It wouldn’t be a bar without…
The alcohol, of course. A good bartender always has the basics on-hand. You’ll have to plan ahead for those occasions where you make your famous Sake Margarita, but for everything else, you’ll be prepared.

  1. Spirits: gin, vodka, tequila, white and dark rum
  2. Liqueurs: amaretto, Cointreau, Grand Marnier
  3. Mixers: cola, tonic water, 7Up
  4. Juices: cranberry, lemon, orange, tomato
  5. Extras: Any fun syrup, like grenadine, or garnish, like sugar for the rim or limes, are great to have on hand and impress your guests.

How to improve any drink.
Whether you’re having a party or a few unexpected friends over, there are a few no-fail tricks that always make a big difference.

  1. Always chill your cocktail glass before pouring liquid into it—this just requires that you put it in the freezer a few hours prior to serving. If you have room, keep a few in there at all times.
  2. Garnish away. Part of a cocktail’s fun lies in the presentation. Rub some lemon around the edge and dip it in salt or sugar. (Our favorite’s the colored kind.)
  3. Add a lime. A slice of lime on the edge of a cup will make any drink look more professional. Roll the lime before slicing it to ensure that the juice will release in the liquid.

Test run.
Use this classic drink recipe to give your new-found knowledge a whirl:

The Cosmopolitan