All of the invites have been sent out and you are expecting a big crowd for your first gigantic soiree of the season. You've stocked up on all your chums ' favorite top shelf liquors, laid in a supply of mixers and have all the ice you could doubtless need, ready to go.
Sadly, you didn't remember to properly accessorise your bar. When visitors turn up, they are compelled to mix drinks out of red plastic party cups. Worse, you did not think to get a muddler for the mojitos or a cocktail shaker for martinis. The party is over just as it was getting under way and everyone seems to be headed for the corner bar rather than enjoying an evening at your home.
A well stocked bar goes well beyond the libations and garnishes. To be functional, you should have the tools of the trade also. That implies obtaining accessories which will help you and your friends make the ideal drink, whether it's a retro Tom Collins, a Long Island Iced Tea or a sour apple martini.
These are some basics you'll want to always have available for your home bar:
* Can and bottle opener
* Easy to utilize corkscrew
* Foil removers
* Stir-sticks, straws toothpicks, coasters, cocktail tissues
* Tall, heavy usage mixing glass or shaker
* Shot glasses
* Coil rimmed cocktail strainer
* Tiny sharp knife to cut fruit
* Massive pitcher
* Measuring spoons
* Muddler
* Ice bucket with tongs
* Electrical blender
* Home bartender guide and recipes
* Pourers and stoppers
* Cocktail Shakers
Make sure you get quality equipment. Nothing is more maddening than having a cork break as you only have on hand a cheap butterfly corkscrew that you picked up from a discount store.
You will also need to be sure you've got the proper glassware available. Agree with it or not, an Old Fashion glasses doesn't serve the same purpose as a High Ball glass. And you do not want to seem like a bartending amateur by serving martinis in a wine glass.
Here are some of the sorts of glassware we recommend:
Tulip-Shaped Champagne Flutes
High Ball Glasses
Old Fashion Glasses
Martini Glasses
Wine Glasses
Sadly, you didn't remember to properly accessorise your bar. When visitors turn up, they are compelled to mix drinks out of red plastic party cups. Worse, you did not think to get a muddler for the mojitos or a cocktail shaker for martinis. The party is over just as it was getting under way and everyone seems to be headed for the corner bar rather than enjoying an evening at your home.
A well stocked bar goes well beyond the libations and garnishes. To be functional, you should have the tools of the trade also. That implies obtaining accessories which will help you and your friends make the ideal drink, whether it's a retro Tom Collins, a Long Island Iced Tea or a sour apple martini.
These are some basics you'll want to always have available for your home bar:
* Can and bottle opener
* Easy to utilize corkscrew
* Foil removers
* Stir-sticks, straws toothpicks, coasters, cocktail tissues
* Tall, heavy usage mixing glass or shaker
* Shot glasses
* Coil rimmed cocktail strainer
* Tiny sharp knife to cut fruit
* Massive pitcher
* Measuring spoons
* Muddler
* Ice bucket with tongs
* Electrical blender
* Home bartender guide and recipes
* Pourers and stoppers
* Cocktail Shakers
Make sure you get quality equipment. Nothing is more maddening than having a cork break as you only have on hand a cheap butterfly corkscrew that you picked up from a discount store.
You will also need to be sure you've got the proper glassware available. Agree with it or not, an Old Fashion glasses doesn't serve the same purpose as a High Ball glass. And you do not want to seem like a bartending amateur by serving martinis in a wine glass.
Here are some of the sorts of glassware we recommend:
Tulip-Shaped Champagne Flutes
High Ball Glasses
Old Fashion Glasses
Martini Glasses
Wine Glasses
About the Author:
John Carter is the owner of BarParts.com. BarParts.com offeres over 600 Bar Accessories and Wine Accessories for the Wine Connoisseur