A previous post lead to a conversation about what a home bar needs. I have always tried to keep the top liquors on hand in case a guest needs something to lighten their mood. Hell, I really keep it stocked for myself!
So I was surfing the net and came across an artile from the WashingtonPost; The Bar Essentials; by Emily Hiel. A well crafted article that is a good start for any home bar... The opening quote is great:
" In old movies, dashing leading men always seemed to sidle up to tables topped with crystal decanters. After a few sweeps of tuxedo-clad arms and a rattle of a cocktail shaker, they produced perfect, frothy concoctions. "
What a good visual. So I decided to look at my liquor cabinet and take an inventory (I was very surprised because I am low on a lot of stuff). Of course I have gin: Bombay Safire, Beefeaters and Tanqueray. Vodka; Stoli regular and a few flavoured. Scotch : Glenmorangie and Glenlivit. Cognac: Remy Martin XO. I saw some Paddy's whisky as well as Canadian Club( note, very low on whiskey). I also have some Port wine: just one bottle, a vintage I bought at auction. I'm not sure why I'm saving it. A couple bottles of wine (I need to expand on that collection). And a bottle of champagne: Perrier Jouet.
What I have on hand is a good start, however I need to get a little more organized so any guest will feel at home when they come for a visit.
8 comments:
Check out the book "Tipsy in Madras." It's the complete guide to preppy drinking; it lays out the complete list of every preppy bar's needs. It's also completely hilarious
Brendan: I heard that was a good book, I'll have to keep an eye out for it at the bookstore.
Great blog, I really enjoy reading. Keep up the good work.
Also, I got my copy of 'Tipsy in Madras' on Amazon.
Take care.
Dan.
Have you seen the first movie in the Thin Man series? There is a superb/hilarious scene where the suave leading man is teaching the bartenders the correct way to shake a martini.
They really knew how to drink - er, serve drinks - back then. Role models!
Tipsy is a must-read, Tod. You'll get such a kick out of it... and you are too preppy not to own a copy!
I have been reading about the storing of port and it sounds ghastly. It must be stored at a particular temp at all times, and it can’t handle vibrations easily. When I read this, I thought of the supply truck roaring down the road to the liquor store, (vibrations.) Okay, I am clicking over to Amazon to buy a copy of "Tipsy in Madras." Tod, I agree you are doing a good job with your blog.
Ah yes wherever there are three or four preppies gathered you'll always find a fifth. . . of gin. I usually have Beefeater gin in the liquor cabinet, along with:
Scotch - Johnnie Walker
Vodka - Smirnoff
Rum - Mount Gay
Whiskey - Canadian Club
Bourbon - Jim Beam
Pimm's No.1 Cup
Beer - Heineken and/or Molson
Wine - pinot noir (red), chablis (white), champagne (Moet & Chandon)
Congratulation for the great post. Those who come to read your Information will find lots of helpful and informative tips. Bar essentials for home
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