Enjoying delicious drinks while out or at home is embedded in Caribbean culture. There are many options for alcohol-infused beverages and non-alcoholic blends. If you host often, plan on testing your mixology skills, or want to start a mini bar at home, this is your sign. We have the essentials you will need for your home bar.

Four things you’ll need to set up your home mini bar

Tools: Many bar tools and gadgets exist, but focus on a few essentials. Start with a bottle opener, a corkscrew, a cocktail strainer, a jigger, a cocktail shaker, ice molds, a knife, a muddler, a peeler, tongs, and a cutting board.

Glassware: You don’t need to stock up on glassware for your bar unless you want to. If you are on a tight budget, get coupe glasses (champagne coupe) for frozen drinks, margaritas, and martini cocktails, rock glasses (tumblers) for mixed or neat drinks, and Collins glasses (highball glass) for sparkling cocktails and long drinks.

A bar cabinet or cart: You’ll need somewhere to store and display your liquor and bar collection. You might have a built-in bar space or a repurposed bookshelf you can use. If you need a bar cart or cabinet, find a suitable spot inside your home and take measurements. Then, visit a local hardware, furniture, or home store to choose what suits you.

Alcohol: You don’t need an extensive selection of alcohol right away. Start small and gradually expand your collection by adding more bottles over time. Begin with spirits such as rum, vodka, gin, tequila, mixers, and wines you enjoy or plan to use for making cocktails.

What else should you know?

Having a bar at home provides convenience and helps you save money. The spirits in your collection can last a long time if stored properly. Get a cocktail recipe book to practice making different drink recipes. If you wish, you can also get accessories and garnishes to decorate your drink creations.

If you’re looking for businesses that sell bar tools, glassware, and alcohol, visit Find Yello. You can also visit for bars, lounges, or restaurants in the Cayman Islands where you can meet bartenders and try new beverages you might want to recreate at home.

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Sources: In the Bar, Oak and Eden, All Recipes, and Behind the Bar.

By Carolyn Lee

Content Features Writer, Yello Media Group