How to Set-up a Martini Bar in the Home

Impress Guests with Chilled Cocktails made from Vodka, Gin and More

Aug 20, 2009

The art of making a martini can be fascinating to watch at a restaurant. Well with just a few supplies a cool martini bar can be created in the home.

Whether conjuring images of 007, or simply craving the desire to sip an ice cold martini, it’s nice to have a proper martini bar set-up. It doesn’t cost a lot to stock and friends and family will be impressed next time they pop over for the holidays or other social events. Here are some tips on what one needs when setting up their very own martini bar.

The Shakers

Use only clean glass or stainless steel cocktail shakers. Aluminum and copper can react with some of the ingredients and leave an unwanted after-taste. Also beware of completely cleaning out any soap residue before using. There has been many a martini that has been ruined by soapy suds.

The Rest of the Utensils

Be sure to have a pairing knife, measuring spoons, bar strainer and stirring rod on hand as well. The same stainless steel or glass rule should apply to those utensils too. Finally a cutting board, coaster and set of napkins will keep the bar area and furniture free from undesired ring residue.

Glasses

Use a sense of imagination when deciding upon the glassware for the martini bar. The cone shape glasses of yesteryear used to be in the neighborhood of 3 ounces. However, in today’s society martini glasses are often 7 or 8 ounces. There are also other shapes and sizes as well. Some people prefer their martini in a short glass or even a tall highball glass. Whatever the ultimate decision, just be sure to be consistent. Uniformity is the key when outfitting the martini bar.

Garnishes

Great liberty can be taken with martini garnishes as well. An array of olives stuffed with onions, jalapenos, blue cheese, garlic and more can make a martini quite exciting. Other people like the classic onion, while others still love the tartness of a baby Gerkin pickle. Also, don’t forget the citrus. The other common martini garnish is a twist of lemon peel. Lastly, if the menu calls for some variations of the classic martini (like an apple or strawberry martini) provide fruit that seems to accompany the flavor. Floating a piece of fruit in the glass always makes a nice presentation.

Keep them Cold

There is nothing more refreshing than an ice cold martini in an ice cold glass. If hosting a dinner party or holiday celebration, place a few martini glasses in the freezer and allow them to develop a nice frost.

That’s the Spirit

The base to any good martini bar is both vodka and gin. If one isn’t sure where to put the extra money, this is the place. Higher quality vodka and gin produces a better quality martini. Martini’s with other bases, such as whisky and bourbon have also become popular over the past century. Stocking the bar with high quality vodka, gin, whisky and bourbon will keep all of the guests happy. And never be afraid to ask the owner of the local liquor store what they recommend, they’ll be happy to assist and can give guidance.

Mixers

Keeping both sweet and dry vermouth on hand is a must. Outside of that determine the other mixers needed to make the martinis on the menu. Cranberry juice, orange juice, and other pre-made drink mixes such as apple, or cosmopolitan are very common. Having an array of mixers will allow the menu of the martini bar to be quite expansive.

Don’t forget the Ice

Whether shaken or stirred, ice is a major component to the martini. If hosting a party or event, make life easy and buy a bag of ice. This will ensure that there won’t be a sudden panicked shortage, and also that the quality of ice is good. That’s to say there won’t be any freezer burn or spilled leftovers inside the cube.

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The copyright of the article How to Set-up a Martini Bar in the Home in Beer, Cocktails & Beverages is owned by Armand Famiglietti. Permission to republish How to Set-up a Martini Bar in the Home in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.