Home bar items?

[ariastar]

Okay, I wanna make a really cool home-bar-like thing. I'm not making an actual bar, but I want the alcohol, glasses, etc.. Right now most of my stash is sweet stuff, like Bailey's and Khalua and creme de cacao, and of course the required vodka. I have martini glasses and wine glasses, but probably not the right stuff. So input? Don't fail me!

[ariastar]

Anyone? Or have we no drinkers here? :D

[tokenuser]

1. Wine cooler/fridge.
2. Glasses - red wine, white wine, tumbler, shot.
3. Measures/jiggers.
4. Shakers (classic stainless), grab a couple from a bar supply shop.
5. Blender - capable of crushing ice.

Then comes the grog...

Buy a basic bartenders book. Most of them have what to stock.

You'll need to add vodka, bourbon, rum (light/dark), and tequila in addition to your bailey's and kahlua. Then come the fruit flavoured fortified mixers (liquers) - curacao, banana, melon, mint, etc. Next come things such as grenadine, lime/lemon syrup, bitters, etc. Everything else is pretty much mixers.

[yashar]

This is the bar in my house.

A: There is a TV there now.
B: On the other side there is a mini fridge full of beer.

On the in-wall shelf there is the alcohol.

http://img402.imageshack.us/img402/1893/1003705ng0.jpg

[ariastar]

This is the bar in my house.

A: There is a TV there now.
B: On the other side there is a mini fridge full of beer.

On the in-wall shelf there is the alcohol.

http://img402.imageshack.us/img402/1893/1003705ng0.jpg

LOL, but is it YOURS? :)

[ariastar]

1. Wine cooler/fridge.
2. Glasses - red wine, white wine, tumbler, shot.
3. Measures/jiggers.
4. Shakers (classic stainless), grab a couple from a bar supply shop.
5. Blender - capable of crushing ice.

Then comes the grog...

Buy a basic bartenders book. Most of them have what to stock.

You'll need to add vodka, bourbon, rum (light/dark), and tequila in addition to your bailey's and kahlua. Then come the fruit flavoured fortified mixers (liquers) - curacao, banana, melon, mint, etc. Next come things such as grenadine, lime/lemon syrup, bitters, etc. Everything else is pretty much mixers.

Got vodka and rum. Any suggestions for brands of bourbon and tequila?

What are jiggers?

What are the best fruit mixers? And what are bitters?

I'll pick up a bartender's book tomorrow night after my voice class.

[yashar]

LOL, but is it YOURS? :)

Fine my dads. But doesn't mean we can share right? lol

[ariastar]

Fine my dads. But doesn't mean we can share right? lol

LOL, see? I'm doing my own all on my 26-year-old-own. :D

[acidburn]

Suggestions for your bar:

Glasses: get at least 4 of a couple different styles of glasses. Highball and lowball glasses are pretty versatile. A pair of snifters will work for pretty much any after dinner drink like a brandy or cognac.

For tequila, look for Chinaco or Tres Generations. Both are great sipping tequilas. But if want a mixing tequila for drinks stick with Patron Silver or maybe Hornitos. Basically with Tequila, don't mix the expensive stuff in drinks because Tequilas loose the good flavor when cold.

Blanco, Oro, Resposada and Anejo are the 4 tequila ages. The reposada and anejo are older and will make for better sipping. Blanco & Oro (silver & gold) being the younger ones will be the best in mixed drinks.

Sorry for the improptu tequila lesson. I guess I got carried away. : )

[tokenuser]

Got vodka and rum. Any suggestions for brands of bourbon and tequila?

What are jiggers?

What are the best fruit mixers? And what are bitters?

I'll pick up a bartender's book tomorrow night after my voice class.Acidburn is right on the money for the Tequilas. As for bourbon brands - Southern Comfort is a good general purpose bourbon. If you are making cocktails, most of them are served cold - which pretty much negates the difference between a good liquer, and an average one (don't go bargain bin though). You might even want to have two bottles - a good one for drinking neat, and another for mixing.

