What is Micro Brew?: Understanding Beer

Khieng 'Ken' Chho - Micro Brew For related articles and other resources, vsit Ken's website: http://microbrew.1w3b.net Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Khieng_Chho, http://barworks.blogspot.com

Micro brewed beer is often used to refer to beer that is brewed in the comforts of one's home or in small pubs. The term started in the 70s in the UK to describe single units that make their own beer or traditional cask ale.

Before, the term micro brew was only used to characterize output volume and brewery size. In the US, it used to refer to breweries that produces less than 15,000 beer barrels in a year. But, now, it is fast becoming known as a next generation approach to beer brewing and experimentation, as well as customized service.

Beer aficionados will tell you that some of the world's best brews are the ones done in microbreweries. Because makers of micro brew beer have the liberty to create their own concoctions and make experiments with flavor, a number of microbreweries gave starting banking on this popularity and sprouting all over the world.

If you ask micro brew fans what makes this kind of beer so great, they will most definitely tell you it's the distinct flavor. You see, microbrewed beer usually tastes richer and darker than its commercially and mass-produced counterparts. And because each pub or home microbrewery is likely to have its own distinct twist to beer making, you can be assured of a variety of flavors you are bound to taste.

Micro brew is not just for pubs, as said earlier. Some people prefer to brew their own beer at home, for personal pleasure. Home brews are perfect for private parties. In fact, some beer makers even use a home microbrewery as an excuse to invite people over.

However, it is important to note that not all states have legalized microbrewing. To know more information about this, as well as how to start your own micro brew setup at home, you might want to check out the American Homebrewers Association. They have a list of restrictions and how-tos on their Web site, which can help you get started or keep you in control.

You can also join a local micro brew club if there is on in your area. If you're a bit antisocial, this might be the best place to start with because you deal with a fewer number of people. You can exchange notes and compare micro brew flavors with them, and even do joint projects on new tastes. To find out if there's one in your vicinity, check the local directory.

Making your own beer or tasting one that's customized makes a whole lot of difference to the beer drinking experience. If you previously thought the beers you buy from the supermarket are all there is, then you missed so much.

However, it's not too late to start introducing yourself to the wonder that is micro brew. Who knows, you might actually learn to love it more than the commercial fare -- just like any other person who has made the switch before you. Enjoy!

FUN SITES: (Click on any highlighted link)

Beer of the Month Club

http://microbrew.1w3b.net

Micro Brew

Until Next Time!

Jasmine

http://barworks.blogspot.com

Beer Tasting Parties

Let me start out by saying that nobody should host a beer tasting party unless all the participants are over age and there is a designated driver for each person. That way you are assured of nobody getting arrested for underage drinking or driving under the influence. Having said that, what exactly is a beer tasting party and how do they work?

A beer tasting party is just that. You bring a number of people over to your place and have them sample a variety of beers. At the end of the evening the beers are ranked from best to worst. There are many variations you can do on this such as having friendly wagers on what beer you think will come in first. Of course, gambling for money is illegal so the wagers would have to be for something other than.

It's best, when having a beer tasting party, to have a small group. The reason for this is simple. With a small group, the tasting party is just that, a tasting party. With a larger group, it tends to become a party, period. And parties with large groups can become quite rowdy. So if you want a serious tasting party, keep it small.

The next thing is the selection of the beers themselves. How do you go about doing this? A good tasting party will have about eight to ten different kinds of beers, all very distinct in taste. You should probably select a beer by its brewing style rather than by its country of origin. You should mix up your beers between beers that are expensive and beers that are cheap. You don't want to have two beers that are very similar. This way you are sure to get a more accurate ranking of the beers. If all goes as it should, the cheap beers should end up at the bottom with the premium beers coming in first.

Because this is a tasting party, you don't need a lot of beer. Probably a six pack of each beer will be more than enough and you'll still have plenty left over after you're done. If you're on a tight budget and don't want to buy whole six packs, then figure one bottle of beer for every three people at the party. This way you can pull off your party without going broke.

Because you don't want your guests to get rip roaring drunk, it is a good idea to have food at this party. What kind of food? You want foods that will go well with the beers, like cheese and bread. These things won't interfere with the tasting process itself. And if you want, you can even turn this into a combination cheese and beer tasting party. They make great fund raisers.

Finally, there should be a certain order to the tasting itself. You want to taste your beers from the lightest beers to the heaviest, making sure that you take a bite of cheese or bread in between each beer so that the taste of the previous beer is gone.

Your guests should rank each beer on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest. All scores for each beer should be added together and then divided by the number of tasters. This will give you an average score for each beer.

By following these simple steps, your beer tasting party should go off without a hitch.

If you would like to learn more about the different types of beers, you might want to check out a book called "Ultimate Beer" (Click Here!)

Until Next Time!

Arianna

http://barworks.blogspot.com

Your Beer Guide *by Michael Russell* Visit us for more information.

Beer Pros & Cons....Did you know?

Beer is an alcoholic drink, but that alone doesn't make it a danger to your health. Only excessive consumption leads to headaches, hangovers and eventually more severe health problems. A moderate consumption of beer has no negative impact on your health.

With that in mind, let's see some of the aspects favoring beer consumption and their counterpoints:

Beer Contains no Fat, but It Does Cause the "Beer Belly"

You've heard that beer makes people fat - the "beer belly" is a famous expression all around the world. Well, actually, beer itself contains no fat and there are plenty of beer diets you can try to get thin (beer diets are not based on calorie counting). So what exactly causes the beer belly? Excessive consumption of beer means excessive consumption of alcohol. Alcohol can lessen the body's ability to burn fat. And you've heard people saying that drinking a glass of beer equals eating a slice of bread. The "liquid bread", they say. That's true: because beer contains alcohol and alcohol contains calories. Depending on the brand, beer contains about 7-8 calories per gram, sometimes even more.

Beer Is Low in Sugar, but Can Cause Your Sugar Levels to Drop

The low levels of sugar in beer are a positive aspect. But beer contains alcohol and alcohol will cause the natural sugar levels in your blood to drop, leading to fatigue and a low energy level. Too much beer and you can go straight to bed. On the other hand, alcohol lowers insulin levels. That makes beer perfect for non-diabetics, as it reduces the chances of developing arteriosclerosis.

