Stocking a hip, home bar

Next to the kitchen, the home bar is where many guests are likely to congregate. Unfortunately, this area of the house tends to get overlooked because the idea of properly setting up a bar can be rather overwhelming for most people.

"Putting together a home bar that is right for you requires a little investment, the right space and some creativity," said Robert Zollweg, for Libbey Inc., a leading provider of tableware products. "It's not as scary as people think, and once it's done, minor maintenance here and there is all that's needed. And, it will be one less thing you'll have to worry about when entertaining, whether it's dinner for four or a big summer gathering."

The first step in creating your personal watering hole is selecting the right space. Since people will likely socialize close to this area, pick a spot that can be easily accommodated. Most people opt for a bar cart in an inviting corner in the den, dining room or kitchen. If you don't have the space, clear out a cabinet to house your portable bar and set it up on a card table or counter when guests are over. Now that you have the space, start selecting your glassware.

"Purchasing the right glassware does not have to be a major expense and really shows you care about what you're serving and provides the best presentation for your guests," says Zollweg.

Choosing glassware

"If you're just starting out, or are creating a bridal registry, think of 12 as the magic number," said Zollweg. "Twelve glasses in each popular drink category will give you a sufficient start; you can always add later."

* Red and white wine glasses. Red wine glasses have larger bowls than white. "The larger bowl lets the wine breathe and allows your nose to experience the wine's scent," said Zollweg. If neither you nor your guests are frequent wine drinkers, or your budget is limited, a nice all-purpose wine glass is sufficient. This gives you the flexibility of using one glass for both red and white wines.

* Highball. This tall, narrow glass is used to serve mixed drinks like vodka and soda or rum and Coke.

* Double Old-fashioned. A short glass with no stem, either round or square-shaped, in which you serve straight alcohol, like scotch or vodka on the rocks. Also known as rocks glasses.

* Pilsner. Similar to the pint glasses in pubs, but have an elegant curve to them. Ideal for drinking all sorts of ales. Beer mugs also make a nice addition to the assortment either in addition to or instead of the pilsner.

* Martini. This classic comes in various colors, with various designs and even stemless.

* Champagne flutes. If you're worried about space, or the delicate stem, try stemless flutes. Accordig to Zollweg, "They are very chic, and like stemless wine glasses can be used for serving appetizer or desserts."

"Don't feel like you have to buy every glass at the same time. You know your tastes, as well as your guests'," Zollweg said.

If you choose to layer in additional glasses, consider margarita glasses and shooters. Brandy snifters, a glass with a short stem and wide foot designed to cradle the bowl in your hand to warm the brandy, makes a nice addition to your collection.

Alcohol selection

When stocking your bar, the best bet is to stick with tried-and-true classics that can be consumed in a variety of ways, from mixed drinks to shooters. If you're not sure which brand of alcohol to buy, purchase some minibottles as samplers. Mini-bottles allow you to try a variety of brands without investing a lot of money, and without the risk of being stuck with opened bottles you didn't enjoy.

The basics: Hard alcohol

* Vodka. Vodka can be mixed with anything from liquors to juice and is the key ingredient in a bloody Mary, screwdriver, martini and sex on the beach.

* Gin. Gin is also popular in martinis, as well as the common favorite, gin and tonic.

* Whiskey (or bourbon). Most commonly found in seven and seven, Irish whiskey or on the rocks.

* Scotch. The key ingredient in a rusty nail, godfather, Rob Roy or on the rocks.

* Tequila. A favorite by itself, or most commonly know for margaritas, Texas tea and tequila sunrise.

* Rum. This is used not only for the popular rum and coke libation but for tropical drinks like mojitos and caipirinhas.

Liqueres

* Schnapps

* Brandy

* Flavored liqueurs such as amaretto, Irish cream and crème de menthe. Popular flavors include apricot, banana, strawberry and coffee.

Wine

From the connoisseur to the amateur, almost everyone drinks wine. Traditionally, red wine is paired with red meat and white wine is paired with white meat and fish. But you can mix whichever wine you like with whatever is on the menu. The key is to ensure the flavors of the wine don't overpower the food. To play it safe stock your bar with:

* Red. For a lighter taste, start with either a merlot or pinot noir. Opt for a zinfandel or cabernet sauvignon if you're looking for something more full-bodied.

* White. If you prefer light and a bit sweeter, try a riesling or sauvignon blanc. Dry white wines include pinot blanc and chardonnay.

Courtesy of ARAcontent