7 ESSENTIAL RULES FOR STOCKING YOUR HOME BAR

Looking for the hottest new spot for drinks? Spoiler alert: It’s your living room! While bars across the country remain closed, many are attempting to unleash their inner mixologists and experimenting at home. So, whether you have an actual bar, a liquor cabinet, a chic bar cart, or a kitchen cupboard, we outline 7 essential rules for stocking your home bar – Don’t worry we’ve got you, our tips will even have rookies looking like bar aficionados!

Rule #1: Buy what you like to drink

First things first, whether it’s liquor, wine, or beer, stock your home bar with what YOU like to drink. While it’s always good to keep the basics on hand, add your own personality to your home bar that reflects your individual style, taste, and budget.

Rule#2: Always have some staples on hand

Always have a selection of popular liquor on hand. The six base liquors that form the foundation of the majority of cocktails is always a good starting point. These include: brandy, gin, rum, tequila, vodka, and whiskey. Don’t forget a few bottles of red and white wine as well as some beer.

Rule #3: Ensure you have the right tools

A well-stocked bar includes the tools needed to make all kinds of cocktails, from the simplest to the more complicated. Must-have tools include an ice bucket, jigger (for measuring shots), a cocktail shaker and strainer and a muddler (the pestle of the bar world). And don’t forget wine and beer bottle openers!

Rule #4: Glassware

The right glassware can transform a cocktail from ‘just another drink’ to a work of art. Well-stocked home bars should have a combination of short, tall and stemmed glasses. Don’t forget pint glasses and wine glasses for the beer and wine enthusiasts.

Rule #5: Mixers

It’s always important to have some basic mixing staples on hand including tonic water, soda water, cold drinks and fruit juices. Your personal preferences will dictate what you choose to keep on hand. While not necessarily a mixer, a budding mixologist should always ensure their home bar is stocked with bitters to add some extra flavour and spice.

Rule #6: Garnishes

A cocktail just isn’t a cocktail without a garnish. In many cases, many popular garnishes can already be found in your kitchen or garden including sugar, salt, lemons, limes, olives and fresh herbs (mint , basil and rosemary).

Rule #7: Liqueur

Your home bar should always be stocked with certain liqueurs, many of which serve as the backbone of a number of cocktails. But with so many to choose from, it’s hard to know which ones are absolutely essential, and which ones are best left on the liquor store shelf. Some essentials include Aperol, Amaretto, Grand Marnier, Amarula and Drambuie.

Thirst is taking pre-orders for any alcohol of your choice. From the 1st of June 2020, we’ll deliver your alcohol directly to your front door if you’re JHB, CT or Durbs and within 20km of our offices. We’re fully stocked and ready to roll. Visit https://online.thirst.co.za