To misquote Dean Martin, or perhaps not, I like a cocktail that gives you a ‘kick in the head’! I don’t want a glass with a thimble of alcohol, a can of mixer and half a bush of mint. It needs pure alcohol, a bit of chemistry and a twist of lime. I also love a vintage cocktail bar and have a mini one wherever we live. There is an air of glamor and sophistication with fleeting images of by-gone times, high heels, long cigarette holders and of course, a shaker or two.
What Should I Go For?
If you have a big place then you have lots of options and the only aspect to consider is what style. Do you want to go retro and glam, modern and chic or holiday Havana? Work out the key style and go from them. One note, yes that holiday in Bali or Hawaii was fantastic but a bamboo style bar may not fit in with a mid-Western 3-bedroom modern style house. Also consider if it is going to be inside or outside of the apartment/house.I love this emerald green velvet and gold bar but it could date.
If you don’t have a lot of space, consider a trolley or buy one of the cheaper IKEA cabinets and paint it or screw in coasters in the feet of the trolley legs. Look in op shops for older furniture. Our New York trolley was a kitchen one from a West Elm sale. In France, we found a 193os drinks bureau in the local community shop for a cheap price and are thrilled with the marble top and bronze metal edging.
Cocktail Bar Essentials
Shakers
This is the essential tool as it used to mix cocktails to blend the ingredients, particularly if they include cream, fruit juices or herbs. If you need to cool down or gently dilute a drink, then crushed ice or freshly made ice cubes in a shaker will add just the right amount of water without losing the taste. I prefer those with a filter top and lid to the glass tumbler version but find the one that works for you. A good mixologist will shake and then use a stirrer to taste for the right blend.
Jigger
This is key for measuring the amounts of alcohol. Friends are surprised that I use one but I shake over ice 2 shots of gin, 1 shot of vermouth, 1 shot of St Germain liquor and 1/2 a shot of lime creating a cool elderflower martini.
Bar Tools
There are some serious and expensive tools but unless you are running your own bar or dream of one, there are some simple and inexpensive items to consider:
- Minature chopping board – mine is a cheap plastic one which doesn’t slip and allows me to cut up fruit and is easy to wash
- Bar spoon – this has a long handle and is great to stir to taste, pummel mint in or if you are brave, slowly mix ingredients down the long stem to layer drinks
- Bottle opener – get one that actually works
- Cork screw – I am useless with a ‘waiter’s friend’ style and need the big one where you can grapple with the bottle
- Pourer – if you are a serious cocktail person, then these can be put on your key liquor bottles for even shots
- Ice crusher – I have a cheap one which is great for longer summer cocktails
- Citrus juicer – I am not a fan of adding juice to drinks unless it is cranberry but for the sweeter tooth, it is worth getting one
- Peeler / Zester– a twist of lime, lemon or orange looks great and can add an extra zing
- Cocktail sticks – for that olive or strawberry
- Muddler – this is to mush in the mint, rosemary or even black pepper to add another element
- Rimmer – this is for the serious margarita drinkers who love that salt or sugar glass rim
- Sharp knife – get a good small, sharp knife to quickly cut up fruit and vegetables
What To Drink
I love a good gin rather than vodka such as Copperhead, Monkey 47, Hendricks, Bulldog or Tanqueray 10. Other bases may be tequila or rum. Get the best quality you can. If you prefer vodka, go for Grey Goose, Belverdere, Smirnoff or Ketel One for a smooth taste. For tequila, go for a silver or blanco one that is a good base and a light rum or a spicy rum for more flavour. A good white dry vermouth, orange liquor such as Cointreau, Bitters for flavour, St Germain – my go-to summer drink and Creme de Cassis to make a Kir Royale. Cheers dears!
