Mandip Singh: A Space for Prep

“In my opinion, a home bar should have a few bottles of prosecco as many people enjoy drinking sparkling. Besides, prosecco can also be used for an Aperitivo Aperol Spritz,” says Mandip Singh, Assistant Bar Manager at il Lido Pte Ltd.

“It would also be nice to have a few selections of white and red wines ranging from Pinot Grigio to Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon. To make some of the best cocktails, we need four different spirits – vodka, gin, rum, and whiskey,” Mandip, who has had eight years in the business, advises.

“It is also always good to have soda water, tonic water, and some fresh juices in the bar for guests who are not alcohol drinkers,” he adds thoughtfully, “and these can also be used for cocktails.” In his own home bar, there is always a nice bottle of fresh limoncello for an after- dinner drink and, of course, some very ice- cold beers!

“For accessories and implements, you will definitely need different types of glasses for the prosecco, the white and the red wine. You will also need tumbler and high ball glasses, and one to two bar mats to protect the surface of the bar, keep the glasses and bottles from sliding around, and make the cleaning process easier by catching spills.” A complete cocktail shaker bar tool set is also necessary to make the cocktails, plus a couple of ice to keep the bottles cold.

Mandip says it would be good to have two fridges that open like a drawer and a small display case for red wine. “The bar should have an area of free space for cocktail preparation and to place the shakers. The other end should have a small sink with a small dishwasher underneath. A shelf displaying all the liqueur bottles should also be front facing the guests.”

Mandip Singh’s Holiday Drink: Limoncello Spritz

My holiday drink is definitely a Limoncello Spritz, a sparkling drink with lemon flavour from an Italian liqueur. It is very refreshing, tasty and vibrant in colour – a good surprise for my guests at any time of the day.

INGREDIENTS

3oz Prosecco or other sparkling wine

2oz Limoncello

1oz Soda water

Fresh mint and lime.

METHOD

Put 3 ice cubes into the glass Add in the limoncello

Add in the prosecco

Top up with soda water

Stir for 3 seconds

Add some fresh mint leaves and a slice of lime on top

Serve and enjoy!