HBar, Author at The Ultimate Home Bar

How to Save Money when Building Your Home Bar

Would you like to have your own home bar but you’re on a tight budget? Don’t worry! There are plenty of ways to build and stock your bar without breaking the wallet! Start by looking for cheap home bar furniture online. Get the materials needed to build a home bar, or purchase a ready made bar. Once you’ve completed this step, buy home bar essentials for preparing cocktails and other drinks. Based on your preferences, you can go shopping later for spirits and liquors.

Get the Best Deal on Home Bar Furniture

The first thing you need to do is to buy home bar furniture. If you don’t have a bar yet, purchase the materials and accessories needed to build one. Many websites sell complete home bar solutions that include 3D drawings, DIY keg box guides, blueprints, and books that will save you money and help you avoid many costly mistakes.

Once you decide how your home bar will look like, start searching for materials and decorations. Most furniture stores try to clear out the old stuff in mid-November and the end of May. Look for clearance sales and discounted prices on bar refrigerators, wine racks, liquor cabinets, bar stools, and themed accessories. If you’re lucky, you can get a ready-made home bar for less.

Don’t forget to use the Internet for shopping around and comparing prices. Check out daily deal websites, which may offer vouchers and coupon codes at furniture stores. Visit consignment and thrift stores too. Here you can find gently used bar furniture at a competitive price. From home bar chairs and tables to beer signs, wall art, and vintage posters, there are plenty of items to choose from. Make sure you also check the clearance sections of online furniture stores.

Stock Your Home Bar on a Budget

Once your home bar is ready, you can go shopping for glassware, drinks, and cocktail tools. An assortment of glasses is essential to your bar. You should also have a small supply of cranberry, tomato, and orange juices. Any home bar should have at least one bottle of whiskey, one bottle of bourbon, and one bottle of scotch. Rum, gin, vodka, and tequila are used for preparing most cocktails, so you should keep them on hand. With these ingredients, you can make a wide range of cocktails for every taste. Don’t forget about bartending gadgets! Any home bartender needs a cocktail shaker, a book of cocktail recipes, a muddler, and a stirring spoon.

Best Non-Alcoholic Cocktails That You Should Try at Home

Cocktail & Drink Recipes

There are a few non-alcoholic drinks that any bartender should try. If you spend a lot of time at your home bar, you’re probably looking for new cocktail recipes to impress your friends. Why not try something without alcohol? It could be a nice surprise for your guests, especially if they have kids. Non-alcoholic cocktails can be just as delicious as traditional drinks. Use your creativity to prepare these great cocktail recipes:

Chai Blossom

This summer cocktail has a refreshing taste that will tantalize your senses. It’s made with fresh lime juice, sugar, club soda, and ice. Since it has only 70 calories per serving, it’s ideal for dieters.

Virgin Margarita

If you love classic margarita, you’ll enjoy its alcohol free version too. This flavorful beverage contains freshly squeezed lime, orange, and lemon juice, simple syrup, and ice. Mix all ingredients in a cocktail shaker and then pour into a glass. Garnish with lime wedges.

Shirley Temple

Shirley Temple probably is one of the most popular non-alcoholic cocktails out there. For this drink, you need freshly squeezed lime and lemon juice, grenadine, club soda, ice, and maraschino cherries. Even though you can use store-bought ingredients, it’s recommended to prepare this cocktail with fresh juice.

Strawberry Rouge

If you’re looking for a sophisticated drink with no alcohol, the Strawberry Rouge is a great choice. This cocktail not only looks amazing, but also has a great taste. It is made with strawberries, lime and pineapple juice, basil leaves, aged balsamic vinegar, club soda, sugar or honey, and ice. You can use calorie-free sweetener instead of sugar. Serve the drink in chilled martini glasses and garnish with a few basil leaves.

Cranberry Sparkler

This festive holiday drink looks simply delicious! It’s easy to prepare and has a sweet taste that kids love. The main ingredients are sparkling water, cranberry juice, blackberry puree, and mint for garnish.

Bloody Virgin Bull

Do you love Bloody Marry? Have you ever tried this popular cocktail? Its non-alcoholic version is made with Tabasco sauce, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, tomato juice, beef bouillon, salt, and pepper. Pour lemon juice, tomato juice, and bouillon over ice in a glass. Add salt, pepper, and sauces. Enjoy!

