Essentials for the Budding Bartender

Starting a home bar might seem especially daunting, especially if you have no idea how to start, and you should enjoy every step of it. If you’re someone who loves entertaining, a perfectly stocked bar is extremely useful for friends, family or even that special someone.

THE PERFECT COCKTAIL SET

For the budding bartender, a good cocktail set is a must. A strong shaker for when its a James Bond “Shaken , not stirred” moment, and a stirrer for when it isn’t.
Don’t forget your speed pourers for easy pours, a muddler for mojitos and other herbed drinks, a jigger to get the perfect cocktail right, and a strainer for just about everything you can think of.

GIN

Gin is essential as it serves one of the base spirits for many popular cocktails. Whether you prefer a Classic Negroni or a Elderflower Collins, Premium Gin is necessary for every home bar. We recommend Hedrick’s and a Gin Mare’s characteristic scent of rosemary, basil and thryme.

VODKA

Vodka is the perfect mixing liquor because it doesn't have a strong color, taste, or aroma. The differences between vodka brands comes down to what they’re distilled from (potatoes, grains, sugar cane) and their texture in the mouth. Some have an oily, silky finish while others have a ligh, medicinal texture.

Our go-to vodka is Belvedere Vodka.

japanese whiskey

A bottle of good Japanese whisky is incredibly difficult to get your hands on these days as the light with dry spice notes and loads of fruity flavors is a favourite among many. We love and easy on the oak with a finish that lingers for a while in each glass of Yamazaki 12.

Craft Beer

Held annually in the month of December, Calabar carnival is now known as Africa’s biggest street party. Attracting both local and international crowds, the vibrant festival is a celebration of both the regional culture and national culture of Nigeria, drawing influence from Caribbean carnivals around the world.

Glassware

Once you’ve perfected the art of mixing drinks, you’ll need the proper glassware to serve them in. You can get very detailed with your glassware, but here are a few to start you off with:

Martini Glasses
Rocks glasses
Red and white wine glasses
Highball glasses or tall glasses
Beer mugs and pint glasses

*Photo Source: The Canadian Encyclopedia*

Party Games

No bar is complete without party games to bring the whole all your loved ones together. We’re tired of all the old drinking games, so here are a few curated treats for guaranteed fun.

What did we leave out? Let us know in the comments below!

WellnessAvinash Wadhwani20 February 2020Comment