Quick answer

Build your home bar in four steps: pick a stable surface with power nearby, add the Au Cocktail Shaker Set as your core bar tools, choose glassware for how you actually serve drinks, then run one trial round before buying more. Buy glassware after the tools, because the glasses you use most often determine what your bar really needs.

Start with the surface, not the shopping list

A home bar setup works best on a surface that stays dry and does not wobble when you shake. A sideboard, a sturdy trolley or the end of a kitchen counter all work, but the surface should sit near a power outlet if you plan to use ice or a blender, and away from direct sunlight if bottles stay out. Measure the space before you buy anything: a shaker needs roughly 30 cm of clear height to lift and seal, and glasses need shelf space where they will not knock together.

Add bar tools before you add bottles

Tools are what turn a shelf of bottles into a bar. The Au Cocktail Shaker Set covers the core tasks in one purchase: a shaker, muddler, double-sided jigger, strainer, bar spoon, ice tongs, bottle opener and zester/peeler, all finished to match Au Vodka's gold styling. That range matters because most home bars fail at measuring and straining, not at mixing. A jigger keeps ratios repeatable, and a strainer stops ice shards and fruit pulp from landing in the glass.

If you already own some tools, buy only what is missing rather than duplicating. The set is the simpler starting point for a first bar because the pieces are designed to work together and store together.

Choose vodka glassware for how you serve

Glassware should follow your serving habits. If you pour shots with a mixer, the Au Vodka Bomb Glass is built for that: 125ml total with a 50ml bomb holder, a signature square Au logo, a unique gold rim and an extra thick glass bottom. If you drink longer mixed drinks over ice, the Au Vodka Hi Ball Glass uses a classic contoured design with the same gold rim and thick base. Both are handcrafted and not dishwasher safe, so plan to wash them by hand and store them where they will not chip.

Start with two of the glass you use most rather than a mixed set you rarely touch. Both glasses ship to UK addresses only, which is worth checking before you build the rest of your order.

Run one trial round before you buy more

Make one drink from start to finish on the new setup and watch where you reach. If you keep crossing the bar for the jigger or the opener, move those tools to the front. If the shaker drips, check the seal is seated before you shake, not after. This single trial tells you more about your home bar essentials than any list, because it shows what your actual routine needs.

Four steps to set up your bar

  1. 1. Clear and level your surface: Choose a stable, dry surface near a power outlet and out of direct sunlight, and measure the height and depth before buying anything. Checkpoint: if the surface wobbles when you press down, fix that before adding glass.
  2. 2. Add the core bar tools: Bring in the Au Cocktail Shaker Set so measuring, shaking, straining and garnishing are all covered in one go, and store the pieces together within arm's reach. Common mistake: buying decorative tools first and still having no jigger or strainer.
  3. 3. Match glassware to your serving style: Pick the Au Vodka Bomb Glass for shots with a mixer or the Au Vodka Hi Ball Glass for longer drinks over ice, and buy two of the one you use most. Checkpoint: both are hand wash only and ship to UK addresses only.
  4. 4. Test with one full drink: Make a single drink end to end, then move any tool you had to reach across the bar and fix any shaker seal issue before your next round. Next step: only add more glassware or bottles once this round feels smooth.

Product facts

  • Au Cocktail Shaker Set: The Au Cocktail Shaker Set includes a cocktail shaker, muddler, double-sided jigger, strainer, bar spoon, ice tongs, bottle opener and zester/peeler, with Au Vodka's signature gold finish. One purchase covers measuring, mixing, straining and garnishing, so a first home bar does not need separate tool buys.
  • Au Vodka Bomb Glass: The Au Vodka Bomb Glass holds 125ml with a 50ml bomb holder, and has a signature square Au logo, unique gold rim and extra thick glass bottom. It is not dishwasher safe and delivery is to UK addresses only. Best if you serve shots with a mixer; hand washing and UK delivery are the practical limits to plan around.
  • Au Vodka Hi Ball Glass: The Au Vodka Hi Ball Glass uses a classic contoured design with a signature square Au logo, unique gold rim and extra thick glass bottom. It is not dishwasher safe and delivery is to UK addresses only. Best for longer mixed drinks over ice; the thick base and gold rim match the barware finish.