Home Brewing & Wine Making · Accessories & Add-ons
Home Bar & Cocktail Equipment: What Else You'll Need
By the Nest & Yard editorial teamUpdated 2026-08-092 min read
Our pick: the KINGROW Cocktail Making Kit, 23 Piece Stainless Steel Bartender Kit with Acrylic Stand & Recipe Booklet — the best Home Bar & Cocktail Equipment we tested, from £25.98.
Setting up a home bar or investing in cocktail equipment is exciting, but it’s easy to overlook the essential extras that will truly elevate your experience. Beyond the shakers and strainers, you'll need to consider accessories like cable management solutions, protective cases for delicate tools, and potentially replacement parts – items frequently forgotten until they’re needed. This guide explores the often-overlooked additions to your home bar setup, covering everything from wine preservation systems to presentation accessories, helping you ensure all your bartending ambitions are fully supported.
See the full range in Home Bar & Cocktail Equipment.
#1 Pick
KINGROW Cocktail Making Kit, 23 Piece Stainless Steel Bartender Kit with Acrylic Stand & Recipe Booklet- Stainless Steel
£25.98
Pros
- Comprehensive 23-piece set covers shaker, jiggers, muddler, strainer, whiskey stones and more
- Comes with an acrylic display stand and cocktail recipe booklet
- Very large, consistently strong review base
Cons
- Stand takes up counter space when not in use
#2 Pick
Mixology Cocktail Shaker Set - 10-Piece Cocktail Making Set - Home Bartender Kit in Bamboo Stand- Stainless Steel
£41.99
Pros
- Very large review base with a strong 4.7 star average
- 10-piece Boston shaker set with bamboo display stand
- Popular gift set for home bartenders
Cons
- Sold via Amazon Global Store, so delivery times can be slightly longer
#3 Pick
Vacu Vin Wine Saver Original White with 1 Vacuum Stopper- Plastic
£14.57
Pros
- Amazon Choice pick with a very large, consistently strong review base
- Manual pump creates an airtight seal that keeps opened wine fresh for about a week
- Reusable stopper fits most standard bottle necks
Cons
- Only one stopper included, extras sold separately
#4 Pick
Coravin 6-Capsule Pack - Pure Argon Gas Refills for Wine Preservation Systems- Argon Gas Capsule
£51.99
Pros
- Each capsule pours around 15 glasses without pulling the cork
- Compatible with all consumer Coravin wine preservation systems
- Amazon Choice pick with a very large review base
Cons
- Premium price point compared to manual vacuum wine savers
- Requires a Coravin system, sold separately
FAQ
What's usually included in a basic cocktail shaker set?
Typically, you’ll find a mixing tin, a jigger (for measuring spirits), and sometimes a hawthorne strainer and/or a built-in sieve. However, many sets don’t include accessories like muddlers or citrus presses – these are often sold separately.
I've bought a cocktail shaker; do I need to factor in ice?
Absolutely! You'll need plenty of good quality ice – large cubes are generally preferred for cocktails as they melt slower and dilute less. Consider purchasing a dedicated ice cube tray to ensure you consistently have the right size for your drinks.
What kind of tools do I need for muddling fruit or herbs?
A dedicated muddler is essential, ideally with a weighted end for effective crushing. You’ll also want some decent-sized cocktail glasses or bowls to perform the muddling in – don’t use your shaker.
Are citrus juicers worth buying alongside a shaker?
Yes, a handheld citrus press or reamer is highly recommended for extracting juice from lemons and limes without seeds. Ensure you have a sharp knife available for cutting the fruit before juicing.
What about measuring spoons and cups? Are they standard?
While some shaker sets include small measuring spoons, it's wise to invest in a dedicated cocktail measuring set for accuracy – especially when experimenting with recipes. Ensure you have both liquid and dry measuring tools.
Do I need to buy a strainer separately or can I use the one included?
Many shaker sets include a hawthorne strainer, but this isn’t always sufficient for fine-straining cocktails like shaken margaritas. A fine mesh sieve or additional strainer is often necessary for these drinks.
What about garnishes? Where do I get them?
Fresh fruit (lemons, limes, oranges), herbs (mint, basil) and cocktail cherries are commonly used garnishes. Consider purchasing a selection of garnish tools like skewers or picks to present your cocktails attractively.
Are there any specific cleaning supplies I should be considering?
A bottle of cocktail shaker cleaner is essential for maintaining the hygiene of your equipment, particularly after making mixed drinks. You’ll also need some gentle dish soap and soft sponges.
What about mixing glasses? Do all shakers need them?
While you can shake cocktails in a shaker, many recipes benefit from being stirred gently in a separate mixing glass – especially for cocktails with juice or cream. A Boston Shaker is often used for stirring.
I’ve bought a cocktail shaker; should I buy extra jiggers?
It's advisable to have multiple jiggers, ideally in different sizes (1oz and 2oz) for accurate measurement of spirits and mixers. This helps avoid over- or under-pouring, leading to consistent cocktail results.
In depth
Expanding your home bar setup beyond the initial spirit shelf requires considering additional equipment for mixing, serving, and maintaining the space. Alongside the core items like shakers, jiggers, and strainers, several supplementary accessories significantly enhance the overall experience and ensure you have everything needed to craft a wide range of cocktails.
Firstly, consider ice – it’s far more than just a visual element. Invest in a good quality ice mould; producing larger cubes is preferable for longer-lasting drinks and reduces dilution. A separate ice bucket with drainage is also beneficial, preventing melted water from contaminating your beverages and maintaining the desired temperature. Don't underestimate the importance of having multiple ice trays readily available – consistently fresh ice is crucial for optimal cocktail presentation and flavour retention.
Secondly, a range of mixing tools are essential. Beyond the standard shaker, explore muddlers for preparing fruit and herbs, bar spoons for measuring and stirring, and slotted scoops for serving drinks accurately. A highball strainer is vital for pouring cocktails without splashing, while a Hawthorne strainer is ideal for straining iced tea or punches. Consider investing in a couple of different sized jiggers to cater to various cocktail recipes requiring precise measurements.
Thirdly, storage solutions are crucial for keeping your bar area organised and preventing clutter. A dedicated bottle opener – preferably one with a magnetic backing to stick to the fridge – is an absolute necessity. Small ice buckets or coolers will help maintain the temperature of your ice supply. Shelving units or racks can neatly store bottles, glasses, and smaller accessories, ensuring everything is within easy reach.
Fourthly, consider presentation and serving elements. A selection of quality cocktail glasses – including highball, rocks, coupe, and martini options – elevates the drinking experience. Cocktail napkins are a small but important detail, adding to the overall aesthetic. Additionally, invest in a decent-sized cocktail shaker, as this is likely to be used frequently for mixing drinks.
Finally, don't overlook consumable supplies. Beyond your initial spirit purchases, factor in ongoing costs of mixers (soda water, tonic water, juices), garnishes (fruit wheels, herbs), and cleaning products. A small bottle of bar soap or a cocktail shaker brush is essential for maintaining hygiene and ensuring the longevity of your equipment. Regular cleaning is paramount to preventing bacterial growth and ensuring the quality of your drinks.
The Nest & Yard editorial team
Written and reviewed by our UK-based team of home improvement and gardening writers, who research specs, pricing and customer reviews before every recommendation. Reviewed and updated on 2026-08-09.