Home Bar Essentials
One thing about me is: I live for a good home bar. One might think this is something that developed after having kids, but actually, I’ve had a well stocked home bar for about as long as I can remember in my adult life. I actually grew up with my parents owning restaurants and nightclubs, so I think it’s sorta just in my blood to be ready to mix a drink at any given time.
Having a fully stocked home bar can be a fun and convenient way to entertain guests, or simply enjoy a drink at the end of a long day. I especially love it because it makes having a cocktail at home so much more enjoyable. But if you're new to the world of home bartending, it can be overwhelming to know where to start.
Spirits
First things first: you'll need a good selection of spirits. A well-rounded bar should have at least one bottle each of vodka, gin, rum, tequila, and whiskey. These five types of alcohol form the foundation of many classic cocktails, so having them on hand will give you plenty of options. You may also want to consider adding a bottle of bourbon or scotch, as well as a bottle of vermouth for martinis.
Mixers
Next, you'll need mixers. This can include tonic water, soda water, juices (such as orange, pineapple, and cranberry — get small cans of quality juices so they last), and bitters. Bitters are a key ingredient in many cocktails, and just a few dashes can add depth and complexity to your drinks. If you are hosting, don't forget to stock up on ice, as well.
Tools
In addition to mixers, you'll want to have a few basic cocktail-making tools on hand. A shaker is essential for making cocktails that involve shaking ingredients together, such as a martini or a mojito. A jigger is a small measuring cup that allows you to accurately measure out ingredients. A bar spoon is a long, thin spoon that is useful for stirring cocktails and reaching the bottom of tall glasses. Finally, a strainer is a handy tool for pouring cocktails without ice or other bits of ingredients.
Extras
Other items to consider adding to your home bar include garnishes (such as olives, citrus wedges, and cherries), a bottle opener, and a variety of glasses for serving your drinks (such as highball glasses for cocktails, and rocks glasses for whiskey).
As you become more comfortable behind the bar, you can experiment with more specialized ingredients and try your hand at creating your own custom cocktails. You can also start to expand your spirits collection to include a more extensive variety of options.
Remember to always drink responsibly, and (this should go without saying but) never serve alcohol to anyone under the legal drinking age. With these things in mind, a fully stocked home bar can be a super fun and enjoyable addition to any home.