Jiggers? They are the white guys rapping on the corner ... oh ... they are bar measurement tools. Think of them as measuring cups (http://www.drinkboy.com/BarTools/Jigger.html) for the mixologist. One jigger is 1.5oz, and is often used as the standard measure when building a cocktail.

Best mixers ... now, by mixers remember that I mean flavoured liquers. Bols and DeKuyer (http://www.dekuyperusa.com/dkweb/flavors/liqueurs.aspx) are two more common brands. Of all the flavours, you will probably want Triple Sec (orange) to start with, but Frambois (strawberry), and Chambord (raspberry) are also good to play with. Cacao (Blue, or Creme de Cacao), Coffee, Amaretto, Anise, and Advocat are probably going to want to be added over time.

As for more alcohol ... Cointreau and/or Grand Marnier, Zambucca, Gin (there are a shitload of Gins out there - try Bombay Sapphire), and perhaps Vermouth should be added over time as well.

The thing is, you can add all these over time. You don't need to get them all at once ... just target what is needed for what you like to drink. We used to do cocktail nights, and the deal was one of the guys was a bartender, and he would come up with the menu for the night. We would then chip in for the alcohol, and settle in for the night. Over time, we built up a collection of bottles that would allow us to pretty much make anything ...

[-mk-]

You've SO got to get one of these (http://www.samsclub.com/shopping/navigate.do?dest=5&item=162534). We have one on our bar in our gameroom and it's usually the hit of the parties. A perfect shot in every pull, works for shots or mixed drinks. Link is to Sam's Club, but these liquor carousels can be found all over the place.

http://img526.imageshack.us/img526/5376/0008267719530l4er4.jpg

[tokenuser]

THose are good, but the problem is that as with any alcohol, it degrades under light. Alcohol should be stored in a dark cabinet to prolong its flavour, not left out on a benchtop where it gets too much light and variance in temp.

[yashar]

You've SO got to get one of these (http://www.samsclub.com/shopping/navigate.do?dest=5&item=162534). We have one on our bar in our gameroom and it's usually the hit of the parties. A perfect shot in every pull, works for shots or mixed drinks. Link is to Sam's Club, but these liquor carousels can be found all over the place.

http://img526.imageshack.us/img526/5376/0008267719530l4er4.jpg

I have one of those!

[jjallday]

Token, did you go to bar school or are you just uba sophisticated? =P

I agree with pretty much everything he's said. If you're buying a guide, get the Mr Boston...every reputable bartender on Earth has one.

[jjallday]

Also a good bartender will outpour one of those carousels AND you won't have to look at that kitschy thing taking up space on your bar for all of eternity.

[tokenuser]

Token, did you go to bar school or are you just uba sophisticated? =P

I agree with pretty much everything he's said. If you're buying a guide, get the Mr Boston...every reputable bartender on Earth has one.Yep - the Mr Boston "Red Book" ... mine is well stained :)

BTW - Uba sophisticated? No - not at all ... I'm Australian, which means a. it is genetically impossible for me to be sophisticated, and b.) my blood is half alcohol out of the womb :D

[ariastar]

This is what I went out and bought today:
highball glasses
lowball glasses
pilsner glasses
shaker
cocktail strainer
jigger
other toys
Southern Comfort (bourbon)
Frangelico (hazelnut liqueur)
Jack Daniel's (whiskey)
Jose Cuervo Especial (wanted Patron Silver, but couldn't find it) (tequila)
Bombay Sapphire (gin)
Godiva (chocolate liquor)
Dekuyper Hot Damn (cinnamon schnapps)
Dekuyper Butter Shots (butterschotch schnapps)
Cask & Cream Caramel Temptation (caramel cream liqueur)
Absolut (really wanted Grey Goose, also couldn't find) (vodka)

Already had:
Bailey's (Irish cream)
Khalua (coffee liqueur)
Dekuyper Creme de Cacao (whatever that is, but I love it)
Cask & Cream Chocolate Temptation (chocolate cream liqueur)
Captain Morgan (spiced rum)
Malibu (coconut rum)
Smirnoff Vanilla (vodka)
Smirnoff (regular vodka)
Jagermeister (whatever that is, I just like it)


What are the next FIVE items I should get, in order of importance?