Beer May Help to Reduce the Risk of Heart Disease

Because it contains no cholesterol and it contains polyphenols with antioxidant qualities that will reduce the "bad cholesterol", also known as LDL cholesterol oxidation, beer may reduce the risk of heart disease. Besides, beer is a source of fiber derived from the malted barley which can also help. Consumption of beer may even help to reduce stress. That's good news. But again: moderate consumption! Not more than one beer per day for women and two for men and definitely not every day! Alcohol is also a blood thinner, thus not only is your heart protected, but the risk of stroke is also diminished. Some studies even consider moderate alcohol consumption (seven drinks a week) to be helpful in improving memory.

Beer Is Very Nutritious, but It Can Destroy Vitamin C

So far we know that beer is a great source of fiber. It also contains substantial amounts of minerals - magnesium, potassium, phosphorus and plenty of B vitamins: B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 (pyridoxin) and B9 (folate) and B12 inotisol. Yet, alcohol destroys vitamin C.

Beer is 98% Water, but Still a Diuretic

Although 98% water, beer is a diuretic because it contains alcohol. That means you should not drink too much and never replace water with beer. To avoid headaches and hangovers caused by dehydration you should always have a glass of water between each glass of alcohol you drink.

LIVE LIFE WITH PASSION AND HANG ON FOR THE RIDE!

Until Next Time!

Jasmine

http://barworks.blogspot.com Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Beer Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell

Alcohol-free Beer – Just Give It A Chance!

Alcohol-free beer is as healthy as its traditional counterpart, as rich in vitamins and minerals, fat free and yes, the perfect substitute for beer when you need to drive. But is that alcohol-free beer real beer or something else tasting similar?

They state alcohol-free beer is alcohol free. This sentence sounds as strange as the following: alcohol-free beer is not really alcohol free. To call beer with a highly reduced percentage of alcohol "alcohol-free" is pretty misleading. Let's make it clear: alcohol-free beer has an alcohol concentration of 0.05%. This is certainly not enough to make us drunk (juices contain the same amount of alcohol) and makes the so-called alcohol-free beer safe for pregnant women and drivers.

If you are a beer enthusiast you'll wonder, "why bother?" But when you need to take medicine that interacts with alcohol, you'll find "fake" beer not so bad. Besides, people actually like the taste of beer and not necessarily the alcohol in it. Beer goes great with steaks and sausages, French fries and other dishes. And finally: Muslims can also have a taste of beer. For these reasons and the ones mentioned below, alcohol-free beer is a great discovery.

So far it is clear: alcohol-free beer is not alcohol-free, but is a safe drink. Now let's take a look at the other benefits.

We should first state that alcohol-free beer is real beer, although many occasional consumers and beer enthusiasts will argue that. While some alcohol-free beers are made without fermentation and get their taste from natural flavorings, non-alcoholic beer is usually produced in the same way as traditional beer: mixing water, barley malt, hops and yeast. The alcohol is taken out only after the beer is fully brewed. The process, called vacuum evaporation, influences partially the taste of the beer, making it slightly bland. If it's something you miss when you drink non-alcoholic beer, that's the alcohol itself. Alcohol-free beer contains the same ingredients as traditional beer, minus 99.95% of the alcohol. And that's the good part about this drink: it keeps the nutritional values of a normal beer (fiber, iron, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus and plenty of B vitamins) and consuming it, even excessively, doesn't influence our health negatively.

On the contrary: recent studies show that alcohol-free beer may ward off cancer, contributes to the decrease of thrombin and has the same cardiovascular benefits as traditional beer. Drinking non-alcoholic beer helps decrease the components which form blood clots at about the same rate as the moderate consumption of regular beer.

Non-alcoholic beer, as you already found out, contains the same amount of alcohol found naturally in fruit juices and has half the proteins regular beer does. So you don't need to be afraid about that "beer belly" any longer, just cut out the snacks and you're done.

And let's end this "pro alcohol-free beer" debate with the most important benefits: you can drink and drive. You can go in a bar, have nearly the taste of the real stuff, look as if you're really drinking plain beer and be sociable without getting the effects of alcohol on your brain.

Click Here to join the Beer-of-the-Month Club with FREE SHIPPING!

LIVE LIFE WITH PASSION AND HANG ON FOR THE RIDE!

Until Next Time!

Jasmine

****************************************************

Michael Russell* Your Beer Guide* Visit us for more information. Bar Works

Great Frozen Drinks For Summer

Why not spice up your summer fun with some of these frozen drinks:

• Blizzard
  1 oz Brandy
  1 oz Irish Cream
  1 oz Coffee Liqueur
  1 oz Light Rum
  2 scoop Vanilla Ice Cream
  1 oz Light Cream
  Blend until smooth and creamy. Dust the top with nutmeg or cinnamon.
  
• Banana Chill
  1 1/2 oz Dark Rum
  1/2 oz Banana Liqueur
  2 scoop Vanilla Ice Cream
  1 Medium Banana
  Blend until smooth

• Fruit Splash
  1 pint Vanilla Ice Cream
  1/3 cup Cherry-flavored Brandy
  1/3 cup Creme de Banane
• Blend well. Makes 4-6 servings.

• Beach Comber
  1 1/4 oz Irish Cream
  1/4 oz Banana Liqueur
  1 1/2 oz Pina Colada
  Mix 3/4 oz Light Rum
  1/2 Banana
  2 scoops Vanilla Ice Cream
  1/8 cup Cream
  Blend Until Smooth.

• Raspberry Cheesecake
  1 tbsp Cream Cheese, Softened
  1 oz White Creme de Cacao
  1 oz Black Raspberry Liqueur
  2 scoops Vanilla Ice Cream
  1/2 cup Ice
  Blend until smooth.

• Frozen Mint Daiquiri
  2 oz Light Rum
  1 tbsp Lime Juice
  1 1/2 oz Peppermint Schnapps
  1 tsp Sugar
  1 cup Ice
  Blend until smooth.

• Peppermint Dream
  1/2 oz Green Creme de Menthe
  1 oz Chocolate Mint Liqueur
  3 Oreo Chocolate Cookies
  3 oz Light Cream
  1 cup ice
  Blend until ice is crushed.

