Instead of going out to the drinking establishments in your neighborhood, why not enjoy your beautiful patio with some artisanal cocktails at home?

Start by investing in basic equipment and stock up on essential liquors.

You will need a cocktail shaker, a strainer, a muddler, a jigger, a bar spoon and a good supply of ice. To up your game you can even hand-carve ice cubes or get fun ice cube trays. Circles and squares are really popular right now.

Stock up on glassware. You will need six or eight of each type of glass – short, tall stemmed. If you will be enjoying drinks outside, you may want to use plastic glassware instead.

 

Head to the liquor store and get the following:

• Cognac – for sidecars and daisies
• White Rum – for mojitios
• Gin – for gin and tonic and martinis
• Bourbon – for mint juleps, Manhattans and old fashioneds
• Vodka – for martinis and screwdrivers
• Tequila – for margaritas and sunrises

You will also need mixers. Today mixologists are using seasonal fruit from the farmer’s market instead of mixers you may have traditionally purchased at the liquor store. Play around and see what creative and savory/sweet combinations you can create with fruits and vegetables from your garden. Additionally, you will also need bitters, white vermouth, red vermouth and cointreau.

For anyone who is abstaining from alcohol, use seltzer and fruit juice to create a delicious alternative.

Cheers!