I'm sure there are 1,001 articles out there on everything you need for a perfect cocktail party bar and I'm sure I'm breaking all kinds of bartender rules with this list, but I don't care. I firmly believe you can make all of your party guests happy with only a handful of liquors and mixes and more importantly, I don't think you need to break the bank with the fancy-schmanciest of brands. Here are my basic bar essentials, along with my accompanying alcohol recommendations.
The Liquors:
Gin (My personal favorite is Bombay Sapphire, but honestly, I usually just keep it real with Seagrams, which is surprisingly pretty good.)
Vodka (Doesn't it seem like everyone has really strong feelings about vodka brands? Personally, I think Absolut is perfectly acceptable.)
Tequila (I like Hornitos or El Jimador and I DO NOT think it's necessary to have Patron. However, if one of your guests brings you a bottle of Patron, well, enjoy!)
Whiskey (There's an on-going debate in my family between Bushmill's and Jameson. At the end of the day, they're pretty much the same.)
Rum (Cuba Libre, anyone?)
Vermouth (For the martini-lovers.)
Triple Sec (For the margaritas.)
The Non-Liquors:
Tonic
Soda water
Cola
Lemons & limes
And that's it! Cheers!
Oh, I could go on about this subject ALL DAY!
My fave Vodka is Pearl Pomegranate. Obviously it's a stand alone Vodka because it's flavored, but it tastes so good and is so smooth, I drink it straight over ice.
I also recommend having a Bourbon, Jim Beam Black Label is one I enjoy, as well as a coffee liqueur, like Kahlua.
I got a recommendation for a Spiced Rum the other day that is better than Meyer's, called Goslings.
Posted by: Shoe Lush | February 25, 2010 at 02:24 PM
Oh my word! I cannot wait to have this baby- I'm SO THIRSTY!
Posted by: Christina | February 25, 2010 at 08:33 PM
And juice- you need juice!
Posted by: Tarat1010@gmail.com | March 08, 2010 at 09:16 AM