Bar drinks are a staple in any social gathering. Whether it’s a fancy cocktail party or a casual gathering with friends, having a good drink is a must. Making bar drinks at home can be a fun and cost-effective way to impress your guests. In this article, we will explore how to make bar drinks recipes that will have your guests coming back for more.
If you’re looking to impress friends or have a fun night in, learning how to make some delicious bar drinks is a must. Whether you prefer classic cocktails or trendy new concoctions, with a few essential ingredients and techniques, you can easily become a master mixologist right from the comfort of your own home. In this guide, we’ll go over some simple steps for making a variety of popular bar drinks recipes that are sure to impress your guests.
Essential Bar Tools
Before we dive into the recipes, it’s essential to have the right tools. Here are some of the essential bar tools that you should have in your home bar.
Cocktail Shaker
A cocktail shaker is a must-have tool for making bar drinks at home. It’s used to mix and chill cocktails. There are two types of cocktail shakers: the Boston shaker and the cobbler shaker. The Boston shaker consists of two parts, a metal tin, and a mixing glass. The cobbler shaker has three parts, a metal tin, a strainer, and a cap.
Jigger
A jigger is a measuring tool used to ensure the right amount of ingredients is used in a cocktail. It’s crucial to have a jigger, especially when making cocktails with multiple ingredients.
Bar Spoon
A bar spoon is a long-handled spoon used to stir cocktails. It’s important to use a bar spoon instead of a regular spoon because it can reach the bottom of a tall glass.
Strainer
A strainer is used to remove ice and any other solid ingredients from a cocktail. There are two types of strainers: the Hawthorne strainer and the Julep strainer. The Hawthorne strainer is used with a cocktail shaker, while the Julep strainer is used with a mixing glass.
Classic Bar Drinks Recipes
Now that you have the essential bar tools, let’s dive into some classic bar drinks recipes.
Having the essential bar tools such as a cocktail shaker, jigger, bar spoon, and strainer is important when making bar drinks at home. Classic bar drinks recipes such as Margarita, Martini, Old Fashioned, and Manhattan are great to master, but getting creative with unique recipes such as Paloma, Moscow Mule, and French 75 can impress your guests even more. Remember to always measure the ingredients correctly and use the right tools for the best results.
Margarita
Ingredients:
– 2 oz tequila
– 1 oz lime juice
– 1 oz triple sec
– Salt (optional)
Instructions:
1. Rim the edge of a glass with salt (optional).
2. Combine tequila, lime juice, and triple sec in a cocktail shaker with ice.
3. Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice.
Martini
- 2.5 oz gin or vodka
- 0.5 oz dry vermouth
-
Lemon twist or olive for garnish
-
Combine gin or vodka and dry vermouth in a mixing glass with ice.
- Stir well and strain into a chilled glass.
- Garnish with a lemon twist or olive.
Old Fashioned
- 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey
- 1 tsp sugar
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
-
Orange peel for garnish
-
Place sugar and bitters in a glass and muddle.
- Add whiskey and ice and stir well.
- Garnish with an orange peel.
Manhattan
- 2 oz rye whiskey
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
-
Cherry for garnish
-
Combine whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters in a mixing glass with ice.
- Garnish with a cherry.
Creative Bar Drinks Recipes
Now that you have some classic bar drinks recipes under your belt, let’s get creative with some unique recipes.
Paloma
- 4 oz grapefruit soda
-
0.5 oz lime juice
-
Combine tequila, grapefruit soda, and lime juice in a glass with ice.
- Stir well and garnish with a lime wedge.
Moscow Mule
- 2 oz vodka
- 4 oz ginger beer
-
Lime wedge for garnish
-
Combine vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice in a copper mug with ice.
- Stir well and garnish with a lime wedge.
French 75
- 2 oz gin
- 0.5 oz lemon juice
- 0.5 oz simple syrup
- 2 oz champagne
-
Lemon twist for garnish
-
Combine gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Shake well and strain into a glass.
- Top with champagne and garnish with a lemon twist.
FAQs: How to Make Bar Drinks Recipes
What are some essential tools needed to make bar drinks?
Having the right tools is essential for making bar drinks recipes. A shaker, jigger, strainer, bar spoon, and citrus juicer are some of the must-have tools for making delicious cocktails. A good quality cocktail shaker helps to mix the ingredients thoroughly and bring the right consistency to the drink. A jigger is an important tool for measuring the ingredients accurately. A strainer helps to get rid of the ice and other impurities. A bar spoon is used for stirring the drink, and a citrus juicer is needed to get the fresh juice from citrus fruits.
What are some easy bar drinks recipes for beginners?
For beginners, some simple and classic bar drinks recipes are easy to follow. A Margarita, Cosmopolitan, Gin Fizz, or Tom Collins are some popular recipes that are easy to make. These recipes require just a few ingredients and basic tools, making them perfect for people who are starting to make bar drinks at home.
What are some tips for making the perfect cocktail?
To make the perfect cocktail, it’s essential to measure the ingredients accurately, use fresh ingredients, and use good quality spirits. Start by choosing a recipe that you want to make, measure the ingredients, and mix them thoroughly in a cocktail shaker. You can then strain it into a glass, garnish it with fruit, herbs, or other suitable ingredients. Remember that the glassware, ice, and garnish are important as they can have a significant effect on the presentation and taste of the cocktail.
What are the basic ingredients needed for making bar drinks?
The basic ingredients required for making bar drinks are spirits, mixers, fresh fruits, herbs, and ice. Spirits such as gin, vodka, rum, tequila, and whiskey are essential. Mixers like soda, tonic, juices, and syrups are used to mix with the spirits. Fresh fruits, such as lemons, limes, and oranges, are commonly used in bar drinks recipes. Herbs like mint, rosemary, and basil add to the flavor and aroma of cocktails. Finally, ice is very important as it helps to chill the drink and affects the consistency and texture of the cocktail.
Where can I find bar drinks recipes?
There are many sources where you can find bar drinks recipes. There are numerous websites, blogs, and YouTube channels that provide detailed instructions on how to make different types of cocktails. Bartending books are also available that provide in-depth information on the history, tools, and techniques of making bar drinks. Finally, if you have a favorite bar or restaurant, you can ask the bartender for tips and recommendations on making bar drinks.