Just like everything else in life, if you invest a little attention to detail into your home bar, your guests will embrace your home as one of their favorite places to relax, refresh and ring in every occasion. Just in time for the holidays, we’ve put together a list of ways to really up your bar game. With a little bit of effort, your home bar will be your friends go-to spot for a little extra extravagance.

Boast an abundance of beverage options

Fill your beverage selection with variety so that each and every guest feels like they got a unique experience from you, the master mixologist. Try to have a combination of every major type of liquor: Vodka, Tequila, Rum, Whiskey, Scotch, Brandy and Gin, and take it up a notch with varieties of each type. If you really want to go over the top, have an extra special, aged, option that very few people have ever tried. Give guests the experience of being somewhere and experiencing something new. Also, make it your mission to master a classic cocktail such as a fabulous French 75 and have it ready for guests who request you make them something extra special.

Impress with Great Glassware

Every outstanding bartender knows not every cocktail reaches its top potential in a standard rocks glass. For example, invest in copper mugs for Moscow Mules and know the difference between pints, mugs and tulips.

Invest in ALL of the accouterments

It’s all about the details – from blue-cheese stuffed olives to mint, to lemon twists and Luxardo Cherries. Make your guests feel extra special by visually making each drink stand out from the others.

Up Your App Game

Every great cocktail experience is accompanied by exceptional hor d’oeuvres. Since you’re  going over-the-top with beverages, there are ways to showcase incredible apps without running back and forth from the kitchen all night. Consider creating a beautiful, seasonal, cheese and antipasti display or find a creative way to display jumbo shrimp cocktail. Perhaps you can take it up a notch and serve caviar and oysters.

Add a Little Something Extra

Whether you choose to create a special, seasonal cocktail, invest in an exquisite bottle of champagne, or mix in an interesting mixer choice like lavender or blood orange, add something extra special that fits your personal tastes and also makes your guests feel like they just experienced something exceptional.

In closing, we could all add a little oomph to our home bars. All it takes is a little attention to detail and an abundance of options to make each and every guest feel like the guest of honor at your cocktail soiree!

While we’re on topic, check out some of my listings with incredible home bars and wine cellars: