Going out for drinks is enjoyable, but there is something even more special about being able to replicate the experience in your own residence with your favorite drinks from a liquor store in Dubai (or wherever you reside). Whether you want to reward yourself after a long day, or host a celebration, read on to learn five essential tips for enjoying cocktails at home.

1. Properly set up your home bar 

First things first, in order to enjoy cocktails at home, you need to have your home bar properly set up. For decades, a well-stocked bar cart has been a glamorous home essential as it is perfect for bringing out at parties, as well as for displaying your favorite bottles of spirits. That being said, whether you have a vintage bar cart or a simple shelf, make sure you have an area that is designated for preparing cocktails. 

For your bar to be functional, there are a few essential items that you need to have. These include a jigger to measure the liquor, a cocktail shaker and strainer to ensure you can expertly mix the liquids and a bar spoon. Moreover, no bar is complete without ice. A couple of ice cube trays are essential to ensure that you always have something on hand to keep your cocktails cold. 

2. Have “everyday” and “special” options 

Of course, in addition to the items listed above, your bar also needs to have alcohol. To get you started, stock up on the five basic liquors: vodka, gin, bourbon or rye whiskey, rum, and tequila. By having those, you will be prepared to make the vast majority of basic cocktails. As you start learning how to make more cocktails, you can add to your collection and try different liqueurs, mixers, and aperitifs. 

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Take it a step further and choose a top shelf and bottom shelf option for each of these liquors. That way, you can have a more expensive option for special occasions and a delicious (but slightly more budget option) for more casual drinking. Many liquors taste better with mixers; however, these will vary based on what cocktails you are making. Have all of your bases covered with a selection of juices, sodas, and bitters. 

Moreover, liquor isn’t the only beverage that your bar should have. You also want to have a steady supply of australian wine that you can enjoy with dinner. If you order wine online in Dubai (or wherever you reside), then you never have to worry about running low. Similar to liquor, with a little planning, your home wine bar can be suitable for all occasions. 

Generally, there are six categories of wine you want to have for a well-rounded home bar. These are:

• Dry rosé: a crisp, crowd-pleaser
• Sparkling wine: for celebrations
• Everyday white and everyday red: for daily pleasure
• Fruity, but not sweet, whites and reds: great to pair with food
• White and red for fancy dinners: for slightly more special evenings
• Sweet wine: ideal for post-meal cheeses and dessert

By always having some of each category on hand, you can be assured that you can have the perfect glass of wine, no matter what life throws at you. 

3. Organize your glasses 

Even the best cocktail in the world doesn’t taste quite right if it isn’t served in the appropriate glass. When looking at glassware, it’s easy to get overwhelmed; however, just as with liquor, start with the basics and then, over time, you can work to expand your collection. Some of the essentials include tumblers, coupes, tall cocktails glasses, flutes, wine goblets, and pilsners for beer. Additionally, a pitcher is useful for when you are making batches of drinks. On the other hand, some nights call for shots, so make sure you have some shot glasses on-hand. 
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If your bar cart (or area) is open, be mindful of how you organize it – start by simply arranging items by category, with spirits on one side, and the glasses on another. Then, store your bar tools in a nearby drawer. 

If you don’t have a bar cart or entire area to devote to your home bar, you can use a subtle tray. This will effortlessly transform the surface of any bookcase or bookshelf into a bar. To ensure it doesn’t look too cluttered or messy, you may want to consider putting some of the less frequently used items elsewhere. 

4. Enhance your cocktail making skills 

Now that you have your home bar stocked with the essential items and beverages and you have organized your glasses, it’s time to start studying and learning how to make some drinks. Some of the easy cocktails that you should learn to make at home include: 

• Negroni (Campari, sweet vermouth, gin)
• Gin and tonic (gin, tonic water, lime wedge)
• Martini (gin or vodka, dry vermouth, orange bitters)
• Manhattan (Bourbon or rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, bitters)
• Daiquiri (white rum, freshly squeezed lime juice, sugar) 
• Dark ‘n’ stormy (dark rum, ginger beer, lime)
• Sidecar (cognac or brandy, orange liqueur (such as Cointreau), lemon juice) 
• Gimlet (gin or vodka, lime juice)

If you are looking for slightly more exciting cocktails, then consider trying some international options such as The Mercadito from Mexico, the Dill Martini from Iceland, or the Matcha Bee from Japan. Luckily there are plenty of books, blogs, and articles dedicated to the art of cocktail-making, so you are sure to find a combination that is interesting and delicious for you!

5. Set the mood 

To fully enjoy the experience of making and drinking your cocktail(s), you want to take a couple of steps to set the mood. This will look different for everyone, but it may include having your favorite music playing in the background, wearing an outfit that makes you feel fabulous, and lighting candles—in other words, setting up your space to feel special. These little things can go a long way when it comes to creating an enjoyable experience. 
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What do you do to enjoy cocktails at home? Do you have favorite glasses or bitters that you always use? Let us know your thoughts and insights in the comments below!

AUTHOR BIO

Valentina Chessa is the Retail Marketing Manager at African + Eastern, the largest alcohol retailer in the Middle East with a network of 29 stores in the UAE, 5 in Oman, and a team of over 400 professional staff. The company boasts an extensive portfolio of beer, wine and spirits, and customers can shop online or at one of its conveniently located stores.