• Banana Daiquiri
  1 1/2 oz Light Rum
  1/2 oz Triple Sec
  1 1/2 oz Lime Juice
  1 tsp Powdered Sugar
  1 Medium Banana, pealed
  1 Cup ice
  Blend until smooth

A great book you might want to check out is called The Ultimate Little Frozen Drinks Book You can probably find this book at your local book store or purchase online at Amazon.com

Remember to always live Your Life with Passion!

Until Next Time

Jasmine :)

Source: http://barworks.blogspot.com

GUIDE TO HOME WINE RACKS

Home Wine Racks make storing wine a breeze. With a home wine rack, you can conveniently store several bottles or tens of bottles right in your pantry, on the wall, on a kitchen table or countertop, or in the basement or wine cellar if you have one. In short, they are versatile and accomodating.

They are generally made out of either hardy woods, like cedar, fir or pine. Some of the best home wine racks are made out of metal. Wine bottles require proper care. To preserve the wine itself, bottles should be stored in a sturdy, elevated unit, which is placed in a dry environment, like a pantry or cellar. If you don't plan to store the wine for years and consume it soon after you buy it, then storing it right in the kitchen is perfectly fine.

Today’s economical home winerack is often made with conserving space in mind. You no longer need to worry about having ample cellar space; you can create an instant cellar right in your pantry. Therefore, if you are looking for a durable, safe, storage unit for your wine collection, a home wine rack is ideally suited for you.

Home wine racks come in an array of sizes. A wooden wine rack is stackable, so it can grow along with your collection. You can create an instant cellar in a matter of minutes with easy to construct units. Moreover, a wood home winerack is suitable for staining or painting, so you can customize it to match your existing home décor. Every wine rack comes with complete easy to understand instructions, necessary hardware and the promise that it will make your wine storage more convenient, while taking up less space.

Metal wine racks can add an artistic element to displaying your wine selection. Presentation is an important element in any entertaining event. Create a greater sense of class by displaying bottled wine in a spiraling wine tree or sculpture instead of just lined up on the bar. It is sure to make for added conversation.

Home Wine Racks are easy to assemble, and many are priced with your budget in mind. Regardless if you are looking for an elegant display or proper storage for your wines, a home winerack is the answer, for both the serious wine connoisseur and beginner.

Click here for a good source for Wine Racks!

Until Next Time!

Jasmine :)

View the best home wine racks we've discovered and review at http://www.wine-racks-selection-guide.com. http://barworks.blogspot.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?,expert=Ellen_Pedersen

5 Easy Tips To Prevent a Hangover!

Remember after the last party waking up with the feeling of cotton in your mouth? With it came a swirling headache that turned into jungle drums. On top of it all, your stomach kept playing at acrobatics for hours. It kind of felt like your body was having a carnival, without you, right?

That’s the effect a hangover can have if you drink too much, mix liquors, or if you’re not used to drinking much at all. Alcohol poisoning is no fun, although events leading up to it may be. Before heading out with your friends to the next party or celebration, keep the following tips in mind so you won’t have to deal with the leftover sick feeling late at night or the next day.

1. Eat before you go. Munch on a few crackers, a sandwich, or even a salad to get something in your stomach before drinking alcoholic beverages. Drinking on an empty stomach is a sure-fire way to get drunk fast and pollute your bodily systems. While at your place of imbibing, remember to nibble on something to eat from time to time to keep your stomach from getting empty. This will help your digestive tract to process the alcohol more effectively.

2. Take it easy. Don’t chug your liquor. Sip on it, nice and slow. This will help you enjoy its effects rather than be rushed into inebriation. Take in all the party enjoyments, such as music, companionship, food, and more. Liquor should accent rather than dominate your party experience. Keep an eye on the clock and pace your drinking so you don’t lose track of how many you have.

3. Stop in good time. Don’t guzzle all night long. Know your limit, and stop when you reach it. Don’t let anyone talk you into drinking more than you should. Never be drawn into competition with other drinkers, or you could end up in deep trouble if they drink long and hard.

4. Don’t mix liquors. Starting with beer and moving to mixed drinks, and from there, to whiskey, is a bad idea. With varying alcohol levels and uneven textures, your stomach could really get upset. Stay with one or maybe two types at most, the lower strength, the better. You can always try another kind the next time you go out.

5. Stay away from bootleg. You never really know what you’re getting in terms of strength, quality, or potency. If you’re with people you don’t know very well and black out, you could face serious problems. Even among friends, though, bootleg can vary from one batch to another, so it’s best to stay away from it altogether.

Plan to get at least eight hours of sleep after the celebration. This will give your body time to metabolize the liquor, and you may be able to sleep off most of its effects. Drink a little bit at a time, eat sensibly while you’re at it, and go home in plenty of time to get some rest.

Until Next Time!

Jasmine :)

http://barworks.blogspot.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?For more information on how to prevent that next hangover, Visit The Hangover Directory . expert=Charles_Kassotis

Choosing Wine to Match Your Food

Creating the perfect mix between wine and food can be a challenge if you are not entirely sure what you are doing. With such an array of wine and food available there are always many options to consider.

When planning a dinner, choose combinations that are popular with a wide range of people. You should always ensure that the wine does not overpower the dish, and you also need to avoid flavor transferring. This occurs when a flavor is passed from the wine to a meal, as it can result in an unpleasant taste.

White Wine:

• When creating a wine and food combination, Chardonnay is best complimented with Veal, Salmon, grilled cheese and white sauce. You should avoid spicy foods with this drink.
• Gewurztraminer is ideal when matched with Pork, Chinese foods and Swiss cheese but must be avoided with light foods.
• Pinot Grigio is not an ideal option for Tomatoes and spicy food as this combination may create a rather unpleasant taste.
• Riesling is a very dry wine and perfect when teamed with Veal, Shrimp, cream sauces and Turkey.

Sweet food should be avoided with Riesling and Sancerre however.

Red Wine:

In a perfect world a food recommendation would be included on the back of a wine bottle. Fortunately I can give you the insiders tips to getting a wine and food combination just right.

