This article was written by our expert who is surveying the industry and constantly updating business plan for a cocktail bar.
Our business plan for a cocktail bar will help you build a profitable project
Opening a cocktail bar is thrilling, but determining what equipment you need can feel daunting.
The challenge lies in knowing exactly what to purchase without breaking the bank or overlooking something essential.
Every cocktail bar has unique requirements, and equipment costs can rapidly escalate if you don't plan strategically.
Complete Cocktail Bar Equipment List
Opening a successful cocktail bar requires meticulous planning and the right equipment. This comprehensive list covers everything you need to get your cocktail bar operational.
Bar Equipment
- Commercial ice machine - Essential for drink preparation and service
- Cocktail shakers - Boston and cobbler shakers for different mixing styles
- Jiggers - Precise measuring tools for accurate cocktail recipes
- Strainers - Hawthorne and fine mesh for smooth drink presentation
- Bar spoons - Long-handled spoons for stirring and layering
- Muddler - Extracts flavors from fruits and herbs effectively
- Bottle openers - Opens bottles quickly during busy service
- Wine keys/corkscrews - Professional tools for wine service
- Speed pourers - Controls liquor flow for consistent measurements
- Mixing glasses - Heavy-duty glass for stirred cocktails
- Citrus juicer - Fresh juice preparation for cocktails
- Garnish tools - Peelers, zesters, and channel knives
- Cutting boards - Separate boards for fruits and garnishes
- Bar knives - Sharp knives for precise garnish preparation
- Ice buckets - Keeps ice accessible during service
Glassware
- Rocks glasses - For whiskey and spirit-forward cocktails
- Highball glasses - Tall glasses for mixed drinks and sodas
- Martini glasses - Classic cocktail presentation
- Wine glasses - Red and white wine service
- Beer glasses - Pints, pilsners, and specialty beer styles
- Shot glasses - Standard and specialty sizes
- Coupe glasses - Elegant cocktail presentation
- Collins glasses - Tall drinks and cocktails with mixers
- Champagne flutes - Sparkling wine and cocktail service
- Snifters - Premium spirits and aged cocktails
Refrigeration
- Back bar cooler - Displays and chills beer and mixers
- Wine cooler - Maintains proper wine storage temperatures
- Under-counter refrigerator - Stores perishable ingredients
- Freezer - Preserves garnishes and specialty ingredients
- Beer keg cooler - Maintains draft beer at serving temperature
Bar Setup & Storage
- Bar top - Durable surface for drink preparation
- Under-bar storage - Organizes bottles and equipment
- Speed rails - Quick access to frequently used spirits
- Bottle wells - Holds premium spirits at bar level
- Garnish station - Organized storage for fresh ingredients
- Ice bins - Multiple compartments for different ice types
- Sink systems - Three-compartment washing and rinsing
- Glass storage - Overhead racks and under-counter organization
- Liquor storage - Secure cabinets for inventory
- Draft beer system - Taps, lines, and dispensing equipment
Service Equipment
- Cash register/POS - Processes orders and tracks sales
- Receipt printer - Provides customer receipts and order tickets
- Credit card terminal - Accepts electronic payments
- Bar mats - Non-slip surfaces for drink preparation
- Service trays - Carries multiple drinks efficiently
- Napkin dispensers - Convenient customer access
- Straw dispensers - Organized straw storage and access
- Coasters - Protects surfaces and promotes branding
- Menu holders - Displays cocktail offerings clearly
Cleaning & Safety
- Glass washers - Efficiently cleans glassware quickly
- Sanitizer dispensers - Maintains hygiene standards
- Cleaning cloths - Bar towels for wiping and polishing
- First aid kit - Handles minor workplace injuries
- Fire extinguisher - Required safety equipment
- Non-slip mats - Prevents accidents on wet floors
- Hand sink - Separate handwashing facility
- Cleaning chemicals - Sanitizes equipment and surfaces
Specialty Equipment
- Blender - Frozen drinks and specialty cocktails
- Coffee machine - Espresso-based cocktails and coffee service
- Soda gun - Dispenses mixers and sodas efficiently
- Garnish refrigerator - Keeps fruits and herbs fresh
- Smoking gun - Adds aromatic elements to cocktails
- Centrifuge - Advanced molecular mixology techniques
- Carbonation system - Creates house-made sodas and mixers
Utilities & Infrastructure
- Adequate electrical supply - Powers all bar equipment
- Plumbing connections - Supports sinks and ice machines
- Gas lines - Supplies fuel for heating equipment
- Ventilation system - Removes odors and maintains air quality
- Lighting system - Creates ambiance and work illumination
- Sound system - Background music and entertainment
Software & Technology
- Inventory management software - Tracks liquor and supplies
- Recipe management system - Standardizes cocktail preparation
- Accounting software - Manages finances and payroll
- Point-of-sale software - Integrates orders with inventory
- Music streaming service - Provides background entertainment
Additional Items
- Uniforms/aprons - Professional appearance for staff
- Non-slip shoes - Safety footwear for bar environments
- Gloves (disposable) - Food handling and sanitation
- Paper towels - Cleaning and maintenance supplies
- Disposable cups - Backup service items
Our financial plan for a cocktail bar will help you build a profitable project
What Equipment Budget Should You Plan?
