What began in the fabulous 50s with the growth of suburban America is gaining popularity with today’s homeowners. The home bar is back and better than before, paving the way for casual cocktails and stylish home entertaining across the country.

“Today, the popularity of cooking shows, travel programs and television series with chic martini-toting women are bringing home entertaining back with a vengeance and a new sense of style,” says Michael Anderson, chef instructor for the Food & Beverage Management program at The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of

Las Vegas.

“Today’s homeowners have moved beyond neon and dartboards and are creating home bars that fit in with their lifestyle and décor,” says Nancy Bohnett, academic director for Interior Design at The Art Institute of Las Vegas. “The process can be as simple or complex as you’d like and depends on space, taste and budget.” Bohnett suggests two options for those tight on space but big on bars.

“Most furniture stores offer stand-alone cabinets that blend with existing home décor. Alternatively, utilize a small kitchen island on wheels that has wine or stemware storage on the side. You’ll be able to use it every day in the kitchen and move it to an entertaining space when company comes calling,” she says. “From simple to sophisticated, French country to contemporary, there are pieces that homeowners can purchase and integrate flawlessly into their existing home.”

As budget and space grow, so do the home bar options. Built-ins abound including counter spaces and cabinetry that tie into the kitchen and can be used for serving food and cocktails. Affordable appliance options including wine chillers, ice makers and back bar refrigerators, are gaining in popularity and lending to the sophistication of today’s home bartender.

Once you’ve built your bar, it’s time to stock it up. Needed tools include a shaker, ice tongs, ice bucket, cocktail stirrers, bottle opener, wine opener, cutting board, knives, bottle pourers, toothpicks for garnish and stemware to suit your choice of beverage offerings.

What’s a bar without the beverages? Alcohol falls into five main categories that people can draw from -- beer, wine, aged, non-aged and flavored liqueurs. “Aged alcohol staples include whiskey, bourbon and brandy,” says Anderson. “Non-aged usual findings include vodka, tequila, rum, gin, schnapps and vermouth. Kahlua, chambord, triple sec, sambuca, amaretto and Irish crème tend to be the more popular liqueurs.”

“Identify three to four signature drinks that you can make confidently and build your bar around them,” says Anderson. “Keep garnishes and mixers like juices and sodas on hand for the drinks you enjoy most and utilize ready-made mixes as a way to offer variety to your guests without the need for lots of supplies,” he suggests.

Whether you’re looking to showcase your cocktail talents with the latest in bar gadgetry or want a place to mix a simple drink to go with the game, develop a home bar that suits your entertaining and drinking tastes.

From Anne K. Dean

To learn more about The Art Institutes schools, visit www.artinstitutes.edu/nz.