• Barberra red wine is perfect with Pizza, pasta, lasagne and lemon chicken.
• When eating fish or tomatoes, Cabernet Sauvignon should be avoided. This wine is better suited with chocolate, roast lamb, steak and duck.
• Merlot is perfectly matched with grilled meats such as barbecue meat and chicken. Avoid sweet food with this wine.
• Pinot Noir is not well matched with spicy foods such as Indian, instead it is ideal with Salmon, tuna, lamb and duck.
• Shiraz is great with a meal of barbecue, peppered red meats and sausage but should be avoided with fish.

In general, wine is best served at a chilled temperature, as it is able to breathe and create the perfect mix of aromas that will delight the senses and impress your guests.

Each type of wine has a glass that coordinates with it. If you do not have a cupboard full of every wineglass imaginable though, use the next closest looking glass.

The reason that there are so many types of wineglasses available, is that each one is designed to emphasize the full aromas and tastes within a given type of wine. If the wine is not served in quite the right glass, all these aromas and flavors may not be fully realized.

How much to serve:

Wine should be opened and served carefully, especially red wine as this may create a nasty mess if spilt on white clothing or dinner wear.

Do not overfill glasses. It is best to serve a small amount of wine at first, as this will allow the remainder of the wine in the bottle to breathe.

White wine should have an average serving of three ounces, spirits one ounce and red wine four or five ounces. Serving smaller servings will help the wine last longer and will allow guests to savor it over a greater length of time.

Temperature Guidelines: Normally a bottle of wine may take up to three hours before it is appropriately chilled in the refrigerator. Serving the wine at the correct temperature could make or break a charming dinner experience for you and your guests.

A great way to chill your wine to perfection fast and easily is to place your bottle into a Wine bucket
filled with ice and a sprinkling of salt. Push the wine into the depths of the ice to quickly chill the bottle. The more expensive the wine the warmer it can be served.

White wines especially the dry sorts are best served at lower temperatures however. And, lastly heavy wines are best served at the room temperature.

Click here for Wine & Food 101

ENJOY LIFE!
Until Next Time!

Jasmine :)

Claire Calkin operates several websites offering advice to people on decorating and enhancing their homes. Choosing Wine to Match Food claire@floyds-wine.com http://www.floyds-wine.com/ http://barworks.blogspot.com

An Idiot's Guide To Wine Tasting

Have you ever seen those stiff upper-lipped types doing a spot of the old wine tasting malarkey? You know the form – sip, swill, spit. Yuck! Well this information has been written to help you understand the form should you ever find yourself in a situation where you need to know what to do.

And don't go thinking "I'll never have to do any wine-tasting" because you just don't know that for sure and the last thing you want is to be caught unaware.

So, on with the tasting...

Study The Wine
Pick up your glass as elegantly as possible. There are two ways this can be done.

a) For chilled wines – hold the glass by the stem and don't even touch the bowl.

b) For wine served at room temperature – pick up the glass by the bowl and hold it cupped in your palm, the stem between your middle two fingers.

Now that you have the glass comfortably in your hand, hold it at a slight angle against something white. If your hostess is worth her salt, she'll have covered the table in white linen specifically for this purpose (although it does look nice, too).

Be careful not to tip the glass too far – unless you're willing to replace an expensive linen tablecloth, that is. You may also need to adjust the distance from your eyes that the glass is held at. Most find that holding it at almost arm's length is a good starting point although the very short sighted who are also absent minded enough to have left their eye glasses at home may find themselves having to hold the glass almost in front of their noses.

Once you've found the correct position, study the color and clarity of the wine. Now you may well believe that wine's either red, pink, or white but I'm afraid, if that's the case, you're very much mistaken. Wines can be green, yellow, gold, pink, purple, or even black. Evidently, the color of the wine will indicate the type of grape it was made from – like me, you, and Jack on the street are likely to know that!

Clarity indicates age. Young wines are more see through and cloudiness can mean there's something wrong. If that's the case, I'd suggest putting it back on the table and giving your hostess one of those 'down your nose' type looks.

The reason why you're studying the color and clarity has absolutely no bearing on how the wine will taste but a proper connoisseur enjoys the beauty of wine as well as its taste and ...

The Bouquet
No, we're not talking about the bunch of flowers a bride carries with her down the aisle, we're talking the smell of wine.
Sometimes, if the people at the wine tasting are really posh, they might call it 'The Nose'.

Still holding your glass in the correct manner, lower your hand somewhat while bringing your glass to a level position and rotate your wrist so that the wine swirls gently within the bowl.

You might want to leave these instructions at this point to go to the kitchen and practice this step with a wineglass half filled with water. After all, it's just as well to know for sure that you aren't going to spill expensive red wine over your hostess's spanking new carpet.

To swill wine properly, very little wrist movement is actually needed. Just very slight circular movements combined with a right-left movement should do the trick.

The idea behind all this swilling is to bring the wine's aroma out of the wine itself and into the empty part of the bowl thus allowing it to be smelled and savored. This is why wine glasses are bulbous. The wide bowl has ample room for swilling while the narrow edge 'captures' the bouquet. Clever, eh?

Move your glass to your nose as elegantly as you're able and bring it in slightly beneath the tip. Inhale deeply. Savor for a few moments and then inhale again. It's a good idea to exhale between those two inhalations or you might find yourself going dizzy. Do it too often and you'll faint.

You may now move your glass away from your nose.

At this point, it's appropriate to make some kind of comment. Don't imagine you'll fool anybody into believing you're an expert but at least you can make it sound as if you've actually drank a glass of decent wine before. Why should the other guests need to know that most of your wine costs $5.99 at Walmart?

Something like "mmmm, rich and fruity" or "oooh, lovely and light" will probably do the trick. When talking about red wine, 'rich' is usually a good word to use - if the wine's white, go for 'light'.

The Actual Tasting
You've probably been looking forward to this bit but whatever you do, remember that wine tasting is about taking small sips and not guzzle it down like there's no tomorrow.

This bit's actually trickier than you'd expect so you might want to do some more practicing.

Bring your glass to your lips, open them slightly and take a small sip. Now close your mouth and roll the wine around on your tongue for a few seconds before allowing it to slide slowly down your throat AND AT THE SAME TIME EXHALE!

