The quintessential stocked bar

Here's a comprehensive list of how to stock the bar for your next party:

Beer - Ales and stouts are good for winter, lagers for the summer. Have both light and dark options. Store unopened bottles at room tempand chill before serving. Once its chilled it needs to be consumed before it warms up or the flavor will be spoiled.

Wine - Store on its side at below 70 degrees.

Vodka - Store at room temperature below 80 degrees. Use open bottles in a year.

Whiskey - Bourbons and lighter rye-based are best for sippng and mixing.

Gin, Scotch, Rum, Tequila, Cognac, Brandy, Juices, Club Soda and Tonic Water

spirit party calculator

Can't figure out how much libations to buy for your next party. Use these general tips:

Wine - 1 bottle per 2 people per hour
Beer - 2 beers per person per hour
Spirits - 1 bottle per 5 people per hour
Mixers - 3 bottles for each bottle of alcohol
Ice - At least 1 pound per person per hour

spirits for the holiday spirit

Drinks make a mighty fine gift. Try one of these to get you and yours in the holiday spirit:

holiday punch with sparkle
mix 2 cups cranberry juice, 2 cups pineapple juice, and 1/2 cup sugar. Add sliced lemons and limes and stir until sugar dissolves. Add one bottle of sparkling apple juice.

apple cider with spice
heat a quart of apple cider. add 3 cinnamon sticks, 3 star anise, a dash of ginger and 3 cloves. Stir until the cider is hot.

pomegranate lemon dreams
combine 2 ounces vodka, 1/2 ounce pomegranate juice, 1 ounce lemon juice.