Bartender Basics for Holiday Parties

As the holidays approach, you may be planning a get together for you and a few friends. Cocktails will liven up the event. Knowing a few basics can make an amateur bartender look like a pro.

Do as the Bars Do

Look into buying a mixing glass set (a mixing glass and a metal tumbler), strainer, and spoon, most mixed drinks require these basic tools. For a party, you probably do not need to worry about fancy glassware and can make do with plastic cups. For a home bar, the basic glassware includes rocks, tall Collins, highball, stemmed cocktail, and a wine glass set.

You will also need a one-ounce shot glass for measuring liquor servings. I will go over details for counting a shot, but until you get it down, you will need to measure. Too much or too little alcohol in a drink can ruin it.

When purchasing your liquor select the 750ml size, also purchase some metal pourers for the bottles. Pourers come in an assortment of styles, but basic metal ones work the best for most bar applications. These not only make you appear professional, they help lessen the chance of spillage.

How to Count a Shot

In the movies you see bartenders throwing bottles in the air, they catch them, and they have a glass in hand ready to fill. Well I can't teach you how to flair. I can tell you how to count a one-ounce shot.

Ensure that you have properly installed your pourer onto the bottle. If it is secure, simply hold the bottle strait up side down over a glass and count 1-2-3-4.

The bottle must be relatively strait up or the liquor will not pour smoothly. The count must be even. Not 1 Mississippi, 2 Mississippi, just 1-2-3-4. Then pull it up and away in one smooth motion. If the liquor pours slow or seems to gulp, there is air in the neck, adjusting your bottle should fix this.

The 1-2-3-4 count is one ounce
1-2-3 is ¾ ounce
1-2 is ½ ounce
1 count is ¼ ounce

You can count up to 6 for a 1-½ ounce shot but I would not go over 6. For anything more, stop and start each ounce over to prevent over pouring. Practice makes perfect. I recommend using the shot glass measure until you feel comfortable with your pour.

Shaking and Rolling Your Drinks