What are some essential tools for home bartending?

To start home bartending, you'll need a few key tools. A cocktail shaker is essential for mixing drinks, and a jigger will help you measure the ingredients accurately. A bar spoon is useful for stirring and layering drinks, while a strainer ensures a smooth, sediment-free cocktail. A muddler is important for crushing herbs or fruit, and a citrus peeler or zester is useful for adding garnishes. Finally, you may want a good-quality knife and chopping board for preparing ingredients.

What are the key techniques to master in home bartending?

There are a few key techniques that are critical for home bartending. Shaking is a common technique used to mix, chill and dilute drinks quickly. Stirring is used when you want to maintain the clarity of the drink while still mixing the ingredients. Muddling is used to extract flavors from fresh ingredients like herbs or fruit. Layering is another technique that involves carefully adding different liquors or mixers so that they sit in separate layers. Finally, garnishing not only makes your cocktail visually appealing but can also enhance its flavor.

How do I store and maintain your liquors and mixers?

Proper storage and maintenance of your liquors and mixers can extend their shelf life and preserve their quality. Unopened bottles of spirits are stable and can be stored for many years. Once opened, they should ideally be consumed within 1-2 years. Store spirits in a cool, dark place, upright, to prevent the alcohol from breaking down the cork. Liqueurs should be stored similarly, but keep in mind they have a shorter shelf life due to their sugar content. Vermouth and other wine-based aperitifs should be refrigerated after opening and consumed within 1-2 weeks. Mixers, too, should be refrigerated after opening and used within the recommended timeframe on the label. Fresh ingredients like lemons, limes, and herbs should be bought regularly to ensure they are always fresh when used in your drinks.