The Party Bar

We all know that a bar needs drinks, alcoholic and non-alcoholic.

So a well stocked bar would have an assortment of beers, some spirits, some wine, some sodas and some fruit juice and, of course some ice.

But is that all?

If you are a ‘home-barman’ (or girl, I don’t discriminate, but I detest the term ‘bar-person’) you will probably offer mixed-drinks and cocktails.

I am a hobbiest-barman at home, and a professional at work, although I haven’t worked in a bar for many years. The last time was when I opened a restaurant in Puno, Peru for a travel agency in 2000. So I am familiar with bars.

So, what else does a bar need?

Orange & Lemon slices and mint leaves

Start with the standard, salt, pepper, white and brown sugar.

You’ll need garnishes, mint leaves, orange and lemon slices, pineapple leaves (if you are serving piña colada – always a favourite)

Angostura Bitters

Bitters, Angostura Bitters are essential.

Extras can include, celery salt, cinnamon sticks, liquorice sticks (make a great contrast with orange coloured drinks – especially at Halloween), Maraschino cherries, olives (green and black), cocktail onions, and things like grapes can always be used.

Tabasco Sauce

Extras like Tabasco sauce, and cordials are often handy.

You can add pickled onions, gherkins, coconut, chocolate and glacé (candied) fruit there is a whole host of stuff that you can use.

Of course, it all depends on what drinks you are serving and how fancy do you want to get.

Then there are little bits and pieces like straws, swizzle sticks and umbrellas, if you want to go the whole nine yards.

You can even say it with flowers

If you want some more flower ideas…

Check: Pansy Recipes

You’ll be amazed at what you can do.

May 25, 2012 | Categories: Cocktails, condiments, Something New | Tags: Angostura Bitters, flowers, fruit, home bar, salt, sugar, Tabasco Sauce | Leave a comment