Vivian Marlowe
The type of alcohol a bar stocks depends on its category and service offering. Cocktail bars, for example, focus on mixology and typically serve a range of mixed alcoholic drinks, from classics like martinis, manhattans, and mojitos to in-house specialties. They should stock a variety of liquors, including gin, rum, tequila, bourbon, and vermouth, as well as liqueurs like orange liqueur, coffee liqueur, and mixers like orange juice, Coca-Cola, and lemon juice. Wine bars, on the other hand, focus exclusively on serving a wide range of wines by the glass. Dive bars are known for providing alcoholic beverages with minimal frills, often without food, and are designed to be gathering places for locals to socialize over drinks at low prices. The quality of liquor served in bars can vary, with well liquors being standard options, call liquors being branded but not necessarily high-quality, and top-shelf liquors being premium options with a higher price tag.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of Alcohol Types | 12 |
| Alcohol Types | Gin, Rum, Tequila, Bourbon, Vermouth, Orange Liqueur, Coffee Liqueur, Wine, Beer, Coca-Cola, Sprite, Grenadine |
| Glassware | Depends on the type of bar and drink; cocktail bars usually have fancy glassware |
| Service | Table service at wine bars or taverns, not at live music venues |
| Alcohol Quality | Well/Rail/House (cheapest), Call (branded), Top Shelf (high-quality, expensive) |
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What You'll Learn
Spirits: gin, rum, tequila, bourbon, and vodka
When it comes to spirits, gin is a versatile choice and a staple in many bars. It is a base spirit in many popular cocktails, from a classic gin and tonic to a martini. Its popularity means there is a wide range of gins to choose from, with new distilleries frequently appearing. London Dry Gin is a recommended style, perfect for mixing in most cocktails calling for gin. Its versatility allows you to explore different brands and customise your bar with various botanicals.
Vodka is another essential spirit with a clean, transparent flavour. It is used in more cocktails than any other distilled spirit, and its neutral taste makes it ideal for those who don't like the flavour of alcohol. You can find budget-friendly vodka options, which are perfect for tall drinks like Screwdrivers and Bloody Marys. For a Vodka Martini, a top-shelf bottle is recommended. Citrus and vanilla vodkas are popular choices for many bars.
Rum is another essential spirit, with light and dark varieties offering different flavour profiles. Light rum is ideal for drinks like daiquiris and mojitos, while dark rum brings a bolder flavour to sweet tiki drinks. For a light rum, Plantation 3 Stars is a recommended option, offering a clear and creamy spirit with a hint of caramel and grassy notes. As for dark rum, Plantation's double-aged option provides a rich, oaky, and caramelly flavour, perfect for Mai Tais and other cocktails.
Tequila, preferably 100% agave, is another expected spirit in most bars. It is often used in cocktails like margaritas or enjoyed on its own. While some may prefer mezcal, tequila's smokier cousin, a good-quality tequila is a versatile choice.
Bourbon, a type of whiskey, is also a common spirit found in bars. It is typically American-made and has specific legal requirements to be classified as bourbon. It is a key ingredient in cocktails like the Bourbon and Coke and adds a unique flavour to mixed drinks.
These spirits form the foundation of many cocktails and are expected to be found in most bars. Depending on the bar's focus and target audience, the selection may vary, but these spirits provide a versatile base for a wide range of drinks.
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Mixers: orange juice, Coca-Cola, Sprite, and grenadine
Mixers are an essential part of a bar's offering, and some of the most common mixers include orange juice, Coca-Cola, Sprite, and grenadine. These mixers can be combined with various alcoholic drinks to create classic cocktails or unique, experimental drinks.
Orange Juice
Orange juice is a versatile mixer that can be combined with a variety of alcohols. It is a key ingredient in the classic Screwdriver cocktail, made with vodka. However, it can also be paired with amaretto, light beer, white rum, gin, brandy, and sherry for a Tiki cocktail. For a twist on the classic mimosa, orange juice can be combined with orange syrup and orange liqueur. Another option is to mix orange juice with white wine and brandy for a unique take on sangria.
Coca-Cola
Coca-Cola is a popular mixer that can be combined with various alcohols to create unique cocktails. It pairs well with whiskey, especially Jack Daniel's Tennessee Honey Whiskey. Coca-Cola can also be mixed with scotch, brandy, or rum for a range of cocktails. For a refreshing twist, it can be combined with cold brew coffee, cherry liquor, and cold foam. Additionally, Coca-Cola is a key ingredient in the popular Cuba Libre, made with rum and lime.
Sprite
Sprite, a lemon-lime soda, is an excellent mixer known for its versatility and ability to complement various alcohols without overpowering their flavours. It can be mixed with vodka, gin, or rum for a simple, refreshing cocktail. Sprite is also a key ingredient in a unique Bloody Mary variation, combining it with tomato juice, vodka, and various seasonings. For a layered drink, Sprite can be mixed with light beer, tequila, limeade concentrate, and lime juice.
Grenadine
Grenadine is a sweet, red syrup that adds a unique flavour and vibrant colour to cocktails. It is often used in cocktails such as the Tequila Rose, combining lime and grenadine, or the Bacardi Cocktail. Grenadine can also be mixed with rye, vermouth, lemon, and orange bitters for a unique twist. Additionally, it pairs well with bourbon, simple syrup, lemon juice, and thyme for a sophisticated cocktail.