Tuscan Fresco

Many bartenders treat alcohol free cocktails like vegetarian dishes: they simply prepare a drink from the regular menu without using alcohol. Tuscan Fresco is an original non-alcoholic cocktail that will delight your taste buds. It’s made with peach nectar, fresh lemon juice, white cranberry juice, simple syrup, club soda, and rosemary springs. This sophisticated drink will make a lasting impression on your guests.

Pina Colada Recipes for Your Home Bar

Cocktail & Drink Recipes

Pina colada recipes vary from one region to another. This classic tropical cocktail is one of the world’s most popular drinks. It’s usually made with coconut milk, pineapple, and rum, but it can also contain amaretto, bananas, honey, fresh lime juice, and ice cream. Many pina colada recipes are alcohol free. There are dozens of ways to prepare this flavorful cocktail. It’s the perfect drink for your home bar, so you should try it out next time your friends will come over.

Pina Colada Recipes with Alcohol

This rum-based cocktail has a fabulous taste that most people love. It’s usually served with ice and garnished with a maraschino cherry or a pineapple wedge. In 1978, Pina colada has become the official beverage of Puerto Rico. Most bars don’t stock fresh pineapple juice and coconut cream, so you’ll probably end up with coconut rum liqueur and dairy cream. For this reason you should prepare this drink at home using quality ingredients.

Classic pina colada recipes are made with white rum, coconut cream, fresh lime juice, and freshly squeezed pineapple juice. Add all ingredients in a cocktail shaker and blend with ice. Garnish with a cherry. You can also use fresh pineapple chunks, golden rum, light rum, sugar, heavy cream, or honey. Other pina colada recipes include coconut colada, Kingston colada, Don Julio colada, lava flow, amaretto colada, and Staten Island Ferry.

If you enjoy trying new cocktail recipes, make sure you prepare kappa colada. This is a popular alternative to classic pina colada. You will need brandy, coconut cream, vanilla ice cream, fresh or canned pineapple, ice, and a cherry for garnish. Add everything into a blender and mix until smooth. Another delicious recipe is pina colada martini. This summer drink is made with coconut rum, vanilla vodka, pineapple juice, and blue curacao.

Pina Colada Recipes without Alcohol

Alcohol free pina colada recipes are great for children and teens. Piñita colada or virgin piña colada can be made only with pineapple juice, coconut cream, and ice. For extra taste, add ripe bananas, diced fresh pineapple, and ice cream. Garnish with pineapple wedges. This yummy, easy to make tropical drink tastes just like the original. Many bartenders also use brown sugar, unsweetened coconut milk, and vanilla yogurt to add flavor. If you’re a fan of tropical flavors, you’ll enjoy this decadent cocktail. Its amazing taste will make you remember the hot summer days, the beach, and the warm weather.

4 Ways to Save Money on Home Bar Furniture

Home Bar Building

Whether you want to decorate your home bar or build a new one from scratch, there are plenty of ways to save money and get a good deal. You can go shopping online, use coupon codes, or buy home bar furniture at sales prices. Costs may vary from one store to another, so it’s worth shopping around and comparing offers. With careful research, you can save thousands of dollars on home bar stools, wine racks, ice machines, barware and other items.

Here are four simple ways to save money on home bar furniture:

Go Shopping Online

The Internet is the first place where you should look for home bar furniture. Online stores have lower maintenance costs than brick-and-mortar companies, so they sell their products for less. Most merchants offer quality furnishings from top brands and major manufacturers. You can go shopping online anytime, day and night. With a few clicks, customers can browse through thousands of products and place their order within minutes.

For the best deals out there, visit discount shopping sites, online auctions, and private shopping clubs. Don’t forget that most online stores have a separate sales section where you can find designer home bar furniture at a fraction of the price. Compare different models and make a list with your favorite products. Search for those items on multiple sites. Many stores that operate online sell hard-to-find products that aren’t available anywhere else.

Visit Craigslist and eBay

If you don’t mind buying used furniture for your home bar, check out Craigslist and eBay. Many people are selling bars, stools, and bartending gadgets that look like new. The best part is that you can negotiate the price to get a better deal.

Join Shopping Clubs

There are several shopping clubs online that offer home bar furniture at sales prices to their members. Some are free, while others charge an up-front membership fee. Customers who sign up for these offers can save as much as 90 percent on bar furniture and other products.

