If you’re entertaining guests or just enjoying a drink at home, a well-stocked basic bar is a must-have. But you don’t need to spend a lot of money or have a lot of space to create a great bar. With a few basic essentials, you can mix up all sorts of delicious drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic.
Items Needed For A Super Basic Bar
- Liquor or non-alcoholic spirits: Choose a few of your favorite spirits, such as vodka, gin, whiskey, or tequila. If you’re creating a non-alcoholic bar, there are now many great options available, such as Seedlip, Ritual Zero Proof, and Lyre’s.
- Mixers: This is where you can get creative! Stock up on a variety of mixers, such as club soda, tonic water, juice, and soda. You may also want to have some bitters and syrups on hand to add extra flavor to your drinks.
- Garnishes: Garnishes are a simple way to elevate your drinks and make them more special. Try keeping some fresh fruit, herbs, and spices on hand.
- Bar tools: You don’t need a lot of fancy bar tools, but a few basic items will be helpful, such as a jigger, shaker, strainer, and ice bucket.
Once you have your essentials, you’re ready to start creating drinks!
- Start with a simple recipe. Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can start to experiment with more complex recipes. But don’t be afraid to start with something simple, like a gin and tonic or a vodka soda.
- Use fresh ingredients whenever possible. Fresh ingredients will always taste better than processed ones. So if you have the time, try to use fresh fruit, herbs, and juices in your drinks.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment. The best way to learn how to make great drinks is by experimenting. Try different combinations of ingredients and see what you like best.
1. Alcohol
Rum (One quart)
Vodka (2 Quarts)
Whiskey (1 Quart)
Tequila (1 quart)
Gin (1 quart)
Dry Vermouth, (One bottle)
2. JUICES (1 quart each)
Orange
Cranberry
Pineapple
Apple
3. Sodas (6 liters each or 12 cans)
Cola/Pepsi
Ginger ale
Club soda
4. Other mixers
Tonic water, 6 liters
Seltzer, 6 liters
Lime juice (one bottle)
5. Wine (10 bottles)
6. Garnishes
Lemons
Limes
Oranges
Green olives
Mint leaves
7. Equipment
Spoons
Towels
Bowls and glasses for garnishes
Napkins
Shaker
Corkscrew
Ice bucket
Mixing glasses
Paring knife
Straws
Trash container
Whether you’re a homebody who loves to entertain, or you simply enjoy a good drink at home, having a basic bar is a great way to make your life easier and more enjoyable. Here’s a guide on how to create a basic bar for your alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages:
Choose a location
The first step is to choose a location for your bar. If you have a dedicated space, such as a home bar or rec room, that’s ideal. But if not, you can easily set up one up in your kitchen, living room, or even on a patio or deck. Just make sure that the location is convenient and that you have enough space to store your supplies and mix drinks.
Get the basics
Once you’ve chosen a location, it’s time to start gathering the basics for your bar. Here’s a list of essential items:
- Glasses: You’ll need a variety of glasses for different types of drinks, such as wine glasses, cocktail glasses, and beer glasses.
- Bar tools: A basic bar set should include a jigger, shaker, strainer, and stirring spoon.
- Mixers: You’ll need a variety of mixers for cocktails, such as tonic water, club soda, and juices.
- Spirits: If you’re planning on serving alcoholic beverages, you’ll need to stock up on your favorite spirits.
- Garnishes: Garnishes add a touch of elegance to drinks and can also enhance the flavor. Some common garnishes include fruit slices, citrus wedges, and herbs.
Add your own personal touch
Once you have the basics, you can start to add your own personal touch. Maybe you want to focus on a particular type of drink, such as cocktails or craft beer. Or maybe you want to collect vintage glassware. Whatever your style, make sure your bar reflects your personality. Creating a basic bar is a great way to make your life easier and more enjoyable. With a little planning and effort, you can create a bar that is both stylish and functional.
Additional tips for creating a great bar:
- Have a variety of drinks to choose from, including alcoholic and non-alcoholic options.
- Keep your bar clean and organized.
- Label all of your bottles and mixers.
- Invest in some good quality bar tools.
- Learn how to make a few basic cocktails.
- Have fun and be creative!