How to stock a Mid-Century cocktail bar for the summer

Mary-Frances O'Dea

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It’s summer and this long winter we seem to have depleted our bar selection, so it’s time to stock up!  So, what do you need to stock the perfect Mid-Century Bar?

scotchnbourbon

The Alcohol Selection:

Gin
Vodka
Rum
Bourbon
Scotch
Tequila
Sweet vermouth
Dry vermouth
Cointreau

For the non-mixed drink crowd:

White wine
Red wine
Beer

Essential Mixers and garnishes:

Cranberry
Orange
Tomato
Cola
Lemon-lime
Ginger ale
Tonic
Seltzer
Margarita mixer (frankly I find it’s easier to buy it than make it)
Green pitted olives
Lemons and Limes: Slice them up beforehand to save time when company arrives.

cocktailsetFabulous Accessories: (this is where you can bust out the 50’s fashion!)

Ice bucket
Tongs
Cocktail Shaker
Hawthorne strainer
Cocktail napkins
Jiggers
Multipurpose opener
Corkscrew
Bar spoons and drink stirrers
Wood muddler (for crushing herbs, sugar, etc. — mojito, anyone?)

Glasses:
Highball
Lowball
Martini
White wine
Red Wine
Beer Glasses
Shot glasses

So what have we missed? Are there essentials you think need to be in every mid-century bar?

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