips on fire in your kitchen. Not only will this unique double-sided glass smoker make you look like a total badass in front of your dinner guests, it promises to transform even the most pedestrian old-fashioned into a smoky delicacy. In addition to this slick glass smoking box (pictured here), this set comes with a set of wood chips and a handheld smoker. Just don’t burn the house down in the process!
$298.95
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Crystal Cocktail Glasses
Marquis by Waterford Markham Double Old-Fashion (Set of 4)
Nothing says modern sophistication quite like a set of crystal cocktail glasses. Whether you’re assembling a serious home bar, or just hoping to be taken seriously in conversation, this set of 4 Double Old-Fashion glasses from Markham by Waterford takes the phrase “after-dinner drinks” to a whole new level. Want to go even bougier? Consider ditching that tacky glass liquor bottle in favor of a crystal decanter. Now, we’re talking!
$60.00
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Cocktail recipes
Imbibe!
By David Wondrich
Every man with an appreciation for fine spirits needs at least one of Wondrich’s books on his shelf. This newly updated edition features the famed cocktail historian’s journey through both classic American staples and a smattering of lesser-known drinks. (Personal note: I learned how to make my first Sazerac after reading this book.)
$16.00
Buy NowMore Must-Haves for the Home Bar
Build the ultimate home bar with these practical (and good-looking) essentials.
A sophisticated (and secure) moveable bar cabinet
Safavieh Home Collection Sage Bar Cabinet
When my wife and I lived in the city, we had the coolest silver bar cart in our living room. It was a great feature piece and excellent for entertaining. But, when we had our daughter, we realized that it wasn’t practical, or safe. We needed a self-contained cabinet that we could lock and move away as needed. We love this Safavieh Home Collection Sage Bar Cabinet because it’s easy to move and the classic upholstered and wood styling looks great closed or open.
Pro-tip: Pop a handy child lock on the door to keep your kid from getting to the goods.
$484.00
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A baller crystal decanter for your best whiskey
Waterford Lismore Connoisseur 5-oz. Tumbler Pair with 15.5oz Square Decanter
Your collection of rare and high-end whiskeys is impressive. But, nothing says cocktail sophistication quite like a crystal decanter. If you really want to impress your guests, consider ditching the branded liquor-store bottle and pouring your best high-end sipping spirit (no mixer) into this Waterford Lismore Square Decanter. The accompanying 5-oz. tumblers make a serious statement.
$380.00
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A professional bar knife for twists, garnishes and peels
Hammer Stahl Bar Knife - German High-Carbon Steel
A good bar man can’t do meaningful work absent a quality knife. This one, from German maker Hammer Stahl, is made of high-carbon steel and has a skewer tip, ideal for peeling oranges to garnish your trademark Old Fashioned or spearing olives for those homemade martinis. Every blade is sharpened to a 20-degree bevel angle for precision cuts and the hefty wood and steel handle looks serious and provides needed control and comfort.
