How to Stock Your Home Bar
- Vodka Is Essential. Vodka has a clean, transparent flavor, and it is used for more cocktails than any other distilled...
- A Versatile Gin or Two. Not everyone is a fan of gin. However, it is nice to have at least one bottle in every bar. In...
- Tequilas for Margaritas. Tequila is key to margaritas, though there are other fascinating tequila...
Full Answer
What do you need to stock a home bar?
Jul 07, 2011 · Remember Home Bar Rule #2: Start small. If you don’t have room or any place to store your home bar, keep your home bar small. Pick two or three different liquors and stick with those. When I was in an apartment, I kept my small bar in a cabinet above the fridge, and I kept my mixers and garnishes in the fridge.
How to stock your home bar 10 ways?
Jun 01, 2017 · An expert-level home bar should be stocked with a range of spirits and liqueurs used in a wide variety of cocktails, from stirred and boozy to …
How to stock a home bar, no matter the budget?
Mar 09, 2022 · For everyday use in your home bar, you only need six or eight of each of these three basic types: a short glass, a tall glass, and a stem. If you plan to serve wine at your parties, invest in eight to 12 basic stemmed wineglasses, either a single shape that is appropriate for both red and white or separate sets of glasses for each. Alcohol
How do bartenders suggest you stock your home bar?
Oct 19, 2015 · You'll need: gin, sweet vermouth, Campari. Go home, make your Negroni, enjoy." Build on this with your next craving. Says Calvert, "After Negronis, grab a …
How do you stock a home bar?
How to Shop for Booze. Most articles about stocking a home bar go briefly over the major categories of spirits: vodka, gin, bourbon, scotch, tequila, and so on. And then they say, basically, buy one of each of those. And maybe some triple sec and vermouth and even perhaps a bottle of bitters.
What should I stock up on a full home bar?
Tips for Stocking Your Home Bar.Brandy.Gin.Rum.Tequila.Vodka.Whiskey.Liqueurs & Cordials.May 13, 2021
What should you have in your bar at home?
Rocks Glasses. Paris on the Rocks 9.5 oz. ... Collins Glasses. Buswell 12 oz. ... Coupe Glasses. Leopold 6 oz. ... A Mixing Glass. Japanese-Style Mixing Glass (750 ml.) ... A Bar Spoon. Charles Joly Bar Spoon. ... A Shaker. Two-Piece Boston Shaker Set. ... A Strainer. Hawthorne Cocktail Strainer. ... Jiggers. Japanese-Style Jigger (1 x 2 oz.)More items...•Apr 2, 2021
How do I stock my first bar?
1:463:24Getting Started - Stocking Your First Bar - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipStart by picking up a light rum that'll be good for things like mojitos. But some cocktails workMoreStart by picking up a light rum that'll be good for things like mojitos. But some cocktails work better with the dark rum things like the dark and stormy. Get yourself one of each.
How do you arrange liquor bottles in your home bar?
2:182:56Home Bar 101: Key Bottles to Stock a Home Bar - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd that's really a variety of ways that you can go about it again you can start with a singleMoreAnd that's really a variety of ways that you can go about it again you can start with a single bottle. And then slowly build it up as your repertoire drinks.
How do you set up a bar?
0:296:35Set Up Your Home Bar 2021 - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe most popular classic ones ok let's get it started first you need ice tongs you fill up yourMoreThe most popular classic ones ok let's get it started first you need ice tongs you fill up your glasses. And shaker with ice you also can use Ice Cube but at home I would recommend to use tongs.
What are the 6 basic cocktails?
They are the Old Fashioned, Martini, Daiquiri, Sidecar, Whiskey Highball, and Flip. In each drink, every ingredient falls into at least one category. Core is the primary flavor; balance enhances the core with sweetness, acidity, or both; and seasoning adds another dimension and complements or contrasts with the core.Sep 19, 2019
What do you need behind a bar?
What equipment should every bar have?Cocktail and bartending equipment.Beverages and beverage dispensing bar equipment.A bar POS system.Bar furniture and other equipment.Food and kitchen supplies.Mar 17, 2021
What are the seven spirits in bartending?
