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Everything you need to stock the perfect home bar: tools, glasses, and spirits

As someone who has spent the majority of the last five years testing spirits, wines, and bar essentials, it's safe to say I know a thing or two about building a home bar. Whether that's finding you the best muddler to use (or telling you what a muddler is used for) and rounding up the most versatile spirits for your cocktails, I have even the most inexperienced mixologist covered. From cocktail tools to smooth-sipping spirits, here's everything your home bar or bar cart needs to entertain. Bar tools OXO Steel Single Wall Cocktail Shaker $22.49 This functional cocktail shaker has a cap that also doubles as a jigger — allowing you to measure your pours with ease. It's completely leakproof, for even the most rigorous cocktail shakers, and weighs well under a pound for portability. The parts are easy to separate, too, and won't require you to wrestle them apart after use. Shop Beneno Wine Opener $13.99 (18% off) In a world of electric wine openers, you must be wondering why I'm recommending this option. Well, first off, I've had it for years and it's opened countless bottles of red wine for me — with ease. And also, there's something just satisfying about screwing the corkscrew off yourself — I love hearing the pop when I've finally managed to wrestle it out. This option has a great grip, and I've rarely chipped a cork on the way out. It's also a much more affordable pick compared to electric options. Shop Winco Wooden Muddler $5.69 I'm all about a wooden muddler as they're easy to clean and, in my opinion, are the most durable. I specifically use this option to gently mash fruits (especially berries) for summer cocktails. I like the larger surface area and am fond of how efficiently this can crush any berries without completely mushing them. It's all in the amount of pressure though, so make sure not to be overly aggressive when you're muddling. Shop Ice Bucket with Lid, Ice Tongs, Spoon, and Strainer $27.99 No bar cart or bar setup is complete without an ice bucket and ice tongs. An ice bucket can keep your prosecco or white wines chilled, even outside, and the tongs make it easy to scoop just the right amount of cubes into your glass. You'll also get a scooper and an ice strainer in this set, allowing you to store ice for longer — and say goodbye to that pesky melted water with ease. Shop A Bar Above Premium Bell Jigger $19.15 (13% off) Ever seen bartenders measure out their liquors before they pour it in the shaker? Yep, that's what a jigger is used for. This one offers ten internal measurements, and has a stainless steel finish that makes it durable and long-lasting — it resists rust and corrosion. It's extremely precise, and makes a great bar addition for professional and beginner mixologists alike. Shop KITESSENSU Cocktail Shaker Set $36.99 (26% off) If you don't want the hassle of buying individual tools, this cocktail shaker set has everything you need. You'll get a Martini Shaker, Jigger, Strainer, Mixer Spoon, Muddler, Liquor Pourers, corkscrew, and ice tongs within this set. Plus, a stand to hold them all. I also love that the set comes with an included recipe booklet, perfect for novice mixologists to test their skills. Shop Glasses JoyJolt Spirits Stemless Wine Glasses $17.95 (18% off) A lot of wine aficionados might say you need separate glasses for red and white wines, but if you just don't have the space, stemless wine glasses can work in a pinch. I've owned this set for a while now, and they haven't chipped, even after multiple dishwasher trips. You'll get four glasses in this (I bought two sets) and you can even shop them in fun patterns — Hello Kitty wine glasses, anyone? Shop Martini Glasses Set of 2 $19.98 From espresso martinis to dirty gin martinis, the right glass can truly elevate your drinking experience. This set of two delicate crystal glasses will make you feel like you're running a speakeasy in your living room. It's sturdy, has a comfortable grip, and looks good on a bar cart. It's also dishwasher safe for ease of cleaning. Shop Glaskey Whiskey Glasses Set of 4 $18.99 Yes, you could get the expensive Baccarat tumblers if you've got the cash, but these Amazon dupes will do just fine — and they're literally a fraction of the cost. You'll get four crystal glasses