As we look forward to a brand new year, there are plenty of celebrations in our future. There will be tons of opportunities to gather friends and family and throw parties for holidays and special events. A delicious cocktail or “mocktail” is the perfect way to cap off a fun night. Stocking your bar cart with equipment, alcohol, mixers, and garnishes ensures that you have everything you need to mix up everyone’s favorite drink.
Glassware:
While a red solo cup is cheap and convenient, placing a drink in a glass cup will add a level of sophistication to your next soiree. Certain drinks are better suited to specific glasses. Here are a few basics to keep on hand.
Rocks Glasses
Also known as “old-fashioned glasses” named after a favorite drink that is served in them, rocks glasses are typically used for drinks that are served “on the rocks” or in other words with ice. These glasses hold around 10 to 12 ounces and are commonly used for mixed drinks.
Highball Glasses
Like the name implies, highball glasses are tall and narrow. They are ideal for drinks that require stirring as the drink can be created directly in the glass. These glasses typically hold 8 to 16 ounces.
Shot Glasses
One of the easiest glasses to recognize, shot glasses are the smallest glasses available. These short glasses feature a thick bottom so they can be slammed onto a bar or table after downing the drink.
Martini Glasses
Even though these glasses are named after James Bond’s favorite drink, they are versatile enough to serve up a variety of beverages. Featuring a conical design, these glasses are ideal for drinks served neat (without ice). They can be used for martinis, cosmopolitans, and Manhattans. Plus, they can be used as a substitute for margarita glasses in a pinch.
Wine Glasses
Most people recognize wine glasses, but did you know that there are specific glasses for white wine and red wine? Red wine glasses feature rounder and wider bowls while white wine glasses are more tapered and narrow. In addition to wine, both of these glasses are good for spritzers and sangrias.
Equipment:
In addition to proper glassware, having the right tools on hand can bring your cocktails to the next level. These tools are good to have on hand to help prepare your drinks or ingredients.
Boston Shaker
Most of us have witnessed a bartender using a boston shaker in a bar or restaurant. If you prefer your favorite drink shaken not stirred, this is the tool for you. This device is made of metal and features a cup at the top (typically with a strainer). To use, simply place the cap on and give the tin a good shake to mix up the drink.
Bar Spoons
I know what you’re thinking. I have a full drawer full of spoons. Why do I need more? Bar spoons feature a slightly different design. They have a narrow, twisted body that is tall enough to reach the bottom of a highball glass for superior stirring.
Jigger
Jiggers are essentially the measuring cups of mixology. They measure out 2 ounces of any alcohol. This gives you extra precision when concocting new recipes.
Muddler
A muddler functions similarly to a mortar and pestle. It allows you to mash up herbs and fruit to release the flavor into a drink. This is useful for crafting old-fashioneds, mojitos, and mint juleps.
Bottle Opener and Corkscrew
The necessity for these tools is pretty self-explanatory. Keeping a bottle opener and corkscrew on hand makes it easy to pop open beer, champagne, and wine bottles.
Types of Alcohol:
Now that you’ve gathered all the tools of the trade, it’s time for the most important part, the drinks. There are countless different types of alcohol on the market and everyone has their own personal preferences. If you’re throwing a party, try to cover your bases by getting some mixology staples, and when in doubt go with what YOU like. After all, the bottle will be sitting in your bar cabinet well after the guests go home.
Vodka
When it comes to versatility, unflavored vodka provides the best bang for your buck. With a crisp neutral flavor, vodka can be used with a number of mixers. It’s a key ingredient for cosmopolitans, bloody marys, and white Russian cocktails.
Gin
Gin is a classic alcohol that has been a dinner party staple for centuries. Gin has a piney taste that comes from the juniper berries that are frequently used to flavor it. Apart from the classic gin and tonic, gin is used in martinis, negronis, and Tom Collins cocktails.
Tequila
For something beachy and exotic, make sure tequila is on your bar cart. Tequila has a rich, fruity flavor that gets more complex the longer it is aged. Tequila is used to create tropical favorites like margaritas and tequila sunrises.
Rum
Rum is available in four different styles, light, dark, spiced, and gold. Light rum can be used for tropical beverages like daiquiris and mojitos while dark rum is great in hot-buttered rum and dark and stormy cocktails. Spiced rum like Captain Morgan also pairs very well with cola soda.
Whiskey
Like rum, whiskey is available in a variety of styles and everyone has their favorite. Whether you choose Irish, Scottish, bourbon, rye or single malt, whiskey is a versatile option that can be used to create whiskey sours, scotch and sodas, and old-fashioneds.
Brandy
Brandy has a smooth subtly sweet flavor that can complement a variety of flavors. When properly aged, it also has notes of oak. It plays a central role in brandy old-fashioneds, sidecars, eggnog, and Tom and Jerrys.
Wine
You can’t go wrong with a bottle of wine. This simple option provides a classic alternative for those who don’t enjoy mixed drinks. Store them in a wine fridge until it’s time to serve. A bottle of white or red wine is an excellent, no-fuss addition to your bar cart.
For more information about which food to pair with your wine, check out our article 7 Delicious Wine Options to Serve with Your Thanksgiving Dinner.
Mixers and Garnishes:
Alcohol may be the star of a cocktail, but mixers and garnishes play key roles as well. These ingredients give the drink its unique flavor. Plus, having these ingredients on hand allows you to create artisanal non-alcoholic drinks (also known as “mocktails”). This way everyone at your party can enjoy a refreshing beverage.
Ice
Even though it’s not what you typically think of as a mixer, ice is one of the most important ingredients in a cocktail and ensures that the drink stays cool. Fill up an ice bucket before the party to make sure you’re well stocked.
Secondary Alcohol
Some cocktails require a combination of two different alcohols. Having a smaller bottle on hand for mixing can help expand the amount of drinks you can create. This includes alcohol like vermouth for martinis and liqueurs like amaretto or creme de menthe.
Juice or Soda
These sweet beverages are the most common mixers used with cocktails. A variety of fruit juices including orange juice, cranberry juice, pineapple juice, and even tomato juice can be used to create some of the most popular mixed drinks. Having cola, tonic water, and cream soda on hand is also a good option for simpler mixed drinks like rum and Coke, and gin and tonic. Plus, these mixers can be served without alcohol to non-drinkers.
Bitters, Sours, and Syrup
Adding a dash of these mixers will add a pop of flavor to any drink. Simple syrup lives up to its name and is a basic combination of sugar and water to add extra sweetness. Grenadine is a red bar syrup that is typically made from pomegranate, and bitters are extractions from citrus peels and berries. Sour mix is a combination of lemon and lime juice to add zest to a drink. All of these syrups and mixes can add a little extra zip to a cocktail.
Fresh Fruit, Olives, and Mint
Having a little fresh produce on hand is the perfect way to complete your cocktail. These items work very well as garnishes and add an extra hint of flavor. Add an orange, lemon, or lime slice to the rim of a glass or add a few olives to a martini.
Having a properly stocked bar ensures that everyone will feel like they are attending an elegant gala. Keeping a few basics on hand gives you the materials to make a variety of unique cocktails. However, there’s no need to buy out the liquor store. Simply pick a few of your favorites and let your creativity flow.
For more party planning tips, check out our article, How to Set Up a Home Bar for a Party.
