Going out for drinks with friends is a cornerstone to social engagements in the US. It becomes a significant part of the budget and yet it’s one that we could consider tweaking a bit by cutting back how much we are at the local bar. While going out and being amongst a crowd is attractive for many, it can also become an exhaustive endeavor on our finances. For many, scaling back can be unattractive due to our needs of social interaction. Rather than going to the bar, you can easily turn a social gathering more affordable by hosting your own events with the right supplies. You can save lots of money by maintaining a healthy supply of spirits and mixers so that you can make your favorite drinks at home with your friends. Before you open up your den or living room as the new watering hole, here are some suggestions on supplies to keep on hand.
Grenadine is Versatile
Grenadine syrup is used in tons of mocktails, cocktails, and smoothies. It features a sweet red berry flavor that is perfect for sodas or fruity drinks. Tequila Sunrise and Shirley Temples are two very popular drinks that utilize grenadine on the regular. However, there are many other drinks you can create with this syrup:
· Tropical Peach Slushies
· Malibu Sunset Cocktail
· Blushing Mimosas
· Sex on the Beach
· The Irish Redhead
· Caribbean Rum Punch
· The Billionaire
Spices Will Warm You Up
Hot alcoholic beverages may not always be the first thing you think of but they are still one you should be fully prepared for. Many hot beverages feature a spice that you may not have considered previously. Often the cool Autumn and cold Wintery nights will be the best time for you to warm up with a spicy tea or coffee. Keeping allspice, cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg on hand will allow you to enjoy the versatility of your home bar. Here are a few suggestions on what you can create:
· Mulled wine
· Hot toddy
· Wassail
· Hendrick’s Hot Gin Punch
· Glogg
· Heated Affair
Mixers Keep You On Your Toes
Unless you are drinking a straight shot of whiskey or vodka, you are going to need a mixer of some kind. They add balance to your drinks and allow you to get as creative as you want. Yes, sodas and cranberry juice are automatically thought of as a mixer but try some of these:
· Club soda
· Ginger Ale
· Orange juice
· Tomato juice
· Pineapple juice
· Lemonade
As you explore your own tastes in drinks, you may even find you will want to add to your mixer list with something creative. One friend loves to purchase Cranberry Sierra Mist around the holiday months to mix with vodka for a simple cocktail that feels festive.
Setting up a home bar can feel like a daunting task but keep things simple. Start with purchasing mixers and alcohol that you already enjoy drinking. You don’t have to have much space initially either but you certainly want to have a separate space so that it all stays together and gives you the idea that you are going “somewhere” even within your home. As you explore the world of creating drinks, add what you need. There are tons of websites that feature cocktail recipes that can teach you what you want to learn. Don’t be afraid to try out flavors that you are curious about and see how it works for you. You could discover your own signature drink!
