A well-organized cocktail station lets a bartender build drinks without taking a step. Here is how to lay one out for speed.
For blended drinks behind the bar, see the UBS-2218 underbar blender station with dump sink.
Start with the Station
A dedicated cocktail station puts ice, bottle wells and a speed rail in one stainless unit so nothing is out of reach.
Layout
Keep the most-used spirits in the speed rail at the front, mixers and juices in the bottle wells, and garnishes on top. Everything you touch every drink should be within arm’s reach.
Work in One Direction
Set up the station so drinks flow left to right or right to left – glass, ice, spirit, mixer, garnish, hand-off. Consistent flow means fewer mistakes.
Ice Access
Ice should be directly in front of the bartender. Use a scoop, never a glass, to pull ice. If your station needs more capacity, add an underbar ice bin.
Glassware
Keep your most-used glass styles closest. Keep clean glasses draining on an underbar drainboard nearby.
Tools
Shakers, jiggers, strainers and bar spoons should live in the same spot every shift. Restock from our bar supplies.
Cleanup
Put a bar sink close to the station for rinsing tools, and keep a trash spot for spent fruit.
Traffic Flow
Place the station where servers can pick up drinks without crossing the bartender’s path.
Pre-Shift Check
Stock every well, cut garnishes and fill the ice before doors open.
Popular models in these categories
These are the most popular models in the categories this guide links to, with the main points from each product page. Open a category above to see the full range.
22″ x 18″ Mixology Station Bar Sink with Glass Rinser – NSF (model UMS-2218)
- Brand: Express KitchQuip
- The 22″ x 18″ Mixology Station Underbar Hand Sink is a compact, all-in-one beverage prep station designed for busy bars and restaurants.
- Overall Dimensions: 22.
- 5″ x 18″ x 33″ with 3″ backsplash.
Commercial Stainless Steel Cabinet with dual Tier Tracks / Glass Rack Storage
- Brand: Express KitchQuip
- Heavy-Duty Stainless Steel Construction: Engineered to withstand the rigors of a commercial kitchen or busy bar setup without rusting or warping.
- High-Efficiency Drainage Top: Features a modern textured draining prep surface with a dedicated drain hole to manage liquid runoff seamlessly.
- Open-Front Access: No doors mean quick, barrier-free access for fast-paced environments during peak hours.
FSIB-1836 36″ x 19″ Stainless Steel Ice Chest (model FSIB-1836)
- Brand: Express KitchQuip
- Stainless Steel Ice Chest
- 19″ x 36″ Spacious Capacity
- Spacious – Ice & drinks.
Plastic Bottle Holder for Ice Bins Size 16” x 5.5” – Holds 3 Bottles (model PBH)
- Brand: Express KitchQuip
Express KitchQuip Underbar Drainboard – 20-Gauge Type 304 Stainless Steel with 3″ Backsplash, NSF Certified (model EKQ-UD3S)
- Brand: Express KitchQuip
- Commercial underbar drainboard in 20-gauge Type 304 stainless steel with a corrugated top, 3″ backsplash and 9.
- Galvanized legs with adjustable bullet feet, H-brace, and a 1″ x 1.
- 5″ IPS drain included.
Recessed Underbar Drainboard with 3″ Backsplash – 304 Stainless Steel Bar Drain Station NSF
- Brand: Express KitchQuip
- Recessed Underbar Drainboard built from durable 304 stainless steel with a removable perforated drainboard, 3″ backsplash, and side splashes.
- Designed for busy bars and restaurants, this NSF certified unit provides efficient glass drying, spill containment, and long-lasting commercial performance.
Thunder Group SLSPR042S 42″ x 4″ x 6-1/8″ Single Speed Rail, Stainless Steel (model SLSPR042S)
- Brand: Thunder Group
- Sold individually.
- Thunder Group model SLSPR042S.
- Freight and liftgate delivery included to the continental United States.
Thunder Group PLTHBK140C 4 qt Polycarbonate Ice Bucket with 6in Tong (model PLTHBK140C)
- Brand: Thunder Group
- Sold individually.
- Thunder Group model PLTHBK140C.
- Freight and liftgate delivery included to the continental United States.
Before you order
- Measure the space and every doorway on the delivery path, and compare them with the dimensions on each product page.
- Check the spec sheet for power, gas or water requirements and match them to what your building has.
- Compare capacity with your busiest day rather than your average day.
- Read the warranty terms for the brand before you order.
Delivery, warranty and payment
- Delivery: delivery within the continental US is included in the price on the product page, and freight orders include liftgate service.
- Warranty: each product carries its manufacturer warranty. Terms by brand are on our warranty page.
- Financing: lease-to-own financing through Clicklease is offered on items of $500 and up. See how financing works.
- Quotes: buying for a business and need a written quote? Call +1-877-558-2253 or use our contact page.
Not sure which model fits?
Call +1-877-558-2253 with your space, power supply and daily volume, and we will help you narrow it down.