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Setting up a self-serve bar
Often the key to enjoying your own party is having taken the time to plan ahead and set up a self-serve bar.
We can't stress enough the need to approach the mixing of drinks the way a chef cooks a meal: with high-quality ingredients and meticulous care in preparation. When you entertain at home, it is customary for the host to prepare the first round of cocktails, after which, guests can make their own. Setting up the bar properly will prevent you from having to stock it repeatedly.
Ideally, you should set up your bar on a long (6-foot) table accessible from at least three sides.
Placement of the bar
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Usually the "bar" is in fact a table, so the ideal plan is to set the table against a wall so that it is accessible from three sides. This way you are not hindering the flow of your party. Also having a back wall helps support the table and makes your bar less accident prone.
Layout of the bar
(You're looking at it from the front and thinking about it as four rows of products.)
The first row
From left to right: napkins, ice bucket, ice tongs, napkins, plus recipe cards with unique and easy to make cocktails. See our classic cocktails section for some recipes.
Second row
From left to right: Three or four bottles of mixers (soft drinks), a jigger (measuring glass), glassware, jar of bar tools including bottle opener, stir sticks, knife, corkscrew, and more mixes.
Third row
From left to right: Water jug, juice pitcher, garnishes, juice pitcher and water jug
Fourth row
From left to right: Liquor bottles, red and white wine
Note: If you are planning to offer beer to your guests we suggest either a large bucket filled with ice and beer beside or below the bar, or a small bucket with a few bottles placed on the bar. (you will need to check on the supply on a regular basis)
STOCKING THE BAR
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This set up works well for a party of up to fifteen – maybe twenty guests.For larger groups we recommend having a bartender at the table.How much alcohol and mixer will I need? more >> |
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Spirits list
As a guideline, there are six or seven basic products you should have at a self-serve bar. They include white rum, (optional – amber rum), vodka, gin, Canadian whisky (rye), tequila and a scotch or bourbon.
Special occasion liquor list
During the holiday season it is also nice to have one or two liqueurs available. These could include a coffee liquor, Irish cream product or orange-based liqueur like Cointreau.
Around the Christmas holidays you may also want to offer eggnog, in which case you want to keep the container on ice as well. For more on eggnogs >>
Basic Mixer list
Soft Drinks/Sodas: Club soda, cola, diet cola, ginger ale, lemon lime, tonic
Juices: Orange, cranberry, tomato, Mott’s Clamato
Hints:
- Keep a garbage can handy, but out of sight -- maybe even under the bar (table).
- Leave a towel or cloth near the table or discreetly on the table so guests can wipe their hands or any minor spills.
- Cut the fruit garnishes ahead of time (not too early –- an hour before would be ideal).
- If you are serving a punch you may wish to set this up at another table as the combination of the large punch bowl and glassware takes up a lot of space.
- Print off a couple of recipes from your favorite website and place them on the table to help spark your guest’s imagination.
- Ensure that you have at least one or two measuring glasses for your guests to use to properly and responsibly pour drinks.
- Have plenty of ice ready. You can never have too much ice!
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