DIY bartending; The Basics #1

For many the cocktail enthusiast, who doesn't get to step behind a professional bar set up every day, making cocktails can seem like a daunting task, one that involves spirits you've never heard of, fancy fruit twists and chemical processes that ought to come with a hazard sign. Here at PDS, I'm here to prove you wrong. You don't need to be behind the bar to become a bartender. This post serves to prove that whatever your skill-set or budget, you too can take a stab at being a bartender, and make bloody good drinks.

So if you're going to set up bar at home, there's a simple list of essentials that you'll need to fool your friends into thinking you know what you're doing, so here's the rundown:

• Something to shake; A Boston tin & glass/ two piece cocktail shaker
• Something to measure; marked jiggers/measuring cups
• Something to pour; spirits and pourers
• Something to cool
• Fruits and edible delights
• Fancy bar tools

Now this is by no means an exhaustive list, if you intend to entertain 20 people with a full-blown molecular mixology session, you're going to want to invest in dry ice, pressure cookers and the such; but if you just want to make a few casual, but delicious drinks, it's just the basics you'll want. Let's do this!

To Shake

Budget: Basic Boston Tin £5.40

Any bartender, professional or amateur should start with the basics. And it don't get more basic than this, your Boston tin and glass. Fill the glass with your chosen poison, add ice, hit the tin on, shake. For me, you can't really go wrong with this combination.

Mid-Range Set £24.99

 If you're a home bartender, who's yet to master the Boston tin/glass combination, then this little set is your guy. The Cobbler shaker works exactly the same, remove the lid, add your ingredients, replace the lid and shake.The Cobbler is inbuilt with a strainer, meaning you don't have to buy another bit of equipment, making your bar-tending a little less fussy. It also comes in a fancy looking wooden box and looks pretty darn good on any home bar.




Premium: Electric Shaker £45

Now if you're out to impress, or simply love drink-related gadgets, this is the ticket. It does exactly what it says on the tin. Pop your chosen drink in, lid on and with the press of a button your drink is shaken, leaving you hands free to flair, play with fire, do a card trick, or whatever party trick you choose.

So there you have it, the first step to becoming your own home bartender. If you're on a shoe-string budget, or planning your own home bar build, we've got the good to help you make delicious drinks. Next up we'll be getting onto the real fun stuff, cold, hard, liquor. Keep your eyes peeled!