How to Stock a Party-Ready Bar

Check out our list of successful bar essentials, ranging from tools for creating amazing cocktails to recommendations on outstanding spirits, mixers, and garnishes.

The absolute key to perfect cocktails is fresh ingredients

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Courtesy of Martini & Rossi

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Garnishes

Fruit
The absolute key to perfect cocktails is fresh ingredients. This applies to any and all fruit, whether it is a muddled strawberry in the shaker or 4 ounces of lime juice in a pitcher of mojitos. Purchase fruit the day of the party, freshly squeeze, and reserve fruit juice in the fridge a few hours before guests arrive.

Bartender Tip: Roll a lemon or lime on the bar top before cutting it (the fruit will render more juice.)

Cocktail Olives and Onions
When serving martinis, be sure to have these on hand.

New Favorite:
Sable & Rosenfeld makes a line of cocktail onions and olives called “Tipsy.” They come in a variety of fun combos including “sake-laced” olives and a “vermouth-spiked” variety.

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