7 Spirits of alcohol you should tryVodka. First in the top 7 spirits of alcohol, of course, it's vodka. ... Gin. The second in the top 7 spirits of alcohol called Gin. ... Whiskey. The category of whiskey is made up of several subcategories, but bourbon, rye, and Scotch are the three basics. ... Rum. ... Tequila and Mescal. ... Vermouth. ... Cognac.Oct 28, 2021
Is Hennessy top shelf liquor?
This list includes only the top of the line, more expensive brands of liquor for the sophisticated pallet, including: Pravda, Martini & Rossi, Hennessy, Jim Beam (Black), Woodford Reserve, Maker's Mark, Patron, Glenlivet, Appleton Estate, Cruzan, and Tanqueray.
How do you style a bar cart without alcohol?
Here are some items you can use to decorate your bar cart as a side table:Flowers.Stack of books.Candle.Lamp.Artwork.Picture Frames.Plants.
Why do we garnish cocktails?
A cocktail garnish is an ornamental item that adds appeal to a cocktail. In case of fruit wedges, slices, or twists, the garnish actually imbues a bit of juice or citrus oil to the drink. Likewise, an olive or onion in a Martini or Gibson lends a whisper of savory flavor to those drinks.
What is a highball cocktail?
For all you fans of a rum & coke, a Highball is just a spirit plus a non-alcoholic mixer.
What is a flip cocktail?
And, last but not least, and the most advanced to make, is the Flip. A Flip is a cocktail that contains a spirit, a sweetener, and a whole egg. Flips can also contain just an egg white, but if we’re being picky about the Classics, I wanted you to know.
What is a dry martini?
This is probably the cocktail I make the least, but is still a huge favorite. A classic dry martini is gin and vermouth with an olive or a lemon twist.
What is a daiquiri?
Daiquiris are among my favorite drinks. They are a group of cocktails that contain rum, citrus juice, and a sweetener. Rum can also be switched out for other alcohols. For example, a daiquiri with gin or vodka is essentially a Gimlet.
The Home Bar Rules
Home Bar Rule #1: Pick alcohol you actually enjoy imbibing. When I first started my own home bar, I only picked spirits that I thought would impress guests when I had them over. I ended up spending a fortune for alcohol that I hardly ever used. While you’ll use your home bar for entertaining, don’t forget that a home bar’s main customer is you.
Alcohol
Gin. It’s one of the base spirits for many popular cocktails, so definitely have plenty on hand. Gin comes in four varieties: London Dry, Plymouth, Old Tom, and Genever. I suggest starting off with a London Dry gin. Later on, add a Plymouth gin to the mix. Learn more about this spirit in AoM’s primer on gin.
Mixers
Again, what mixers you decide to stock will depend on the cocktails you want to make. Here are the basics:
Garnishes
Garnishes add a bit of decorative panache to your drink. They also give you something to nibble on as you sip your drink. The type of garnish you add to a drink depends on the drink. Tequila-based cocktails often use citrus garnishes like a lime or lemon. Gin-based tonics use olives and onions. A man should never add garnishes to a Scotch.
Glassware and Other Assorted Accouterments
You’ll need the proper tools for your apothecary of invigorating elixirs. You can get pretty specific with your glassware. There are tumblers made specifically for certain cocktails. If you drink those cocktails frequently, by all means get them. But you can get by just fine without them. Here are the basics:
Home Bar Storage
Some of you might be choking on your cocktail olive at the size of this list. You’re probably thinking, “Sure, Jeff, this sounds all well and good, but where am I supposed to keep this in my tiny house/apartment/condo?”
How many bottles of rum are in a bar?
A well-stocked bar has at least two bottles of rum. You can spend as little or as much as you like, though rum tends to be one of the more affordable liquors.
What is the best tequila bar?
Generally, you'll want to stock at least one nice tequila. The most versatile style is blanco (or silver) tequila, and it's the best option for a one-tequila bar. For a little upgrade, add a slightly aged reposado as well.
What is the best whiskey to mix with bourbon?
The bourbon will give you that robust whiskey flavor, while the Canadian blends tend to be very smooth. Rye whiskey is another excellent choice for everyday mixed drinks. Though some drinkers find it too spicy, rye is excellent in almost any cocktail that calls for a generic whiskey.