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Liqueurs: orange, coffee, and herbal
Liqueurs are a key ingredient in many cocktails, and a well-stocked bar will have a selection of liqueurs to cater to a variety of tastes and cocktail requests. Liqueurs can be made from a variety of ingredients, including fruits, herbs, and even coffee beans. Orange, coffee, and herbal liqueurs are all versatile options that can be used in a range of cocktails.
Orange Liqueurs
Orange liqueurs are a key ingredient in many classic cocktails, including the Sidecar, the Cosmopolitan, and the Margarita. The Grand Marnier is an orange liqueur with notes of orange zest, vanilla bean, and burnt orange, which can be used to make a Grand Mimosa. This cocktail is made by adding Grand Marnier to a Champagne flute, filling it 2/3 full with Champagne, and then topping it off with orange juice. Another cocktail featuring orange liqueur is the Pomegranate Martini, which has a fruity and light taste. The White Lady cocktail is another classic drink made with gin, orange liqueur, fresh lemon juice, and an optional egg white. For a stronger drink, orange liqueur can be used in a Long Island Iced Tea, which combines equal measures of vodka, white rum, tequila, gin, orange liqueur, simple syrup, and freshly squeezed lemon juice, with a splash of soda for effervescence.
Coffee Liqueurs
Coffee liqueurs are a must-have item in every bar, as they add a rich flavour to cocktails. The most well-known coffee-based cocktail is the Espresso Martini, but there are several other options. The White Russian is a popular variation of the "Russian" cocktail. The Long Island Iced Coffee combines five types of alcohol and is meant to be sipped slowly. Coffee pairs well with citrus, so a hint of orange can be added to this cocktail.
Herbal Liqueurs
Herbal liqueurs can add a unique flavour to cocktails and are often used in combination with lime juice.
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Wine: red, white, rosé, and sparkling
Wine is an essential offering at any bar, and wine bars focus specifically on this drink, offering an extensive selection by the glass. Wine can be broadly categorized into four types: red, white, rosé, and sparkling. Each type has its own unique characteristics and appeals to different palates.
Red wine is made from dark-coloured grape varieties and typically has a rich, bold flavour that can range from fruity and juicy to earthy and spicy. It is often served at room temperature or slightly chilled, depending on the style. Some popular red wine varieties include Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, and Merlot.
White wine, on the other hand, is made from green or yellow grapes and tends to have a lighter, more refreshing flavour profile. It is usually served chilled and can range from crisp and dry to sweet and fruity. Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Grigio are some well-known white wine varieties.
Rosé wine falls somewhere between red and white in terms of colour and flavour. It is typically made from red grapes with limited skin contact, resulting in a pink hue. Rosé wines can be dry or sweet, with flavours ranging from delicate floral and berry notes to more robust fruity or tangy tastes.
Sparkling wine, as the name suggests, is characterised by its carbonation, which adds a festive fizz to any occasion. This style includes famous varieties such as Champagne (from the Champagne region in France), Prosecco (from Italy), and Cava (from Spain). Sparkling wines can be made from either white or red grapes and offer a range of flavours, from crisp and dry to sweet and fruity.
Each type of wine has its own unique production methods, ageing processes, and flavour profiles, contributing to the diverse and fascinating world of wine that enthusiasts adore. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with food, wine is a beloved beverage that adds a touch of elegance to any bar experience.
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Beer: lager, ale, stout, and cider
Beer is one of the most common types of alcohol served at bars. It can be broadly categorized into ales and lagers, with the main difference being the strain of yeast used during fermentation.
Ales, such as India Pale Ales (IPAs), stouts, and saisons, are top-fermenting beers that tend to be stronger and sweeter in flavor. IPAs, for example, are known for their bitterness and high alcohol content due to the use of hops, which were originally added as a preservative during long voyages to India. Stouts are typically dark beers with hints of chocolate, toffee, and coffee flavors. They can range from dry to sweet and include variations like imperial stouts, milk stouts, and pastry stouts.
Lagers, on the other hand, are bottom-fermenting beers that are generally crisp, clean, and refreshing. Examples of lagers include Budweiser, Coors Light, Corona, and Pilsners, which are a Czech variation with additional hops, giving them more flavor.
In addition to ales and lagers, wheat beers are also popular. These beers include at least 50% wheat in the malt mix, resulting in a fruity, floral, and yeasty flavor. They tend to be lower in alcohol content, making them refreshing choices for summer months.
While the specific beer selection may vary depending on the type of bar and its target audience, it is common to find a variety of beers, including lagers, ales, stouts, and wheat beers, at most establishments.
Ciders, though less commonly discussed than beer, are also a type of alcohol that can be found at many bars. Ciders are made from fermented apples or pears and are often sweet, though they can also be dry or semi-dry. They may be still or carbonated and vary in alcohol content. While some bars may specialize in ciders, offering a wide range of options, others may only carry a few popular brands.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many types of bars, including cocktail bars, sports bars, dive bars, wine bars, and taverns. Each type of bar has a unique focus, whether it's mixology, entertainment, or specialty drinks.
Most bars will have a standard selection of liquors, also known as "well liquors", which are typically the cheapest option. These include vodka, rum, gin, tequila, bourbon, and vermouth. If you don't specify a brand, you will usually be served a well liquor.
If you have a preference for a specific brand, simply ask the bartender what their "well" liquor is. If you're satisfied with the brand, you can say so. Otherwise, you can request a premium brand for an additional charge.
Popular mixers include orange juice, Coca-Cola, Sprite, grenadine, lemon juice, lime juice, and various liqueurs such as orange liqueur and coffee liqueur. Mixers are essential components of cocktails and play a crucial role in enhancing the drinking experience.
