How do I set up a home bar in a small apartment?

Skip the bar cart and use a dedicated kitchen shelf or cabinet section. A vertical approach works best: mount a small shelf for bottles, use a drawer organizer for tools, and keep glassware in existing cabinet space. A rolling kitchen cart with two shelves doubles as a bar cart when entertaining and tucks away when not needed. The key is keeping spirits, tools, and glassware in one location rather than scattered across the kitchen.

What glassware do I actually need for a home bar?

Four types cover 95% of cocktails: rocks glasses (Old Fashioned, Negroni, Whiskey Sour), coupe glasses (Martini, Manhattan, Daiquiri), highball glasses (Gin & Tonic, Mojito, Paloma), and wine glasses (which double for spritz drinks). Buy four of each for $60-80 total. Skip specialty glasses like hurricane, tiki, and shot glasses until you specifically need them. Quality matters more than quantity — a well-made rocks glass elevates the drinking experience.

Best Home Bar Tools 2026