Jody Minns's Stories: Bring the Bar to You! 12 Essentials for DIY Cocktails During Quarantine

Even with all the talk of the country reopening, it will likely still be several weeks before you can go out for drinks—especially if your tastes lean more toward craft cocktails than drive-thru margaritas (yes, that’s a thing).

But you don’t need to be out and about to enjoy your favorite boozy beverages—all you really need are a few of these must-have bar tools from the pros. Here are 12 essentials to snatch up so you can start sipping the swankiest craft cocktails from your couch.

1. Retro shaker

This Hatch cocktail shaker from Crate & Barrel isn’t just pretty to look at—it’s also an amazing addition to any at-home bar. For all those times your drinks aren’t cold enough, or you just really need your drink to be shaken and not stirred, this $20 crystal look-alike will be there to make your cocktail dreams come true.

2. Paring knife

If you’re still struggling with a butter knife to cut lemons and limes, that ends today. Upgrade your knife situation with this ultra-affordable Victorinox 4-inch Swiss classic paring knife, on sale from Amazon for just $10.

3. Funky ice molds

No matter what kind of drinks you plan on making, you’re going to need plenty of ice. Check out this Classic Kitchen Chillz Blox large ice-cube tray ($16 from Amazon) for cubes that won’t water down your favorite single malt, or get funky with this Animewild mustache ice-cube tray ($6 from Amazon).

4. Bitters in all flavors

In order to keep your drinks from tasting like fruit juice and bottom-shelf booze, you’re going to want a set of these bitters from Hella Cocktail Co. With five different flavors to choose from, you’re guaranteed to have cocktails that actually taste like a real mixologist made them.

5. Easy-squeeze juicer

When life gives you lemons—well, avoid getting the juice in your eyes by squeezing them with a Chef’n FreshForce citrus juicer ($20 from Crate & Barrel). It’s perfect for getting just the right amount of citrus in your drink, minus all those pesky little seeds.

6. Chic glasses

While these are officially known as coupe glasses, this swanky drinkware will work just as well as a typical martini glass—and it’s a lot less prone to spills. Snag a set of these Libbey Capone Speakeasy coupe cocktail glasses ($21 from Amazon) and give them a go with a gimlet or Manhattan.

7. Bar spoon with muddler

Having an extra-long spoon and muddler doesn’t just make your bar look more official—it will also up your game when it comes to serving stirred drinks. Get your own bar spoon with muddler ($10 from Crate & Barrel) and never use random short spoons to stir again.

8. Shiny jiggers

Keep your plastic mixing cup in the cupboard, and opt instead for this three-piece, mixed-metal jigger set ($30 from Bed, Bath & Beyond). With two different measurements on each hourglass jigger, you’re sure to get the right pour every time—plus, these metallic pieces will look mighty fine on your bar.

9. Top-notch strainer

We’re sure you have some sort of strainers in your kitchen, but this one isn’t for the pasta or legumes. Applauded by professional bartenders, the Hawthorne cocktail strainer ($17 from Amazon) will help you make your very own version of that $15 cocktail you’ve been missing.

10. Crystal rocks glasses

Every respectable home bar needs a set of rocks glasses, and this crystalline set of four Markham double old-fashioned glasses ($42 from Amazon) is unbeatable for the price.

11. Ultimate recipe book

For those of us who haven’t ventured into the world of mixology before, a little intro might be in order. For that, we recommend “The PDT Cocktail Book” ($19 for the hardcover edition from Amazon). Filled with gorgeous photos and easy-to-follow recipes, this book makes for a great coffee table addition even when you’re not crafting delicious cocktails.

12. Martini olive picks

Hoem bar — Prodyne olive-head, stainless-steel martini picks
Bed, Bath & Beyond

No matter what kinds of garnishes you like to adorn your cocktails with, these Prodyne olive-head, stainless-steel martini picks ($11 from Bed, Bath & Beyond) are sure to top off the drink elegantly—even if your quarantine supply has recently run out of actual olives.

The post Bring the Bar to You! 12 Essentials for DIY Cocktails During Quarantine appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

Jody Minns's Stories

Thursday, April 30, 2020

Bring the Bar to You! 12 Essentials for DIY Cocktails During Quarantine