Bar Essentials Buying Guide

Bar Equipment

From beer dispensers to underbar sinks, having the proper tools on hand will help you create the perfect drinks every time. Proper storage of signature brews, mixes, and ingredients is crucial to maintaining the quality of your offerings. Additionally, utilizing the right back-of-house appliances will keep your glassware and hand tools in top condition. To get you started, we've outlined the most essential bar equipment you'll need:

• Back bar coolers: Back bar coolers store bottled and canned drinks, keeping them at an ideal serving temperature. Choose between coolers with sliding or swing doors, as well as coolers that go below the counter or reach counter height.
• Beer dispensers: Also known as kegerators, these appliances keep your beer at the perfect temperature and help prevent waste and spillage. Browse a range of kegerator sizes and configurations, including units with different compressor locations, numbers of taps, and dimensions to find the perfect fit for your setup.
• Ice machines and bins: Keeping your drinks cold is crucial, and having a reliable ice machine and bin is key. Look for an ice machine that can produce enough ice to keep up with demand, and an ice bin that can hold the right amount of ice without taking up too much space.
• Underbar sinks: Underbar sinks are used for washing glasses and utensils and are crucial to maintaining a clean and efficient bar. Look for a sink that is durable, easy to clean, and has plenty of space for all your washing needs.
• Glass washers: Keeping your glasses clean and sparkling is important for both presentation and hygiene. A glass washer can make this task much easier and more efficient, allowing you to clean glasses quickly and easily and give your staff the confidence that every drink is prepared using sanitary glassware.
• Glass rinsers: Glass rinsers are specialized tools meant for rinsing out cocktail shakers in between drinks, or quickly rinising a glass before pouring a beverage. They make sure every glass you use is freshly cleaned. Even if you ran them through the glass washer, certain glasses can accumulate dust and debris during storage or transport, and rinsing them provides customers with peace of mind that every glass is as fresh as possible.
• Blenders: If you plan on serving frozen drinks or cocktails, a blender is a necessity for your bar. Invest in a high-quality blender that can handle heavy use and has enough power to blend the ingredients with professional consistency. If you're preparing drinks in the front of house, you can even choose blenders with sound enclosures to reduce noise.
• Portable bars: If you're providing alcohol catering or moving your beverage service to a different location, portable bars are critical. These mobile bartending areas can be transported to different locations and easily moved throughout a space so that you can achieve the perfect setup, no matter where you're serving.
• Glass storage racks: Glass racks are specialized storage options are designed to hold various types of glassware, providing a dedicated space to arrange clean glasses as needed. They also keep delicate glasses protected to reduce the risk of shattering and can be used to transport drinkware throughout your facility or to a different location.
• Coffee equipment: Coffee equipment, such as commercial coffee brewers and barista tools, are essential for any establishment looking to serve popular drinks like an espresso martini. These tools enable you to prepare fresh coffee on the spot, meeting customer demand and expanding your menu offerings.
• Glass chillers and fosters: Glass chillers are specifically designed to rapidly cool glassware, improving the overall presentation of your beverages. By cooling glasses to the ideal serving temperature, glass chillers facilitate quick and convenient drink preparation.
• Point of sale equipment: Reliable point of sale equipment, such as cash registers, plays a vital role in managing orders accurately and ensuring that customers are charged correctly. Whether guests are closing out a tab or paying with cash, having dependable POS equipment is essential to keep your business running smoothly. Additionally, to enhance your bar's payment experience, consider stocking up on essential accessories like receipt paper and receipt printers.

Bar Glassware

Bar glassware is not just about presentation; it also influences how your beverages taste. The shape and size of each glass can significantly impact aeration, oxidation, and aroma, ultimately affecting the enjoyment of a drink. When selecting bar glassware, consider the drinks on your menu and how you wish to present them. Whether you serve classic cocktails, craft beer, fine wine, or specialty drinks, having the right glassware can elevate the presentation and enhance the taste of each beverage.

