Stock The Bar Essentials
September 17, 2021For those of you who have enjoyed a slice of Nantucket during September, you can understand why so many couples choose to get engaged or married here on island this time of year.
One of the questions I am asked most frequently by those hosting wedding celebrations of any size is what kind of spirits should be featured for their most memorable day.
Based on my years of experience working in restaurants with specialty cocktail programs, and guiding party planners with what drinks work best with Nantucket themed events, I have created the ultimate list of essential spirits so that you can feel confident knowing your bar is properly stocked for your next intimate gathering.
You may think you don’t like gin, however this juniper-based spirit isn’t just for martinis anymore. Spaniards love their refreshing gin and tonics, almost as much as their flavorful Iberico jamon and well revered afternoon naps. Nordés Gin, a premium gin made in the Galicia region of Spain, will make you feel as if you are on the other side of the Atlantic enjoying this with their local seafood.
Next, the great thing about vodka is it can easily adapt to any occasion depending on what type of mixer you use. Blank Farm Vodka is gluten-free, certified kosher, allergen free, and keto friendly with no sugar added. The label is even designed for you to sketch your next big idea or pen a memorable message should you choose to give this as a gift.
Moving on, modern day tequila, made from 100% agave, is smooth and refreshing, like when your toes touch Nantucket sand. Suitable as the foundation for your favorite margarite recipe, Casa México Blanco Tequila can be enjoyed as well on its own with a fresh zest of lime.
Personally, I love the sweet vanilla flavor of properly aged dark rum. I have had my share of Painkiller cocktails, the Virgin Islands’ dark rum based signature drink, enjoyed by locals and tourists alike, when I worked years ago as a sommelier at Caneel Bay Resort on St. John. Rhum Barbancourt Reserve Special 8 Year is the ideal companion not just for this island influenced cocktail, but also for the hurricane inspired Dark + Stormy drink made with ginger beer.
You will also need what is considered a dark spirit, which is distilled from grain versus the aforementioned clear spirits. Sagamore Spirit Rye Whiskey fits in perfectly wherever a recipe calls for this type of liquor. Think Manhattan, Old Fashioned, Paper Plane, to name a few.
Finally, my selections wouldn’t be complete with adding a wine-based staple for your bar set-up. Sweet vermouth plays an important supporting role in the realm of cocktails. Carpano Antica Formula Vermouth stands out as the undisputed leader in this category, a must have addition in my opinion.
Imagine if you could acquire one bottle of each of these spirits to stock your bar now for the upcoming off-season. You could have piece of mind knowing you are properly prepared to serve cocktails when you host the next potluck dinner this fall. You have the slow way, where you can purchase a bottle here or there, however possibly forgetting one of these crucial components. As a smart, educated consumer, you can also go the fast, easy direction and get this limited-edition Stock The Bar package, featuring all six bottles of these selections, here right now. This superb Stock Your Bar package (no promo code needed) is available through the end of September, or while supplies last, whichever occurs first.
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