Wines and Spirits

Stocking the Perfect Home Bar

You did it! You finally built your home bar. But now comes the time to decide what to keep on hand so that you will be known as the perfect amateur bartender. If money is no object, simply go the nearest liquor store and buy one of everything.В  This option is not only expensive, but you would probably end up with more bottles than space to store them. A more sensible solution would be to pick and choose a selection of liquors, non-alcoholic beverages, tools and equipments and little extras to really impress your guests. Liquors рЂЧВ В В  Gin рЂЧВ В В  Vodka рЂЧВ В В  Rum (light and dark) рЂЧВ В В  Whiskey рЂЧВ В В  Bourbon рЂЧВ В В  Rye рЂЧВ В В  Scotch рЂЧВ В В  Irish Cream рЂЧВ В В  Tequila рЂЧВ В В  Brandy/Cognac рЂЧВ В В  Wine рЂЧВ В В  White рЂЧВ В В  Red рЂЧВ В В  Champagne or sparkling wine рЂЧВ В В  Vermouth рЂЧВ В В  Beer Liqueurs рЂЧВ В В  Amaretto (almond) рЂЧВ В В  Blue Curacao (orange) рЂЧВ В В  Chambord (raspberry) рЂЧВ В В  Cointreau / Grand Marnier / Triple Sec (orange) рЂЧВ В В  CrГЁme de banane рЂЧВ В В  CrГЁme de cacao рЂЧВ В В  CrГЁme de menthe рЂЧВ В В  Frangelico (hazelnut) рЂЧВ В В  Galliano (herbs) рЂЧВ В В  Kalua (coffee) рЂЧВ В В  Sambuca (anise) рЂЧВ В В  Schnapps (various flavors) рЂЧВ В В  Southen Comfort (peach) рЂЧВ В В  Tia Maria (coffee) Mixers рЂЧВ В В  Angosturas Bitters рЂЧВ В В  Lemonade рЂЧВ В В  Cola рЂЧВ В В  Cream рЂЧВ В В  Eggs рЂЧВ В В  Ginger Ale рЂЧВ В В  Grenadine рЂЧВ В В  Milk рЂЧВ В В  Orange Bitters рЂЧВ В В  Sour Mix рЂЧВ В В  Sprite/7-Up рЂЧВ В В  Soda water and tonic water Fruit Juices рЂЧВ В В  Apple рЂЧВ В В  Cranberry рЂЧВ В В  Grapefruit рЂЧВ В В  Lemon рЂЧВ В В  Lime рЂЧВ В В  Orange рЂЧВ В В  Pineapple рЂЧВ В В  Tomato Garnishes/Other рЂЧВ В В  Cinnamon рЂЧВ В В  Ice рЂЧВ В В  Maraschino Cherries рЂЧВ В В  Nutmeg рЂЧВ В В  Olives (black/green) рЂЧВ В В  Salt/pepper/sugar рЂЧВ В В  Sugar Syrup рЂЧВ В В  Tabasco Sauce рЂЧВ В В  Worcestershire Sauce A few handy tools are necessary even for the new bartender. A well-stocked bar is more than just the bottles you have on hand.В  The right tools, displayed on your countertop will go a long way in impressing your guests and will also help making drinks that look like they were made by at professional bartender. рЂЧВ В В  Shakers One of the first bar tools that you will need is a decent shaker. They are useful for building drinks, mixing them properly and transferring them into glasses not to mention they make a good show for your guests. Shakers come in two types: 1) Conventional ones with a cap and a built-in strainer and; 2) Boston shaker which is a large mixing glass with a scale in centiliters and ounces. You will need a strainer to go with the Boston shaker. рЂЧВ В В  Electric Blender Anyone who likes margaritas, daiquiris and pina coladas needs an electric blender. Aim for a smaller model that will take as much space on your bar. рЂЧВ В В  Measuring devices Jiggers and measuring spoons will help you make consistent drinks every time. It also prevents you from being to heavy handed on the booze.В  Remember that goal is to create a great tasting drink and not to get everyone drunk. рЂЧВ В В  Muddler A muddler is a thick stick made out of wood or stainless steel that is used to mash ingredients such as fruits, sugar or mint into a glass when you just want to infuse the flavors into the drink without blending it to a pulp.. рЂЧВ В В  Corkscrew and bottle opener рЂЧВ В В  Cutting board рЂЧВ В В  Citrus juicer рЂЧВ В В  Ice bucket and ice tongs Now that you know what to keep in your bar, all you need to learn is how to make great drinks your friends will love. There are numerous books available on the market from beginner bar setups all the way to experts and drink you never knew existed.. Buy one or two and have fun experimenting. Cheers!

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