RSVP Collection No. 11 - Bar Essentials for Entertaining

For summer entertaining stocking a good bar comes with a few essentials. Once you have these basic essentials, all you need is a stash of appetizers from the freezer ready to pop in the oven. Voila, the bar is open!

Start with a few spirits (gin, rye, rum, scotch, vodka, tequila); liqueurs and cordials (amaretto, triple sec, coffee liqueur, sweet vermouth); essential mixers (bitters; tonic water; club soda; orange, grapefruit, pomegranate, and cranberry juices; cola/diet cola; ginger ale; lemon-lime soda).

Essential equipment for your bar include: ice bucket, corkscrew, bottle opener, a jigger, and a cocktail shaker. And one handsome bartender, if you like.

Here are two great summer drink recipes to try from your newly stocked bar. One alcoholic and one non-alcoholic. Per certain to have essentials to offer both to your guests. I gave a sneak peek of the non-alcoholic recipe to a family member for her knitting club and it was a hit.

Pomegranate Daiquiri

3 1/2 c. pomegranate juice

1 1/2 c. plain or raspberry-flavored light rum

1 c. cranberry liqueur

1/3 c. fresh lime juice

ice cubes

pomegranate seeds, frozen green grapes or kiwi slices for garnish

Combine pomegranate juice, rum, cranberry liqueur, and lime juice in a large pitcher. Cover and refrigerate until cold, at least 4 hours or up to 1 week ahead.

In a blender, combine 1 1/2 c. juice mixture and 1 c. ice cubes. Blend until slushy. Pour into large martini or wine glasses; garnish as desired. Repeat with remaining juice.

Pom Pom Non-Alcoholic Summer Drink

1 c. lemonade

1/2 c. club soda

1/4 c. pomegranate juice

Combine all ingredients into an ice-packed cocktail shaker and shake well. Pour into martini glasses and garnish with a cocktail cherry or two.

Image and Sources: oprah.com, ecurry.com, Pottery Barn