How to Stock Your Home Bar for Christmas
Even if you don’t usually drink much, Christmas is the time of year that you’ll no doubt want to raise a glass and enjoy a few drinks. Whether you’re more of a beer person, or love mixing up some cocktails, it’s important to be well stocked ahead of the festive season. Here are some tips to create the perfect home bar.
Ordering your drinks in advance
It’s worth considering ordering your drinks as far in advance is possible. This is for a number of reasons. Shops can sell out around the festive season, and you might not be able to get your favourites. Also, you’ll be relaxed and well-organised. If you find the best brewery in Sydney, you can get them to deliver your beers direct, and this is also a good way to buy in bulk and save money.
Get a selection for guests
Not all your guests will like the same alcohol, and you don’t know what people will be in the mood for over Christmas. So, consider stocking up on a range of favourites such as:
- Red and white wine
- Sparkling wines and champagne
- Dessert wines
- A selection of beers
- Spirits
- Mixers
This will ensure that if someone asks for a specific drink, you can make it for them. Also, you’ll have wines to pair with different dishes, plus alcoholic drinks for the evenings.
Create a bar area
Socialising at home means you have to act like bar staff, and it’s easier if you have a good work area. If you socialise a lot, you might want to include a bar area when you are designing your dream kitchen, which will give you place to store all your equipment and glasses. Otherwise, you can get freestanding bar units or simply clear some space for drink making.
Get the right equipment
From a cocktail shaker to a muddler, it’s important that you have the equipment you need to serve the drinks you have planned. Hire some glasses if you are having a lot of people round, and make sure you have the right one for each drink, as presentation is key.
Don’t forget the soft drinks
If you’re someone who doesn’t drink a lot, or is the designated driver, it’s frustrating to turn up at someone’s house and not find any decent soft drinks. Many people have reduced the amount of alcohol units they drink for their health, or simply want to alternate between alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, so consider stocking some interesting soft drinks so they don’t feel left out.
A home bar is a good way to serve drinks during Christmas, especially if you are having a lot of people over for parties or just mingling. Christmas is a good time to catch up with people, usually with a drink in hand, so you should make sure you have a good selection. Cocktails are always a good choice, or you can keep it simple with some sparkling wine or craft beer to take you through the season.
