Cocktail anyone?? Let’s be perfectly transparent, we could all use an extra shot of happiness these days. In the midst of homeschooling, sheltering in place, working from home, and reorganizing our lives, we miss hanging out and having a toast with our good friends. Virtual cocktail parties, while not ideal, are becoming more and more popular. Are you prepared? Here are some home bar tips with “essentials” to stock your bar. These tips will be helpful now and for post quarantine entertaining. A toast to you!🍸
1. The bar cart. Wildly popular as a home fashion accessory, it’s the tool to organize the rituals of serving cocktails with an opportunity to showcase the style and personality of he or she who equips it. One of our faves is the Parisian Bar Cart from Serena and Lily. Limited space? A stylish tray on a sideboard/credenza works as well.
2. Barware. The equipment to mix a drink is simply a few essentials including a bar spoon, jigger, strainer, shaker, and a muddler. Curate them separately or choose a stylish bartender kit that has everything in one.
3. Glassware. You need six each of three styles. A short glass, a tall glass, and a stem. Heirloom grade crystal/glass will feel substantial in the hand, however Schott Zwiesel and CB2 offer affordable yet elegant options, because eventually accidents do happen.
4. Alcohol. The line-up should consist of the most frequented liquor. No need or space for 12 kinds of vodka…buy less but splurge a bit for that special brand. A half dozen or so base spirits with a few mixers will still give you plenty of creativity.
5. Accoutrement. Bitters, citrus, cherries, olives, and herbs not only infuse a sexy burst of flavor, but the cocktails will look chic and irresistible.
6. Cocktail napkins. Provides a fun 5″ x 5″ opportunity for creativity. The sky is the limit for beautiful design choices or personalized messages. Count on three per person.
7. The recipe. There’s an abundance of resources for a fun refreshing cocktail but that should not stop you from experimenting with your signature concoction. If you need a good suggestion, Luly highly recommends the ever refreshing Cucumber Elderflower Gimlet. 🍸
Ingredients:
1 ½ ounces Hendrick’s gin* (or vodka, if you don’t like gin), 1 ounce St. Germain liqueur, 1 ounce lime juice, 1 (2”) piece of peeled cucumber, quartered lengthwise and cut crosswise, plus a thinly sliced cucumber round for garnish.
Instructions:
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Pour in the gin, St. Germain and lime juice. Add the cucumber pieces, securely fasten the lid, and shake like crazy for about 30 seconds. Strain the cocktail into a martini glass and garnish with a slice of cucumber.
Many thanks for the inspiration image and recipe content to cookiesandkate.com.
Cheers to all of you! Love Life at Home.
