Nothing gets a party started like a range of incredible cocktails for your guests to choice from at a house party. But the thought of churning out batch after batch of drinks for guests often kills the idea of a cocktail bar at home for most hosts.

So we are sharing the secrets on a great at home party trend that will not only have your guests channeling their inner mixologist but you will be freed up to kick back, relax and enjoy your party.

A DIY cocktail bar is a host(ess’) dream. Simply set up, stock up and let the guests do all the work. Here’s our tips for your next at home party to ensure you’re stress-free and also guaranteed to get the party started.

1. Best Bar in Town

Set up your home cocktail bar that has easy access to ingredients and tools. Think island bench in the kitchen, outdoor table or drinks trolley.

2. Essential Glassware

Have a variety of glassware on hand to cater to different cocktail styles. Needing inspo? Check out our blog on must have cocktail glassware.

3. Tools of the Trade

Tools like a shaker, strainer, muddler, jigger, and a mixing glass for a well-equipped bar are ideal. But you don’t need to go out and purchase them all. There are heaps of household items you can substute. Don’t have a shaker? Use a glass jar and lid. A wooden spoon makes a great muddler and kitchen measuring spoons can be used instead of a jugger.

4. Stock up with the good stuff

Stock your bar with a selection of high-quality spirits, including vodka, gin, rum, tequila, whiskey, and liqueurs.

5. Strong Garnish Game

Have a range of mixers such as tonic water, sodas, and juices ready to go. Have bowls of dried citrus garnishes ready for use, olives, and flavoured salt and sugars for rims.

6. Ice Ice Baby

Make sure you have a supply of ice, both regular and specialty options like large cubes or spheres, to cater to different drinks.

7. Simple Syrup

Purchase simple syrup or make your own to added flavor profiles in cocktails. We’ve taken the guess work out of syrup flavours by creating a list of must have syrups here.

8. How To

Provide easy-to-follow instructions for making popular cocktails. Get creative with themed recipe cards for guidance. See below for our Top 10 suggested cocktails to make.

9. Personal Touches:

Add a personal touch with a signature cocktail recipe, unique glassware, or custom drink names to help make the night unforgettable.

10. Keep It Clean

Encourage guests to clean up after themselves by leaving cloths and a bin in easy reach.

TOP 10 COCKTAILS TO CHOOSE FROM

1. **Margarita:**

- Tequila, triple sec, lime juice, and simple syrup.

2. **Martini:**

- Gin or vodka with dry vermouth, garnished with an olive or a twist of lemon.

3. **Mojito:**

- White rum, mint, lime juice, simple syrup, and soda water.

4. **Cosmopolitan:**

- Vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice, and lime juice.

5. **Old Fashioned:**

- Bourbon, simple syrup, Angostura bitters, and an orange twist.

6. **Pina Colada:**

- Rum, coconut cream, pineapple juice, and crushed ice.

7. **Gin Fizz:**

- Gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and soda water.

8. **Negroni:**

- Gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth, garnished with an orange slice.

9. **Whiskey Sour:**

- Whiskey, lemon juice, simple syrup, and an optional egg white for froth.

10. **Paloma:**

- Tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and soda, garnished with a grapefruit wedge.

And finally have fun! The best part of a house party are the people there to share the celebration with. So get creative, get shaking and have a fantastic party.

Salute!