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Next, you’ll need to find a location within your home that makes sense for your bar. This can be as small as a dedicated space in your kitchen - counter space or nook in your cabinet - to an area in your den, living room, or patio. Think of wherever makes sense and will be useful to you when entertaining. The next most important considerations are counter height (to ensure a useful workspace - this should be just about at your elbow) and storage. If you’re like me and have a prized glassware collection, you’ll want to find a way to prominently display that. I had the honor to create a dream home bar in partnership with Baccarat, where I utilized the iconic French brand’s stunning glassware and lighting to create a home bar space, ‘Bar L’Orange’, inspired by my book Cocktail Chameleon. I transformed the home’s pantry space between the kitchen and dining room into a fully-functional bar. To show off an array of Baccarat glassware and objects d’art, I removed cabinet doors and applied a mirrored background. But you don’t need to entirely renovate a space - some of these small changes can go a long way in your own home bar. What are the initial steps that you have to take? To begin mixing cocktails at home, you’ll want to start with basic bartending tools and the proper glassware. Five Glassware Essentials Next, consider the glassware as attire for your drink - or the ‘cocktail attire’, if you will. Start with the five essential types of glasses first - you can always add other specialty glasses that you might find necessary, along with some of my favorite versions of each, from Baccarat: Tumblers, Highballs, Wine Glasses, Martini Glasses, Champagne Flutes, and Coupes. Five Best Five Bar Tools After you have collected the proper cocktail ingredients and attire, you will now need basic bar tools to help you create your cocktails. Start with a good quality Cocktail Shaker, Jigger for measuring, Hawthorn Strainer, Bar Spoon, and most importantly a comprehensive cocktail recipe book, such as Cocktail Chameleon. What are the essential liquors, liqueurs, mixers, and garnishes? There are several varieties within each spirit type that will allow you to create a wide range of cocktails for you and your company - Vodka, Gin, Rum, Tequila, and Whiskey (meaning Bourbon, Rye, or Scotch). Liqueurs are generally distilled spirits that are flavored used to add flavor and/or sweetness to your drinks or to enjoy as an after-dinner drink - Triple Sec, Dry Vermouth, Sweet Vermouth (red), an Amaro, a flavored liqueur of your choice (floral, herbal or fruity) To properly make most cocktails, you will need some non-alcoholic ingredients on-hand, at your bar or refrigerator - Club Soda, Tonic Water, Bitters, Simple Syrup, Fresh Juices, Olives, Cocktail Onions, Citrus Fruits, Cocktail Cherries, Salt Rim Mixes. Old Fashioned cocktail in Baccarat Harmonie Tumbler Sazerac in Baccarat Massena Coup