By the Home Bar Hub UK Team · Updated May 2026 · Independent, reader-supported

Best Home Bar Accessories Under £50 UK: Budget Buys Worth Buying

Building a home cocktail bar doesn't require spending a fortune. The right accessories—even budget ones—make mixing easier, faster, and more enjoyable. Whether you're setting up from scratch or filling gaps in your collection, there are solid sub-£50 options that won't disappoint. Here's what actually works.

Why Proper Accessories Matter

It's tempting to skip the specialist kit and improvise. A regular spoon isn't a bar spoon, a shot glass isn't a jigger, and free ice cubes from your freezer won't chill a drink the same way. The difference isn't just aesthetic. A decent jigger ensures consistent measures—essential for reproducible cocktails. A proper pourer lets you control flow without splashing. Good ice moulds create larger cubes that melt slowly and don't water down your drink. These tools exist because bartenders found them necessary, not frivolous.

The good news: you don't need premium prices to get functional basics. Most of what you'll need costs between £5 and £40 per item.

Essential Jiggers (£6–£15)

A jigger is the most fundamental tool. It measures spirits accurately, which is non-negotiable for decent cocktails. Standard double-sided jiggers come in 25/50ml or 30/60ml measures—both common in UK cocktails. Stainless steel ones last forever and cost around £6–£10.

Look for jiggers with clearly marked measurements inside, not just etched on the outside. You need to see where the liquid sits. A heavier jigger (around 80–100g) is easier to pour with because it has better balance and momentum.

Don't overpay for fancy weighted or Japanese jiggers at this budget level. A basic stainless steel option does the job perfectly well. Buy one you can actually hold comfortably—some are far too slim for average hands.

Pourers and Bottle Spouts (£3–£8)

Spouts that fit over bottle necks save mess and give you control. You need them, especially for high-proof spirits. Stainless steel pourers with plastic grips are reliable and cost £3–£5 per spout. Silicone-tipped ones grip better if your bottles have wider necks.

Consider buying a pack of three or four so you can leave them on frequently-used bottles. That said, if you only have shelf space for one, buy it and you'll use it constantly.

Bar Spoon (£5–£12)

This long, thin spoon is for stirring cocktails in a mixing glass. It's also useful for layering drinks and cracking ice. A basic stainless steel bar spoon with a twisted handle costs £5–£8. The twist gives you better control when stirring.

Length matters—you want it long enough to reach the bottom of a standard mixing glass comfortably. Most are 28–30cm, which is fine. Avoid novelty handles that look good but are uncomfortable to use repeatedly.

Ice Moulds (£8–£25)

Home freezer ice cubes are small and hollow, which means they melt fast and dilute drinks. An ice mould that produces larger, denser cubes transforms your cocktails. Large square or spherical moulds are most common.

Silicone moulds cost £8–£15 and work well, though they can take up freezer space. Plastic moulds that fit in a standard ice tray slot cost £5–£8 and are more space-efficient, but they're finicky—the ice doesn't always eject cleanly. Mid-range options with slow-melt cores (around £15–£20) genuinely do chill better because they last longer in the glass.

The honest truth: you'll get the most improvement per pound from a decent ice mould. It affects every drink you make.

Cocktail Picks and Stirrers (£4–£12)

For garnish and mixing, picks come in bamboo or stainless steel. Bamboo picks cost around £4–£6 for a pack and work fine for twisted peels, olives, and cherries. Stainless steel versions are more durable and cost £6–£12 for a set.

Cocktail stirrers (glass rods) are £3–£8. They're mainly decorative but useful for encouraging ice to settle in long drinks. Avoid cheap plastic ones—they absorb flavours and can smell odd after a few uses.

Coasters and Drinkware (£5–£15)

A good coaster protects furniture and looks intentional. Stone or slate coasters cost £5–£10 for a set of four. They're durable, heavy enough not to slide, and won't stain like cork sometimes does.

For glasses, you don't need branded barware at this price. Standard rocks glasses and highball glasses from homeware shops (£2–£5 each) work perfectly. Aim for decent weight—thin glass feels cheap and doesn't hold temperature well.

What to Skip on a Budget

Avoid cheap cocktail shakers with faulty seals. They leak everywhere. Save for a decent one (usually £15–£25) or use a mixing glass and bar spoon instead, which works brilliantly for spirit-forward drinks.

Don't buy novelty items that do one specific thing. Olive spears, cherry pickers, or specialist tools for single drinks are wasteful at this budget.

Putting It Together

If you're starting from zero and have roughly £50 to spend, prioritise in this order: jigger (£10), bar spoon (£8), pourers (£3–£5 for a couple), ice mould (£15), and coasters (£10). That's roughly £50 and covers your absolute essentials. You can add cocktail picks and extra glasses as funds allow.

Quality needn't be expensive when you're buying basics. The accessories that matter most are the ones you use constantly—your jigger, spoon, and ice mould. Get those right and you're set.