Barware Buying Guide
You have the space. You have the bar. You have the spirits. You certainly have the friends. What next? Allow our guide to break down all of your questions about stocking up your bar. We will help you transform your entertaining space into a classy and creative nook, perfect for gathering friends and enjoying your own signature cocktails.
After you have decided what types of drinks 
you will be serving, know that a brilliant presentation starts by using the appropriate drinking glass. Each glass is uniquely shaped to enhance the aroma, carbonation, and flavour of a particular alcohol. With a variety of styles to choose from, select the kind that fits your personality and needs. Make your bar space fun, warm, and welcoming with your unique selections.
Cocktail Glasses
Your bar is stocked with liquor from Absolut to Zima, so why not start serving up those cocktails to your guests in a smart and stylish fashion?
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Martini As the favourite drink of James Bond, martini glasses are often seen in swanky films and tend to carry a feeling of classiness with them. - This glass allows the drinker to hold the stem without touching the cone-shaped bowl on top. This maintains the drink's temperature.
- Popular drinks to be served in this glass:
- Cosmopolitan, Apple Martini, Dirty Martini
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Margarita Perhaps no drink says "Party!" quite like the margarita! Have a salt shaker on hand and get ready to Rumba. - This glass has a distinct shallow and wide-mouthed bowl sitting atop a sturdy stem. The design allows a tart tequila taste to really come through.
- Serve margaritas frozen or on the rocks with a salted brim.
- Try the traditional recipe consisting of tequila, triple sec, and lime juice - or experiment with different fruit flavours!
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Shot The shot glass is responsible for many a hungover morning. - Used to responsibly measure out the proper amount of alcohol to go into a drink. A single shot is approximately 25 mL.
- Also functionable when drinking an alcohol straight with no mixer.
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Old-Fashioned "I'll take that on the rocks." - The Old Fashioned, sometimes called the "lowball" , was designed for drinks that consist of one special liquor served over ice.
- This glass is meant to hold approx. 8-12 fluid ounces of liquor.
- The White Russian can be made in this glass, or go simpler and just shoot some whiskey.
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Highball The Highball is the most flexible glass you can go for. It's a must for any bar. - An average sized tumbler meant to hold drinks with more mixer and less liquor.
- Can be used to serve non-alcoholic drinks to the designated drivers!
- Use the Highball to complete your mix of Jack Daniels and Cola.
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Collins Though most don't know who Tom Collins actually is, we know that this name is associated with a delicious cocktail that gives this glass its fame. - A tall, thin and very versatile tumbler designed to hold drinks containing fruit juices.
- Interchangeable with the Highball!
- Use it for the classic Tom Collins or go for the Amaretto Sour, Mojito, Mai Tai, or Bloody Mary.
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Beer Glasses
There are sure to be some beer lovers in your crowd. Be prepared with options in which to serve your favourite ales and lagers! Studies have shown that once a beer hits the glass, its taste and aroma are completely altered. The shape of glassware will absolutely effect the head development, making or breaking the overall taste.
Need help deciphering and learning the lingo? Check out the Beer Guide and then be ready to impress your guests with your new knowledge.
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Pint The most popular of the pubs for many reasons. - This 16-20 oz. glass has a slight ridge at the top. This makes it easier for stacking and easier for holding.
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Tulip Glass The Tulip glass has a fat lip and strong body. - A stemmed glass where the top pushes out to form the lip. This captures the volatiles of a beer and creates a large bulb for the body.
- The design induces and supports large foamy heads.
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Beer Stein This piece is fun, yet serious. - A mug, or stein, comes with a sturdy body and handle to allow for easier holding - and clinking - of the glass.
- German collectibles are normally stone and feature a lid, dating back to the ages of the Black Plague to keep flies from getting in.
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Pilsner This tall, slender type shows off its inner beauty. - The design of the Pilsner is to display the effervesces and colors of a beer, while allowing it to keep a head
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Wine Glasses
Always have wine glasses in your bar. Be particular and have special glasses available for reds, whites, and champagnes, or stay on a budget and opt for a multi-purpose wine glass.
Learn how to pair wine and cheese, select the perfect wine for you and your guests, and become an instant connoisseur by checking out the Wine Guide.
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Red Wine Glasses Red wine glasses have a full mouth. - The wide bowl allows for the wine to breathe, thus creating a pleasant aroma.
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White Wine Glasses Delicate features for light wines. - The delicate stem and smaller bowl aim to keep a white wine chilled.
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Champagne Flutes Make a toast in style. - Champagne glasses, called Flutes, have a long stem and tall narrow bowl on top.
- The bowl itself retains the carbonation in the beverage for a longer period of time.
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Chic Bar Accessories
Now you may have the better beverage, but take your bar to the next level with fun accessories and entertaining must-haves.
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Cocktail Shaker
Use to shake certain kinds of drinks with ice before serving. This changes the entire composition of a cocktail! - An easy-to-use design is that of the Cobbler Shaker, the most popular kind used in bars.
- Consists of a metal tumbler, tight fitting lid, and a cap to fit over the lid to cover the strainer.
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Ice Bucket
Both bartenders and guests can take advantage of the ice bucket.
- Easily accessible ice to make cocktails for your guests.
- Allows your guests to add a cube or two to their drink if they desire.
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Liquor Dispenser
Have your favourite liquors ready for serving in a fun and practical dispenser.
- Store some of your favourite bottles for easy accessibility.
- Carousel, rotating, or straightforward designs to choose from.
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Straw and Napkin Caddy
An essential in keeping your bar organized and presentable.
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Swizzle Sticks Keep a set or two handy. Your guests will love them.
- Used in drinks that are made right in the glass. The swizzle stick allows for fun and festive stirring.
- Put as much personality as your want into these. With millions of designs and customized tops, the swizzle stick showcases to your guests just what your bar is about.
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Corkscrew Be efficient. - Use a new electric corkscrew or opt for an old-fashioned one to open your bottles of wine with speed and ease.
- Available in many different shapes and sizes, there is sure to be a corkscrew that you find just as aesthetically pleasing as it is easy to use.
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Bottle Opener Because not all beers are twist-caps. - Convenient to keep bar-side when opening bottles with metal tops.
- Be different and go with a bottle opener that builds into the wall of the bar.
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Bar Decoration Give your bar some personality and class. - Have some fun! That's what the bar is for. Decorate!
- Try neon signs with an appropriate wattage, or investigate some vintage beer signs for an old pub feel.
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External Links
- BeerAdvocate.com - Provides the latest in beer tastings, trends, and news.
- DrinkBoy.com - Features cocktail recipes, articles, and a liquor guide.
- DrinkNation.com- Investigate further information on cocktail glassware and its purposes.
- DrunkDrinks.com- Further details on necessary barware, along with bar tending information.
