The first step in creating your personal watering hole is selecting the right space, says tableware expert Robert Zollweg of Libbey Inc.

Since people will likely socialize close to this area, pick a spot that’s easily accessible. Most people opt for a bar cart in an inviting corner of the den, dining room or kitchen. But carts can sit low, making drink preparation awkward. A better option for a portable bar might be an armoire, a credenza or a console.

“If you’re starting out, or are creating a bridal registry, think of 12 as the magic number,” suggests Zollweg. “Twelve glasses in each popular drink category will give you a sufficient start. Don’t feel like you have to buy every glass at the same time. You know your tastes as well as your guests’ tastes. Stick with the basics, which will get the most use, then add specialty barware as you see fit.”

A. Wine glass
Red wine glasses have larger bowls than white wine glasses. “The larger bowl lets the wine breathe and allows your nose to experience the wine’s scent,” says Robert Zollweg of Libbey Inc. If neither you nor your guests are frequent wine drinkers, or your budget is limited, a nice all-purpose wine glass is sufficient.
This gives you the flexibility of using one glass for both red and white wines.

B. Highball
This tall, narrow glass is used to serve mixed drinks like rum and cola.

C. Double old-fashioned
A short glass with no stem, either round or square-shaped, in which you serve straight alcohol, like scotch, bourbon or vodka on the rocks. Also known as rocks glasses.

D. Pilsner
Similar to the pint glasses in pubs, but with an elegant curve. Ideal for drinking ales. Beer mugs also would work.

E. Martini
This classic comes in numerous colors, with
various designs, even stemless.

F. Champagne flute
If you’re worried about space, or the delicate stem, try stemless flutes,” says Zollweg. “They are very chic, and like stemless wine glasses, can be used for serving appetizers or desserts.”

G. Brandy snifter
A glass with a short stem and wide foot designed to cradle the bowl in your hand to warm the brandy.

If you’re looking for guidance on stocking a home bar, turn to a favorite bartender. We asked Jeffrey “Smitty” Schmidt, a familiar face behind the bar at M’s Pub in the Old Market, to weigh in on our list.

THE BASICS
Vodka — Select a premium name brand such as Absolut, Skyy, Grey Goose, or Ketel One.

Gin — Invest in a recognized brand like Tanqueray or Bombay Sapphire.

Bourbon and Whiskey — Jack Daniels or Jim Beam will suffice. If you’re willing to put more money toward a bottle, select Maker’s Mark. Scotch, like whiskey, can get expensive. Cutty Sark or Dewar’s White Label blended scotches suit most tastes, Smitty says. Good single malts: Glenlivet
and Glenfiddich.

Tequila — Depends on the drinker. For the sipping crowd, try anejo, resposado or petrone.

Rum — “Everybody likes Bacardi,” Smitty says. Dark rum drinkers will appreciate Goslings Black Seal or Myers. Captain Morgan’s is a safe spice rum choice.

Liqueurs — VSOP Cognac; Baileys Irish Cream or Grand Marnier for after-dinner drinks.

Wine — Skip the fancy bottles unless you know your guests’ tastes, Smitty says. Pick up a midrange cabernet or merlot and a chardonnay, plus a nonalcoholic wine. “You may want to have a couple of nice bottles of wine on hand for special occasions.”

Beer — For a large party, serve domestics and imports and at least one brand of light beer and a nonalcoholic beer.

Mixers — Cola, diet cola, Sprite or 7-Up, ginger ale, tonic water, and club soda.

Juices — Cranberry, grapefruit, pineapple, and orange.

The extras

• Raspberries, peppers and strawberries — “The big trend is to infuse them with vodka. Set them on your bar. That will be impressive,” Smitty says.
• Limes
• Olives
• Coarse salt
• Cointreau
• Lime juice
• Sour mix — Available at most grocery stores in either a bottle or as a powder. Or make your own with lemon juice, sugar and water
• Margarita mix — It beats squeezing limes.

BAR GADGETS AS GIFTS
Quality pieces will avoid the disappointment of inexpensive tools.

• Cocktail shaker
• Corkscrew and bottle stopper
• Ice holder and scoop or tongs
• Jigger
• Coasters
• Bar towels
• Serving tray
• Wineglass charms