Whether you are just learning how to appreciate your spirits or you know what you like, setting up your own home bar should not be a headache.

If you are one of the people who looks forward to inviting friends over your house for cocktails or drinks, a home bar is something that you have probably thought about. You may already have your own version of a home bar consisting of few whisky bottles in the cabinet, glasses and a cocktail shaker. Here are simple tips on how you can create your very
own bar at home.

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Start with the Drink Essentials

Have the essential spirits including whisky, gin, vodka and rum as these are the base spirits to make your classic cocktails. After some time, when your home bar is complete, you can then add tequila, brandy and other spirits. Ensure that you stock some high quality spirits because they will make great cocktails and are very versatile. Some great spirits include Absolut Vodka, Ketel One Vodka, Tanqueray Gin, Hendricks Gin, Beefeater Gin, Ardbeg Scotch Whisky, Laphroaig Whisky, Macallan Whisky, Bacardi rum and Havana Club rum. Add some good wine to your collection too.

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Invest in Quality Glassware & Bar Set

If you will be entertaining guest at your house and you want to make a good impression, you need to invest in the proper type of glassware. Glassware affects the aesthetic appeal and even taste of the drink. Red wine for instance, should be served in a wide glass to ensure that the wine aerates and this improves the tastes and brings out the wine flavour. Cocktails also have specific serving glasses. Invest in strong glassware that will last you through the years. A bar set will also include the items that you will use including cocktail shakers, mortar and pestle, bar spoon, measuring tools, chopping board, strainer, blender, juicer and straws among others.

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Stock Fresh Supplies in your Kitchen

Sometimes, you will need some fresh ingredients from your kitchen. Fruits & vegetables will come in handy to make and garnish cocktails. If you have some space in your backyard, grow some mint, basil and other fresh herbs. Cocktails always taste best when you use fresh ingredients. Your area probably has a variety of tasty fruits like passion fruits, berries and mangoes which you can experiment with to make unique cocktails. These can be found in local markets.

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Buy some Mixers

When making cocktails there are some things that you will need apart from the fresh supplies and the spirit. Some of the common mixers in a home bar include bitters, cocktail onions, pineapple juices, olives, tomato juice & paste, orange juice, club soda and ginger ale. Look at the cocktails that you want to make and the mixers that they need.

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This piece is strictly for education purposes and I do not encourage underage or irresponsible drinking. Sip Responsibly.