Stock your Home Bar with Essentials

LIFESTYLE EssentialsStock YOUR HOME BAR WITH

Creating a home bar is a must if you enjoy entertaining. Aside from adding your own style with artwork and a distinctive bar, there are a few essentials you can’t overlook.

You’ll be glad you have these basics on hand when the fun begins.

GLASSWARE Invest in the right glassware for your guests — whiskey glasses, stemless wine glasses, champagne flutes, highball and more. This not only allows you to be more creative but demonstrates that you know what you’re doing.

WHISKEY STONES If you’re pouring whiskey, cool it down without watering it with cold stones. Some prefer a bit of ice or water, but these stones will ensure it stays cool no matter what you add. TOOLS Make sure you have the right tools to make the job easy including shaker tins, strainer, bar spoon, jigger for measuring and a muddler. Additional tools include citrus peeler and a paring knife for garnishes.

SIMPLE SYRUP This easily mixes sweetness into a cocktail. You can buy it or make it by heating equal parts water and sugar until the sugar dissolves. Cool and pour into an airtight bottle. You can use white or brown sugar and infuse it with vanilla, mint and more for additional flair.

MIXERS You’ll want club soda, tonic, ginger ale, soft drinks and ginger beer for simple highballs and mixed drinks like gin and tonics and Moscow mules. GARNISHES Olives and cherries, as well as orange, lemon and lime for the peels and juice fit the bill. For a larger selection, add mint, stuffed olives and more exotic fruits.

BITTERS Bitters balance out the cocktail essences and bring out the different flavor profiles. There are several types including orange, Peychaud and basic angostura bitters.

BASIC LIQUOR Make sure you have rum, rye, bourbon, vermouth, flavored liqueurs, vodka and gin. Include wine, beer and sparkling wine for those who don’t want a mixed drink.