There’s nothing more fun than being out with your friends in a great party atmosphere, enjoying flavorful drinks. However, in these economic times, going out has a tendency to put a burden on your wallet. The next time you plan on getting together with a gang of friends, why not do something different and bring the party to your home? As for the drinks, surprise your friends by acting as a DIY bartender - no classes needed.

Although the concept of bartending seems intimidating, it doesn’t have to be complicated, especially if you plan and prepare accordingly. You don’t need a bartending license or certification in order to act as bartender in your own home, so don’t worry about signing up for expensive classes to learn how to mix drinks. Knowing the basics can be as simple as picking up one of the many mixology books in the store or asking a friend that has bartending knowledge to give you a crash course. Pick up any food and drink magazine or search online, and you’re bound to recipes for signature drinks you can make at home. One helpful tip when planning your at-home shindig is to master one to two signature drinks for the party, in addition to having regular beer and wine on hand. Announce to your guests what your signature drinks of the evening will be, that way they’ll know what to expect and you won’t be pressured to memorize long lists of drinks. Better yet, ask your guests what their favorite drinks are and choose your two signature drinks according to the most popular.

The key to being a DIY bartender is to have the essentials. In terms of equipment, make sure you have the following:

·    Shaker

·    Mixing Glass (you can buy the kind that have special measuring lines for drinks)

·    Muddler (a tool that is used to mash ingredients for a drink)

·    Garnishes (olive, mint sprigs, lemon and lime slices)

·    Jigger (shot glass)

·    Glasses (martini glasses, rock glasses, highball glasses, wine glasses)

·    Bottle opener

·    Lots of napkins

The following are essential juices and liquors needed to make most drinks: Soda, Tonic, Orange Juice, Tomato Juice, Grenadine, Cranberry Juice, Pineapple Juice, Vodka, Whiskey, Tequlia, Vermouth, Gin, and Rum. To save money, don’t buy a bunch of fancy glasses - stick to the basics. For beer and other drinks, use regular, recyclable plastic cups. If you purchase a carafe, you can fill it with your favorite cheap wine and no one will be the wiser. The best way to pull off this type of party is to do it within a budget.

If you love this party idea but don’t want to be bothered with bartending, feel free to hire a bartending student or have your guests serves themselves.

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