Speakeasy

Cocktail -- the very word rolls off your tongue, invoking images of pleasant evenings, intimate encounters and gatherings of friends.

The cocktail hour transcends all social classes and is a statement of awareness and knowledge of adult concerns, pleasures and sensibilities. Although a case can be made about the appropriateness of cocktails in a multitude of venues and at any time of the day, many vivants have come to rely on the expertise of professionals in restaurants and lounges for their libations.

More and more, however, I am being questioned as to how to set up an adequate bar at home. Your home is an excellent spot for an end-of-the day cocktail. Whether consumed with a friend or significant other, a well-made drink can help to bring into perspective a hectic day or help celebrate a small victory.

"I never have more than one drink before dinner. But I do like that one to be large and very strong and very well made." -- James Bond

Setting up an effective bar at home is really not that difficult a task. There are certain liquors that need to be present along with complementary mixers. Hardware is limited but mandatory.

LIQUORS

Bourbon, gin, vodka, rum, tequila, scotch, vermouth (sweet and dry), triple sec, brandy.

MIXERS

Assorted sodas, tonic water, club soda, roses lime juice, grenadine, fruit and tomato juices (in small cans), bitters, cream or milk.

GARNISHES

Limes, lemons, oranges, maraschino cherries, olives, cocktail onions, sugar, salt and pepper.

HARDWARE

Pour spouts, cutting board and knife, bar towel, teaspoon, mixing spoon, shot glass, cocktail shaker and strainer, ice crusher, bar towel, swizzle sticks, decorative picks.

GLASSWARE

10-ounce old-fashioned glasses, 14-ounce highball glasses, brandy snifters, 6-ounce rocks glasses, 12-ounce cocktail stems (the classic martini glass).

ICE

Can be cracked or cubed, should be very cold (not melting).

With these basics (properly stored in a locking cabinet if minors are present), you have the foundations for most of the classic cocktail recipes.

Margarita classic

1 1/2 ounces tequila

1/2 ounce triple sec

1/2 ounce lime juice

Shake well with ice. Strain into chilled, salt-rimmed cocktail glass.

Rum daiquiri

1 teaspoon sugar

1 1/2 ounces rum

1/2 ounce lime juice

Shake well with cracked ice and strain into cocktail glass.

Old-fashioned

In an old-fashioned glass combine

1 teaspoon sugar

3 dashes bitters

slice of orange,

1 cherry

splash of white soda

Muddle ingredients with mixing spoon, add ice to top, add 2 ounces bourbon.