The Only 8 Bar Accessories You Really Need

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Considering exactly how to stock your bar can really open up a can of worms. Do you buy separate glasses for red wine, white wine, and champagne? Do you really need those (super cute) Moscow mule mugs? Which cocktail utensils are essential? And what the heck to do they all do?

We turned to Laurén LaRocca, one half of the party planning, lifestyle blogging duo Twink + Sis, to find out which accessories you really need. Here's what she recommends:

1. A Cocktail Shaker

"Freshly crafted cocktails are truly unparalleled and they really do have a special quality when shaken. It's actually remarkable! Even if you shook up some lemon juice, vodka and simple syrup in a shaker, you'd have a better cocktail than what's served in most bars. Though some shakers are works of art, even the most basic of shakers work great and are relatively inexpensive."

2. A Double Sided Jigger

"The key to efficiently making cocktails (that are also consistent in taste) requires some fairly precise measurement. A small jigger is better than cluttering up your home bar with a measuring cup."

3. A Muddler

"This inexpensive tool can be a real lifesaver when crafting cocktails. Muddlers allow you to mash fruit and herbs right in your shaker for the freshest, no-mess cocktails on the spot."

4. A Really Good Corkscrew

"And when I say corkscrew, I actually mean a wine opener that requires no corkscrewing at all. There are some excellent "luxury corkscrews" on the market these days that can de-cork your wine bottle in 3 seconds (without having to pre-cut the foil). I strongly believe that taking several minutes to serve guests a bottle of wine is a waste of time!"

Katja Cho

5. Stemless Wine Glasses.

"AKA the All-Purpose Glass. Find a medium sized stemless wine glass (or "taster wine glass") and you can serve practically anything in it. It is a great staple for a starter bar. You can serve all types of wine and cocktails in these glasses and they are easier to store then the taller stemmed variety."

6. Sleek And Simple Bottle Opener. 

"For beer drinking guests, it's nice to have a simple bottle opener that they can use themselves, if you are busy shaking up cocktails."

7. A Bar Towel. 

"Little spills are bound to happen so it's great to have a pretty towel ready and on the bar for quick mop-ups."

8.Ice Bucket And Tongs.

"Ice is an essential component in most drinks, so it should be on-hand and easily accessible. I love the sophistication of an ice bucket, but I also like to switch it up and use a pretty bowl sometimes too. Either way, a pretty vessel to hold your ice, and tongs or a scoop to pick it up, will make your delicious drinks refreshing and complete."

From: ELLE Decor US

By Bridget Mallon