Cocktail

Setup a Home Bar

Photo by Mykola "Kolya" Korzh / Unsplash

How to build a home bar without breaking the bank? Well... Let's try, but at some point you definitely will! Do you remember the rabbit hole I talked about a few month ago for espresso? The same principal applies here! Making a home bar doesn't have to be be complex and expensive at the beginning. But over time, it just gets better and better, and more expensive and more expensive. With a home bar you can enjoy the taste of different cocktails and with you mixology skills you can impress your friends and your significant others.

So, let's level up your mixology game!

1. Liquor Up

You need to start from one or two of the most popular liquors first and gradually add up to them. Start with vodka, tequila, rum, gin, and whisky. With those liquors you can cover the base for most of the popular cocktails! t's not necessary to purchase high-end brands when you're starting out, keep it affordable.

2. Mix It Up

Now, you need something to mix with your base. For example, you need tonic water to mix with gin to make a gin'n tonic. Additionally, there are bitters that you mix with your base to add a special aroma and a unique taste to your drinks. Having a couple of items from this list at the beginning would be adequate: tonic water, soda, cola, ginger ale, cranberry juice, and angostura bitter.

Bitters Bar Set

Hella Cocktail Co. 5-Pack Bitters Bar Set (8.5 Fl Oz Total) - Craft Aromatic, Orange, Ginger, Mexican Chocolate, and Smoked Chili Cocktail Bitters

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3. Tools Up

We've got all the ingredients, now it's time to use some tools to mix them. At the beginning, you can simply use mugs and glasses as containers to mix the liquors and mixers, and you a spoon to stir. However, as you become more skilled, you might want to invest in a set of cocktail shaker to elevate your mixology game. When buying one, make sure you cocktail shaker has these items: The shaker itself, jigger, strainer, and maybe bar spoon to mix drinks properly.

Mixology Bartender Kit

10-Piece Bar Tool Set with Stylish Bamboo Stand | Perfect Home Bartending Kit and Martini Cocktail Shaker Set For an Awesome Drink Mixing Experience | Cool Gifts (Gun-Metal)

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4. Glass It Up

So far we have covered the basic, maybe even more. While the taste of a cocktail is the foundation of serving a great drink, the next important step is presentation, which takes your mixology game to the next level. The 'glass-ing up' aspect of it would be serving the cocktails in their own specific glass. For example, serving a margarita in its signature glass not only offers a delicious drink, but also creates a memorable experience.

Margarita Glasses

Libbey Blue Ribbon Stemless Libbey Blue Ribbon Stemless, 10.25-ounce, Set of 6

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That's almost all you need to start. There are a few more items that you can keep in your mind for future:

Ice: Most drinks are served chilled. Some require ice, while others are served straight up.
Garnish: Most cocktails are served with a garnish, which can elevate the overall experience and enhance the aroma and first impression of the drink.
Storage: You need a dedicated shelf or cabinet to keep all the liquors and tools organized. You can consider purchasing a bar cart or small refrigerator to keep everything organized and easily accessible.

Congratulations, you've officially built a home bar! Let me know what you think about having a home bar and if you need any help building one. Cheers!