The holidays are just around the corner, which means lots of holiday parties and even more cocktails to be served. Is your bar ready for the holiday season rush? Beverage Director of The Madera Group Charity Johnston shares her tips on how to style your holiday bar cart this season so you’re ready to tackle any and all cocktail orders that come your way.
Have the right tools: I always recommend having a jigger, so you can get specific measurements, and a bar spoon to mix with. There is a reason bartenders do it! It will make your cocktails taste more balanced.
Glassware: Pour your favorite liquors into cool glass bottles. It will make your cart look polished and adds dimension to the overall look.
The Good Stuff: I always recommend being stocked with a tequila, dark rum, whiskey, and gin. Everyone is bound to like one of those! Fill a bowl of sugar cubes to add sweetness to any cocktail. Also have bitters – get creative with flavors like grapefruit, orange, and lavender to add a little twist to the classics.
Garnishes: Herbs and spices are always the best garnishes! Get fresh rosemary, thyme, and sage to add a brightness to the cart and your glass. For a festive addition, use cinnamon sticks as stirrers for drinks like an Old Fashioned or light them for that beautiful aroma. If you want to get really fancy, smoke some seasonal wood chips in your glass before you pour in the cocktail to give it that extra layer of flavor.
You can find Charity Johnston behind the bar at fresh-casual Modern Organic Mexican Tocaya Organica and West Hollywood hot spot Toca Madera.
