Bar Beautiful
I love the whole idea of a mixing a cocktail at the end of the day. But who am I kidding? I'm certainly no Alicia Florek whipping up a quick margarita at 5 p.m. I guess Alicia needed a new cocktail since Olivia Pope has the market on the giant glass of red at days end. I'll bet both of their holiday bars are well stocked.
Whether you're a regular entertainer or occasionally host a guest or two, a well stocked bar is a home essential...especially during the holiday season. You probably already have many of the essentials on hand and it's just a matter of carving out a special bar space. A bar cart if a fab way to set up a home bar area. They look super chic and make serving your guests very easy. If you don't have space for the cart, a tray set up on a buffet or even just on an island or counter is also an option. If your bar space is small, then only use a selection of my suggestions.
To ensure you can mix most drinks your guests may request, stock your bar with these essentials:
The Glasses
Eight of the following types of glasses are good to have on hand for everyday use, but if you're having a party renting glassware is great option.
- A short glass - low ball
- A tall glass - high ball
- A stem glass - wine (either a shape that appropriate for both red and white or separate glasses for each. I personally have twelve stems from IKEA on hand for parties...so I'm not stressed if one or two break.
- A Champagne flute
The Alcohol
- White Rum - Daiquiris and Mojitos
- Gin - Martini's, Gin & Tonic's, Tom Collins'
- Vodka - Martini's, any other mixed vodka drink
- Tequila
- Rye
- Bourbon - Manhattans, Old Fashioned's, Whiskey Sours
- Cognac - Sidecars
- Cointreau
- Red Vermouth - Manhattans
- White Vermouth - Martini's
- Bitters - helps blend flavours
- Red and White wine options
The Tools
- Bar Spoon
- Muddler
- Jigger
- Cocktail Shaker
- Strainer
- Ice Cubes
The Mixes
- Club Soda
- Fruit Juice - orange and cranberry are good bets
- Cola - full sugar and diet
- Tonic Water
And of course please always have on hand some fabulous fruit juice and sparkling water options for your designated drivers or anyone passing on alcohol. It's always festive to add some soda to fresh juice to kick it up a notch.
Happy entertaining!
