These items are the common items that every bar should have. They are used in making most drinks and will be used quite often.

Corkscrews: If wine is going to be served, corkscrews are vital. Purchase quality corkscrews that are durable and won’t break while opening wine. Each waiter, the bar area, and the server area should have a corkscrew. Waiters should be trained that it is a part of their uniform. Make sure everyone on the wait staff is trained in the appropriate use of corkscrews and also how to serve wine.

Tongs: Every bar should have several sets of tongs. They will be used to pick up garnishes and ice. There should be extras in case one becomes dirty during a busy time.

Condiment Separators: These are also a must for the bar area. They are used to hold the different condiments in separate wells. Typically they will have enough slots for cherries, lemons, limes, orange wheels and olives. If they have less than enough slots, purchase extra.

Glass Rimmers: Glass rimmers are a necessity if the bar is going to serve margaritas. These allow a bartender to quickly salt the rim of a glass before pouring the margarita. If there are specialty drinks that call for sugar rims, purchase an extra one for sugar.

Bottle Pourers: Bottle pourers measure an ounce of liquor then stop pouring. These are ideal in states that have free-pour laws. They allow drinks to be made with the appropriate shot of alcohol and also help in estimating how many drinks can be made out of a bottle of liquor. These can also be purchased without the ounce stopper and therefore will pour until manually stopped.

Jiggers: If the bar is not using pourers, jiggers should be kept so that the bartender can measure the appropriate amount of liquor for each drink.

Bar Spoons: These are very long spoons used for stirring drinks, retrieving cherries or olives from the bottom of jars and more. Their length makes them ideal for retrieving things from jars.

Shakers: All bars need a shaker for mixing drinks. Using a glass over a glass is possible, but it doesn’t mix the drink well and can be dangerous if the glasses stick together.

Drink Strainers: Drink strainers are necessary for making drinks that require multiple ingredients while mixing but are poured straight up, without the ice. The strainer holds back the ice and any other ‘solid’, such as fruit, that isn’t served.

Zester: Zesters help when serving drinks with a ‘twist’. These tools remove a sliver of peel from fruits to use in garnishing drinks.

Other helpful items include a cutting board, sharp knives for slicing fruit, bottle openers, and aprons for the staff and bar towels for wiping spills.

When stocking a bar with supplies for the first time, it is a good idea to enlist the help of a bartender who is trained and knows precisely what is needed. Perhaps, hire the bartender before purchasing supplies and have them help with stocking the bar.

-Sharon V. Chapman

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