Home bars come in all shapes and sizes. Whether you’re trying to build your own speakeasy or just looking to upgrade your corner of the kitchen, a few easy hacks can step up your cocktail game in no time at all.
MAKE BIGGER, CLEARER ICE
For less than the price of a fancy cocktail, you can freeze your own king-sized ice squares, which are perfect for sipping Scotch. If you’re throwing a party and need to chill down a large punch, fill up a large, sealable container with water ahead of time and throw it in the freezer.
STEP UP YOUR SIMPLE SYRUP GAME
Simple syrup is just what the name implies: a simple 50/50 mix of sugar and water. And while a lot of great cocktails find their balance with simple (as the pros call it), the liquid is a great platform to build on and explore. Try new sweeteners. For example, use vegan-friendly agave syrup in a refreshing Margarita, rich maple syrup in the easy-going Autumn Rickey or honey in the classic Brown Derby.
GET GOOD TOOLS
Invest in tools. You don’t need to go crazy with accessories, but it’s worth shelling out a bit on the basics. Even with regular use, quality tools will last you a lifetime. With that in mind, please stop using a novelty shot glass as a jigger, a fork as a strainer and an old jam jar as a shaker. To get you started, here are five must-have bar tools:
Shaker tin (and if you don’t have one, a tempered pint glass or two)
Mixing glass
Hawthorne Strainer
Jigger (double-sided, with half-measures noted)
Nice glassware (your local Goodwill should have a big selection of cheap, vintage cocktail and rocks glasses)
