Set up a cocktail bar
If the potluck—or other event—you’re hosting will include cocktails, you have a few choices. First, you can keep things simple and offer a single, signature cocktail for your guests. This keeps your shopping list short and your effort down—a great idea. But you can also go the more traditional route and set up a complete cocktail bar with everything any guest would need to mix up a cocktail of their choice. How do you set up a cocktail bar? You’ll need four basic things: a selection of spirits, various mixes, the tools to get the job done and the proper glasses to serve your creations in.
The spirits
How big do you want to go? At the very least, a good cocktail bar should offer:
-vodka
-gin
-whisky
-rum
These will keep most of your guests pleased. But if you can, expand your offerings by adding:
-tequila
- brandy
- schnapps
Also have a few flavoured liqueurs on hand, like Cointreau, Amaretto and Bailey’s.
The mixes
Stock your bar with a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic mixes, plus some basic garnishes. At the very least, you’ll need:
-sweet vermouth
-dry vermouth
-bitters
-cola
-tonic and soda water
-cranberry juice and other fruit juices
-martini olives
- Maraschino cherries
-bowl of lemon and lime wedges
-a bowl of ice cubes
The tools
Of course, all these liquids require some hardware for mixing and stirring. No need to get overly fancy, but your guests will need the following basic items:
-a couple of cocktail shakers
-jiggers (shot glasses, or other measuring device)
-a strainer or two
-a long stirring spoon
-bottle openers and corkscrews
-bar rags (there will be spills)
-a table or counter large enough to hold all this!
The glasses
A properly prepared drink includes serving It in the right glass – one that highlights its colours and aromas. Here are four glassware essentials for any bar:
Highball – Tall and slender, these glasses are great for everything from Caesars to Gin & Tonics and drinks that require a straw.
Martini – A good martini glass is a must. Look for the classic flared bowl on an elegant stem.
Old-Fashioned – Also known as “tumblers” these versatile glasses are for drinks served “on the rocks” as well as cocktails such as the classic “Old-Fashioned” from which the glass gets its name.
Flute – The “Champagne” glass is for more than just bubbly. It’s also the go-to glass for mimosas and the Bellini.
OK, you have your shopping list—now have fun pulling it all together! Your guests will be impressed by the level of thought you’ve put into it.