What should we make for a cocktail party?
"If you're setting up your bar for a party, keep it fairly simple. Think of about two or three cocktails, max, that you'd like to have for guests, or else you'll feel chained to the bar all night.  Pick simple classics, or create a 'signature' cocktail for your party, and buy spirits accordingly. I would also recommend a good stock of Champagne — whether added to a punch for a bit of sparkle, used in a classic Champagne cocktail, or just poured straight into a glass, it's good to have bubbly on hand to offer your friends who might not really be 'cocktail people.'"

What glassware and tools should you have for a basic bar setup?
"You'll need a shaker and mixing glass, as well as a bar spoon, Hawthorne strainer, cutting board and small sharp knife, vegetable peeler, and citrus juicer. A stack of bar towels will come in handy. Little bowls for garnishes are a bonus, and if you're really serious about this stuff, you might look into a glass punch bowl set for a cold punch or a Crock-Pot for a hot punch — don't forget the ladle, too.
Get your hands on some Old-Fashioned/rocks glasses, cocktail glasses, highballs, champagne coupes (which can also double as cocktail glasses), and punch cups.  


Photographed by Sebastian Marin