The trouble with exhaling while swallowing is that some of the liquid might come shooting through your nostrils. Not a pretty sight!

If you fancy, you can always take a second sip at this point but never a third. No matter how good that one particular wine is, it's time to move on to the next.

Other Stuff Worth Knowing
Apart from bottles and glasses, the table will probably hold plates of cheese or, occasionally, sherbet. They're not there to snack on; they're used between wines to clean out the taste of the last wine you tasted. Just a little at a time is all that's needed. Do like a mouse and nibble!

Wear something comfortable and preferably something that doesn't carry a designer label. After all, if you spill red wine down the front of your best outfit, you're not going to be happy, are you?

That's it. You're now clued in enough to pop along to your very first wine tasting party without making a complete idiot of yourself. Enjoy!

Click here for more information on Wine for Dummies

Until Next Time
Jasmine :)


Sharon Jacobsen is a freelance writing living in South Cheshire, England. To contact Sharon, please visit her website at http://www.sharon-jacobsen.co.uk/, http://barworks.blogspot.com

Jello Shot Recipes

Jello Shot season is now among us!

Jello shots are probably one of the easiest type of shot to make, and a a lot more tastier than most. There are a lot of different flavors, but here's a few good ones nonetheless:

**Watermelon Shot**

1 package watermelon Jello

1 cup boiling water

1 cup Malibu® coconut rum

Mix hot water and jello. Add rum. Pour into 2 ounce cups. Serve after the jello has set. Serve in a Shot Glass

**Strawberry banana Shot**
1 pack of strawberry jello

1 cup boiling water

then add 1 cup banana liqueur

**Bermuda Triangle**

1/2 cup boiling Cream Soda

1 box Cranberry gelatin

1/2 cup Vanilla Rum

1/2 cup Orange Juice

**Paradise Punch** Simply Divine!

1/2 cup boiling cranberry juice

1/2 cup pineapple juice

1/2 cup orange juice

1 box Cranberry Gelatin

1 box Orange Gelatin

1 cup coconut rum

1 cup pineapple rum

I like is make up shots and put them into plastic shot glasses with lids so I can take them with me. If you don't know where to buy 2 oz. Plastic Jello Shot Cups with Lids you can order them online.

For more ideas on recipes you might want to check out this great Jello Shot Recipe Book .

Have a Great Summer!

Until Next Time!

Jasmine :)

PREPARING YOUR BEER KEG ~ A MUST!

Have you ever bought a Keg of your favorite beer for a party only to be disppointed in the taste? You probably thought you bought bad beer. Well maybe not. Did you know that you should never open a keg as soon as you purchase it?

Here are some tips you might want to follow:

The keg should ALWAYS be kept cold. Keep your keg refrigerated or ice down at least 3/4 of the way up the keg. If not you’ll have warm and foamy beer. Keep the keg and tap out of direct sunlight.

The keg must settle for an hour or two after you ice it down. Do not tap the keg until after it has settled. If you tap it right after getting it home you may get excessive foam.

After the keg has settled, go ahead and tap it. Line up the two notches on the keg with the two indentations on the bottom of the tap. Rotate the tap one-quarter turn clockwise to tap it. Then, depending upon what style of tap you have, pull the lever handle out and push down to locked position. If you have a wing style tap, just turn the wing handle clockwise a quarter of a turn.

DO NOT PUMP THE TAP RIGHT AWAY! There is plenty of carbonation in the keg to get it started. Open the faucet to start the flow of beer. Only pump the tap when the beer flow begins to slow down. Don’t over pump. This will cause foam.

Open the faucet quickly and all the way. You may find at first the flow to be faster than desired; this is normal due to the CO2 pressure in the keg.

Keep in mind that you are pumping oxygen into the keg. Oxygen is bad for beer and will cause it to go flat in a day or so. If you have some beer left over and want to use it the next day, take the tap off the keg and keep the keg iced down. It may lose some of its freshness the next day but still may be ok to drink.

I found a gag shirt online I thought you might think is kind of funny...wear it to your next Party so you can control the keg (maybe!)

Click Here to Check Out This Shirt!

Until Next Time!

Jasmine

Resources: http://barworks.blogspot.com www.foxsatellite.com

Great Outdoor Beer - Beverage Dispenser

Sorry I don't have a lot of time to write a regular blog as I am on vacation (Myrtle Beach), but I found a great product I thought you might like!

Why not let your guests be their own bartender and join the party yourself!

This cool BEVERAGE DISPENSER
keeps 80 oz. of your favorite drinks or beer cold at your bar, pool,or outdoor patio.

It has a built in light to illuminate the contents of the container! This creates a fantastic effect, and your guests will find their way to their favorite drinks, even on a dark patio!

CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT THIS HANDY BEVERAGE DISPENSER

Always remember that you only live once so you you better make the most of it!

Until Next Time!

Jasmine :)

Resources:
www.foxsatellite.com, http://barworks.blogspot.com

Choosing a Pub Table For Your Home Bar

How To Choose The Pub Table That Is Right For You


Have you just put up the home bar of your dreams and now need a pub table so you can sit down and have a drink with friends on basketball finals night? Have you just moved to your own place and want to use a space-saving pub table as your dining table? Do you prefer to eat your meals sitting high to see out the window for a better view?

Pub tables have become necessary accessories in homes with the coming of home entertainment systems and home bars. Nowadays, you can easily shop online for pub tables in different sizes, diameters, materials, finishes and style. But how do you choose the pub table that is right for you?

Tips on choosing the right pub table:

1. How tall do you want your pub table to be? - If you want it to be the same height as your kitchen countertop, then you should get a pub table that is about 36 inches tall and a bar stool that is 24 inches.- If you want it to be the same height as your bar countertop, then you should get a pub table that is about 42 inches tall and a bar stool that is 30 inches.- If you want to have the flexibility of varying the height of your pub table and bar stool, then you should get a metal table and bar stool with adjustable height mechanism.

