7 Essential Rules for Stocking Your Home Bar
Looking for the hottest new spot for drinks? Spoiler alert: it’s your living room! With bars across the country closed, many are exploring their inner mixologist at home. Whether you have a bar, a liquor cabinet, a chic bar cart, or even a kitchen cupboard, these 7 essential rules will help you stock your home bar like a pro. Even beginners will look like bar aficionados!
Rule #1: Buy What You Like to Drink
Your home bar should reflect your personal taste. Stock it with liquor, wine, and beer that YOU enjoy. While keeping the basics is smart, don’t forget to add bottles that showcase your style, preferences, and budget.
Rule #2: Always Have Some Staples on Hand
There are six base liquors that form the backbone of most cocktails: brandy, gin, rum, tequila, vodka, and whiskey. Keep a selection of these handy. Don’t forget to include a few bottles of red and white wine, as well as beer for variety.
Rule #3: Ensure You Have the Right Tools
A well-stocked bar needs the right equipment. Essential tools include:
- Ice bucket
- Jigger (for measuring shots)
- Cocktail shaker and strainer
- Muddler (the pestle of the bar world)
- Wine and beer bottle openers
Rule #4: Glassware
The right glass can elevate a cocktail from ordinary to extraordinary. A home bar should include a variety of short, tall, and stemmed glasses, plus pint glasses and wine glasses to accommodate all drinks.
Rule #5: Mixers
Basic mixers are a must. Keep tonic water, soda water, soft drinks, and fruit juices on hand. Don’t forget bitters—they add extra flavour and spice, perfect for budding mixologists.
Rule #6: Garnishes
A cocktail isn’t complete without garnishes. Many can be sourced from your kitchen or garden, such as sugar, salt, lemons, limes, olives, and fresh herbs like mint, basil, and rosemary.
Rule #7: Liqueurs
Essential liqueurs serve as the backbone for many cocktails. Some must-haves include Aperol, Amaretto, Grand Marnier, Amarula, and Drambuie. Choose wisely to enhance your home cocktail experience.
Thirst is now taking pre-orders for any alcohol of your choice. From 1 June 2020, we’ll deliver directly to your front door if you’re in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, or within 20km of our offices. We’re fully stocked and ready to roll! Order online here.
