Cocktail : UK > Features > Bartending > The Balanced Bar

Stocking Up - the balanced bar




There are thousands of alcoholic drinks available to you. Clearly you can not be expected to stock all of this. So what do you do?

Your bar will grow as time goes on, but what are considered the essentials? There is no definitive answer to this, but below is what we consider to be a reasonably stocked bar.

Each bar should have a varied range of spirits, mixers and garnishes.

Spirits

  • Gin
  • Vodka
  • Rum (dark and light)
  • Scotch whisky
  • Bourbon
  • Tequila
  • Brandy/Cognac
  • Vermouth (dry and sweet)
  • Sparkling wine
  • Dry white wine
  • Dry red wine
  • Triple sec
  • Your choice of liqueurs

Mixers

  • Soda water
  • Cola
  • Ginger ale
  • Tonic water
  • Tomato juice
  • Lots of different fruit juices
  • Mineral water
  • Grenadine
  • Angostura bitters

Garnishes/extras

  • Olives (green and black)
  • Maraschino cherries
  • Lemons
  • Limes
  • Oranges
  • Nutmeg
  • Caster sugar
  • Tabasco sauce
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Sugar syrup

Oh yes and before I forget; ICE, and lots of it (crushed/cracked too). You can never have too much ice! When you think you have enough, make some more!!