LIQUID GOALS
Forget the red cups and slapdash cocktails. Harriet Leigh of Archie Rose Distilling Co offers her shopping list to help you prepare an unforgettable bar
TOP-SHELF RULES
Don’t leave preparing drinks to the last minute, because making a manic dash to the bottle shop will just add to your stress. A fail-safe bar boasts something from every category: gin, vodka, whiskey, rum, wine, bubbles and beer. Make sure it’s all interesting, considered and local – it looks chic and, well, why would you buy something that’s been on a cargo ship around the world? It might seem expensive, but one bottle of spirits has around 22 servings in it, and when you compare that to spending $20 on a cocktail out in a bar, it doesn’t seem so rough.
BUDGET HACKS
For the budget conscious, there’s nothing better than bringing back the punchbowl and whipping out a retro cocktail cookbook. Or you can hire a large glass urn with a tap and make just one cocktail. Negronis are a great choice – simply mix in equal amounts of Campari, sweet vermouth and gin. That’s the prep done! People will help themselves and it saves the whole half-glasses of random concoctions left all over the place that can occur when people are their own mixologists.
SMALL DETAILS
Think about what type of party you’re throwing. If you’re hosting a barbecue, why not set up a bloody mary station and get people to interact with it? For a sunny soiree, serve gin spritzers (gin, soda and lemon) and offer your guests chilled glasses (always a nice touch). And if you’re hiring glassware, stemless wine glasses are all you need. Simply serve all your drinks in these with a sprig of mint. Easy.
CREATE THEATRE
Add some theatrics! Make shaken cocktails, set up an Instagramready bar with garnishes and make it look delicious. When it comes to larger parties, go to a craft brewery and get a keg of something local. It’ll be a cool conversation starter and adds that little bit more of a party vibe. Also, always have chilled shot glasses and a secret bottle of mezcal (instead of cheap and nasty tequila) for later.