Taking your Bar from Blah to Ahh

Kim Chilton Griffith
Jul 22, 2020
3 min read

Updated: 3 days ago

Don’t you just love a great craft cocktail?

When made properly — with quality ingredients and attention to every detail — it should be an experience that begins with your taste buds and ends wherever your heart delights.

Before you mix your signature libation, take a moment to design the setting. Your bar should do more than hold bottles — it should inspire the ritual.

Whether it’s the perfect Manhattan, a classic Sidecar, or your own go-to creation, the design and display of your bar are just as important as the drink itself.

Here’s how to elevate your bar setup from functional to unforgettable.

The showstopper, Porthole Bar from RH Contract

Start with the Bar Itself

Perhaps you already have a built-in bar, or maybe you’re carving out a corner for something new. Either way, the key is balance — bottles should be easy to see, lighting should feel intentional, and surfaces should stay clean and curated.

Showcase your most beautiful bottles. If a label or design stands out, let it shine. And if you’re one of my fellow cognac lovers, make that Louis XIII the star of the show.

For everything else, decanters are your secret weapon. They add sophistication while creating visual harmony across different spirits. And before you discard any beautiful packaging — like the Ace of Spades lacquer box — consider repurposing it as part of your display. The right details turn storage into style.

When it comes to boxes or containers, some spirit makers take great pride in their packaging. So before you toss that unique ‘Ace of Spades’ black lacquer box to the side, make it a featured display among your bottles.

Choose the Right Glassware

This is where form meets function — and a little indulgence.

A well-curated glass collection says you take the art of entertaining seriously. Every glass has its purpose, and when chosen thoughtfully, each one enhances the experience — both in taste and in presentation.

You’ll want a full range that reflects how you actually live and entertain. Snifters for cognac. Martini glasses for cosmos. Highballs for mojitos. Lowballs for an old fashioned. And yes, a few margarita, hurricane, and Irish cream glasses for those moments when the evening calls for something a bit more playful.

When it comes to wine, the glass becomes part of the story. For red wines, I prefer large, rounded bowls that let the wine breathe — aerating it so the aromas open fully. To me, that first swirl and inhale is the foreplay before your first sip.

For whites, the glass should be smaller, preserving both the temperature and the delicacy of flavor. And as for the bubbly — the flute is everything. It’s what keeps the effervescence alive and lets the celebration linger. Choose flutes that reflect your mood or your style, because who says champagne is just for New Year’s Eve? Around here, there’s always something to toast.

Don’t Forget the Accessories

Your barware should be both beautiful and functional. Shakers, jiggers, strainers, bitters bottles — each piece should complement your overall aesthetic. Mix metals, balance finishes, and don’t be afraid to invest in a few statement tools.