What is the foundation of a cocktail?
The foundation for the majority of cocktails, a well-rounded bar should include at least one bottle of each of the six base liquors. Stocking a good selection of these will ensure you can mix up almost any cocktail on a whim. If you feel like a whiskey cocktail tonight, you'll be ready. When brandy, gin, rum, tequila, or vodka sound good, you're also prepared to grab the shaker and mix up a drink.
What is a liqueur?
Liqueurs are often used as flavoring agents that define a cocktail. On occasion, they are the only distilled spirits in a drink. Liqueurs come in every flavor you could want and a bottle can last quite a long time. Start with the basics and gradually add to your stock as you see fit.
What is the best mixer for tequila?
Sour Mix: Commonly used in tropical cocktails, this mixer brings citrus fruit into the sweet syrup base. Grenadine: Flavored with pomegranate juice, this red syrup is found in most bars and is essential for many great drinks, including the tequila sunrise.
What is the most important ingredient in a cocktail?
Ice is the most important ingredient for cocktails. You will use it in 98 percent of your drinks, either while mixing or in the glass itself. All ice is not created equal, however, and it is important to use clean, fresh ice and know the difference between the various forms of ice.
What to mix with seltzer?
Mix fresh-squeezed orange or grapefruit juice with a splash of seltzer to make a light cocktail. Also try sweetened, diluted lime and lemon juice served over crushed ice, or whip fresh or frozen berries in a blender with ice and a dash of lime. 9 of 9.
What is the best tequila made of?
For margaritas, sunrises, and palomas. The best tequilas are made from 100 percent agave; check the label.
Can you pass up a cocktail?
No one should be punished for passing up a cocktail, but if plain soda and canned juice are the only alternatives, an abstainer is likely to wind up pouting in the corner. Fortunately, there are enough flavorful nonalcoholic beverages to fill an entire bar and bring cheer to the soberest of souls.
Can you drink vermouth in the fridge?
The lower the liquid level, though, the more quickly you should consume the liquor, as the air in the bottle will leach out the flavors. Vermouth, however, is a wine, and should be refrigerated and drunk fairly quickly. 2 of 9. View All.
What liquor do bartenders use?
In fact, most bartenders don't use top-shelf liquor when crafting cocktails anyways. 1. Gin. For gin and tonics, Tom Collins, and of course, the original martini, gin is certainly an essential behind the bar.
How many mixers are needed for a cocktail?
Mixers are just as essential as spirits, as most standard cocktails are going to require at least one (more likely two). Having some of the more popular ones on hand will ensure that you always have what you need to make your favorite libations.
What strainer do you use for a shaker?
If you're using a Boston-style shaker, you'll need to use a Hawthorne strainer to prevent ice or any other solid ingredients from dropping into your glass.
What is a mixing glass?
Mixing Glasses and Spoons. A mixing glass is a designated glass for stirring cocktail ingredients. You can use another glass (like a pint glass) for this purpose, but a mixing glass can be an elegant and functional addition to any home bar.
What is a cocktail shaker?
A stainless steel cocktail shaker is the key to refreshingly chilled, shaken drinks. It can come in two forms: Boston-style and cobbler. The former is basically a metal tin that fits tightly over a pint glass so that it doesn't spill on you while you shake. Most professional bartenders use Boston-style because they're faster to use and easy to clean quickly for reuse. But for at home use, you may prefer to go with a cobbler, which is a one-piece shaker with a built-in strainer, eliminating the need for extra parts.
What is the best tequila to use in margaritas?
Keep a large, inexpensive bottle of blanco, or silver tequila, on hand for use in margaritas and tequila sunrises. Tequila reposado, or gold tequila, is great for shots because of its smooth, sweeter tastes. And premium brands of aged tequila are good for sipping.
What is a jigger?
A jigger is basically a mini measuring cup that helps you achieve exact measures for your cocktails. A standard jigger is double sided, with one side holding 1.5 ounces on its large side (the equivalent of one shot), and ¾ to 1 ounces on its small side (or what's known as the pony shot).
