I’ve had this book since before I moved here more than five years ago. Serendipitously it is written by two Absinthe Brasserie & Bar bartenders (Jeff Hollinger & Rob Schwartz) and I’ve been referencing it since before I even know where or what Absinthe was. Now, it’s on my list of favorite spots and I love to sit at the bar and watch the keepers carefully craft yummy cocktails.
Having a bar of my own is a no-brainer. I’m “in the industry” and love to entertain as much as I love to make myself something yummy after a long day. I’ve always had a bar but having a bar now is more vogue than vogue – thanks to Mad Men. And, thanks to lots of bloggers, readers are super familiar with how to create one of their own. (If you still need help do a quick Google search for “Mad Men Home Bar” and you’ll find lots of links but I love this one by Paste Magazine which give tips on creating your own bar in a fun and affordable way.)
Of course the most essential ingredient to your home bar is THE BAR! You might remember my big fleaing adventure back in April when I was inspired by Jonathan Adler and working feverishly on my apartment makeover…well, ta-da! The cart above was a perfect find for my home bar and at the right price, I absolutely LOVE the Alameda Flea Market!
Don’t get too caught up on following the rules. For sure there are basics that you should have IF you are planning on entertaining the cocktail whims of your friends but for most of us we are creating a home bar for ourselves and to cater to the concoctions that we love. Think about this when you are collecting the spirits and other goodies for your bar. Be sure to have the basics: vodka, gin, tequila, rum, whiskey to give yourself lots of options and then have fun with the mixers. For sure you should have everything you need to make a Mule of some sort as this is the hot drink right now and super easy to make! (And, if you don’t have an arsenal of mixology “cook books” like I do reference the link I just gave you for the Mule recipe often, it’s one of my favorites!)
Have I inspired you to make your own fancy pants Mad Man-like home bar? Hope so!
love, lust, butterflies & yummy cocktails,
pb
