How to Stock Your Home Bar
The holiday season is here, and Carabuena is proud to be the spirit keeping things bright at all your year-end gatherings. Keeping a holiday dinner party, white elephant exchange, or family gathering festive starts with a well-stocked tequila bar. Whether you’re shaking up spiced winter margaritas for a crowd or hosting intimate tequila tastings by the fire, here's a foolproof how-to guide for any host on stocking a well-rounded in-home tequila bar for the holidays — and beyond.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT TEQUILAS FOR YOUR BAR
A home bar should always come stocked with a well-rounded sampling of tequilas that can fit any occasion. Luckily, you have us to guide you — pick up a few bottles of each varietal of Carabuena Tequila to use as directed:
Carabuena Tequila Blanco: Crisp and clean, our unaged tequila is perfect for cocktails that benefit from a lift of freshness — think holiday spiced margaritas, tequila sunrises, or wintry citrus-based drinks, like a tequila cranberry cooler.
Carabuena Tequila Reposado: With its smooth, oaky flavor, our reposado is an excellent choice for a wide range of winter cocktails. Use it for spiced tequila old fashioneds or grapefruit palomas, where the slight aging adds a wealth of complexity and warmth. Reposado can also be served on the rocks with a dash of bitters for a simple, cozy nightcap.
Carabuena Tequila Añejo: Aged and rich, our tequila añejo is perfect for sipping during cold winter nights, especially when you want to add a feeling of luxury.
JUICES, MIXERS, AND SYRUPS
The right mixers will complement the spirits in a cocktail, and bring out those desired holiday flavors. Stock up on the following:
Fresh Lime Juice: A margarita wouldn’t be complete without the bright, tart flavor of lime —and the green is right on theme for Christmas. You can also use lime juice in a wide range of other tequila cocktails, like a spiced tequila mule or a tequila sour.
Cranberry Juice: A great mixer for the holidays, cranberry juice adds a punchy, tart, and seasonally-appropriate flavor that pairs wonderfully with tequila in drinks like a tequila cranberry margarita or a tequila cranberry fizz.
Pomegranate Juice: Rich in both color and flavor, pomegranate juice is a holiday cocktail favorite. Mix it with Carabuena Tequila Blanco for a refreshing wintery take on a margarita, or add it to a simple tequila soda for a festive touch.
Agave Syrup: A great sweetener for cocktails, agave syrup balances out the tartness of lime or cranberry juice. You can also infuse it with cinnamon or vanilla for added seasonal flavor.
Ginger Beer: Perfect for winter mules, ginger beer adds a spicy kick to tequila cocktails. A tequila mule with a hint of cinnamon or clove makes a warming, festive drink.
Orange Liqueur: Cointreau or Triple Sec adds sweetness and citrus flavor to your cocktails, making it a great choice for tequila-based drinks like the classic margarita or a spiced holiday paloma.
ESSENTIAL BAR TOOLS
Having the right tools will ensure the drinks stay delicious and flowing all night long. These classic tools are must-haves for any bar:
Cocktail Shaker: Ensures your drinks are mixed evenly, without leaving a mess.
Jigger: A jigger ensures you're using the right proportions for your cocktails, making sure your drinks are perfectly balanced — no guessing necessary!
Muddler: If you’re planning to add fresh herbs or fruit to your cocktails, a muddler is essential. Consider muddling some cinnamon sticks, cranberries, or even rosemary for a festive twist on classic tequila drinks.
Strainer: When you're shaking cocktails, a fine mesh strainer is key to removing any ice shards or pulp. This will leave your drinks smooth and ready to serve.
Citrus Juicer: Freshly squeezed citrus juice is key in many of the best tequila drinks. Having a good citrus juicer on hand makes the job easier and ensures you get the most juice out of your fruits — and more time to spend with your guests.
GLASSWARE
The right glassware sets the tone for your holiday tequila drinks and helps elevate your presentation. Here are the must-have glasses for your festive tequila bar:
Rocks Glass (Old Fashioned Glass): This versatile glass is perfect for serving tequila neat, on the rocks, or for drinks like a tequila old fashioned.
Margarita Glass: A classic cocktail is simply served better in its classic glass.
Highball Glass: This tall glass is perfect for lighter cocktails like tequila sodas, tequila tonics, or a spiced tequila ginger beer mule.
Collins Glass: Ideal for drinks that need space for ice and mixers, like a tequila sunrise or paloma.
Shot Glasses: If your holiday gathering involves toasts or tequila shots — and what good holiday party doesn’t? — make sure you have shot glasses on hand. You can serve tequila with a bit of salt and lime, or add festive flair by using cinnamon or chili powder on the rims.
OPTIONAL, BUT ELEVATED EXTRAS FOR YOUR HOLIDAY TEQUILA BAR
It’s the holidays, so being extra doesn’t hurt. Consider adding some special touches to your at-home bar to make it feel even more festive for holiday gatherings:
Cinnamon, Nutmeg, and Cloves: These holiday spices can be used to infuse simple syrups or garnishes. A cinnamon stick in a tequila mule or a sprinkle of nutmeg in a spiced tequila cocktail will add a seasonal flair to your drinks.
Fresh Herbs: Rosemary, thyme, and mint not only make beautiful garnishes but add aromatic depth to your holiday cocktails. Try a rosemary sprig in a tequila mule or fresh mint in a tequila mojito.
Citrus Garnishes: Lime wedges, orange slices, or even dehydrated citrus wheels add a bright, colorful touch to your holiday tequila drinks.
Ice Maker: Invest in a good ice maker that produces larger ice cubes or spheres. These melt more slowly, keeping your holiday cocktails cold longer without diluting them.
With the right tequilas, mixers, tools, and glassware, you can create a warm, festive atmosphere for your holiday gatherings — and have your bar set up for other gatherings throughout the year to come.
Now that your bar is set up and ready to go, get cocktail inspiration via our tried-and-true cocktail recipe collection.
