The home bar is an entertaining essential. Creating a portable bar allows a host to mingle with guests while serving cocktails. All you need is a wheeled cart--available at mass retailers, such as Crate and Barrel, Pottery Barn, and Sears--as the base, and a few items that can go a long way. The most difficult aspect of stocking a bar is giving it mass appeal, and offering something all guests can enjoy. With a few essentials, you will be on your way to becoming the perfect bartender.
Instructions
1. Get the right utensils. Bar essentials include: small ice bucket, waiter's corkscrew; cocktail shaker; strainer; double jigger (for measuring shots); and bar spoon. Having these on hand will ensure that you mix a masterful cocktail each time. Stack cocktail napkins on the bar as well.
2. Stock the bar. The basics will get you by and allow you to prepare a variety of cocktails to suit your guests' tastes. Start with standard liquors, such as vodka, gin, whiskey, rum and tequila. A bottle each of white and red wine rounds out the mix.
3. Offer options for non-drinkers. You'll want to have items on hand for non-alcoholic spritzers, too, such as carbonated water; cola and ginger ale; and 1 or 2 kinds of fruit juice. Orange, pineapple and cranberry juices are the most popular choices. These also can be used as mixers for alcoholic beverages.
4. Add a few garnishes. Fruit slices and wedges are traditional, and go well with a variety of cocktails. Other popular garnishes include twists of lemon and lime; maraschino cherries and sugar (for rimming glasses).
5. Keep barware within reach. Guests do not want to root through your cabinets for glasses, so stock the portable bar with a variety of vessels. Have on hand at least two of each--more for larger gatherings: standard wine glasses, martini glasses and classic tall drinking glasses, which can be used for serving mixed and non-alcoholic drinks.
Tags: variety cocktails, with variety