2. How many people are you going to seat around your pub table?- If you are going to seat 2-4 people, then you should get a table top measuring 24 inches in diameter for cozy get togethers or 30 inches if you want to comfortably fit 4.- If you are going to seat more than 4 people, and this is usually outdoors where you will have more room, then you should get a table top measuring 42 inches in diameter. Outdoor pub tables of this size can come with holes to hold an outdoor patio umbrella.

3. What would be the best location for your pub table?- If your home bar is indoors or if you want to use your pub table as a dining table, then you should put your pub table indoors in the recreation room or den.- If you often entertain outdoors, or you simply enjoy being around in your garden or covered patio, then you should put your pub table outdoors.

4. What material, style and finish do you want for your pub table to suit your taste and home décor?- If you prefer the traditional old-world style, then you may opt for bevelled, hardwood pub tables in oak finish or the graceful flowing lines of handcrafted metal or wrought iron pub tables with clear glass table tops.- If you prefer the modern contemporary look, then you may opt for black metal pub tables with clean, minimalist lines and a clear bevelled glass table tops.- If you want to create the tone for viewing an exciting ballgame, then you may opt for a pub table in the themed style which shows your favorite college team logo.

5. Do you want bar stools to accompany your pub table?- What type of back do you prefer for your bar stools: high back, low back or backless?- Do you prefer the seats upholstered in fabric or leather?- Do you want the seat to swivel or remain stationary?- Do you want the seat to be 24 or 30 inches high? - How many bar stools would you need?

6. And last but not least what is your budget? Remember to always stay within your budget. If you would like to check out some great bar furniture for your home please click on the banner below:

Please click banner!


Click here for another great discounted furniture site!

Another great online resouce I found sells neon signs for your favorite Sport Teams (GO RED SOX!!!). These signs would be cool on the wall behind your bar. If you would like to check it out, simply click on the banner below:

Please click banner!

Well that's it for now.....

Until Next Time!

Jasmine :)


Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com
Flor Buenaventura is a writer who has a great interest in furnishings for the home and garden. To see a fantastic collection of resources related to pub tables, please visit her great Pub Tables website.

Home Beer Keg Refrigerator ~ Kegerator

Why Have a Kegerator (Keg Refrigerator)?

Like a lot of of people, it is probably a dream of yours to have cold beer flowing in your own house. But aside from the obvious reason – that it’s just plain cool – there are practical reasons for installing a kegerator.

Save Money:
Depending on the type of beer you drink you will find that you will save anywhere from 50% - 70% serving keg beer versus buying bottles and cans.

Save Time:
Reduce trips to the store! No more running out to restock the fridge every time you have a few friends over for the game.

Take it Easy:
Stop stressing! With a kegerator at your next party, you won't need to worry about how to pack a few cases of beer in your fridge.

There are no empty bottles and cans to deal with. And our favorite reason for getting a kegerator: Keeping the peace! Your spouse will always know where you are hanging out drinking! Buy a Keg Refrigerator or Convert an Old Fridge into a Kegerator? Depending on your kegerator usage and your budget you have a few options for having beer on tap:
Buy a Keg Refrigerator. This is an all-in-one refrigerator and draft system.

Get a Keg Refrigerator Conversion Kit. A conversion kit allows you to transform an old fridge into a Kegerator.

Why Buy a Keg Refrigerator?
You don't need to worry about finding a fridge that works and that is not being used for another purpose.

A new Keg Refrigerator will usually look better than revamping an old fridge; and if you are building a new bar you may want to maintain a particular look and feel.

If bought new, Keg Refrigerators typically come with a manufacturer’s warranty. Warranties differ by manufacturer, but the standard is one year for parts and labor and five years on the compressor.

Why Convert an Old Fridge?
It is considerably cheaper. You can convert an old refrigerator for around $150-$250. Better refrigeration conversion kegerator kits are a little more expensive, but well worth the investment.

Your old refrigerator most likely has a freezer, where you can chill your glasses. There is nothing like pouring a cold beer into a frosted glass!

You can store bottled or canned beer, wine coolers and malted beverages in the door. One word of caution: Many people think they can use a Tower Conversion Kit to convert a small college dorm room refrigerator, but most times this is not possible. You need to make sure that the fridge is large enough to comfortably fit a keg. There should be enough room so that the keg does not come in contact with the freezer usually found at the top of these units.

If you choose a tower conversion kit, one solution is to buy a cube freezer and use a Freezer Temperature Controller
to keep the temperature from falling below freezing. This device is easy to install. Just plug it into the wall, and then plug your freezer into it. Put the sensor in the freezer and close the door.

Choosing a Kegerator Kit

If you have decided to convert an existing refrigerator into a kegerator the first thing you need to do is make sure that it is large enough to hold a keg.

Click here to Convert your old refrigerator into a kegerator!

Building Your Kegerator

Instructions will vary depending on the type of kegerator conversion kit you purchased. Most kits will come with instructions.

Here, are some pointers to think about:
The most important decision you will need to make is where to put the faucet. Some people choose the side, other prefer the back. It is your personal preference.

You need to be sure that when you drill you do not hit one of the cooling coils. This is particularly true if you are drilling inside. To be safe, drill through just the outside layer and stop. Then, look inside to make sure you will not hit anything before going on. This could be a costly mistake!

If you choose to drill through the door make sure the tap is low enough so you can open the freezer without any interference from the freezer door.

Maintaining Your Kegerator

Luckily, your kegerator and draft beer system will require very little maintenance. Keeping it clean should be your main concern. You should keep it clean both inside and out with normal cleaning agents, at your discretion. We suggest that you clean your beer lines every time you change your keg. Using a Cleaning kit is the easiest way to do this. It only takes a few minutes, and will assure your beer tastes fresh and crisp. This will also help to avoid sediment build up in the beer lines that can cause foam.

CLICK HERE FOR KEGERATORS

CLICK HERE FOR REFRIGERATOR CONVERSION KITS

Until Next Time!

Jasmine :)

www.foxsatellite.com

Building Your Home Bar

You’ve been thinking about it. You’ve been dreaming about it. Now, you're finally going to do it. You’re ready to build your own home bar!

Did you just buy a house or landed a sweet new pad with the perfect space that is just screaming "BAR!!!"? Or maybe, you have been thinking about building one for years. Either way – it’s time! Your home bar will be a source of enjoyment for you, your family and friends for years to come.

