STEP UP BARE BONES HOME BAR

Last time we discussed Bare Bones Home Bar for those of you who wanted to establish your own home bar but didn't have an idea how. We have established a bare bones home bar for under $200.
Today we will look at a Step Up from Bare Bones bar. Just one step up on a budget. Here is a list of additional items you should consider.

Once again look at discount stores first to shop for hardware. Here is what you need for a Step Up Bar:

HARDWARE

Ice Bucket and Tongs - get the one with the plastic insulation insert. It keeps the ice longer than just regular steel or aluminum bucket. They cost a bit more but are worth it, about $20.

Wine Bottle Ring - when you pour wine from a bottle you always have a spill or drip, prevent the drip by using a wine bottle ring, a ring lined with absorbent fabric such as felt, about $5.

GLASSES

Champagne Flutes - narrow and tall flutes are a must for champagne and related cocktails, about $10 for set of 4.

MIXERS

Here you can go haywire but I suggest just a few additional mixers.

Cranberry Juice
Pinneapple Juice
Orgeat Juice
Bloody Mary Mix

LIQUOR

Scotch Whiskey - absolute must for a step up bar. White Horse is a good budget choice, about $18.
Brandy - stick with American brandy, Paul Masson Grande Amber VSOP Brandy, about $15.
Coffee Liquer - here I suggest Copa d'Oro, about $10.
Sherry - try Harvey's Bristol Cream, about $12.
After Dinner Liquer - here you have a wild choice but all after dinner liquers have one thing in common, they are expensive! I suggest you get either B&B or Drambuie, about $35.

MODIFIERS

Sweet Vermouth - just like with dry vermouth, Martini i Rossi is the obvious choice with Gallo being the alternative choice, about $12.

WINES

White Wine

Chateau Ste. Michelle Riesling, about $12
Santa Rita 120 Reserva Especial Chardonnay, about $9
Rodney Strong Sonoma County Chardonnay, about $14

Red Wine

Chateau Ste. Michelle Merlot, about $15
Beringer Founder's Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, about $10
Badia a Coltibuono Cetamura Chianti, about $12

Sparkling Wine (Champagne)

Best for toasts: Freixenet Cordon Negro Brut Cava, about $10
Best for cocktails: Cupcake Vinyards Prosecco D.O.C., about $14


If you get everything listed above you will have shelled out about $250 on top of the $200 for the bare bones home bar. Small prize to pay for living the good life, in my humble opinion.