How to: stock a bar

Cocktail

A well stocked bar is a must for any noteworthy gathering! Forget the cheese plates and sweet tooth cravings –  it’s the delicious libations that will have your guests raving!

Here are Fancy Jane’s six tips to making sure your bar fits the bill:

Accessorize! When it comes to cocktailing accoutrements don’t be shy. In fact, be bold, be chic and be sassy. Outfit your home bar with fabulous accessories. Make a statement with a unique shaker or unique coasters.  Serve your drinks up in style with beautiful and festive cocktail napkins. Just like any well-styled wardrobe, mix the new with the vintage.

50 shades of libations — well maybe more like 4. Know your colors and stock them. Always have your clear liquors (hello, tequila and vodka!), your golds (a nice rum and gold tequila will do), your pinks (oh hey, rose!) and your darks (scotch anyone?). You always want to keep a good collection so when your significant other or BFF asks for an Aspirin you’re well prepared with a scotch on hand.

Swoon-worthy reads. Let your guest get lost in the pages of a classic cocktail book. Nothing makes a guest more thirsty than drooling over lust-worthy libations. It’s the perfect distraction as you mix, sip, schmooze and posture!

Vino Variety – a nice, simple glass of wine is a staple palette pleaser. Make sure you always have a selection of red, white and sparkling wines on hand. Your guests won’t expect a wine cellar, but they will expect to choose between a Cabernet Sauvignon and a Chardonnay. And as always, the more personal you can make the wine selection the more entertained your guests will be. And don’t forget to have a nice bottle opener on hand. A host digging through the drawers is never flattering.

Bubbly anyone? A nice bottle of champs is always a good idea. Have a decent bottle of bubbles in the chiller at all times for drop-in guests or unexpected good news. One can never celebrate too often. Save the Dom and Vueve for special occasions. A nice prosecco or a dry bottle from the middle shelf is all it takes.

Think local. The rise of craft spirits is alive and thriving as if prohibition never existed. A good bottle of your neighborhood spirit is a great conversation piece – especially for those out-of-towners. Entertain them with something local, and leave them in good spirits.

You are who you bar! Your bar at home should be a reflection of who you are as a host. You can’t possibly stock enough drinks and mixers to make everyone happy so stock your favorites. Introduce your guests to your favorite libations, after all it’s your party and you can cheers if you want to!

A quick checklist to make sure you’re well stocked:

Alcohol

  • Gin
  • Tequila (gold and white)
  • Scotch
  • Rum (dark and light)
  • Vodka
  • White and red wine
  • Champagne
  • Rose

Accessories

  • A cocktail shaker with a statement
  • Jigger
  • Corkscrew
  • A citrus press
  • Bar spoon
  • A muddler
  • Cocktail napkins
  • Martini glasses
  • Highball glasses
  • All-purpose wine glasses

From the Market

  • Fresh lemons and limes
  • 1 lb of ice per guest (serves about 3 drinks!)
  • Maraschino Cherries
  • Green olives (pitted)
  • Cola
  • Ginger ale
  • Tonic Water
  • Cranberry Juice
  • Bitters
  • Stirrers
  • Your favorite juice – make it healthy with a green juice!