Mindy's Bar Essentials: Part 1

Mixology is the new muse and the "cocktail" -- in all of its social brilliance -- is back. Keeping a well-stocked bar is easy with my "must have" list of bar basics and knowing the rules of the road for hosting small, impromptu gatherings as well as larger, organized fetes.

Getting into the Spirits

For starters, try to purchase, when possible, a selection of top shelf
spirits for ideal drinks! A well-rounded in-home bar will include
vodka, gin, rum (including dark), scotch - single and blended malts,
bourbon, tequila and so on. Space permitting, purchase a variety of
each as your guests will have their favorites.

Beginner Bartender Must-Haves

• Gin
• Bombay Sapphire
• Bourbon
• Wild Turkey or Maker's Mark
• Rum
• Bacardi
• Tequila-- Patron Silver
• Vodka, Grey Goose or Ketel One

Mixing it Up

Next, stock up on the requisite mixers that bring your cocktails to
life. As with the alcohol, choose branded mixers to ensure quality and
freshness. A typical pantry should hold regular and diet sodas
(including ginger ale, tonic and club soda), flat and sparkling water
and fruit juices (cranberry, grapefruit, orange and tomato).

Beginner Bartender Must-Haves

• Cranberry Juice
• Orange Juice
• Tomato Juice
• San Pellegrino sparkling water
• Fiji Flat water

Garnishes and Accoutrements

Now, add the accoutrements such as fresh citrus wedges for refreshing
gin and vodka drinks; vermouth and olives for perfect Martini's;
Tabasco, horseradish and celery stalks for Bloody Mary's; and so on.
Remember to keep a jar of maraschino cherries and grenadine syrup on
hand for little visitors who may request a Shirley Temple or Boy Scout.

Purchase lemons, limes and orange wedges a day or two before your party. Slice on the day of your party and refrigerate.