I'm thinking Cointreau, Grand Marnier, Vermouth, Triple Sec, and Glenlivet 15. But I don't know.

My goal is to have this done by this weekend.

That Mr. Boston book - full title or who's that author? I'll try to find it this week.

[jjallday]

That Mr. Boston book - full title or who's that author? I'll try to find it this week.

It's the Mr. Boston Official Bartender and Party Guide though there have been several incarnations of it over the years I'm sure. Get the one with the red cover and you'll be gtg. Most of your goofy corporate bookstores like Borders and BN probably have it.

What you have already is a good start, I would probably get some Triple Sec. Depending on what you like, you might want to get a clear gin as some people have an aversion to the blue Bombay.

I didn't see it in your list, but you might want to invest in a bottle of dry vermouth and a bottle of sweet vermouth for your martinis and manhattans.

And, for God's sake, use up all that Smirnoff and Absolut and either find some Goose and/or buy Stoli's. :D

[acidburn]

You've got a great home bar going with what you have. Since you ask for 5 other essentials, here's my suggestions in order:

1) Cointreau (needed for Cosmos and other drinks)
2) Both Sweet and Dry Vermouth
3) Triple Sec (great mixer and is in a lot of drink recipes)
4) a light rum, maybe Bacardi or Cruzan Estate
5) Grand Marnier (you'll want this if you make margaritas)
.
.
.
Bonus points : )
6) Chambord (has a great flavor, can be mixed into drinks or as an after dinner cordial) Also a great addition to a margarita, invert a 1/2 a lime and fill it with a shot. The lime will float as a garnish.
7) Blue Curacao (not essential, but it has a great blue color and can be mixed into plenty of recipes)

This thread makes me want to go out and restock my own home bar.....

-S

[tokenuser]

This is what I went out and bought today:
<glass wear>
Good start. Get a set of traditional martini glasses and shot glasses as well. I am going to get laughed at for this but ... check out Bed Bath and Beyond. They actually have some good stuff at good prices (especially if you are on their mailing list and get the continual stream of 20% off coupons). They sell the Mr Boston Bar Guide (http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?order_num=-1&SKU=14044329&RN=507), and have a good selection of bar ware.

Nice call on the pilsner glasses. Quick hint though - NEVER wash them in dishwashing liquid. Hot water, and air dry only ... residue from the dishwashing liquid will ruin a good pour.

shaker
cocktail strainer
jigger
other toysGood start. Add an ice bucket in fairly soon.

Southern Comfort (bourbon)
Frangelico (hazelnut liqueur)
Jack Daniel's (whiskey)
Jose Cuervo Especial (wanted Patron Silver, but couldn't find it) (tequila)
Bombay Sapphire (gin)
Godiva (chocolate liquor)
Dekuyper Hot Damn (cinnamon schnapps)
Dekuyper Butter Shots (butterschotch schnapps)
Cask & Cream Caramel Temptation (caramel cream liqueur)
Absolut (really wanted Grey Goose, also couldn't find) (vodka)

Already had:
Bailey's (Irish cream)
Khalua (coffee liqueur)
Dekuyper Creme de Cacao (whatever that is, but I love it)
Cask & Cream Chocolate Temptation (chocolate cream liqueur)
Captain Morgan (spiced rum)
Malibu (coconut rum)
Smirnoff Vanilla (vodka)
Smirnoff (regular vodka)
Jagermeister (whatever that is, I just like it)

Good selection, but most of those (the cream liquers and schnapps) are standalone drinks drunk neat. If you have room, keep the schnapps in the freezer (seriously - try it ... it wont freeze, and butterscotch schnapps from the freezer is amazing :) ).

What are the next FIVE items I should get, in order of importance?

