edinatlanta
Stylish Dinosaur
- Joined
- Nov 17, 2008
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First question: What do you want to do with your bar? Do you have a focus, or just an all-around bar to start?
Gin, bourbon, rum and scotch is a good start. I'd say the most serious thing you're missing is a brandy and a cognac ( I usually like to have one 'mixing' and one 'drinking' of every spirit to start), for which I'd recommend Christian Brothers ($20) and Pierre Ferrand Ambre ($50). I also note no tequila, which is an area I am not too familiar, though I use Tres Generations silver fon my margaritas and such. I really enjoy rye, so I'd have a classic American rye like Sazerac 6 ($26) or Wild Turkey ($22). Many would also note that you are missing a Canadian rye, like Crown Royal
Mixers: the single most important mixer is a good triple sec. I only use Cointreau. It is neccessary for an infinity of cocktails; will give you a lot of options. Easily half the time my drink is a base spirit, a citrus, Cointreau -- Sidecar, Pegu Club, Margarita, Alabazam, etc; or with a modifier also -- Avaiation, Corpse Reviver, etc.
Choice of other mixers depends on where you want to go: Classic herbal cocktails: yellow and green chartreuse, Benedictine (not B&B). After dinner cocktails, creme de cacao, Kahlua, Amaretto.
The other question is if you want some cordials/liquers to drink/mix. St. Germain is my favorite modern one, but I use it rarely. Grand Marnier is great neat, but I mix it rarely. Creme de violette, mostly for aviations. Amaretto, good to drink and mix.
So, my immediate rec: Cointreau, Brandy, and a jar of Amarena Fabbri honest-to-goodness Maraschino cherries from Amazon or Williams-Sonoma. The regular red things are vile.
~ H
Well I guess since its being discussed... I have cointreau and luxardo maraschino cherries. I have a bottle of Tres Copas tequila but only for sipping. Don't ever make tequila cocktails. I have creme de violette, green chartreuese...did I mention Luxardo?
I think that covers what I have.
Not sure what I'm looking for, I guess what else do I need to round that out and then how to tie it all together. I find I have to look up recipes then I forget them. And I always just buy random parts at the booze store or just stuff for specific drinks.
Make me as knowledgeable as you Huntsman!
Don't forget about bitters, Edina. Very important for many cocktails. Try a manhattan with and one without, side by side. Will totally convince you of the importance of bitters.
I forgot, I have several bottles of bitters. Angostura, Peychaud's, Fee's orange, peach, lemon, old fashioned, and I think one other.