Setting the Bar
Why get dressed up and drag yourself out for an $8 cocktail, when you can create the same scene at home? Invite friends over for a girls’/guys’ night out with no cover or drink minimum.
The Essentials – There are a bountiful array of accoutrements you could purchase, but here are a few key elements to meet all of your bartending needs.
Corkscrew – Mechanical rabbit ears do double-duty as a wine and beer opener.
Cocktail shaker -Especially one of stainless steel and double-insulated to keep cocktails cold, like this one from Target’s, with a slotted top to strain ice cubes from the cocktail when pouring into a drinking glass.
Jigger or Shot glass – Either a double-sized stainless steel jigger or measuring shot glass
The Glassware – If you have the space for a full-fledged bar, by all means, fill it up. If not martini, wine and all-purpose glasses are a must.
The Moroccan tile pattern on cb2’s wine glasses scale up to mix and match, plus make great glasses for other cocktails. These chalkboard stemless wine glasses can hold more than just wine. Martini glasses hold a variety of cocktails and these etched ones from Pier 1 are perfect. (BTW, check out the glassware section of your local dollar store, you’ll never know what you’ll find. I’ve found really nice and thick martini and champagne glasses at ours.)
A wide pitcher is perfect for water, lemonade, iced tea, fruit drinks or margaritas, and this wine carafe decants a full bottle of wine, leaving plenty of room to breathe.
Other Accessories
If you haven’t heard about Felix Populi, they have unique and quirky items. How cool are these felt coasters in blazing hot hues?
Stay tuned later for a later post on ways to make a good cocktail amazing.