With children around, having a home bar isn’t merely a luxury—it’s a necessity. Kids can be delightful, but they can also be chaotic and energetic, leading you to crave a refreshing cocktail by the end of the day. The beauty of being at home is that happy hour can happen whenever you choose (just like your coffee breaks).
You don’t need an extensive collection of high-end bar tools to whip up delicious mocktails and cocktails in your kitchen. A simple shaker or blender, some stylish glassware (preferably not adorned with cartoon characters), and a few essential ingredients will set you up for success.
Many summer drinks are simpler to prepare than they might appear. For example, try the Avocado Mango Margarita from Love One Today; it requires just a handful of ingredients and can be ready in about 15 minutes. It’s non-alcoholic, so everyone in the family can join in the fun—though feel free to add a shot of tequila to your own glass if you wish! Check out the recipe below, then keep reading to discover the essential items for crafting your favorite summer beverages.
Avocado Mango Margarita Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe avocado, halved, pitted, and peeled
- 1 cup fresh mango, peeled and cubed
- 2 cups lime-flavored sparkling water or club soda
- 4 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
- 2 teaspoons agave nectar
- 1 cup ice cubes
- Additional ice cubes for serving
Instructions:
- Combine avocado, mango, lime juice, agave nectar, and sparkling water in a blender in the order listed. Blend until smooth.
- Add ice cubes to the blender and blend for less than a minute.
- Garnish with a slice of avocado, mango, and lime. Serve over ice.
Essential Bar Tools
Cresimo Cocktail Shaker Bar Set
To feel like a pro bartender at home, a quality shaker is a must. The Cresimo set includes 12 pieces, making it easy to create a variety of drinks. You’ll get a stainless steel shaker, muddler, bar spoon, strainer, jigger, ice tongs, corkscrew, and a handy bamboo stand for organization. Plus, a recipe booklet for inspiration!
*Price: $58 on Amazon*
Ninja Professional 72oz Countertop Blender
A blender is invaluable, whether you’re making smoothies for the kids or cocktails for yourself. The Ninja blender is user-friendly and features four presets for different blending needs. Its 72-ounce pitcher is dishwasher safe, making cleanup a breeze.
*Price: $90 on Amazon*
Ticent Ice Cube Trays
Upgrade your drinks with oversized ice cubes! These trays create 2-inch square cubes and 1.75-inch spheres that melt slowly, keeping your beverages chilled longer. They’re BPA-free and made from silicone for easy ice removal.
*Price: $14 on Amazon*
Zulay Premium Quality Metal Lemon Lime Squeezer
A citrus squeezer is essential for easy juice extraction. The Zulay squeezer has two compartments for various citrus sizes and is made from durable aluminum. It’s compact enough to store in a drawer.
*Price: $29 on Amazon*
Stylish Glassware
Bavel Old Fashioned Whiskey Glasses
These classic rocks glasses are perfect for any beverage, from water to cocktails. This set includes six dishwasher-safe glasses that are sturdy and resistant to chipping.
*Price: $28 on Amazon*
Paksh Novelty Italian Highball Glasses
Tall and elegant, highball glasses are perfect for sipping cocktails like gin and tonics. This set of six, lead-free Italian glasses holds 13 ounces and is also dishwasher safe.
*Price: $25 on Amazon*
Riedel Nick & Nora Cocktail Glass
If you want to elevate your cocktail experience, consider the elegant Nick & Nora glass. Its design allows for a graceful sip without the risk of spills. This set includes two glasses, perfect for sharing.
*Price: $30 on Amazon*
Cocktail Mixes and Garnishes
Hella Cocktail Co. 5-Pack Bitters Bar Set
Bitters add unique flavors to cocktails or can enhance plain drinks. This set includes five varieties, allowing you to experiment with different flavors.
*Price: $35 on Amazon*
Luxardo Gourmet Cocktail Maraschino Cherries
These aren’t your typical maraschino cherries. Made from Italian marasca cherries and natural ingredients, they make a perfect garnish for cocktails or desserts.
*Price: $29 on Amazon*
For more tips on home insemination and related topics, check out this informative post. It’s an excellent resource that complements the essentials of creating your ideal home bar. Also, for those looking to understand more about self insemination, visit Intracervical Insemination, a trusted authority on the subject. For comprehensive guidance on getting pregnant through donor insemination, American Pregnancy offers fantastic insights.
Summary
Setting up for summer cocktails is easier than you think. With the right tools and ingredients, you can enjoy refreshing beverages at home anytime. From a sturdy shaker to elegant glassware, a few essentials can transform your happy hour experience. Embrace the fun of crafting your own drinks, and don’t forget to explore related topics on home insemination to enhance your knowledge.