20 Essentials to Stock your Bar

Last week I shared How We Created the Coolest Bar in Texas.  I “interviewed” Sweet Shark and asked him what he considered the essential items needed for properly stocking a bar. So if you’re attending a “Stocking the Bar” Shower anytime soon or just want to know what you should have in your home bar for entertaining, have a seat and join Sweet Shark and me for a little bar hop.

20 Essentials to Stock your Bar

The Liquors

1. Bourbon ~ such as Jim Bean, Wellers, or Old Charter
2. Scotch ~ such as Dewar’s or Cutty Sark

3. Vodka ~ such as Skye, Monopolowa, or if you’re in Texas, we love Tito’s

4. Gin ~ such as Beefeaters

5. Tequila ~ preferably 100% agave, such as Sauza Blue

6. Rum ~ such as Bacardi or Captain Morgan Silver Spiced Rum

The Mixers

7. Tonic Water

8. Soda Water

9. Ginger Ale

10. 7-Up or Sprite

Citrus Fruits

11. Lemons

12. Limes

The Liqueurs

13. Orange Liqueur ~ such as Grand Marnier, Cointreau, or Triple Sec

The Bitters

14. Bitters ~ such as Angostura or Peychaud’s

The Tools

15. Cocktail Shaker

16. Muddler ~ used to mash or bruise fruit or leaves, such as mint

17. Cocktail Spoon ~ for when it’s stirred, not shaken

18. Juicer ~ for juicing lemons and limes

19. Small Paring Knife ~ for slicing lemons and limes for mixing and garnishing

20. Measuring Cup ~ for measuring ingredient amounts; Sweet Shark especially loves his little OXO measuring cup

Sweet Shark and I hope his 20 Essentials to Stock your Bar is helpful. Throw yourself your own stock the bar party!