A home bar is an investment -- one of the best ones you will ever make, but an investment nonetheless. So make sure you do it right!

We are home bar owners and urge you to learn from what we’ve done right and what we’ve royally messed up. Let our experience help you build the best bar possible! To get started, ask yourself the following questions before you build.

The Basics

Do you want your bar to be moveable or permanent?

Who is going to build your home bar? You? Enlisting a few drinking buddies to help? Or, are you hanging up your hammer and hiring a contractor or carpenter?


Look and Feel

Is there a theme to your home bar? Just think of the possibilities:

Irish/English Pub
Game Room
Sports Bar
Tiki Cantina
Or are just trying to relive your good old college days?

You’ve got tons of choices and the decisions are all yours; so make sure you spend a few minutes and decide what you want.
Having trouble deciding? Ask yourself:

How much time are you going to spend in your bar room?

Is your bar in a room by itself? Do you use the room for things other than entertaining?

Do you want the bar to be the focal point of the room?

Exploring Your Options

There are tons of options when building a home bar. Here are the most common:
Will you be putting in a full back bar or simply wall shelving behind the bar?

Will this be a wet bar (sink) or dry bar (no sink)? If you want a wet bar you'll obviously need to run water lines and a drain system. These lines may already exist in your basement. For this type of work you may want to enlist the help of a plumber or a buddy who has experience building his own bar.

Do you want beer on tap? If so, you’ll need to install a Draft Beer System. When planning this system, think about how many faucets you want to install; most home bars have one or two. Keep in mind that running beer lines long distances is very expensive. Commercial bars spend thousands of dollars to run beer lines from their basements to their main serving floors. We highly recommend that you keep your refrigeration and serving areas close to each other, to avoid these costs.

Will you need an exhaust system? If you've got smokers in the crowd then this is a must!

What type of Refrigeration will you need? You may want a refrigerator for soda, mixers and bottled beers or possibly a separate wine refrigerator.

Will you be putting in an Ice Maker?

How much storage do you want? Glassware, liquor bottles, cocktail recipe books, bar tools and blenders all take up space.

Bathroom – we highly recommend it! You know the deal! So, if you have the space, consider adding a half bath nearby. When you have the guys over for the big game or office gathering, a nearby restroom cuts down on extra house traffic.


Draft Beer and Wine Refrigeration

Refrigeration is one of the most important components of your home bar. There are many types of bar refrigeration: Wine Refrigerators, Draft Beer Refrigerators, Kegerators, Beverage Centers, and Ice Makers.

The type of refrigeration you decide to incorporate into your bar will be based on how much room you have, the amount of money you plan to spend and what you like to drink.

As a simple solution you may use a single piece of refrigeration like a back bar refrigerator to store beer, wine, and soda. More complex bars include building your refrigeration units into the counter or under the bar. If you choose to go this route you need to make sure the compressor vents are in the front of your unit, or that the unit is labeled as being able to be built-in. If you don’t do this the hot air given off by the compressor has nowhere to vent to and ends up burning out the compressor motor.

One major piece of advice: get all the refrigeration, sinks and larger items that need to be installed BEFORE you begin building the bar!

Wine Refrigerators

There are many different styles and sizes of wine refrigerators or wine chillers. The size you need can be determined by how many bottles of wine you are looking to chill as well as what types of wines you drink most often. Smaller wine chillers hold around 16 bottles; larger wine refrigerators can hold over 100 bottles! Many of the models available are small enough to fit on your back bar or counter top.

Beer Refrigerators and Draft Beer Systems

Installing your own draft beer system or Kegerator is not as hard as you think! Remember, it’s much easier to add a draft beer system upfront rather than try to add one after you’ve built your home bar.

There are several ways you can pour draft beer at your home bar without breaking the bank. First, note that draft (keg) beer must be kept cold at all times. If it’s not kept cold, the beer gets foamy and then you have to waste precious beer pouring off the foam. For this reason, you want to keep your beer and beer lines close to your source of refrigeration. Not only will this help reduce wasted beer, it will also save money in set-up costs.

A very popular option is a single keg fridge that is designed to be built into a bar or cabinet system. These typically have the beer tower (faucets) sitting on your bar top with the fridge located directly underneath. Under the counter keg refrigerators are easy to install and can also be used as stand alone units if the need arises. Most people build these units into their back bars, but they can be placed on the front bar as well.

Another option is use a stand-alone Draft Beer Refrigerator and set it to the side of the bar. Unless you’re looking to use a commercial grade unit, you can usually save a few hundred dollars by using a stand-alone keg refrigerator.

Want to use an old refrigerator you already have? This is also an option. Taking an old refrigerator, like the kind you have in your kitchen, and converting it into a kegerator is simple. You can position the fridge so it’s out of the way or decorate it and make it the focal point of the bar. Whichever way you choose to display it, you’ll want to make sure you have a Drip Tray to catch the excess foam so it doesn't spill onto your floor.

Beverage Centers

If you are planning on serving canned or bottled beer, wine, malt beverages, soda and/or juice you will probably want to consider a Beverage Center. Beverage Centers come in various sizes and can generally be built into the cabinet system of your back bar. Most of these units come with a glass door so you can display what you have available for your guests.

Ice Machines

This is one item that most people never really think about. Running up the stairs constantly to fill the ice bucket is no fun. They now make small, portable, under-the-counter ice makers. Some don't even require a drain line. If you buy a lot of bagged ice, one of these machines will easily pay for itself.


Bar Arm Rests and Bar Foot Rails

The final touches for your basement or recreation room bar will be Bar Arm Rests and foot rails. Your bar might look okay without foot rails, but handrails or arm rests are a must if you care about the comfort of your guests and how your bar looks! There are two different styles of arm rests: metal arm rests and wood arm rests.

Wood Arm Rests
You can use sculpted arm rests to easily add comfort to your bar. They are available in many types of wood and are usually sold unstained.

First, stain or paint the arm rests to match your bar. Allow time to dry completely.

Next comes installation – a fairly simple process.
It is most common to glue the lip of the arm rest to the front corner of the bar and use finishing nails to secure it. Then, you can brace the underside of the arm rest with a 1" x 4" (or appropriate sized) piece of wood, depending on how far the top of the bar overhangs the front. We suggest that you use your best judgment when assembling your arm rests. Other methods of installation might work better depending on the exact specs of your bar. .