• Cocktail glasses: Whether you're serving up a classic martini or a trendy craft cocktail, having a variety of cocktail glasses is a must. From martini glasses to hurricane glasses, there are endless eye-catching options to create a memorable presentation.
• Shot glasses: Perfect for serving shots or measuring out small amounts of liquor, shot glasses are a bar staple. Stock up on durable shooters and shot glasses to help your customers celebrate and unwind.
• Beer glasses: There's nothing quite like enjoying a cold beer out of the proper glass. Pint glasses, steins, and mugs are just a few types of beer glasses that you can add to your bar and pair with the appropriate beer.
• Wine glasses: Wine lovers know that the right glass can make all the difference. From red wine glasses to white wine glasses, having a variety of wine glasses options allows you to offer a proper wine service.
• Whiskey glasses: For those who enjoy a good whiskey, having a proper whiskey glass is a must. From traditional rocks glasses to trendy snifters, there are plenty of options to choose from.
• Metal beverageware: Stainless steel tumblers and copper mugs are becoming increasingly popular in bars. These durable and stylish options are perfect for serving up cocktails like Moscow mules.
• Reusable plastic beverageware: For outdoor bars or establishments that want to limit breakage, reusable plastic beverageware is a great option. These glasses are durable, dishwasher safe, and come in a variety of styles to match any outdoor event.
• Pitchers: Pitchers are designed to hold large quantities of beer, water, or mixed drinks, making them perfect for serving groups of guests. Whether you're serving up refreshing water, ice-cold beer, or specialty cocktails, pitchers provide a practical solution for serving drinks in larger quantities.

Bartending Tools

When it comes to running a successful bar, having the right bartending tools is crucial. These tools not only help your staff craft drinks with precision and consistency but also contribute to keeping your bar area organized and efficient. By equipping your bar with these essential bartending tools and fixtures, you can enhance the efficiency of your operations and ensure that your guests are served with speed and precision.

• Cocktail prep supplies: Invest in foundational cocktail tools to create perfectly mixed drinks, like shakers, strainers, jiggers, liquor pourers, and condiment bars. These tools help your staff achieve the perfect consistency and blend of flavors, ensuring every drink is prepared with professional consistency.
• Bottle service supplies: If you offer bottled drinks or a wine service at your bar, you'll need supplies like bottle openers and corkscrews, wine buckets, decanters, and wine stoppers. Not only do they add an extra layer of elegance to the experience, but they also keep your wines in the right conditions for serving.
• Bar mats: Bar mats are essential for keeping your bar clean and organized. They help to catch spills and drips, and they also provide a non-slip surface for your bartenders.
• Bar caddies: Available in multiple materials and configurations, bar caddies are perfect for organizing your bar supplies. Stock your caddies with drink stirrers, napkins, garnish picks, straws, and drink umbrellas.
• Bar utensils: Help your bartenders work more efficiently with durable and reliable bar utensils. Create an eye-catching drink menu by using bar spoons, cocktail stirrers, glass rimmers, and whisks. Use bar knives, zesters, and muddlers to prepare flavorful garnishes for your cocktails.
• Speed rails: Speed rails are great for keeping your most commonly used liquors within easy reach. Attach a speed rack to your bar to hold several bottles at once and prepare best-selling well drinks for your customers.
• Beverage disposables: When it comes to beverage service at catered events or on-site alcohol service, disposable beverage supplies offer convenience and versatility. Disposable plastic cocktail glasses offer a stylish barware solution that is easy to dispose of at the end of the night. To enhance the serving experience further, stock up on straws, stir sticks, and cocktail napkins.
• Cocktail smokers: Enhance the presentation of your cocktails with the addition of a cocktail smoker, also known as a smoke gun. These innovative tools generate a thin layer of cool smoke that can be infused into drinks to elevate their overall appearance.

Bar Ingredients and Garnishes

Ingredients and garnishes play a pivotal role in elevating the quality of your cocktails. The perfect blend of flavors and decorative accents can transform any drink, regardless of its complexity. To ensure the success of your bar and craft a stellar menu, it is essential to offer a diverse array of options, ranging from drink mixes to concentrated flavors. By carefully selecting and utilizing a diverse range of bar ingredients and garnishes, you can create cocktails that not only taste exceptional but also captivate your customers with their visual appeal.

