To stock a bar, you should at least get all of the standard types of alcohol, which include vodka, gin, rum, whiskey, scotch, tequila, beer, and wine. You should also get some liqueurs, like triple sec, crème de menthe, and schnapps, which are used to add sweetness to cocktails.
How do I stock my bar?
This checklist is a great way to stock a standard bar, but remember, your list should adapt. Add additional items as needed to expand your selection, or remove items that aren’t selling. Identify your opening products, work with your distributors’ sales reps to get your bar stocked properly, and good luck with the grand opening!
What kind of alcohol should you stock a bar with?
This article has been viewed 38,649 times. To stock a bar, you should at least get all of the standard types of alcohol, which include vodka, gin, rum, whiskey, scotch, tequila, beer, and wine. You should also get some liqueurs, like triple sec, crème de menthe, and schnapps, which are used to add sweetness to cocktails.
Is there an initial fix to a fully stocked bar?
There is of course no 'initial fix' to a fully stocked bar. It is an ongoing process requiring the addition of certain liquors etc. at a time when there becomes a demand for them.
What do you need to start a cocktail bar?
By stocking your bar with a small collection of basic spirits, mixers, glassware, and bar tools, you’ll be able to make almost any standard mixed drink and even invent a few new cocktails of your own.
How much does it cost to fully stock a home bar?
At the low end, it would be about $200 for your entire bar. You can make a good number of drinks with this for any number of people. If you were buying all high-end spirits, you're looking at about $350. But you don't have to buy all the bottles.
What does a full bar consist of?
Adjective. (US) Serving liquor, not only beer and wine (of a bar or restaurant). (catering) Provisioned with standard liquors (vodka, gin, whisky, rum, tequila), together with mixers, but of a middle (inoffensive but inexpensive) grade.
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 take bar stock?
The traditional way of counting bar inventory involves manually recording inventory data into a spreadsheet, and then physically counting and measuring your bar's stock. Here's how it works. What you need: A note-taking device such as a pen and paper or an iPad/laptop if you want to digitize your notes.
How do you stock a bar for 100 guests?
Full bar – Beer, wine and liquor: 100 (guests) x 5 (hours) = 500 drinks. 500 x 0.33 = 170 beers or 7 cases of beer or one ½ barrel sized keg.
What liquors are needed to stock a bar?
Bar Basics: 12 Bottles Any Bar Should HaveGin. Lots of people think they don't like gin. ... Rum (Light) Essential for mojitos and daiquiris, or just mixing with pineapple juice when you're feeling lazy.Rum (Dark) Rich and molasses-y. ... 4 & 5. Tequila (Silver & Gold) ... Bourbon. ... Rye Whiskey. ... 8 & 9. ... Absinthe.More items...•
What is the 7 spirits of alcohol?
The 7 Types of Distilled SpiritVodka. Distilled primarily from high-starch plants, vodka typically isn't very flavorful. ... Tequila. Made from fermented agave, tequila tastes somewhat sweet, earthy, and piquant, though this varies depending on where the agave was grown. ... Gin. ... Rum. ... Whiskey. ... Mezcal. ... Brandy.
How do you stock a basic liquor cabinet?
Ideally, a home bar will have a good supply of the basics. Start with a whiskey, preferably a bourbon or a rye — then go with vodka or gin, white rum and tequila or mezcal. From there, pick three or four cocktails you know you'll want to drink, and augment your bar with a few special bottles.
How do I stock a bar for a party of 40?
Bar BasicsWine: 40% red and 60% white (remember to flip this during the winter)Beer: 40% of your guests will go for beer.Champagne: very popular during the holidays.Hard liquor: Gin, Tequila, Bourbon, Sweet Vermouth, Dry Vermouth, Rum, Irish Whiskey, Vodka, Scotch 1 bottle of each.More items...•
How often should a bar take inventory?
Ideally, a bar takes inventory every week. That gives the bar manager the most accurate data. And the ability to react to the data to make the most positive impact possible. Most bars tend toward somewhere between two weeks and a month.
What is FLR in bar?
Family Law Rules (court procedure) FLR.
How to make a bar in your home?
Putting the bar just anywhere isn't ideal. Look for a place that has the perfect amount of space, ambiance, room to store tools and ingredients, and will be large enough to work in and entertain guests. Use a counter top, dresser top, or any other flat and level surface for your bar. Start small.
What kind of alcohol should I use in a bar?
