The fun part of stocking any bar is buying the liquor. That won't change. But even a home bar needs items other than ice and a bottle of soda water if your drinks are going to transcend from a fancier version of a college drink to one that reflects the (mostly) sensible adult you are today.
Simple syrup is one of the bar ingredients that you should always have on hand. It's simple to make, inexpensive, and can add a hint of sweetness that means drinks will be tasty without being cloying.
Don't buy prepared syrup. It's costly (at least $5) and you don't have
the benefit of finding the right level of sweetness from experimenting
with simple syrups in your home kitchen. Start with a base recipe of one cup of granulated sugar and 1 cup of water. Just boil that concoction in a saucepan over medium heat.
While
you're waiting for the sugar to dissolve, this is a good time to slice
lemons and limes for an upcoming party. Allow the mixture to cool and
then pour it into a tightly-capped container. Anything from a thermos
to a cruet will work.
If you whip up a batch on a Friday, you'll likely be able to use it for the next several weekends. The heavier the ratio of sugar to water, the longer it will last. Simple syrup is like fruit -- if you see mold, it's gone bad.
Of course, you might want some ideas for what to make with your newly stocked bar. A Barefoot Tom (bourbon, grapes and simple syrup) or Mai Tai (dark rum, lime juice, orange curacao, almond syrup, simple syrup) should get you started.
[Image via Flickr: j.e.n.n.y.s]
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