How To Start Collecting Vintage Barware On Any Budget

Once you learn how to stock a home bar on a budget, you might hope to extend that strategy to the tools you need to actually make the drinks. There's a world of cocktail glasses, mixing tools, serving vessels, and various accessories to collect — and it can be a smart idea to choose vintage versions of these items. More Americans are imbibing at home these days, so it's worth investing in your setup — even on a tight budget — to create a space you love. "Antique" and "vintage" are broad terms encompassing many decades, each with its own aesthetic, so the possibilities are endless in terms of what vibe you can lean into. Plus, you're more likely to score a deal at a secondhand store or flea market, for higher-quality, longer-lasting materials than what's commonly made today. Lucky for you, that includes everything from glass and crystal to copper and ceramics.

Hunting for vintage barware treasure over time can be its own hobby. But to really enjoy curating a collection you love, it's important to know some basics. First, get familiar with the various styles of cocktail glasses, as well as the most essential home-mixology tools. You'll need to be able to distinguish rocks glasses from coupes and identify jiggers and bar spoons. It's also key to understand which cocktails get shaken versus stirred and why, and how that applies to your own favorite drinks. Martini drinkers will want mixing glasses to stir, while sour fans should have shakers; But frequent party hosts need both.

Once you're well-versed in mixology 101, tap into your own style. You can go Victorian-inspired with crystal decanters and etched glassware; Art Deco with patterned shakers and strainers in sleek silver; kitschy 1950s with tiki-style glasses; Hollywood regency with ornate punch bowls; and 1960s mod with color-pop pitchers. You can also decide whether you prefer to find sets or to mix and match. This depends not only on how streamlined or eclectic you want to go, but on the prices you find. Some antique stores may offer deals when you buy an entire set, while it can also be cheaper to pick up individual pieces at thrift stores and markets. 

Antique stores, thrift shops, estate sales, and flea markets are your best bet for finding vintage barware. But you'll likely want to avoid shopping online for three reasons: You will save on shipping, you can more easily verify your finds, and you can often ask the sellers questions. But perhaps the most important benefit is being able to inspect items for any damage. You also might be interested in classic brands like Napier or Reed & Barton; In person, you can learn to spot those brands' signature markings and you can confirm the authenticity with the sellers. Once you begin assembling your dream collection, make it last forever with proper cleaning. Always hand-wash — skipping chemical solutions in favor of simple soap and water — and polish anything made of silver or pewter. Then, display your collection with pride and sip in style.