How To Create The Well Stocked Bar

Happy December Everyone! The holidays call for entertaining and every good party needs a well stocked bar. As a Kentuckians, James and I have a variety of bourbons to offer our guests but it is equally important to have a variety of options for your guests. To help prepare for any upcoming entertaining, today I am sharing my suggestions  (and where to splurge and save) for items to create the well stocked bar. Suggested items for a well stocked bar. 

• A Cocktail Book – Purchase a book that has recipes for your favorite drinks and others you would like to try. This is a great way to become more knowledgeable.
• Vodka – One can save on this by purchasing a less expensive brand. As I have a gluten allergy, I prefer potato vodka like Chopin.
• Gin – Gin is typically mixed and one doesn’t need to go high end. However, don’t go too cheap on purchasing gin.
• Bourbon – Please don’t purchase a less expensive bourbon. One will taste more burn than flavor with the less expensive and it’s worth paying a little more. I love Woodford Reserve. My husband (the Bourbon connoisseur) suggests starting with Four Roses Small Batch.
• Rum – There is nothing like a good rum and there are many brands worth trying. I favor Appleton Rum from Jamaica but one can’t go wrong with Bacardi. It is best to have a light and dark rum.
• Tequila – Less expensive tequila will lead to a not so great morning. One is better off by purchasing 100% agave tequila. Try Petròn Silver.
• Whiskey/Scotch – To be honest, this is a spirit we don’t have on our bar. Consider Jack Daniels or Glenmorangie Single Malt.
• Club Soda or Tonic – Splurge on this as you will be mixing drinks and cheaper club sodas and tonics will become flat sooner.
• Beer – As beer has a shelf life, if you don’t drink beer, only purchase it when having a party.
• Wine – Good wine does not have to be expensive and there are many great wines under A$10. If you are entertaining, purchase a red and white.

Liqueurs: These add a secondary layer of flavor in many cocktails.

• Orange-based liqueur, such as Cointreau or Triple Sec
• Herb-based spirits, such as Campari or Chartreuse
• Sweet liqueurs, such as creme de cacao or Kahlua

Mixers and Garnishes.

• Bitters: used in Manhattans and other cocktails
• Olives: for dry martinis
• Lemons and limes: for all manner of drinks
• Maraschino or brandied cherries
• Grenadine: This pomegranate-colored (and traditionally, flavored) syrup is used in layered drinks
• Lime Juice:
• Sweet and Sour mix

Bar Toolkit

• Ice bucket
• Ice scoop
• Lemon zester
• Cutting board
• Paring knife
• Jigger measures
• Corkscrew
• Bottle opener
• Cocktail Shaker(s)
• Long-handled bar spoon
• Muddler
• Strainer
• Pitcher
• Dump bucket

Have fun creating your bar and realize it can be personalized in any way that one likes. It can be on a fancy bar cart, shelf in a kitchen pantry or on the kitchen counter. Most importantly – Enjoy! Cheers!!

Do you have a well stocked bar? 

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