The home bar: gorgeous glassware essentials
Home bar glassware to shake, stir and sip in style
Lift your spirits with a home bar upgrade and get your glassware in order. The dark nights are upon us and outdoor drinking in a pub or restaurant garden has limited appeal once the temperature drops.
If you haven't done so already, it's a good time to give your glassware an overhaul, particularly before the festive season gets underway.
It's easy to make do at home, but why sip your Hendricks from an old tumbler, when you can enjoy a G&T in a big, beautiful, balloon shaped gin glass with all the botanical trimmings.
Drinking from the 'right' glass isn't just an affectation, top glass brands claim the shapes are designed so that certain flavours hit specific taste buds. So Pinot Noir in a Burgundy glass will actually taste better.
Flutes, coupes, tumblers, highballs and more, we've got it covered, so elevate your home bar experience with this gorgeous glassware.
Read more: The Christmas events that ARE going ahead in 2020
THE SAUCER
Not just for champagne, Holly Tudor, Cocktail Development at The Alchemist says, 'Wide saucers pair amazingly well with an after dinner classic like the espresso martini. A glass that is ultra modern will add a touch of elegance to your home bar, and will stand out on those special cocktail occasions.'
Be The First To Know
The Livingetc newsletter is your shortcut to the now and the next in home design. Subscribe today to receive a stunning free 200-page book of the best homes from around the world.
To make an espresso martini at home Holly says 'Add 30ml of vodka (or dark rum if you fancy a twist) 15ml of coffee liqueur, 10ml of sugar syrup and 1 shot of fresh espresso to a cocktail shaker and shake hard for 15 seconds or until condensations forms on the outside of the shaker. Fine strain into your cocktail saucer and garnish with espresso beans.'
THE HIGH BALL
Ripple effect highball glasses will add a touch of flair to your home bar experience. Holly says, 'A tall glass shape lends itself really well for putting a slightly different spin on a refreshing drink such as the Paloma.'
According to Holly. Shake your own with 45ml of Tequila, 15ml of lime juice, 40ml of grapefruit juice and 2 tsp of agave to a cocktail shaker and fill with cubed ice. Shake for 15 seconds or until condensation forms on the outside of the shaker. Strain into your wine glass over cubed ice and top with soda. To finish, garnish with a squeeze of pink grapefruit.
THE MARTINI GLASS
For a simple yet elegant home bar evening, pair a beautiful martini glass with a classic cocktail. The long stems of martini glasses will keep your drink colder for longer - resulting in a sophisticated yet practical glass for your evening tipple.
THE LARGE WINE GLASS
Choosing a glass for a spritzer doesn’t need to take a lot of thought, you can use the same wine glass you usually use for your Sauvignon. However, you’ll want to make sure there’s enough room in there for ample wine and soda - plus Aperol and Prosecco, if you're still dreaming of summer.
THE HEAVY BASED TUMBLER
A heavy based tumbler is your best bet when it comes to sipping whiskey, vodka or any other spirits on the rocks.
Holly says. 'Whiskey glasses are perfect for one of the oldest cocktails going, the Old Fashioned.'
Mix up one yourself 'Add 2 tsp of demerara sugar and 1 dash of bitters to the bottom of your glass and stir to combine. Add an orange zest, 15ml of woodford and 2 cubes of ice. Stir to dilute and add another 15ml of woodford and 2 more ice cubes. Repeat this another 2 times until your Old fashioned is diluted to your taste. Top with more cubed ice and garnish with an orange zest.'
THE FLUTE AND COUPE
Champagne, Prosecco, Cava or English Sparkling wine; whatever your choice of fizz, serving it in an elegant flute will add to the sense of celebration, as you can see the bubbles shoot to the surface.
Of course, the coupe has become popular again, and looks both elegant and decadent, but drinks are easily spilt, so best for those who remain well behaved after a glass or two.
THE BALLOON GLASS
It's not our imagination, a G&T really does taste better in a beautiful big balloon glass. For one there's ample room for plenty of ice to keep the drink cool - and the big bowl shape let's those botanicals breathe and land on your palette just where they're going to taste best.
See these home bar ideas from Jonathan Adler
Jacky Parker is a London-based freelance journalist and content creator, specialising in interiors, travel and food. From buying guides and real home case studies to shopping and news pages, she produces a wide range of features for national magazines and SEO content for websites
A long-time contributor to Livingetc, as a member of the team, she regularly reports on the latest trends, speaking to experts and discovering the latest tips. Jacky has also written for other publications such as Homes and Gardens, Ideal Home, Red, Grand Designs, Sunday Times Style and AD, Country Homes and Interiors and ELLE Decoration.
-
This Colorful London Home Looks Even More Magical Decorated for Christmas
Designer Cat Dal imbued this Victorian villa in London with a sense of 'solace' — a feeling perfect for Christmas but that doesn’t end there
By Pip Rich Published
-
9 Amazon Home Scents That Smell So Much More Expensive Than They Are
Because who doesn't love a delicious-smelling home on a budget?
By Brigid Kennedy Published
-
Christmas tree care – how to keep your Christmas tree alive and top tips for buying the best spruce
Follow these tips and your Christmas tree won't droop too soon...
By Jacky Parker Last updated
-
How to achieve beautiful paint finishes according to interior designer, Nicola Harding
Beautiful paint finishes transform a room and are easier than you think
By Livingetc Last updated
-
Decluttering tips from the home organisers at Maison Haven
Decluttering your home will get you ready for a fresh start
By Livingetc Last updated
-
Christmas tree recycling: what are the options?
Christmas tree recycling - 7 alternatives after 12th night
By Jacky Parker Published
-
This architect-designed holiday home offers the perfect English country escape
Making last-minute travel plans and looking for somewhere chic and private to stay? This architect-designed home is a short drive from London, and features a heated outdoor pool with gorgeous views over the surrounding English countryside...
By Lotte Brouwer Published
-
5 beautiful 'fakation' destinations that will feel like you went abroad this summer
Staycations that could easily be mistaken for a veritable European hotspot...
By Ruth Doherty Published
-
This breathtaking Santorini hotel has just been named the best in Europe
And with those epic views and stylish interiors, it's not hard to see why
By Ruth Doherty Published
-
Stylish Face Coverings You'll Be Happy To Hide Behind
Wear masks, love others....
By Lotte Brouwer Published