If you like to enjoy a cocktail every now and then or even every night, you have to make sure to have a well-stocked bar in your home. The key to a perfect home bar is making sure that you have all of the right essentials like bar tools, glasses and alcohol.
Courtesy of ethanolfireplacepros.com
First, make sure you have the right bar tools. A shaker tin is always a must and it is best to have two of them, a 22 oz. and a 16 oz. one. Another thing to have two of is a strainer, a Hawthorne strainer and a Julep strainer. The Julep strainer works great with your mixing glass and the Hawthorne strainer pairs well with your shaker tin. Just make sure you don’t use the Hawthorne strainer to put mint in your cocktails; it is easier to use the Julep strainer. The mint will just get caught up in the Hawthorne strainer. You also need to have a muddler, jigger, bar spoon and a mixing glass.
On top of the right tools, make sure you have the right glassware. You can’t have a cocktail without a glass and using the right type of glass is key. A shot glass is one glass you absolutely have to have because it can be used in a number of ways to prepare your drinks. It might even be smart to have a few of them. Also make sure you are well stocked with plenty of wine glasses and always have regular wine glasses along with stemless ones. A Collins glass that holds more than 12 oz. is another must have and also a flute. It really depends on what you like to drink.
You can’t have a home bar without alcohol. So now that you have the right tools and glasses, you need to have the right liquor. Try to have a couple different options of gin because it actually does make your cocktail taste different when you use different kinds. Rum is another drink you need to have more than one of because it is smart to have silver rum that is aged along with your favorite type of rum. It isn’t good to make cocktails with a brandy that has been aged too long so look for a cognac that is only about 10 years old. It is important to always have plenty of Vermouth on hand and try to keep it in the refrigerator to make it last longer. Lastly, it is always a nice treat to have Triple Sec and tequila that is 100% agave. Of course, do not forget to be well stocked with your favorite alcohol.
