It's a Saturday afternoon, you're at home with nothing much to do but you don't want to go out either, and suddenly your friends come by unexpectedly. Their company merits some nice drinks to catch up and talk about life, but what are you going to offer them to drink? Oh no! If only you had everything you needed, your own bar at home...
What is it about personal bars that is so irresistible? Well, for starters, they look great in movies and TV shows; the character who has everything equipped to serve himself whatever he wants at any given moment looks like a sophisticated and prepared person. Also, speaking from an interior design perspective, they always add a touch of coolness to spaces. Of course, there are many things to consider: the selection of spirits and liqueurs that you prefer, the utensils needed to prepare something more elevated than a simple 'cuba', accessories such as bitters and other liqueurs if you are looking to learn and do mixology, and not to mention the garments, spices, fruits and so on for the perfect result. And not to mention the furniture!
photo via elliquorstore.com
Advice from two expert mixologists
But don't worry, we first spoke to the mega expert mixologist German, from the bar Roagi in Twelve 18 and this is what he advises you, pay attention!
“First of all, I recommend being very influenced by the quality of the good bars, which fortunately there are quite a few in Mexico, visiting them and discovering those secrets that can later be applied at home. In advance, follow Stanley Tucci He is a great actor and a human being who clearly has a deep sense of quality and a sensitivity to good living.
Secondly, you need to have basic knowledge of what is required to create this bar at home. It can be in the kitchen or wherever you like. You don't need many tools, first you need to have a freezer with ice, which is very important. You need to have a 'ballerina', which is a long spoon that you usually find in all bars. And a mixing glass or mezcal glass that has a certain amount of milliliters or capacity to be able to pour the liquors with the 'ballerina'. You will also need specific glasses: there are several types, martinera, old fashion, high ball, among others.
photo via elliquorstore.com
Then, since you have these tools, I recommend the brand Cocktail Kingdom which can be obtained online or in some places like Mercado Roma and important glassware stores, where you can also find brands like Riedel, which is made of very fine glass, I highly recommend it because you can find all kinds of glasses. And of course, each type of glass has a specific use depending on the distillate or liquor you are going to use.
And getting into the subject of spirits and liquors, it really depends a lot on each person's taste: you have vodka, or gin, the most accepted rum, tequila, mezcal... Here you have the choice. You will need a liquor called Cointreau, which is a French orange liqueur that is used a lot in mixology. There are places like The Liquor Store where you can get it. And well, specific fruits that will depend on your recipes, which are very easy to find anywhere, such as specialized sites and blogs. Once you acquire a taste for the quality of your spirits and start practicing, it will become easier for you to follow other recipes and even create your own; the important thing is that you recognize the flavors and play the alchemist or chef to know what goes with what, and of course, a lot of practice and trying or having help trying, is the most fun part!
And this is what the mixologist Alfred of Aperi He tells us to complement:
“I think that when it comes to having a bar at home, you have to take a lot into account, such as buying products that don't have a lot of turnover, but also not buying products that have high amounts of sugar. What I recommend is that all the products you use in your bar be as fresh as possible, because that will make it noticeable in the flavor of your cocktails and make them stand out.”
What did you think of the advice from these two experts?
We are going to launch ourselves into The Liquor Store to start our bar and launch it this weekend. If you want to know more, do not hesitate to write to us and we will approach the experts to help you in your mission. And do not forget to tag us in your stories @LocalSMAGuide #LocalSMAGuide when you set up your bar!
