Bar Tips: How to Prepare Your Bar For a Cocktail Party

You don’t necessarily have to go to bar-tending school to produce delicious craft cocktails in your home. Whether you’re planning to drink alone or invite people to join along, there are a few tips and tricks that will make your bar-tending experience much more simple and enjoyable.

Step 1: Acquire the ingredients

Decide what kind of cocktails you would like to serve and plan to buy the necessary ingredients. If you’re planning a party, it’s best to pick one or two main drinks that will be served to your guests. However, no matter what kind of cocktail you’re planning to prepare, there are some basic ingredients most will require. Here are some basic ingredients most cocktails require to get you started on your ideas.

Cocktail Mixers (Pina Colada, Bloody Mary, etc..)
Bitters of various kinds
Fresh fruit for garnishing
Lots of ice
Alcohols that the mixers require
Rimming salt
Rimming sugar
Simple Syrup (Found in a majority of cocktail recipes)

As far as tools go, there are several tools that are handy to have around any home bar but aren’t necessarily mandatory. If your operating on a thinner budget, other things can be used as improvised tools so don’t be worried if you don’t have all of them. Here are some basic tools.

Cocktail shaker with strainer
Muddler (Something to squish things at the bottom of a glass)
Ice bucket
Tongs for the ice
Cocktail glasses of various shapes and sizes
Long spoon (to stir)
A bottle opener
Corkscrew
Measuring cups or jiggers (1 – 4 oz measurements work best)

Step 2: Prepare the area

Cocktails can be a sticky, messy business, so it’s important to prepare the bar area. Place a towel or rubber mat over the surface of the table you plan to mix drinks on – this will save you, and your sponge, tons of time and effort when it comes to clean up.

Put the ice somewhere close to the mixing table and make sure it is easily accessible – this will save you lots of running around time.

Set the cocktail glasses away from the edges of the bar. Bar tending involves moving around, and it can be easy to knock over a glass.

Put a trash can near the bar.

Step 3: Prepare the ingredients

Cut fruit and prepare any garnishes an hour ahead of time; this will save time when making the drinks.

Step 4: Relax 

Congratulations! Your bar is now ready for an onslaught of cocktail craving guests.