bar tips

When setting up your own home bar all you really need is the basic equipment and essential spirits

Barware ice bucket, cocktail shaker, bar spoon, muddler, jigger, strainer and ice cube trays

Glassware Make sure to have about a dozen each of short glasses, tall glasses and of stemmed red and white wine glasses. There are different qualities of glasses, ranging from basic Ikea glassware to Riedel. Choose the appropriate quality level for the event. (don’t use your best glasses at a backyard bbq bash)

Alcohol Six to eight base spirits and a few mixers will allow you to turn out a surprising number of cocktail classics. All you need to stock is a bottle of proof vodka, proof white rum, proof whisky, a quality gin, a tequila and a Scotch.

Spirits will keep for a long time, particularly in a cool place away from direct sunlight. The lower the liquid level, the more quickly you should consume the liquor, as the air in the bottle will leach out the flavors.

Liquors Cointreau, Vermouth and a good range of bitters (fee brothers)

Mixers When entertaining always have a selection of fruit juices, clamato, club soda and tonic on hand

Garnish Stock the bar with bowls of garnishes, like citrus wedges, fresh mint, olives and chunked fruit
Snacks Always offer bar snacks when serving a drink or multiple drinks to guests. Not only is it proper hosting etiquette, it is responsible. (nuts, pretzels, chips, olives, cheeses)

Ice! Ice! Ice! For cocktail parties, allow approximately 2 cups of ice or ½ a kilo for each guest, as well as three drinks and three glasses.
Hire a professional bartender. If you are having a large bash and want to wow your guests, and free up your evening to socialize, call the Martini Club and have them book you a professional bartender. They charge by the hour, and are generally fairly reasonable. (www.martiniclub.com)

Party Tips If you are setting up a DIY bar at your party, make sure that you have a bucket of ice or cooler set up for beer, if it is not close to a refrigerator. Keep a spill cloth, spoons, tongs, glassware, stir sticks handy. You don’t want to spend the next week cleaning up after the party. If possible, chill cocktail and beer glasses ahead of time. Handle glasses by the stem to avoid leaving finger marks and warming the contents. Add carbonated beverages at the last minute, even to punches. Most importantly – Never allow an inebriated guest to drive.

The LCBO has a very useful links for planning a large gathering. They list how much alcohol you should purchase, by type of drinks and number of people here. They also have an online drinks calculator which is super handy for figuring out how much alcohol to purchase.