Most cocktail bar owners spend between $30,000 and $150,000 on equipment, depending on their size and concept. You really can't go below $20,000 for even the smallest setup because you need basic bar equipment, refrigeration, and glassware just to operate legally and efficiently.
- Small Neighborhood Cocktail Bar
A small neighborhood cocktail bar with basic mixed drinks needs around $20,000-$40,000, and most of that budget goes toward essential bar equipment and refrigeration.
- Medium-Sized Cocktail Bar
A medium-sized cocktail bar serving craft cocktails typically runs $40,000-$90,000, with more specialized equipment like premium glassware and advanced mixing tools.
- Large Cocktail Bar
A large cocktail bar or one with extensive offerings can easily hit $90,000-$150,000, especially when you add things like custom bar setups and molecular mixology equipment.
Equipment Budget Examples
Small Neighborhood Cocktail Bar ($20,000 - $40,000)
Small cocktail bars focus on essential equipment that can handle daily drink service and basic cocktails. The goal is getting quality basics without overspending on features you won't use right away.
| Equipment Category | What's Included | Budget Range |
|---|---|---|
| Bar Equipment | Basic shaker sets, jiggers, strainers, bar spoons, muddlers, bottle openers, speed pourers, mixing glasses | $2,000 - $4,000 |
| Glassware | Essential glass types: rocks, highball, martini, wine glasses, beer glasses, shot glasses, basic inventory | $3,000 - $5,000 |
| Refrigeration | Back bar cooler, under-counter refrigerator, small freezer, basic ice machine | $4,000 - $8,000 |
| Bar Setup | Basic bar top, speed rails, ice bins, simple sink system, under-bar storage | $5,000 - $10,000 |
| Service Equipment | Basic POS system, bar mats, service trays, cleaning supplies, safety equipment | $3,000 - $6,000 |
| Installation & Setup | Equipment delivery, basic installation, plumbing connections, initial setup and testing | $3,000 - $7,000 |
Medium-Sized Cocktail Bar ($40,000 - $90,000)
Medium cocktail bars need more capacity and specialized equipment to handle craft cocktails and higher volume. You're investing in quality and the ability to offer more sophisticated drinks to customers.
| Equipment Category | What's Included | Budget Range |
|---|---|---|
| Premium Bar Tools | Professional shaker sets, precision jiggers, multiple strainer types, premium bar spoons, specialized tools | $4,000 - $8,000 |
| Expanded Glassware | Complete glass collection including specialty cocktail glasses, wine varieties, beer styles, premium brands | $6,000 - $12,000 |
| Advanced Refrigeration | Large back bar cooler, wine cooler, multiple under-counter units, commercial ice machine, keg cooler | $8,000 - $15,000 |
| Custom Bar Setup | Custom bar top, organized storage systems, multiple ice bins, three-compartment sink, draft beer system | $10,000 - $20,000 |
| Service & Technology | Advanced POS system, inventory tracking, sound system, lighting, premium service equipment | $5,000 - $12,000 |
| Specialty Equipment | Blender, coffee machine, garnish refrigerator, smoking gun, carbonation system | $3,000 - $8,000 |
| Installation & Training | Professional installation, staff training, permits and inspections, system integration | $4,000 - $10,000 |
Large-Scale Cocktail Bar ($90,000 - $150,000)
Large cocktail bars operate with premium equipment and specialized systems. The focus shifts to maximizing efficiency, consistency, and the ability to handle high-volume service with sophisticated cocktails.
| Equipment Category | What's Included | Budget Range |
|---|---|---|
| Professional Bar Tools | Multiple premium tool sets, specialized mixing equipment, molecular mixology tools, precision instruments | $8,000 - $15,000 |
| Premium Glassware | Extensive collection of specialty glasses, premium brands, backup inventory, custom branded options | $12,000 - $20,000 |
| Commercial Refrigeration | Multiple back bar coolers, wine preservation systems, walk-in cooler, large ice machines, specialized storage | $15,000 - $25,000 |
| Custom Bar Systems | Designer bar setup, automated dispensing systems, multiple work stations, advanced draft systems | $20,000 - $35,000 |
| Technology Integration | Advanced POS with analytics, inventory automation, integrated sound and lighting, customer management | $10,000 - $18,000 |
| Specialty & Molecular | Centrifuge, liquid nitrogen equipment, specialized garnish tools, house-made ingredient systems | $8,000 - $15,000 |
| Service Enhancement | Premium service equipment, extensive cleaning systems, safety upgrades, staff convenience features | $5,000 - $10,000 |
| Installation & Systems | Complete professional installation, custom design work, comprehensive staff training, all permits and certifications | $8,000 - $15,000 |