Arielle Cruz
Setting up a bar involves a lot of planning and consideration. A bar is a retail business that serves alcoholic beverages, including beer, wine, liquor, and cocktails, as well as non-alcoholic options like mineral water and soft drinks. The term bar refers to both the countertop where drinks are prepared and served and the establishment itself. Bars are often categorised by the entertainment they offer, such as sports bars, cocktail lounges, music bars, and dance bars. When it comes to alcohol, a well-rounded bar should have a variety of liquors, including vodka, gin, rum, tequila, and whiskey. Mixers like orange and pineapple juice, garnishes like citrus fruits and herbs, and modifiers like bitters and liqueurs are also essential to crafting cocktails and enhancing the drinking experience.
Characteristics of a typical bar alcohol setup
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Types of Alcohol | Beer, wine, liquor, cocktails, spirits, liqueurs, mixers, juice, soft drinks, water |
| Basic Liquors | Vodka, brandy, gin, rum, tequila, whiskey |
| Basic Liqueurs | Amaretto, Bénédictine D.O.M., Chambord, Crème de Cacao, Crème de Menthe, Ginger Liqueur, Drambuie |
| Bitters | Angostura, Bitter Truth, Peychaud's |
| Mixers | Orange juice, pineapple juice, lemon juice, lime juice, grapefruit juice, berries, herbs, olives, ice |
| Glassware | Collins glass, rocks glass, goblet, tall glass |
| Bar Terminology | Dash, dirty, feather, fix, fizz, flame, flip, float, free pour, toddy, top shelf, tot, twist, up, virgin, well drink |
| Bar Types | Sports bar, tiki bar, topless bar, cocktail lounge, wine bar, beer bar, brewpub, fern bar, music bar, dive bar, non-alcoholic bar, strip club, arcade bar, blues bar, comedy bar, dance bar, karaoke bar, piano bar |
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What You'll Learn
Essential liquors
When setting up a bar, it's important to consider the drinking styles and favourite cocktails of your clientele. A well-rounded bar should include a diverse selection of spirits to cater to various tastes and cocktail recipes. Here are some essential liquors to consider:
Whiskey is a versatile spirit with diverse flavour profiles. It is perhaps the king of cocktail spirits and is a must-have for any bar. For cocktails, you'll generally want to opt for American whiskey, which includes bourbon or rye. Bourbon is made with at least 51% corn, resulting in a sweeter and mellower flavour profile. On the other hand, rye is made with at least 51% rye, giving it a sharper, spicier, and drier taste. Scotch whisky is another popular option, offering a complex and varied spirit with a rich history and a wide range of flavours.
Vodka is a clean-tasting and transparent spirit that serves as the base for many cocktails. It is perfect for those who don't like the strong taste of alcohol. Choose a high-quality, versatile vodka and consider stocking both traditional and flavoured vodkas, such as citrus and vanilla.
Gin is essential for a variety of classic cocktails. Be sure to stock a classic London Dry Gin, and you may also want to include a more contemporary and floral gin to cater to different preferences.
Rum is a must-have for any bar, and you should ideally stock at least two bottles. Light rum is perfect for cocktails like daiquiris and mojitos, while dark rum holds up well in sweet tropical drinks.
Brandy is distilled fermented fruit, also known as wine. It is a staple spirit and pairs well with other liqueurs like Bénédictine D.O.M., a sweet honey and herb liqueur.
Tequila is a versatile spirit, with blanco (or silver) being the most versatile style and the best option for a one-tequila bar. It is easy to work with and can be used in a variety of cocktails.
In addition to these essential liquors, don't forget the importance of mixers, garnishes, and ice. Stock up on popular mixers like soda, tonic water, and fruit juice, as well as garnishes such as citrus fruits, olives, and cherries.
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Mixers
Juices
Every bar should be stocked with juices, which are a basic ingredient in many cocktails. Orange juice, cranberry juice, tomato juice, lemon juice, and lime juice are the most common. Lemon and lime juice, in particular, are used as accents in countless cocktails, and fresh juice is always preferable to bottled. However, for everyday drinking, ready-to-pour juices are a convenient option.
Bitters
Bitters are an essential mixer used to enhance the flavour of cocktails. Aromatic and orange bitters are the most commonly used, and a bottle of each can last for years.
Simple Syrup
Simple syrup is made from sugar and water and is the best way to sweeten cocktails.
Grenadine
Grenadine is a red syrup flavoured with pomegranate juice and is found in most bars. It is essential for drinks such as the tequila sunrise.
Sour Mix
Sour mix is commonly used in tropical cocktails, bringing citrus fruit into a sweet syrup base.
Milk, Half-and-Half, or Cream
These mixers are used in creamy cocktails such as White Russians. They have a limited shelf life, so they should be bought as needed.
Soda
A collection of basic sodas, as well as club soda and tonic water, are essential mixers for cocktails and can also be served on their own to non-drinking guests.
Ice
Ice is used in 98% of drinks, either while mixing or in the glass itself. It is important to use clean, fresh ice, and to know the difference between the various forms of ice. For example, tropical drinks are best served with crushed or pebbled ice, while standard ice cubes are used for shaking.
Garnishes
Garnishes are not technically mixers, but they are important for improving the presentation and taste of a cocktail. Common garnishes include olives (for martinis), citrus fruits and peels, and maraschino or cocktail cherries.
