Stocking A Home Bar

Shaken Not Stirred

Do you know the difference between a martini that's shaken not stirred? The phrase probably sounds familiar if you've seen a James Bond movie. There is no doubt that women seem to prefer guys who know their way around alcohol and wine. A man who orders an apple martini is way more interesting than one who orders a beer without a glass. A home bar is a great way to show the little lady that you can tell the difference between a one-sided or two-sided jigger. This is good knowledge to have because in some circles it would be a deal breaker on whether or not you go out on a second date.

Just Like A Boy Scout...

The saying is true that just like a boy scout a bartender is always prepared. You have to be because you have no idea what your guests are going to order. With a little planning you can be the belle of the bar. Yes, it's all in the planning.

The Right Equipment

Planning a bar is the same as doing surgery. You need to have certain tools on hand to do a good job. The following is a list of "must-haves" for the beginner bartender.

• A drink can be ruined if the alcohol requirements are not exact. Therefore a one-sided jigger which has 1/8, 1/4, 1/2 and one ounce measure should be in plain sight. Sitting next to it should be a two-sided jigger which has a one ounce measure on one side and a one-and-a-half ounce measure on the opposite side.
• A cocktail shaker and a coil rimmed strainer are commonly used in a wide variety of mixed drinks. They can be stainless steel or a combination of glass and stainless steel. They will both get the job done.
• Cocktail spoons are essential if you are planning on serving hot coffees which must be stirred or if you are going to attempt building layered shooters. A cocktail spoon ensures that the different liquors don't combine and remained layered in the shooter glass.
• A heavy duty, ice-crushing blender is an essential for the margarita and daiquiri crowd. A light weight blender will burn out under the strain. If you are limited by finance you can crush the ice with a meat tenderizing hammer after you place it in a clean towel. This is messy. Buy a heavy duty blender.
• To rim the glasses successfully with salt/sugar use a blue bowl for salt and a red bowl for sugar. Do not use the same colored bowls. Results can be disastrous. It is important to frequently change salt/sugar bowls between functions.
• A sharp bar knife and cutting board are essential in garnish preparation.
• Airtight containers are also a must to store fruit garnishes. This allows you to take pressure off by preparing them in advance.
• A corkscrew is a staple in any bar. Someone will always want to drink wine.
• Napkins/cocktail swords are a great way to finish a drink. Remember presentation is everything.
• Ice tongs are a must. Never stick a glass in ice. If you break it you can give yourself a cut that you'll remember for a long time. It also makes the ice unusable. Is that a shard of ice or glass in your boss's drink? I guess it depends on how you get along.
• Last but not least every bartender needs to stock up on fresh, white towels. The towels should be soft but lint free. They are used for polishing glasses. Nothing looks worse than finger prints on glassware.
• A bar mat completes your set-up. Place clean towels under bar mat. Once glasses are washed tip them over and they dry streak-free. Cuts down on polishing!

Glassware

A drink can be perfectly mixed but if it is poured into the wrong glass the magic is gone. Visualize a glass of wine in a beer stein. My personal favorite is beer in a jelly jar. Not that I'm a snob but what worked in college definitely won't cut it in the real world. Entertaining means investing in glassware. It doesn't have to be expensive just correct for the drink.

How will you tell which drink to put in which glass? Simple buy a recipe book that suggests what glassware to use.

The most common types of glassware found in a bar are:

• Beer mugs. These are great for Monday night football with the guys.
• Highball glasses. These are used for mixed drinks such as a rye and seven. You can also serve pop in them to your designated drivers.
• Old fashioned glasses. These glasses are short and squat. They are also called low-ball glasses. They are used when making drinks with ice only or when making a two ingredient drink like Kahlua and cream. The rule of thumb is a single shot, ice and a splash of something.
• Wine goblets. They can vary in size but should only be used to serve wine. Good news is that they are versatile. The wine can be red, white or rose.
• Margarita or daiquiri glasses. The name says it all. Wait until these go on sale. They tend to be expensive. Get the real glass ones. Do not use plastic. Ever.
• Pony glasses also called cordials. These are used for shooters, sherry or straight liquor. These are also expensive. Have a glassware party and register so your friends know what to buy you for your birthday.
• Coffee Mugs. If you are making Spanish or Irish coffee glass mugs are very important for presentation. Ask yourself would you like a mug that is clean and pristine or one that reads Last of the Red Hot Lovers? These mugs should never have writing on them.
• Brandy snifters. Again, a fairly big ticket item. Another great gift idea for the family. When serving brandy it is important to use this kind of glassware because the heat from the hands warms the brandy and releases its aromas.

Liquor

In a bar most bartenders’ rail will contain the following spirits:

• Scotch Whiskey
• Rye Whiskey
• Vodka
• Light Rum
• Dark Rum
• Grenadine
• Lemon Juice

If you are planning a shooter party you need to familiarize yourself with the drink ingredients. Ultimately taste and price will dictate what you serve. Cocktails are many and varied. It is a good idea to buy one bottle per pay of extra liquor. This means you get to experiment. One week you may buy Galliano. All you need is a shot of vodka, orange juice and a splash of Galliano and you have made a Harvey Wallbanger. Research recipes and have fun.

Supporting Liquids

All bars should be stocked with the following:

• Club Soda
• Tonic Water
• Light and Dark Sodas
• A variety of juices. Again this will be dictated by taste. Experiment. You might think your a big Bloody Mary fan when in fact cranberry and white wine steal your heart in a delicious spritzer.
• Milk or Heavy cream. Good idea to buy this the day of the party to ensure freshness.

An Absolute Must Have For Your Bar

Every bar that doesn't have a professional bartender should have a drink book that is easy to understand. It is a bartender's lot in Life to create beautiful drinks responsibly. Make sure your guests enjoy your bar over and over again. Knowing how to make drinks also gives you the knowledge of how much your guests have had to drink. Make sure that no one leaves your home impaired.