in this set. Each is scratch resistant, and dishwasher safe, and has a simple, elegant look. If for whatever reason your glasses arrive even slightly damaged, the brand will quickly issue you a replacement too. Shop JBHO Champagne Glasses $29.96 Toast to your celebrations with these durable crystal glasses. They're hand-blown, surprisingly durable, and are also dishwasher safe. It's best for champagne and sparkling wines, and holds seven ounces of liquid. Fill it to the brim or use it for a toast, either way these champagne flutes don't disappoint. Shop Vintage Art Deco Nick and Nora Coupe Glasse $49.99 Nick & Nora glasses are not a necessity for your bar cart, but they can be used for a variety of cocktails — including martinis, gimlets, and even champagne. I love the vintage design on these, and friends constantly ask me where I purchased them. I specifically use them to serve Manhattans, but the sky is the limit with what you serve in them. I'd rather you buy this set than spring for martini glasses and champagne flutes, especially if you're short on space. Shop Godinger Highball Drinking Glasses $22.79 Highballs are best used to serve mixed drinks — due to their larger capacity. This clear set is dishwasher safe, durable, and has a thick base, which the brand says adds stability and keeps these glasses from shattering. They can hold up to 14 ounces, and can even double as regular water glasses on days you're not entertaining. Shop Glenfiddich 18 year old Whiskey $158 Slightly pricier than both the more economical 12-year-old, this caramel-toned whiskey is easily a bar cart favorite. Expect notes of ripe fruit, baked apple, and oak. The flavor is deep, full, and warm — for me, it tastes like the first day of fall. Drink it neat or use it to create an old fashioned. Shop Gray Whale Gin $51.99 I love Gray Whale for its botanical flavor, featuring juniper, mint, and lime, amongst others. It pairs really well for a summer-themed martini, and tastes great with a splash of tonic water. I also love that the brand gives back to ocean conservation efforts, and protects the majestic Gray Whale with every purchase. Shop Dobel Atelier: Animales Endémicos $253 Every bottle in this limited edition collection is hand-painted by Oaxacan artisans, featuring bright, vivid, and intricate designs. This option is priced over $200 but it's well worth the price for its unique design, collector's quality, and of course, smooth, full flavor. Expect hints of chocolate, agave, and dried fruits on your tongue, and a subtle finish with a hint of smoky wood. Shop Ron Del Barrilito 3 stars $40.94 There's something about a rum old fashioned that just screams summer to me. Make your own with my favorite rum of choice, Ron del Barrilito. Made in Puerto Rico, this smooth medium-bodied rum features notes of vanilla, almonds, dry fruits, and just a hint of ripe bananas. It's just sweet enough to make it easy to drink, and leaves a lingering smoky finish on your palate long after the drink is done. Shop Del Maguey Vida Mezcal $41.96 For non-mezcal drinkers, Del Maguey is a great intro to the brand. This smoky liquor coats your palate and honestly reminds me of a deep honey and cinnamon blended together — with a hint of that smoky flavor all mezcal comes with. Drink it neat or make a margarita out of it — yes, you can use mezcal to make margaritas too. Shop Dubliner Irish Whiskey $30.84 This no-frills Irish whiskey is just what you'll crave after a long day's work. It's a smooth sip, packed with flavors of honey and smoky peppers. The finish is silky smooth and leaves a taste of sweet fruit wrapped with honey on your palate. As far as well-priced whiskeys go, Dubliner's bourbon cask aged whiskey is up there. Shop Ketel One Vodka $29.97 I'm not much of a vodka drinker, but if I had to pick, it would always be Ketel One. It pairs seamlessly well in a martini, and is silky smooth — making this one of the only vodkas I can truly stomach. It has a crisp, refreshing flavor, and tastes best chilled. Shop Mionetto 'Prestige' Organic Prosecco $13.54 No one does prosecco like Mionetto, and their organic prosecco is my favorite from their Prestige Collection. It has a rich flavor with notes of ripe golden apples, honey, pear, and peach. It's fresh, and the drink of the summer. Layer it in a spritz or sip it by itself. You and your guests won't be disappointed. Shop