Being prepared is critical in offering your guests a cocktail. Many drinks (and guests) don’t take kindly to substitution. Having all of the right ingredients will surely make you look like a superstar. Below I have outlined the basic necessities for any respectable bar setup. What you do with it from there is up to you.
Things to consider:
- A 750 mL bottle of each should provide enough variety to create almost any drink. For the record, a 750 mL bottle should get you 15 – 17 drinks. If you are having a party plan accordingly.
- A 750 mL bottle of wine should get you 5-6 glasses.
- Have fresh ice on hand. It should not taste like anything.
- Buy a basic bar book if you don’t already have one.
- I would be remiss if I didn’t say… drink responsibly.
The Alcohol:
- Gin
- Vodka
- Rum
- Bourbon
- Scotch
- Tequila
- Vermouth
- Red and white wine
- Assortment of liqueurs to suit your crowd (I have a real affinity for Licor 43 if you are inviting me)
Mixers to include:
- Mineral water
- Colas
- Ginger ale
- Club soda
- Tonic water
- Lemon/lime soda
- Fresh fruit juices (Orangina is always a hit!)
- Other juices
- Simple syrup * (simple recipe below)
- Water
Garnishes:
- cocktail onions
- stuffed olives (Mexican martinis are perfect with the jalapeno stuffed ones)
- lemons
- limes
- oranges
- strawberries
- celery stalks
- mint leaves (you can grow more than you will ever need on your patio)
- Tabasco sauce
- Worcestershire sauce
- maraschino cherries
- cucumber
- pineapple
- coarse salt
To make the simple syrup:
Stir one pound of granulated sugar into 13 ounces of hot water to make 16 ounces of syrup.
savour… flavorful chemistry