• Drink mixes: Whether you're making classic cocktails or creating your own signature drinks, having a variety of drink mixes on hand will make your job easier. These pre-made mixes reduce prep time and lessen the burden on your bartending staff, allowing them to fulfil orders faster.
• Flavoring syrups: Adding a flavored syrup to a cocktail can take it from ordinary to extraordinary. Using just a small amount of these concentrated flavors, you can add classic cocktail taste or bold new flavor combinations to your menu.
• Rimming salt and sugar: Rimmed glasses are a popular way to add flavor and texture to cocktails, especially margaritas or tropical drinks. They are easy to apply, adding an extra bit of detail to any drink.
• Soda and juice: Having a variety of sodas and juices on hand is a must for any bar. Not only are they essential for making mixed drinks, but they're also great for customers who prefer non-alcoholic beverages.
• Drink garnishes: Cocktail garnishes add a pop of color and flavor to any drink. They come in different forms, from olives and cherries to meat straws and edible flowers.
• Bitters and concentrated flavors: Adding a few drops of cocktail bitters and concentrated flavors can completely change the flavor profile of a drink. Use them for menu staples like an Old Fashioned, Negroni, or Trinidad Sour, or concoct a new recipe to feature them.
• Bar foods: When it comes to running a successful bar, serving great drinks is only half the battle. Customers may also expect delicious and satisfying food options to go along with their beverages. Bar snacks, appetizers, and entrees help you build out your menu, enticing patrons to sit in casual, quick-service areas and extending their stay.

Bar Furniture

The right mix of furniture and fixtures will pull your bar together, offering enough seating and table space for guests to feel comfortable. The perfect layout improves the flow of foot traffic, reducing crowding during your busiest hours. Strategic placement of high-top tables, bar stools, and lounge seating can enhance the overall ambiance and encourage patrons to stay longer. Whether you prefer a sleek and modern look or a more traditional feel, selecting furniture that complements your bar's design will help set the right mood and atmosphere as patrons enter your space.

• Bar stools: Comfortable seating is a must for any bar, and bar stools are the classic choice. Look for stools that are sturdy and easy to clean, with a height that matches your bar top.
• Bar tables: If you have the space, adding a few bar tables can provide additional seating and create a more social atmosphere. Take measurements before purchasing to verify your tables are the right height for your bar stools, and that they fit the overall style of your bar.
• Restaurant seating: If your bar is part of a larger restaurant or space, you'll need to consider the seating options for your diners as well. Booths and tables are the most common choices, but you can also look into more unique options like communal tables or outdoor seating.
• Game room supplies: Game room supplies offer a way for guests to keep themselves busy. When it comes to outfitting your bar with game room supplies, consider indoor options like pool tables, foosball tables, or air hockey tables. For outdoor spaces, consider adding cornhole sets to your inventory.
• Outdoor furniture: Whether you operate in a warm climate year-round or are preparing for the summer months, investing in outdoor furniture allows you to design a functional and aesthetically pleasing outdoor area. Choose between outdoor seating options for large groups, umbrellas and canopies to provide shade, or patio heaters to keep guests comfortable when the weather cools down.
• Commercial decor: No bar is complete without the proper commercial decor. Shop from decorative accents for tabletops, lighting fixtures, and candles to set the mood just right. Consider LED and neon signs to grab people's attention, and mirrors, wall art, or decorative plants to pull your space together.

The beverage industry is fast-paced and constantly evolving, so whether you operate a busy bar downtown or a restaurant that offers mixed drinks and craft beers, the right supplies can set you up for success. Back-of-house equipment helps you fulfil orders and prep drinks faster, while front-of-house decor and furniture provides an inviting space for guests. No matter what your professional goals, it's important to familiarize yourself with must-have bar essentials to set your business up for success.