I'm thinking Cointreau, Grand Marnier, Vermouth, Triple Sec, and Glenlivet 15. But I don't know.Cointreau, Grand Marnier, and Triple Sec are all all from the same "family" of liqueurs. Cointreau is a "high end" Triple Sec, while Grand Marnier is a bitter orange flavoured brandy - but they all tast similar. Personally, I like drinking Cointreau over ice (especially in winter), and keep a bottle in the freezer. For most cocktails, Triple Sec is what will be called for, so I keep a bottle of that as well. Grand Marnier does nothing for me - I feel it isn't smooth enough to drink by itself, and its too good for most cocktails.

So, I would get ... Cointreau (drinking neat), Triple Sec (mixing), Dry Vermouth (can't have a classic Martini without it), Galliano (ever had a Harvey Wallbanger? Galliano and OJ is great as well - much better than a Screwdriver), and Brandy (you sound like someone that would appreciate a well prepared Brandy Alexander).

Also consider getting a bottle of grenadine (the deep red swirly stuff you see in tropical cocktails like a mai-tai), and a bottle of lemon and/or lime cordial (something like Rose's). They last forever, and will expand the range of cocktails you can make.

Apart from that - there are some things you'll want to keep on hand depending on the cocktails you are making. Cream, orange juice (pulp free), pineapple juice (small "Dole" cans are perfect), Coke (don't go diet on this ... diet coke destroys a cocktail, and personally, I don't like mixed drinks made with Pepsi either), 7UP/Sprite, etc.

I mentioned Angostura Bitters (http://www.drinksmixer.com/desc95.html) earlier. OK, after Trinidad and Tobago, Australia is the largest single consumer of this stuff in the world. It is apparently the most alcoholic thing you find in a bar, so you only need a couple of drops. Besides something like a Lemon, Lime and Bitters (http://unadorned.org/dandruff/archives/2005/05/21/003240.html) (which is pretty much non-alcoholic since it is only a couple of drops of bitters used), there are a stack of recipes (http://www.webtender.com/db/ingred/366) out there that use bitters in them.

[masherscf]

With all that sweet stuff, someone has a sweet tooth...

I'm sure I suggested that "Mr. Boston" book earlier on. But, sometime I forget to submit my replies if I'm in a hurry. I'll come back hours later and the poor unsubmitted post is just sitting there.

Enough of my pain...

Another reason to love AB is the inclusion of the episode "Raising The Bar" (http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/show_ea/episode/0,1976,FOOD_9956_42127,00.html) to the "Good Eats" anthology. It rolls around every couple of months on Food TV.

[-mk-]

Um, yeaaaaa...there are some ultra-connoisseurs in here, huh? Relax, fellow gritty livers - I just keep the cheap stuff (anything you'd find in a speed well) in the carousel. The good stuff's up in the cabinet.

If anyone's interested in these, I keep the 5 major liquors (bottom-shelf brands) in the carousel - Vodka, Gin, Rum, Tequila, Triple-Sec, Bourbon, Scotch - just for easy mixing and shots.

I find that our carousel liquors drain so quickly that there isn't a reason to 1) keep anything halfway nice in them or 2) worry about what the lighting, room, etc. is doing to them.

And to blow the thread WIDE-open, let's all give recipes for our favorite drinks! I'm a die-hard Long Island Iced Tea fan, and this is my favorite recipe for it...take caution, these puppies are 90% alcohol (but you wouldn't know it by the taste - YUM):

INGREDIENTS
1 (1.5 fluid ounce) jigger vodka
1 (1.5 fluid ounce) jigger gin
1 (1.5 fluid ounce) jigger rum
1 (1.5 fluid ounce) jigger triple sec liqueur
1 teaspoon tequila
2 teaspoons orange juice
2 fluid ounces cola-flavored carbonated beverage
1 wedge lemon

DIRECTIONS
In a cocktail mixer full of ice, combine vodka, gin, rum, triple sec and tequila. Add orange juice and cola. Shake vigorously until frothy. Strain into a Collins glass filled with ice, and garnish with wedge of lemon.

Those are the basics. Float (put on top) an ounce of Melon liquor for a Nuclear Long Island if more sweet is your thing.

