We've all dreamed of setting up a proper, grown-up bar at home at some point. However, a collection of pretty bottles isn't enough.
A proper bar requires not only a variety of drinks and additives but also specialized bar accessories. For example, things for measuring drinks in cocktails and maintaining the right temperature. And the better these accessories are, the better the resulting drinks will be.
Tools for Perfect Measurement and Mixing
While the art of mixology may take place behind a high counter, you can still create magic at home.
Where to start when setting up your own home bar?
A shaker's primary function is to mix liquids of varying densities: alcohol, juices, syrups, bitters, liqueurs, cream, etc. It can also be used to crush ice and other ingredients for future cocktails.
The design of a Boston shaker is extremely simple: a glass or metal mixing glass sits on a large metal base. The base typically holds 800 ml, while the mixing glass holds 1 pint (568 ml). It is more commonly used by professional bartenders.
A cobbler is often smaller than a Boston shaker and consists of three parts instead of two. These are the mixing glass, a strainer (filter), and a cap that can be used as a jigger (measuring cup). The most common cobbler sizes are 500 and 700 ml. This essential supply makes it more convenient for a beginning bartender.
A jigger is a double-sided measuring cup used to measure out the correct volume of ingredients added to a cocktail. Never neglect it, as even the most experienced bartenders don't pour ingredients into a cocktail by eye.
A jigger is shaped like an hourglass and consists of two cone-shaped cups of different sizes.
A strainer is a filter- or sieve-like tool used to separate out large particles when pouring a cocktail from a shaker into a glass. Most cocktails should be smooth and silky, free of ice or fruit chunks.
It is most often used in conjunction with a Boston shaker, as the cobbler is already equipped with a strainer.
The Punin Wine online store wishes you good luck in the exciting and interesting business of cocktail making.
Innovative Cooling and Flavor Control
It's no secret that wine is traditionally served chilled. Moreover, each type of drink has its own generally accepted serving temperature, which helps the wine express its best organoleptic qualities and, conversely, conceal any flaws.
- The simpler or more refined the wine, the lower the serving temperature. It is recommended to chill them to 15–16°C.
- If a red wine has a denser structure or has been aged for a certain period, it is best to chill it to 17–18°C.
- Vintage, mature, and mature wines with long aging are best served at a lower temperature, but still no more than 18–19°C.
There are some innovative accessories for more precise temperature determination. These include wine cabinets, where you can set a specific temperature for both white and red wines. Also, special thermometer rings are perfect for this purpose. By attaching a similar gadget to a bottle, you can easily see the current temperature of the wine, as well as monitor whether it is rising and whether your drink requires additional cooling.
So-called cooling rods are also available for sale; they are also first stored in the refrigerator and then immersed in the bottle, cooling the drink from the inside.
A special electric wine cooler can chill wine and then maintain a set temperature, which can be selected for both white and red wines. This cooler is convenient to use, for example, in a summerhouse or gazebo, to avoid constantly having to go to the refrigerator.
High-Design Serving and Wine Presentation
Proper alcohol presentation is essential for creating a pleasant atmosphere. Decanters, pitchers, and carafes are essential parts of the barwear. They create a special aesthetic and help bring out the flavors of alcoholic beverages for a more enjoyable experience.
Red wine is traditionally served in a decanter - a vessel with a wide base and a pointed neck.
This process is important for young wines, which, thanks to aeration (oxygenation), acquire a softer, more balanced flavor. Almost 90% of wines sold in wine shops are young, meaning wine lovers can benefit from a decanter at home. However, a decanter is also indispensable for elite, aged wines, as it removes the sediment (tartar) that forms in the bottle over time. If this sediment ends up in the glass, it will ruin not only the taste of the wine but also the overall drinking experience.
Astringent young red wines are oversaturated with tannins and are recommended to be decanted for at least 30 minutes; aged wines sometimes require a full hour. White and rosé wines don't necessarily need to be decanted. Their bouquet is fragile, and additional racking can destroy it. However, rich, barrel-aged white wines become softer and more flavorful when decanted. Decanters for white and rosé wines differ in shape, resembling a long decanter.
Why Buy Bar Accessories at Punin Wine
A good host will think about wine accessories in advance, as every item should have its place. The online store Punin Wine offers a plethora of wine accessories from renowned designers.
Buying wine accessories from the Punin Wine online store is easy: just call or place an order on our website.
The store also offers premium wines. Our selection features the finest offerings from global producers. Enjoy high-quality drinks with delivery from 15 minutes in Limassol. Browse our catalog to quickly find your favorites by vintage, region, optimal flavor, and other features. Place your order online and wait for your purchase.