10 Essentials For An At-Home Bar You Need
Every at-home bar needs a certain amount of essentials to keep it up and running, and that can seem like a big task. But, with a few great staples, you can make a number a drinks that guests will be happy to drink. So, here are 10 essentials that you need for an at-home bar.
1. Glassware
This can seem like a daunting thing to get because every fancy drink has a different type of glass to serve it in, however, having a few simple glasses will tide you over with a large amount of drinks. Plus, most guests aren’t as picky when they know they aren’t going to a bar. So, get yourself a few key glasses like highballs, margarita glasses, and old fashioned glasses, and you will be set. These can be found at a number of stores, or online, and can last you a while.
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2. Cocktail Shaker
This can work for an at-home bar because it can be versatile. You can make on-the-rocks margaritas to Manhattans in this shaker, so be sure to pick one up. This shaker can work for a number of drinks, and a metal one doesn’t have to brake the bank. You can pick one up for a cheap price, and use it again and again. This will work for martinis too, just be sure to clean it before plopping in another liquor!
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3. Bitters
This at-home cocktail essential is something that is often overlooked, especially if you are into the tropical drinks. However, this is a main item in many classic cocktails like the old-fashioned or pink gin. So, get yourself a bottle of bitters to help round out the types of cocktails you can make.
Hint: get angostura bitters, which are used in many classic drinks, and it will work for almost anything!
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4. Mixers
What at-home bar is complete without some mixers to make cocktails with? None! So, stock your bar with a few main mixers to be able to make a number of classic cocktails. The traditional mixers consist of orange, pineapple, and cranberry juice. These few juices can work for tequila pineapples, vodka cranberries, or champagne and orange juice and will allow for a number of occasions.
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5. Specialty Mixers
Not everyone likes the classic whiskey drinks, or tequila shots, so have something for those that want something a little on the sweet side. Stock your bar with mixers like pina colada mix, margarita mixes, and Tom Collins mixers to make all your guests comfortable. Keep a few sweeter options at your home bar to make sure that everyone can get the drink they want.
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6. Simple Syrup
This at-home bar essential is something that is a small thing that happens to be used in a large number of classic drinks like a lemon drop, whiskey sour, or french 75. So, even though this may not be used for every drink, it should be a staple that can make your at-home bar feel like an Irish pub!
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7. Alcohols
This may seem the most basic necessity, but it can often be overlooked by what the person likes, over what you should have to accommodate your guests. So, in order to have a full bar, you should have a mix of the basics. You should stock up on a good vodka, whiskey, rum, gin, tequila, and a brandy. These staples will set you up for a large number of cocktails that can be made from these basics, and you will able to mix them to make drinks like the Adios, or the Long Island Iced Tea.
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8. Liqueurs
Liqueurs are usually added to basic alcohols to add a bit more flavor, such as vermouth, which is used in martinis and Manhattans, So, if you want a full at-home bar, you should have a few on hand to make a selected number of cocktails. A few that are often used are vermouth, amaretto, coffee liqueur, Irish cream, and orange liqueur. These will help you create a large amount of specialty cocktails that have a little added flavor.
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9. Secondary Liqueurs
These added extras can make the difference between a weak at-home bar, and a strong one. So, have a few secondary liqueurs on hand to dazzle your guests with your bar tending skills. A few to keep in your bar are Chambord, Creme de Cocoa, Creme de Menthe, and Midori. These extra liqueurs will give your at-home bar the boost from an average bar, to the go-to party bar! Make mint martinis or Midori sours to give your guests some variety.
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10. Garnishes
These are typically the easiest things to find, because they can be found at any grocery store. The essentials for your at-home bar consist of cherries, oranges, lemons, limes, salt, and sugar. These easy to find items can give your drinks the finishing touch, like the final garnish of cherry on an old-fashioned, or the salted rim of a margarita. This will give your guests the feeling like they are at an actual bar, and make them want to come back for more!
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