Are you gearing up to host a party but worried about overspending? The first thought might be to whip up some appetizers yourself, but you can also mix your own drinks to cut back on the costs! Just grab the basics and show off your skills. Get ready to impress your guests and keep them coming back for more with these bar basics to mix up any cocktail.

1. Keep bar tools handy
This must-have tops the list of bar basics to mix up any cocktail. Ensure that you have the necessary tools, including a cocktail shaker, corkscrew, and bottle opener. A blender might also come in handy if you want to experiment with frozen drinks. You can buy a bar tool set with all the equipment needed to mix the perfect drink.

2. Splurge on the garnishes
Most cocktails are topped off with something simple yet beautiful to make them eye-catching. This could be anything from olives to lemon peels and maraschino cherries. Ensure that your bar is well-stocked with common garnishes used in popular drinks, like lime and lemon wedges. Making a cocktail look appealing is essential, so don’t skimp on this.

3. Stock up on mixers
This is one of the essential parts of a cocktail, which is why it’s an important bar basic to mix up any cocktail. Carbonated water, lemon-lime seltzer, tonic water, and ginger ale are a few commonly used non-alcoholic mixers in cocktails, so keep them handy.

4. Keep plenty of ice
Cocktails need to be served chilled, so having sufficient ice at hand is another bar basic to mix up any cocktail. Ice in a cocktail also helps with dilution and ensures that the drink is refreshing, especially if you’re partying in the summer. Not having enough ice in the drink will cause it to melt faster, diluting the drink without sufficient chilling.

5. Know the classics
Learn how to mix and prepare the most popular cocktails. Knowing and mixing the ingredients of a daiquiri, martini, or sidecar and other classic cocktails is a must for any good bartender.

6. Add the right amount of alcohol
Ensure that you don’t use too much alcohol when you mix a cocktail—about 50ml or a double shot of spirit should be sufficient. Also, remember not to sweeten or dilute the drink a lot. The flavors should be well-balanced. You can taste it to get it right. With time and practice, you will know exactly how much of each ingredient to add.

Keep this guide on bar basics to mix up any cocktail in mind, and you’ll soon be mixing drinks like a pro. Also, ensure that you use good-quality ingredients, especially alcohol, as it affects the taste and flavor of the drinks. Get, set, party!