Cheers!

[masherscf]

Um, yeaaaaa...there are some ultra-connoisseurs in here, huh? Relax, fellow gritty livers - I just keep the cheap stuff (anything you'd find in a speed well) in the carousel.

Some alcohols are basically generic. Domestic Vodka, for example, has to meet stringent guidlines. This makes all domestic vodkas chemically identical. Of course, there are large variation in the imports.

[tokenuser]

If I am not drinking beer, or a tumbler of Cointreau on ice, I enjoy a Long Island Iced Tea as well.

or:

Classic Margarita -
1 jigger Tequilla
1 jigger Triple Sec (or Cointreau)
1oz Lemon or Lime juice.

Shaken over ice, strained into salt (I like Kosher salt) rimmed Martini glass OR strained into a glass with shaved ice (from a snow cone machine). Kinda cheating for a blended drink, but fun during summer.

[kowgod]

My bar consists of just the essentials: highballs, rocks glasses, martini glasses, flutes, a boston shaker, toothpicks and a jigger/pony combo.

I also have an assortment of shot glasses and various styles of beer glasses that I have picked up over time, as well as a set of wine glasses. But anything else is really just overkill.

[masherscf]

Ever since a vomitted 24 ounces of Tequila on the ceiling of a Portland bar, I haven't been much for hard alcohol. I do enjoy the occasional glass of Port Sherry for dessert.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/146/340092227_4ff05684b7.jpg

[-mk-]

If I am not drinking beer, or a tumbler of Cointreau on ice, I enjoy a Long Island Iced Tea as well.

or:

Classic Margarita -
1 jigger Tequilla
1 jigger Triple Sec (or Cointreau)
1oz Lemon or Lime juice.

Shaken over ice, strained into salt (I like Kosher salt) rimmed Martini glass OR strained into a glass with shaved ice (from a snow cone machine). Kinda cheating for a blended drink, but fun during summer.

Mmmm, Margaritaaaaaaa - great call. And I would normally never blaspheme and say that anyone should be relying on pre-made stuff, but for the money and the taste, Jose Cuervo Golden Margaritas (http://www.bevmo.com/productinfo.asp?area=home&seref=froogle&pf_id=00000074882) are fantastic...a ready-to-pour restaurant quality margarita. They come just how I like my margaritas - with Grand Marnier - included.

Give 'em a shot Token and let me know what you think.

http://img460.imageshack.us/img460/338/74882as4.jpg

[acidburn]

Mojitos are one of my favorite summer drinks and great for parties:

mint leaves - small bunch
a couple spoons of sugar - preferably raw sugar, but white sugar will do fine
club soda or seltzer
1 or 2 ounces of light rum


Put the sugar and mint in a glass with a splash of seltzer
With a spoon muddle or crush the mint into the sugar
add ice
add rum
fill the glass with the seltzer

[ariastar]

I knew I could count on you guys for advice!

Token, I already have martini glasses. I forgot to mention those and wine glasses with that I already have. But I should probably get a set of clear. The ones I have are these really pretty ones I got when popltree2 was up a few months back. They're blue-tinted with the stems in gold. Very pretty.

So, if I get nothing else today, I should go for Triple Sec, Grand Marnier, Cointreau, and dry vermouth? Yes? No? And I'll try to hunt down that book, and find a cool bucket and a bunch of shot glasses as I have time.

If yes, that'd leave brandy (and I do love Brandy Alexanders!), clear gin, sweet vermouth, Stoli or Grey Goose, Bacardi light rum, Chambord, blue curacao, Galliano, grenadine, and lemon and lime cordials. Brand recommendations on those not already listed by brand?

[acidburn]

Brands:

For Chambord, I think Chambord is actually the brand. Comes in a round bottle with a gold crown shaped cap.

Gin - Tanqueray is a good choice

Galliano - I think that is also a "brand" unto itself. It is in a tall almost pyramid shaped bottle.

Blue Curacao - DeKuyper

Happy shopping!

