May 08

Bar Essential: Bar Tools

2012

Truth be told, any proper home bar requires a series of tools to craft the perfect cocktail. The classics include the Hawthorne strainer, the long stirring spoon, the cocktail shaker, the jigger, the muddler and the bar key. To this list, we’ve added a few additions that are must-haves in our book: a microplane for grating fresh nutmeg and cinnamon, a citrus reamer for freshly squeezed juice in a pinch, a peeler for peels and garnishes and 2″ square ice-cube tray, well just because the cubes look cool (and take a slower time to melt).

If you want to get a little more crafty with your cocktails, we suggest adding a fine strainer for straining pulp, a hand citrus juicer (and a heavy duty one) if you plan on making lots of greyhounds (or Dalmatians), a blender for those frozen concoctions you love, a duel-purpose Boston Shaker and a Japanese Yarai mixing glass well because you’re ready to take your mixology to the next level.

If there’s anything you think we’re missing, please drop us a line…

May 04

CINCO DE MAYO COCKTAILS

2012

We haven’t forgotten. With the Kentucky Derby and Cinco de Mayo falling on the same day this weekend, we’re celebrating with a special cocktail hour edition.

First featured on Grub Street last spring, two NYC restaurants Toloache and Raines Law Room are serving up some cocktails that pack some serious heat. This weekend, skip the margarita’s and celebrate with these cinco de mayo inspied cocktails. Enjoy!

(photo: Danny Kim)

De la Calle, Toloache

In a shaker, combine 2 oz. each 1921 tequila blanco and cucumber purée (seed and dice cucumber, blend until smooth), 1 oz. each lime juice and light agave nectar, and 1/2 bar spoon of finely chopped jalapeños. Shake with ice, strain over rocks into a chilled Tajin-rimmed rocks glass. Garnish with a cucumber slice.

(photo: Danny Kim)

Mexican Firing Squad, Raines Law Room

In a shaker, combine 2 dashes Angostura bitters, 3/4 oz. each fresh lime juice and grenadine, and 2 oz. blanco tequila. Shake with ice and strain into an ice-filled collins glass. Top with soda and garnish with a lime wedge.

Apr 19

Bar Essential: Cocktail Shakers

2012

James Bond certainly had it right, the classic vodka martini should be shaken, not stirred. If you’ve ever had a vodka cocktail on a warm summer day, you’ll understand that cold is key. (In case you’re wondering, a gin martini is stirred in order to preserve the delicate flavors of the gin.)

To that end, we believe that no home bar in complete without at least one fantastic cocktail shaker. Always glass, stainless steel or silver plate and vintage if possible. Here are just a few of our favorites…

Stayed tuned for next week’s bar essential post, when we’ll start stocking the bar with our favorite spirits.

Apr 06

Bar Cart Love

2012

Time for cocktails? We’re delighted to see that the home bar, once relegated to back cabinets and shelves has gotten new life recently in the form of bar carts and drink trolleys. We feel strongly that liquor bottles with fantastic packaging, fun vintage glasses and 60s barware should always be out on display.

via That Bow | Emily Henderson