If you’re anything like us, the rise of cocktail culture in America has probably inspired you to construct some form of a home bar. Whether it’s simply a few essential bottles and bitters on a bar cart or an elaborate setup in your basement featuring dozens of bottles of expensive liquor, bitters, tinctures, tools, and glasses, there’s no denying the cocktail renaissance of the early 2000s has given birth to a rise in home mixology.
If you’re looking to level-up your home bar, it’s time to consider purchasing some more elevated bar tools and barware. Specifically, we’re talking about elegant decanters, shakers, jiggers, glasses, and other important items that are a combination of form and function. After all, having the right tools will bring your cocktails to new heights.
Below, you’ll find some of the best examples of elevated, unique, and sleek barware. Each is guaranteed to up your home mixology game and make your home or apartment the place to be for game night, happy hour, and the sports game du jour.
Photo via Sophie Lou Jacobsen
Sophie Lou Jacobsen Fritter Cocktail Mixer
If you want to bring your cocktail game to new heights, this elegant, artistic cocktail mixer goes far beyond the usual, boring mixing glass. First created in 2021, the Fritter series was created in partnership with New York City-based glassblower Grace Whiteside of Sticky Glass. Made of fracture-resistant borosilicate glass, this 20 ounce container has a heavy, colorful base and is the perfect container to mix up your favorite cocktails all year long.
Photo via AllModern
Georg Jensen Sky Barware
If you’re a home mixologist, you’re going to spend a lot of time using a shaker to mix drinks. Sure, you can purchase a classic, stainless steel shaker like you see at most bars. But if you want something a little easier on the eyes, look no further than a set of Georg Jensen Sky Barware. Equal parts functional and artistic, this barware embodies the style of artist Aurélien Barbry. Consisting of uniquely-shaped, mirror-polished stainless steel, the set features a stylish shaker, jigger, and stirrer.
Photo via CB2
Eve Coupe Glasses
If you plan to mix up classic cocktails like the Manhattan, Daiquiri, and Sidecar, you’re going to need some elegant, durable coupe glasses. This short, flat-rimmed coupe glass features a textured appearance. Each glass is hand blown and made from clear soda lime glass. They are 10 ounces, dishwasher safe, and are guaranteed to be a hit with your friends and family.
Photo via Macy's
Alessi Sottsass Corkscrew
There’s nothing exciting about that corkscrew you purchased at the checkout of your local grocery store. The Alessi Sottsass Corkscrew, on the other hand, could be a centerpiece of your home barware collection. Created by legendary Italian designer Ettore Sottsass, it was designed to look like a small totem and features a variety of colors. Made of beechwood, it’s both ergonomic and beautiful.
Photo via CB2
Potion Glass Elixir Bottle
Any mixologist needs a bottle to store his or her tinctures, bitters, simple syrups, and other homemade concoctions. For the elevated mixologist, a good choice is CB2’s stout, retro-styled bottle. Made in Italy, this four ounce bottle features textured clear glass and is topped with a cork stopper and a plastic spigot, making it the perfect choice to add a splash of extra flavor to your favorite cocktails.
Photo via MoMA Design Store
Todo Modo Stacking Glass Tumblers
Nobody wants to drink cocktails out of boring tumblers, right? Well, the cure for bland glasses is this set from Todo Modo. Made in Italy, this set of six comes in a variety of colors and is made with hand-blown soda-lime glass. Best of all, they’re stackable for easy storage. Bring them out and serve your favorite cocktails in these purple, dark blue, light blue, green, orange, and pine tumblers. Your guests will always be delighted to see them.
Photo via CB2
Purcell 5-Piece Gold and Marble Bar Tools
If you only buy one item on this list, make it this timeless and contemporary tool set. Made from stainless steel and finished in a champagne hue, this set features a jigger, bottle opener, strainer, and tongs. Adding to its elegant appearance, it also comes with a Calacatta gold marble base, so you can hang everything up neatly after an evening of mixing drinks.
