Restaurant Education: 8 Essentials to Stock your Bar
Last updated on October 28th, 2024 at 08:29 am
A bar that has all the right supplies will make it easier to make the drinks that your customers want, when they want them. Whether you’ve just realized you’re missing a key piece of bar equipment, or you’ve finally decided to install that old tiki bar in your basement, here is a list of what you really need to celebrate a successful bar experience.
Cocktail or Martini Glasses: Depending on the size of drinks you’re looking to serve, martini glasses range in size from 6 ounces to 10.5 ounces. Most drinks are measured at 3-5 ounces, but who doesn’t love those giant 10oz margaritas? Decide which size is best for you by reviewing your drink menu. If you’re just starting out, do some research on popular cocktails to determine if you have need for a specific glass size.
Rocks Glasses: Generally, most drinks are poured over ice. You’ll also have many guests that will just want a whiskey on the rocks. These short tumblers are a must have addition to any bar. Keep in mind; it’s important to store these upside down to prevent dust from settling inside.
Hi-Ball (tall) Glasses: You’ll find tons of drinks that call for tall, rocks glasses. Typically hi-ball glasses are between 8 and 12 ounces. Popular hi-ball drinks include: greyhound, screwdriver, madras, vodka & tonic, and Bloody Mary. These are usually sweet, highly drinkable cocktails that everyone will want, so stock up.
Wine Buckets: Two words: Bottle Service. Aside from the obvious benefits of selling liquor or wine by the bottle, the latest generations of drinkers love the notoriety of bottle service. While bottle service typically goes hand in hand with reserved tables and a bevy of mixers of the customer’s choice, the “piece de resistance” is often the premium bottle of liquor, champagne or wine. Serve it in style with one of Burkett’s stainless steel or clear polycarbonate buckets.
Shaking your head and thinking this is the exact reason you’re building a bar in your basement? No problem, they make awesome ice buckets too. Even at home bartenders know that cold is key.
Cocktail Shakers + Strainers: From martinis to margaritas, you just have to have one. Cocktail shakers do more than mix drink ingredients together. Their main purpose is making the drink as cold as can be, as quickly as possible. A good stainless steel cocktail shaker will be the star of the bar on a busy night. Shopping for shakers can be overwhelming. The most important feature to look for is a tight seal to eliminate the problem of the two pieces getting stuck together.
Measured Liquor Pourers: A fail proof method of serving the right amount of liquor for your drink recipe. Measured pourers will give your bartenders precise shot measurements without the need of shot glasses or jiggers (although, all bars should have shot glasses too…I mean, shots are fun). To appeal to your business side, pourers save money by avoiding over-pouring and potential spills. Burkett Restaurant Equipment offers a variety of colors and sizes to accommodate any of your beverage needs.
Bar Mats: When bartenders use a bar mat, the work surface is raised slightly off the bar, meaning that any spilled liquids fall between the holes or spaces between the plastic. This reduces any puddles or sticky spots on the actual work space, making it easier and faster for the bar tender to make drinks. It also takes a little of the pressure off for when the business gets a big rush and spills happen more frequently.
Blenders: Last, but certainly not least you will need a bar blender. Bar blenders provide the easiest and most convenient way to make any sticky sweet frozen drink. Whip up your famous daiquiri or pina coladas quickly. Bar blenders are all stars when it comes to ice, alcohol, fruit, and anything else you want to throw in there!
