Happy December Everyone!
The holidays call for entertaining and every good party needs a well stocked bar.
As a Kentuckians, James and I have a variety of bourbons to offer our guests but it is equally important to have a variety of options for your guests. To help prepare for any upcoming entertaining, today I am sharing my suggestions (and where to splurge and save) for items to create the well stocked bar.
Suggested items for a well stocked bar.
- A Cocktail Book – Purchase a book that has recipes for your favorite drinks and others you would like to try. This is a great way to become more knowledgeable.
- Vodka – One can save on this by purchasing a less expensive brand. As I have a gluten allergy, I prefer potato vodka like Chopin.
- Gin – Gin is typically mixed and one doesn’t need to go high end. However, don’t go too cheap on purchasing gin.
- Bourbon – Please don’t purchase a less expensive bourbon. One will taste more burn than flavor with the less expensive and it’s worth paying a little more. I love Woodford Reserve. My husband (the Bourbon connoisseur) suggests starting with Four Roses Small Batch.
- Rum – There is nothing like a good rum and there are many brands worth trying. I favor Appleton Rum from Jamaica but one can’t go wrong with Bacardi. It is best to have a light and dark rum.
- Tequila – Less expensive tequila will lead to a not so great morning. One is better off by purchasing 100% agave tequila. Try Petròn Silver.
- Whiskey/Scotch – To be honest, this is a spirit we don’t have on our bar. Consider Jack Daniels or Glenmorangie Single Malt.
- Club Soda or Tonic – Splurge on this as you will be mixing drinks and cheaper club sodas and tonics will become flat sooner.
- Beer – As beer has a shelf life, if you don’t drink beer, only purchase it when having a party.
- Wine – Good wine does not have to be expensive and there are many great wines under A$10. If you are entertaining, purchase a red and white.
Liqueurs: These add a secondary layer of flavor in many cocktails.
- Orange-based liqueur, such as Cointreau or Triple Sec
- Herb-based spirits, such as Campari or Chartreuse
- Sweet liqueurs, such as creme de cacao or Kahlua
Mixers and Garnishes.
- Bitters: used in Manhattans and other cocktails
- Olives: for dry martinis
- Lemons and limes: for all manner of drinks
- Maraschino or brandied cherries
- Grenadine: This pomegranate-colored (and traditionally, flavored) syrup is used in layered drinks
- Lime Juice:
- Sweet and Sour mix
Bar Toolkit
- Ice bucket
- Ice scoop
- Lemon zester
- Cutting board
- Paring knife
- Jigger measures
- Corkscrew
- Bottle opener
- Cocktail Shaker(s)
- Long-handled bar spoon
- Muddler
- Strainer
- Pitcher
- Dump bucket
Have fun creating your bar and realize it can be personalized in any way that one likes. It can be on a fancy bar cart, shelf in a kitchen pantry or on the kitchen counter. Most importantly – Enjoy! Cheers!!
Do you have a well stocked bar?
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