How to Stock a Bar Like a Pro

PHOTO: DAVID LOFTUS

Photo: David Loftus

A simple mix of wine, cocktails, and nonalcoholic options creates the perfect bar for your party.

From Martha Stewart Living

What to Serve
To ensure an easygoing atmosphere, set a drink menu in the same spirit. In other words, have a few good wines on hand in addition to nonalcoholic options and a standout cocktail or two, such as a specialty martini or sangria.

The Bar
A separate small table can act as the bar. Arrange the offerings — liquor, glasses, tools, garnishes, napkins, and ice — so guests can help themselves. (Plan on having three 5-pound bags of ice for every 10 guests.)

Glassware and Bar Tools
The basics will do just fine. Have on hand pitchers, stirrers, wine glasses for wine and nonalcoholic drinks, and martini glasses for cocktails. You’ll also need a corkscrew, jigger measures, cocktail shaker, strainer, a peeler or zester, ice bucket, tongs, and toothpicks.

Garnishes
Lemon and lime wedges and lemon peel will take care of most drinks.

Drink Calculator
The average guest will have two drinks per hour. (See below to determine how many bottles to buy.) It’s always a good idea to purchase more than you think you’ll need — you can save any unopened bottles for another occasion.

  • 1 liter alcohol (33.8 ounces) = twenty-two 1 1/2-ounce drinks
  • One 750-millimeter bottle wine = five 5-ounce glasses
  • One 1 1/2-liter bottle wine = ten 5-ounce glasses
  • 1 bottle Champagne = 5 flute or 6 coupe glasses
  • 1 case Champagne or wine = sixty 5-ounce servings

Visit MarthaStewart.com for: Standout Cocktail Recipes and Ideas