Bar Assistant

Self-Hosted

Open-source cocktail recipe manager and bar inventory tool

Overview

Bar Assistant is an open-source self-hosted solution for managing cocktail recipes, bar inventory, and drink menus. It enables users to create and scale recipes, track ingredient stock levels, customize menus with photos, and organize drinks by category. Deployment is straightforward via Docker or Docker Compose, making it accessible for small bars, home bartenders, and enthusiasts. With privacy-focused self-hosting, users retain full control over their data, avoiding reliance on third-party SaaS platforms. It’s designed to streamline bar operations while offering flexibility for both professional and personal use.

Self-Hosting Resources

Find Official Image on Docker Hub View Source & Docs

Below is a reference structure for docker-compose.yml. ⚠️ Do NOT run blindly. Replace placeholders with official values.

docker-compose.template.yml TEMPLATE


version: '3'
services:
  bar_assistant:
    image: <OFFICIAL_IMAGE_NAME>:latest
    container_name: bar-assistant
    ports:
      - "8080:<APP_INTERNAL_PORT>"
    volumes:
      - ./data:/app/data
    restart: unless-stopped

Key Features

Cocktail recipe creation & scaling
Inventory tracking for bar ingredients
Customizable drink menu management with photos

Frequently Asked Questions

? Is Bar Assistant hard to install?

No—Bar Assistant uses Docker for deployment, which simplifies setup. You just need Docker installed, then run the official Docker image or use Docker Compose as per the documentation. Even users with basic server knowledge can get it up and running quickly.

? Is it a good alternative to proprietary bar management tools?

Yes—Unlike paid tools like BarCloud, Bar Assistant is free and self-hosted, so you own your data. It offers key features like recipe management and inventory tracking, making it a solid alternative for small bars or home enthusiasts.

? Is it completely free?

Yes—Bar Assistant is open-source under the MIT License, so it’s 100% free to use, modify, and host. There are no premium tiers or hidden costs for core features.

Top Alternatives

BarCloud (Paid) Search Google

Mixology Master (SaaS) Search Google

Cocktail Flow (Proprietary mobile app) Search Google

Tool Info

Pricing Free/Open Source

Category Recipe Management

Platform Self-Hosted

Pros

⊕ Privacy-focused self-hosting
⊕ No subscription fees
⊕ Easy Docker deployment

Cons

⊖ Requires basic Docker/server knowledge
⊖ Limited POS integration options
⊖ Smaller user community than commercial tools