Is your bar tab running a little high these days. With increases in the prices of alcohol coming soon, it’s only going to get worse. One of the ways of beating this is by limiting your time spent at the local watering hole by starting your own bar at home, stocked with all your favourites, just for you.
Lots of people want to do this, not only is it a way of saving money but it’s a cool way of impressing your friends when you invite them over for a dinner party. But most people get overwhelmed by all the variety and never know how to fill it.
Thankfully when it comes to your home, there are no rules, so stocking your bar involves choosing your favourites and a few basics and you’ll be able to recreate the drinks that you love so much.
Obviously the cornerstone of your bar is the alcohol so decide on your favourite drinks and whatyour favourite drinks are, then buy the most common liquors in those drinks and then ask your friends and family who will be sharing the bar with you about their preferences too.
The most popular liquors that form the basis of many popular cocktails are:
Vodka– The fact that Vodka is clear and almost tasteless means that you can mimic almost any of your favourite cocktails using vodka. It mixes well with anything so for those who love cocktails vodka is a must-have.
Rum– The second most popular liquor. Rum is especially popular amongst the ladies because it’s a bit sweet and can be drunk with Diet coke for low calorie option.
Tequila– Nothing says fun like Tequila. This one is the ultimate shooter and you don’t even need to mix it with anything. Or for the ladies nothing says party like a Margarita.
Gin – This is a good one if you want a martini or a classic gin tonic, it’s also fairly versatile like vodka.
Whisky – No bar is complete without the ultimate whiskey especially when you feel like something mature and sophisticated.
The next part of bar stocking involves the trimmings. While the alcohol is the main part of a bar, the mixers and garnishes are what makes a bar fun.The most basic mixers and garnishes that are versatile popular are:
Juice– At the very least, store up some orange and cranberry juice. You could also add some pineapple and tomato.
Sodas– No bar would be complete without a few sodas like Coke, Diet Coke, and Sprite which mix well with any of the liquors you would have already bought.
Tonic Water– These are essential for many classics.
Pre-made Mixers– Bottles of Margarita Mix or Bloody Mary Mix saves time and tastes just as good.
Lemons and limes – A must in any bar. Can be used to garnish or put in the drink.
Cherries – Cherries are another bar staple. Maraschino cherries are the best but if you can’t get those any ones will do.
The basic tools that are necessary in any bar are shakers, bar spoons, knives and cutting board, ice bucket and a cocktail recipe book to make sure you never run out of ideas.