Party Ideas: What You Need for a Successful Bar

Everyone is getting together and setting up party ideas, and you know that the first thing that you need to have ready is a handy bar! On a budget you are not going to go out and buy every single spirit available at the liquor store. Don't panic! Just make sure that your home bar is simple and ready for entertaining. I have been to plenty of parties of my own, and I know exactly what you need to have a smooth cocktail party for you and your friends!

I will be providing you with a bartenders guide to a perfect, yet simple cocktail party!

The first thing that you think of when you hear the word, "bar" or "cocktail party" is that you need a bar. That is not true! You can simply have nice table setting with a few drinks out.

THE TOOLS:

1. Double jigger shot glass

2. Shaker - make sure the top fits securely

3. Corkscrew- these can be found at your local dollar store, or anywhere. A cheapie will work just fine.

4. Cocktail spoon - a slim one for stirring

THE GLASSES:

1. Short glasses- these could be juice glasses round, or square.

2. Champagne glasses - for a few special drinks

3. Wine glasses - you should have plenty of these. You can have some blender drinks in here, and your friends will not even notice the difference

4. Shot glasses

THE LIQUORS - all of these liquors should be just enough for your party

1. Tequila

2. Vodka

3. Wine

4. Beer

5. Scotch

6. Rum

7. Champagne

THE MIXERS

1. Juices: Cranberry, Orange, Grapefruit

2. Tonic water

3. Club soda

THE EXTRAS

1. Strawberries

2. Lemon

3. Limes

4. Olives

5. Lime juice

6. Toothpicks

7. Plenty of ICE!

If you have all of these items you are in good shape! It also wouldn't be a bad idea if you have a little fridge lying around to stick the bar extras in it - and to have a constant flow of ice! I have a few recipes that will have your friends coming back for more!

RECIPE EXTRAS

Orange Blossum:

1 ½ measures = 6 teaspoons of gin

1 ½ measures = 6 teaspoons orange juice

*Shake the ingredients with ice, and strain into a cocktail glass

White Lady:

1 measure = 1 ½ tablespoons of gin

1 measure = 1 ½ tablespoons of Cointreau

1 measure = 1 ½ tablespoons of lemon juice

*Shake the ingredients together with ice and strains into a frosted cocktail glass. Garnish it with a lime twist!