To stock a bar, you should at least get all of the standard types of alcohol, which include vodka, gin, rum, whiskey, scotch, tequila, beer, and wine. You should also get some liqueurs, like triple sec, crème de menthe, and schnapps, which are used to add sweetness to cocktails.
What are the standard types of alcohol?
These standards will allow you to create a wide range of drinks for you and your company. Vodka. Gin. Rum (light, dark, and spiced) Whiskey (start with bourbon and scotch) Scotch.
Is it necessary to buy the highest quality liquor?
Find a balance between quality and price. It might be tempting to purchase the highest quality alcohol and liquor, but it's not always necessary to do so. Some liquors are used mainly in mixed drinks, so their flavor isn't as critical as other liquors that are enjoyed alone, without mixing.
Do you need a refrigerator for a wine bar?
Exposure to oxygen and sunlight should be kept to a minimum. You will need to acquire a refrigerator that is an appropriate size for the bar you have planned. You could also create space in a refrigerator you already own. Opened white wine bottles need to be kept cold to prevent flavor from altering.
Do you need to refrigerate alcoholic liquor?
Any older stock you have that is lower in alcohol content should be refrigerated to preserve flavor. Most highly alcoholic liquors do not require refrigeration. Find a balance between quality and price. It might be tempting to purchase the highest quality alcohol and liquor, but it's not always necessary to do so.
How to start a whiskey collection?
A good way to start your whiskey collection is to buy one bottle of bourbon and one bottle of blended rye whiskey. The bourbon should hold its own when served on the rocks or neat, and the rye will work in most classic whiskey cocktails like an Old Fashioned or Manhattan.
What type of alcohol do you need for a cocktail?
Here are some types of alcohol that every home bar should be stocked with: Vodka: Vodka is an ingredient in more mixed drinks than any other type of spirit.
What to list for each drink?
For each drink, list out the necessary ingredients, bar tools, and glassware. This will help you build a shopping list and ensure that you have the supplies needed to make the drinks you think are most important.
How long do bitters last?
Bitters: Having a bottle of Angostura aromatic bitters or Peychaud’s Bitters will cover most of your needs, and each bottle should last at least a year. You can have more bottles of bitters, like Scrappy’s or Regan’s Orange Bitters if you like to experiment with flavors in your cocktails.
Do you need a mixer for cocktails?
Most cocktails require a mixer or two. Having a basic collection of liquors and a diverse array of mixers allows you to make most standard cocktails. Here are some mixers that every home bar should have:
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 to take stock of liquor in bars?
There are two common ways of taking stock of liquor in bars: there’s the traditional method which involves spreadsheets or a pen and paper, and then there’s the modern method that uses inventory software. Let’s look at each of these methods in more detail below. .
How long does it take to take inventory of liquor?
Make sure to budget enough time for the task. Depending on how large your catalog is, inventory counts can take anywhere from a few hours to half a day (or even an entire day).
Why is inventory control important in bar?
This is important because having too much stock on hand ties up your capital and bar space. On the flip side, not having enough of the right beverages can diminish customer satisfaction.
Why is it important to have a solid inventory handle?
That’s why having a solid handle on your bar inventory is a must. You need to establish processes for taking stock of your liquor. Meas uring and counting your inventory on a regular basis enables you to make smarter ordering and stock keeping decisions.
What is the beginning inventory?
Your beginning inventory pertains to how much alcohol you have in stock at the start of your inventory period. So, if you conduct your inventory counts every week, then your starting inventory would be how much stock you have at the start of the week.
Why are bars losing 20% of their bottom line?
Most bars and restaurants are losing 20% of their bottom line due to over-pouring, spillage, and theft. With the right stock control solution in your bar, you can prevent and eliminate these issues. You can also maintain a healthy bank balance.
Where to start counting bottles?
For example, you could decide to start counting at the main bar, going from the top shelf to the bottom, and counting from left to right. When you’re done with that area, you can move on to the backroom.
How long can you keep a liqueur at room temperature?
If you'll finish a liqueur within a few months, you can probably keep it at room temperature, as long as you keep it tightly closed. Simple syrups, orgeat, and other syrupy ingredients need to be refrigerated, if you're planning to keep them around for longer than a day or two.
Can you store bourbon at room temperature?
Most liquors, such as rum, bourbon, scotch, gin, vodka, and brandy can be stored safely at room temperature on a pantry shelf or in a closet. The alcohol in them is strong enough to preserve them. High-proof liqueurs such as most absinthe and Chartreuse can also be stored at room temperature.