[tokenuser]

Brands:

For Chambord, I think Chambord is actually the brand. Comes in a round bottle with a gold crown shaped cap.

Gin - Tanqueray is a good choice

Galliano - I think that is also a "brand" unto itself. It is in a tall almost pyramid shaped bottle.

Blue Curacao - DeKuyper

Happy shopping!Chambord is a brand, as is Galiano. I'd agree on the Tanqueray Gin. Things like the Blue Curacao - they are all much the same, DeKuyper, Bols, or any of the others. Get ones in funky bottles that will look good on your shelves :)

I think you are hitting vodka overload though. As mentioned my Masher, domestic vodkas are all much the same. Rely on Nickolay's judgement on the vodkas OR do the Britta Water Filter trick ... it works.

[yashar]

Get these (http://www.crateandbarrel.com/family.aspx?c=174&f=14008&q=shot+glass&fromLocation=Search&DIMID=400001&SearchPage=1)

[klitzy]

Sprite and Cherry stuff for Klitzy!!!!!

I love SHIRLEY TEMPLES!

[masherscf]

Rely on Nickolay's judgement on the vodkas OR do the Britta Water Filter trick ... it works.

Absolut has really good marketing. I wonder if it stacks-up.. I'm not a big Vodka connoisseur.

[tokenuser]

Sprite and Cherry stuff for Klitzy!!!!!

I love SHIRLEY TEMPLES!Try this:

Lemon Lime and Bitters -

In a tall glass do the following ...
2-3 drops of Angostura Bitters swirled around a glass.
Ice - however much you like (Americans for some reason like it piled to the rim).
1oz Lime Cordial (Rose's) or a generous squeeze of fresh lime.
Top with 7Up or Sprite.

If its too sweet, next time make it with soda water instead of Sprinte.

If Sammy reads this, he will confirm that you can buy LL&B in cans just like you would buy a Coke. It is considered a non-alcoholic cocktail, even if Angostura is the most potent alcohol on most bartenders shelves (because only 2-3 drop used, and most of it evaporates).

[ariastar]

I went shopping before seeing this. I picked up:

Khalua (can never have enough)
Grand Marnier
Dekuyper Triple Sec
Cointreau
Bacardi Light rum
St. Remy's Napolean Brandy
Seagram's extra-dry gin
Gallo extra-dry vermouth
Gallo sweet vermouth
Rose's grenadine

Then I got a call I had been waiting for and had to leave. I was in the middle of trying to find blue curacao.


Chambord, Galliano, and Goldschlager I think are the next things I'll grab. If my tummy stops being upset with me, I'll try to head out tonight for a bucket and that book.

What are some of your favorite recipes not likely to be in a book?

[ariastar]

Scotch! I forgot that. I only remembered now that I'm sitting here in the mood for some Glen. Oh well, I'll make do with a Godiva martini. Yes, I like a lot of sweet things! I'm sick, so sweet really sounds good.

[ariastar]

This is what I went out and bought today:
highball glasses
lowball glasses
pilsner glasses
shaker
cocktail strainer
jigger
other toys
Southern Comfort (bourbon)
Frangelico (hazelnut liqueur)
Jack Daniel's (whiskey)
Jose Cuervo Especial (wanted Patron Silver, but couldn't find it) (tequila)
Bombay Sapphire (gin)
Godiva (chocolate liquor)
Dekuyper Hot Damn (cinnamon schnapps)
Dekuyper Butter Shots (butterschotch schnapps)
Cask & Cream Caramel Temptation (caramel cream liqueur)
Absolut (really wanted Grey Goose, also couldn't find) (vodka)

Already had:
Bailey's (Irish cream)
Khalua (coffee liqueur)
Dekuyper Creme de Cacao (whatever that is, but I love it)
Cask & Cream Chocolate Temptation (chocolate cream liqueur)
Captain Morgan (spiced rum)
Malibu (coconut rum)
Smirnoff Vanilla (vodka)
Smirnoff (regular vodka)
Jagermeister (whatever that is, I just like it)


What are the next FIVE items I should get, in order of importance?

