Holiday Hosting
If you’re having a small gathering this holiday season, a well-stocked bar and fridge means you’re ready for anything, be it an impromptu happy hour or a visit from the in-laws. Invest or re-purpose some basic equipment, stock up on a few essentials, and you can have a spread that will impress just about anyone. Here are some bar basics that will keep you shaking and stirring for months to come.
Start with the basics:
These bar basics are the foundation of many popular cocktails, and a good selection of wine and beer means you’re ready for any request.
- Gin for martinis, gin and tonics and Tom Collins
- Vodka for martinis, screwdrivers, vodka tonics, and Moscow mules
- Light Rum for daiquiris, mojitos, eggnog and rum and cokes.
- Whiskey (rye or bourbon) for old fashioneds and whiskey sours.
- Angostura bitters
- Sweet and dry Vermouth
- Lager or Pale Ale
- Red or Dark Beer
- Cider
- White wine
- Red wine
- Sparkling wine
- Non-alcoholic beer
Add some mixers.
Some basics are listed below, but there are plenty of wonderful non-alcoholic drinks to choose from. A wide selection of good quality sodas and juices should be available for your guests who choose not to consume liquor.
- Club Soda
- Tonic water
- Soft drinks like cola and gingerale
- Fruit juices like cranberry, orange and lemonade
Cocktail Essentials
You’ll need to pick up a few essential pieces of equipment. These specialized pieces are available at some PEILCC locations as well as in any kitchen store. In a pinch, though, you can usually find a substitute by raiding your kitchen utensil drawer.
- Jigger or a shot glass for measuring
- Muddler or a long-handled wooden spoon
- Citrus Reamer for juicing citrus fruit, or squeeze by hand
- Cocktail Shaker for mixed drinks, or a mason jar with a lid
- Paring Knife for cutting fruit
- Bar Spoon for mixing stirred cocktails – any spoon with a long handle will do
- Corkscrew and Bottle Opener
Raid the Pantry for some extra touches.
These bar staples are easy to find and are common ingredients in many basic cocktail recipes.
- Lemons, limes and oranges
- Maraschino cherries
- Fresh herbs like mint or basil
- Simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water cooked together and cooled)
- Separated egg whites (or a carton of pasteurised egg whites)
- Green olives
- Maraschino cherries
- Fresh or frozen berries
- Lots and lots of ice
Be a responsible host.
If you serve alcohol, it’s your responsibility to ensure that your guests get home safely, so plan ahead to call a cab or let guests stay in the spare bedroom. You may be held responsible if your guest is injured or harms another by driving home from your house impaired.