Many times when people open a new bar or throw a big party they always seem to forget something. It’s usually one of those “bartending tools” that are necessary but also easily forgotten. “Bartending tools” are very important, some are optional and you can live without them, but in my experience, when you forget about lemons is when people want lemonade or tequila shots. When you don’t have lime wedges, everyone orders Margaritas or Mojitos. So get in the holiday spirit for the festive season. I’ve put together a little checklist of “bartender tools” you might need.
This is basically for those of you who want to start your own bar from scratch, are hosting a party, or just want to practice at home. If not, all these tools will be provided to you. These are just the bare minimum to get by, of course, you’ll want to add things as your creativity, knowledge, and experience progress.
AT THE BAR: This is where most of your “bartender tools” will be kept for easy access. A set of mixing tins, ice scoop, bar spoon, whisk, glass rimmer, straws, and napkins. A fruit cart with lime wedges, lemon wheels, maraschino cherries, orange slices, green olives, cocktail onions, and celery sticks. You may also need packets of sugar, salt, pepper, celery salt, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and whipped cream. The more complex the drink menu you have, the more garnishes you will need. I’ve seen everything from pop-rocks to jalapenos.
BEHIND THE BAR: To cover your mixers that you will need for the average crowd, you will need: Orange Juice (OJ), Pineapple Juice (PJ), Cranberry Juice (CJ), Grapefruit Juice (GJ), Tomato Juice, ½ and 1/ 2nd Cream, Sour Mix, Grenadine, Rose’s Lime Juice, Coca Cola, Lemon-Lime Soda (7), Sparkling Water, Tonic Water, Ginger Ale, Strawberry Daiquiri Mix, Peach Daiquiri Mix, Pineapple Mix colada and margarita mix.
THE HOLE: Your “well” is your high-speed train right behind your bar where you keep your most requested liquors. They are usually the cheapest unbranded spirits of these spirits. These are the spirits commonly used for HAPPY HOUR specials known as drinks. Every bartender sets up their pit and speed lane differently, but I follow what I’ve been taught as the traditional pit setup. From left to right I follow the old acronym: “Virgin Girls Run With Big Studs To Town.” Which reminds me: Vodka, Gin, Rum, Whiskey, Bourbon, Scotch, Tequila, Triple-Sec. This setup is especially useful for making Long Islands and Margaritas. You’ll see what I mean once you’re standing back there.
THE BAR: The spirits you choose to bring are up to you. I suggest visiting a local corporate restaurant and building your inventory from their setup.
What to serve? That depends on you. If you run or own an establishment, you should be able to cover just about any drink imaginable. But for a private party, I suggest going through a drink menu (there are FREE ones online) and finding 40-50 drinks that you can make with less than 10 different spirits.
