Having a home bar setup in place will make your hosting duties that much more consistent and straightforward. While in the past it would have been fine to keep a few bottles of spirits and mixers on hand and call it a day, that’s not how things get done now. You need to broaden your bar selection to cater for non-drinkers, and here’s how.
Aim for Equality
Having a suitable line-up of drinks that provides variety for drinkers and those who want to stay sober requires a focus on equality. In other words, for every classic spirit and aperitif in your home bar, you need an equivalent zero-per cent option so that non-drinkers aren’t left out of the fun.
Thankfully, the drinks market has changed to account for the trend of increasing sobriety, and there are products out there for all occasions. In the case of gin and rum alternatives, you’ve got brands like Seedlip and Free Spirits to consider. For aperitifs and digestifs, Lyre’s Italian Orange and Ghia have got your back.
Then there’s the incredible array of dealcoholised wines and 0.0% lagers and IPAs, all of which are available in impressive abundance at most supermarkets and off-licenses. There’s really no excuse for skimping if you want to build a truly adaptable and inclusive home bar setup.
Know When to Hold Back
A head-turning home bar is all well and good, but you also need to be sensitive about when you shout about it and when you hold back. For instance, if you know that one or more guests are staying sober because of issues with alcohol dependence, it’s both helpful and respectful to keep drinks of any kind out of the equation, save for standard soft drinks kept in the fridge, which don’t have any association with alcoholic equivalents.
You might even recommend options for those who are struggling with drinking but have yet to quit. In terms of alcohol addiction treatment, UK facilities offer excellent detox and recovery programs in many places. Pointing this out to guests is a good way of destigmatising seeking help.
Invest in Mixers
The great thing about having lots of high-quality mixers as part of your home bar is that they’re generally alcohol-free, and so can be used in both alcoholic and zero-per cent concoctions that you put together for your guests.
Artisanal tonics from big-hitters like Fever-Tree are delicious when mixed, or can be enjoyed on their own. And having non-alcoholic bitters to hand, as well as their alcoholic counterparts, will really set you apart as a host who knows how to make sure everyone has a great time, regardless of their preferences or health needs.
Keep Tools Separate
Finally, remember that if you’re mixing cocktails for drinkers and non-drinkers, you’ll need 2 sets of bar tools to handle mixing and shaking duties so that there’s no cross-contamination. With that, every soiree you host and party you plan at home will be enjoyable for the widest possible audience of possible attendees.
Laura is the founder and editor of the travel blogs Savored Sips and Savored Journeys. She is dedicated to sharing the best information about drinks found around the world.