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Glassware
There are many types of glasses for different drinks, from cocktails to wine, beer, and spirits. For cocktails, the glass should match the type of cocktail being served. For example, a martini glass is used for aromatic mixed, strained drinks served without ice, such as a martini or cosmopolitan. A margarita is traditionally served in a margarita glass, which is a "stepped-diameter variant of a cocktail glass", but it has become common to serve them in other glasses, such as pint glasses or double old-fashioned glasses. A highball glass is used for tall cocktails with plenty of ice and a large proportion of a non-alcoholic mixer, such as a gin and tonic or mojito. A lowball, or rocks, glass is used for short cocktails served with ice or neat spirits, such as an Old Fashioned or a whiskey neat. A coupe glass is used for most stirred and shaken cocktails, such as a Manhattan or a whiskey sour. For hot cocktails, such as an Irish coffee, a heat-resistant glass with a handle is used.
For wine, the glass should have a larger, rounder bowl for red wine to easily swirl the wine and help aerate it, while white wine is served in a smaller glass. For beer, a basic pint glass is a workhorse in the bar, but pilsner glasses are often used for lagers, and tulip glasses are used for some beers, such as IPAs.
For spirits, shot glasses are used for accurate measurements and quick shots, while snifters are used for premium brandy or cognac, as the wide bowl and short stem help to warm the drink and unlock its flavour. Cordial glasses are tiny, stemmed glasses used for sweet cordials and liqueurs, while sake glasses are even smaller, at about 2 ounces.
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Garnishes
Citrus fruits, such as lemons, limes, oranges, and grapefruits, are among the most widely used garnishes. They can be cut into wheels, twists, wedges, or zests, with twists being particularly popular as they release essential oils, enhancing the drink's aroma. When creating a citrus twist, it is important to minimise the amount of pith (the white part) included, as it can introduce bitterness.
Herbs, such as mint sprigs, basil leaves, or rosemary stems, are another popular choice for garnishes. They add a subtle scent that complements or contrasts with the cocktail's primary flavours. Herbs are often added to the top of mojitos, juleps, and other herb-centric beverages. When using mint, it is important to be gentle, especially when muddling, to avoid overpowering the drink.
Berries and other fruits are also commonly used as garnishes, providing colour, texture, and taste. A simple cherry in a Manhattan or a skewer of mixed berries can add sweetness and colour to an otherwise drab-looking brown drink. Olives and onions are classic bar staples that add a savoury quality to drinks like martinis and Gibsons.
Edible flowers, such as violets, roses, and hibiscus, can also be used as garnishes. They add a burst of colour and delicate flavours and aromas to cocktails. More exotic garnishes, like gold leaf or bacon, can be used to create a unique and memorable drinking experience.
When preparing garnishes, it is important to use clean, sharp knives and fresh ingredients. Garnishes should be carefully selected and prepared to enhance the overall appeal and sensory experience of the cocktail.
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Bar types
Bars are drinking establishments that serve alcoholic beverages such as beer, wine, liquor, cocktails, and other beverages like mineral water and soft drinks. They also sell snack foods like crisps, peanuts, and sometimes more substantial food. Bars are categorised by the kind of entertainment they offer, their price, atmosphere, and service. Here are some of the most common types of bars:
Cocktail Bars
Cocktail bars focus on mixology and serve a range of mixed alcoholic drinks, from classics like martinis and margaritas to specialty drinks created in-house. They can take many forms, from themed lounges to speakeasies to rooftop bars, and often offer a laid-back ambiance. Cocktail bars are usually located in cities or downtown.
Sports Bars
Sports bars are vibrant, energetic establishments where sports enthusiasts gather to watch live sports events on multiple large-screen TVs. They are often decorated with sports memorabilia and may offer promotions and events aligned with major sports competitions. Sports bars tend to be casual and focus more on providing entertainment than serving unique drinks.
Wine Bars
Wine bars focus on wine rather than beer or liquor, offering an extensive selection of wines by the glass. They may also serve small plates of food or snacks to pair with the wine. Wine bars provide a sophisticated ambiance and are often quick-service restaurants.
Dive Bars
Dive bars are very informal establishments that may be considered disreputable by some. They are known for their casual, laid-back, and welcoming atmosphere, with dim lighting, reasonable prices, and a wide selection of popular beers and classic cocktails. Jukeboxes, karaoke, and darts are common features.
Pubs
Pubs are short for "public houses", a term rooted in British and Irish culture. They are community hubs known for their relaxed, friendly environments and emphasis on social interaction. While pubs primarily serve a variety of beers, ales, and ciders, many also offer traditional pub food.
Music Bars
Music bars are bars that present live music as an attraction, such as jazz or blues bars, or piano bars. Jazz bars are known for their intimate, soulful atmosphere, dim lighting, and cozy seating. They commonly offer classic cocktails, fine wines, craft beers, and small plates. Blues bars specialize in live blues music.
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Frequently asked questions
A well-rounded bar should include at least one bottle of each of the six base liquors: brandy, gin, rum, tequila, vodka, and whiskey. A bar should also have a selection of mixers, such as orange juice, pineapple juice, lemon juice, and lime juice.
A modifier is a term used by bartenders to refer to an ingredient used as a secondary flavor in a cocktail, in support of the base spirit. They are usually lower-proof and can be wine-based (vermouth) or spirit-based (liqueur). Examples of modifiers include bitters, which are intensely concentrated infusions of herbs, roots, and other botanicals, and liqueurs, such as Bénédictine D.O.M., Chambord, and Crème de Cacao.
The counter or "bar" where drinks are served is typically organized to facilitate the bartender's work. Bottles of alcohol, mixers, and other basic bar supplies are stored at the counter, with shelves organized by function and frequency of use rather than price.