I'm thinking Cointreau, Grand Marnier, Vermouth, Triple Sec, and Glenlivet 15. But I don't know.

My goal is to have this done by this weekend.

That Mr. Boston book - full title or who's that author? I'll try to find it this week.

The clerk aked if i was having a party. that wa fun.

[ariastar]

Ever since a vomitted 24 ounces of Tequila on the ceiling of a Portland bar, I haven't been much for hard alcohol. I do enjoy the occasional glass of Port Sherry for dessert.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/146/340092227_4ff05684b7.jpg

I want that pie. NOW. Codys making mdeieingess

[ariastar]

If I am not drinking beer, or a tumbler of Cointreau on ice, I enjoy a Long Island Iced Tea as well.

or:

Classic Margarita -
1 jigger Tequilla
1 jigger Triple Sec (or Cointreau)
1oz Lemon or Lime juice.

Shaken over ice, strained into salt (I like Kosher salt) rimmed Martini glass OR strained into a glass with shaved ice (from a snow cone machine). Kinda cheating for a blended drink, but fun during summer.

Recipe for long slands? Cody loves magaritas, would make o him if I oud pour stuff.

[techliveadmin]

Try this:

Lemon Lime and Bitters -

In a tall glass do the following ...
2-3 drops of Angostura Bitters swirled around a glass.
Ice - however much you like (Americans for some reason like it piled to the rim).
1oz Lime Cordial (Rose's) or a generous squeeze of fresh lime.
Top with 7Up or Sprite.

If its too sweet, next time make it with soda water instead of Sprinte.

If Sammy reads this, he will confirm that you can buy LL&B in cans just like you would buy a Coke. It is considered a non-alcoholic cocktail, even if Angostura is the most potent alcohol on most bartenders shelves (because only 2-3 drop used, and most of it evaporates).

Same country.......yeh LL&B are sold in cans and bottles. used to drink em till i was told they had alcohol lol....i did love that drink!

[ariastar]

neropot ftw!

[murphy1d]

You will find that there are several types of alcohol that can range widely in taste. See tequila and bourbon.

One crowd pleasing Vodka that I always suggest is Hangar 1. Its not everywhere, but if you find it try it. People often speak about the "smoothness" of an alcohol. Hangar 1 is smooth vodka, much better than Grey Goose, Belvedere and anything you'd see at your local bar.

[heyseuss]

Southern Comfort is a good general purpose bourbon.

The hell it is. SC is absolutley NOT what any drink recipe requiring bourbon, would use. SC is caramelised bourbon, it's far, far removed from bourbon.

Can't believe an Aussie didn't say Jim Beam, or Wild Turkey.

[tokenuser]

The hell it is. SC is absolutley NOT what any drink recipe requiring bourbon, would use. SC is caramelised bourbon, it's far, far removed from bourbon.

Can't believe an Aussie didn't say Jim Beam, or Wild Turkey.THere is a difference between drinking bourbon straight (Wild Turkey, Jim Beam) and mixing (SoCo). When I made the suggestion, it was based on Aria putting together a bar for cocktails. I wouldn't put a "sipping bourbon" into a bouron and coke.

You conveniently missed the rest of that paragraph ou quoted ...

If you are making cocktails, most of them are served cold - which pretty much negates the difference between a good liquer, and an average one (don't go bargain bin though). You might even want to have two bottles - a good one for drinking neat, and another for mixing.

[angie1313]

Obviously you need a giant-screen TV, some pretty trendy barstools and neon beer signs. What about a brass spittoon for effect?

[ariastar]

THere is a difference between drinking bourbon straight (Wild Turkey, Jim Beam) and mixing (SoCo).

Got both Jim Beam and SoCo. :) I ought to take inventory and post it again, see if I'm doing better than last year.

[ariastar]

Obviously you need a giant-screen TV, some pretty trendy barstools and neon beer signs. What about a brass spittoon for effect?

A pole from the bar-counter to the vaulted ceiling, perhaps? :)