Go to Outlet Stores

Furniture outlet stores offer some great deals on brand name products, including bar chairs and stools, pool tables, sofas, cocktail carts, TV stands, lighting fixtures, and home bar decorations. Some merchants sell their products online too. You can either go to a local outlet or place your order through the store’s website. Many shops offer free shipping and special discounts. For added savings, go shopping during holiday sales.

How to Choose the Right Bar Stools

Bar Furniture, Bar Stools, Home Bar Designs & Planning

Most home bar owners are overwhelmed by the wide range of chairs and stools on the market. Choosing just one model can be difficult. Should you pick a modern design or buy retro bar stools with colorful prints and classic shapes? Do you need a backless chair or one with arms? What about materials and finishes? Here are a few things to consider when shopping for bar stools:

Decide What Height You Need

Bar stools come in all shapes and sizes. There are counter height stools, bar height stools, hydraulic stools and much more. Most models are 28 to 30 inches in height. Bar stool height is one of the most important things to consider. If you choose a model that is too short, your arms will not rest comfortably on the bar. Make sure you pick one based on the height of the bar or countertop where you want to place it. In general, it is recommended to have at least 10 inches of space between the bottom of the counter and the stool seat.

Think about Your Décor

Once you determine the proper height of the stools, try to figure out what style will match the overall theme and decor of your home bar. Do you want bar stools made of wood, plastic, iron, brushed steel or other materials? Are you interested in buying swivel stools? Where are you going to place the stools? How much space do you have? Would you like a backless stool?

For a modern home bar, look for chairs and stools with leather upholstery. Matching them with furniture you already have in your home is a great idea. Bar stools made of wood are easy to clean and last more. Metal stools can be used in both indoor and outdoor settings. Wrought-iron stools are perfect for outdoor bars because they can stand harsh weather. Stainless steel bar stools are modern and sophisticated. For extra comfort and style, you should choose upholstered stools. These models will add elegance and style to your bar. Plastic stools are extremely popular, featuring bold colors and unique designs. They are ideal for contemporary home bars.

Showcase Your Personal Style

When shopping for bar stools, you should always choose a model that reflects your personality and taste. If you love sports, look for stools and chairs with your favorite team’s logo on the seat. For a more classic style, choose leather bar stools with a sleek design. Swivel stools with armrests and high backs match well with traditional decor.

Cheap Bar Stools Can Be Stylish and Elegant

Bar Furniture, Bar Stools, Home Bar Designs & Planning

Cheap bar stools are available in a wide range of styles, colors, and designs. They often feature intricate details, leather accents, and beautiful decorations that will make your home bar more appealing. Despite their low price, cheap bar stools can be stylish and elegant. Depending on the overall decor of your bar, you can buy a set of chairs or stools made of wood, metal, or plastic. Some models boast walnut finished legs, filled seats, black and white upholstery, wrapped back, and vintage details.

Cheap Bar Stools: How to Choose the Right Model

Before you go shopping for cheap bar stools, assess your space requirements as well as the overall decor of your living room. For most home bars, a set of wood stools will work well. These pieces of furniture will create a casual, relaxed mood. You can choose neutral colors, or look for a bold design to add a splash of color to your bar. Most models are made of wood or metal. Wooden chairs and stools provide a traditional look. Plastic stools are ideal for contemporary home bars. Metal stools are more durable and have a sleek design.

Make sure you know exactly how many stools are necessary for your bar. If you want swivel stools, you need more space. Bar stool heights are usually 28-30 inches from floor to seat. Counter stool heights are 24-26 inches from floor to seat. Allow at least 25 inches of space per stool. Many models come with extra padding and arms that can make sitting in them more comfortable. Some feature a retro design, with fun prints and geometric shapes. Others are specifically designed for outdoor bars, tiki bars, and rustic home bars.

If your home bar is located in the kitchen, consider buying metal stools because they are affordable and easy to clean. They are practical as well as stylish. Some have a sculptural shape and sophisticated decorations; these models are perfect for a modern home bar. Wooden stools match a rustic, country or traditional home bar. There are thousands of cheap bar stools on the market, so you can easily find a model that adds charm and style to your home.

Cheap Bar Stools: Get the Best Deal

Where exactly can you find quality bar stools that won’t break the bank? Before you go to brick-and-mortar stores, look on the Internet. Check out eBay and Amazon. Visit popular furniture stores and search for discounts. Cheap bar stools are easy to find. Many online shops offer inexpensive stools in the sales section. You can also use coupons for extra savings.