Metal Arm Rests
Some people prefer metal arm rests which are available in several finishes because they better capture the “feel” of their bar. There are 3 components to the metal arm rest system: the rail, the bracket, and the end caps. First, the rail extends the length of the bar and gives people something to lean on. The brackets are used to connect the rails to the bar and hold the rail up. The brackets should be installed at least ever 4’ to make sure the rails don’t bed. To make sure your bar looks polished, the end caps go on both ends of the rail to complete the picture of you as swanky bar owner. .

Once you have decided on your arm rests you should definitely consider foot rails. We highly recommend them both for looks and comfort. Most bars and pubs have them because they “get it”. Standing with one foot resting on something while leaning against a bar or having a place for your guests to rest their feet while sitting is always a plus – it’s just more comfortable!

Both arm rests and foot rests are difficult to make on your own. So, we suggest that you buy the bar foot rails and arm rests then install them yourself. Installing these on your own is very simple and can usually be done by yourself or with just one of your buddies..

Metal Foot Rails
Foot rails are an amazing add-on to your bar. They add a touch of class that will truly set your bar apart from other home bars. Foot rails, or bar rails as some call them, are available in many different styles and finishes. The most popular are brass foot rails, but for outdoor use we recommend stainless steel foot rails for added durability. Just like the metal arm rests, there are three components of the foot rail system: the railing, the bracket and the end caps.

Depending on the size and layout of your bar, you may want to use one of the 90 or 135 degree bends. These bends are used to wrap the rails around the corners of your bar. We recommend that you space the Foot Rail Brackets 4' apart, and six inches from any bends for proper support.

Bar Stools and Seating
Once you have your home bar constructed, you’ll need a place for people to sit. There are many varieties and sizes of Bar Stools, and they range in cost from very reasonable to quite expensive. You will first need to determine if you want Wood Bar Stools or Metal Barstools. If your bar is the standard 42" you will most likely want 30" Bar Stools.

Wood Bar Stools

Wood Bar Stools will give you a traditional pub feel. They are generally a little more expensive, but they are durable and you can customize them by choosing your wood, stain and even the pattern for the cushion.

Metal Bar Stools
If your home bar has more of a contemporary feel, you may want to use Metal Bar Stools that have a sleeker look to complement your bar. As with the wood bar stools, there are many different styles and sizes available.

Standard Metal Pub Stools
These are the Bar Stools that you have seen everywhere, and for good reason. They are reasonably priced and extremely durable. Metal bar stools offer a lot of variety: backless, stools with half backs, stools with full backs, etc. and a variety of colors. Probably the most common style is the black bar stool with no back that you’ve seen hundreds of times. With these types of stools, it’s usually easy to find what you’re looking for and to get the stools quickly.

Layout and Design of Your Home Bar

Laying out the design of your home bar is where it all starts to come together. Going through this planning process will help you know what size bar your space can accommodate, what type of bar furniture and beer refrigeration you will need, as well as how long this project may take.

We suggest that you visit your favorite taverns and/or restaurants and take a close (sober!) note of what you like in a bar. Think about what elements and styles you like: Do you like a big glass mirror behind the bar? What types of stools and bar rails are your style? Take special note of the bar’s structure - how was it made, what's it made out of? Bring along a digital camera – pictures always help!

Before you sketch – consider these important factors:

When you are ready to lay out your home bar – the first thing you must consider is space.

With this in mind, think about the following:

Will the bar be just one straight side? L-shaped? Horseshoe? Rectangular?

If you're working off of a concrete floor, outline your layout in chalk. If the floor is already finished, use coins, paper or string to outline where things will go.

Once you have your initial layout complete, transfer it to paper. Be sure to use precise measurements.

Remember, your bar is going to be three-dimensional. So, the outlines on the floor won’t visually take up as much space as your finished bar, because you’re going to add a height component.

The average home bar is 42" high and 24" deep. You can adjust these measurements to fit your own needs. Just remember that most bar stools are 30" tall so your bar should not be much lower than 42" high.

What are you going to keep behind the bar? Are you going to have a sink and where will it go? If so you will need to have plumbing and drainage.

Sinks are usually placed under the front bar, but putting them in the back bar is not unheard of. They come in all shapes and sizes from a simple, shallow one-bowl hand sink to a standard bar sink (with legs and up to three bowls and a drain board). These are usually made of stainless steel and can be built-in. Click here to see my recommended sink styles.

Take into account where your existing plumbing is located. This can help determine where to build your home bar.

Ask yourself: What restrictions and obstacles are there? Low ceiling height? Sump pump? Where are the electricity and cable TV outlets?

Are you going to have refrigeration for beer and cocktail mixers? You will need to figure out where they will go and make sure you have an electrical outlet near by.

Glassware is another thing to consider, will you be putting in an overhead stemware rack, stacking it on back bar shelving or putting it in drawers?

Will you be adding a big screen TV or entertainment center? Positioning these correctly is key.

Also think about outlets for a TV, additional lighting, popcorn maker, blender, etc.

Building Yourself Vs. Hiring Out

When putting in a home bar, you have three options: purchase and install a Ready-To-Assemble (RTA) home bar, build a custom bar yourself, or hire a contractor to do the custom job for you. There are many factors that come into play in this decision making process. The route you take will depend on the amount of free time you have, the amount money you have to spend, how handy you are, your time frame, etc. Below are some things to consider when you weigh your options.

Hiring a Contractor:
For big projects we suggest hiring a general contractor. A home bar has many facets and will require several different trades. A contractor will handle all the plumbing, electrical, carpentry, permits (if needed) and cleanup. The contractor will work with you on design and can alert you to any potential problems and/or concerns. These guys are worth their weight in gold! Most likely they will get the job done quickly, with few headaches on your end. It’s a much safer bet than relying your buddy’s uncle who used to do some electrical work ‘back in the day’.

Before you start:

Get a few estimates. They are typically free and you will have greater bargaining power on price in the end if you do.

Have your wish list ready in writing, so that neither you, nor the contractor overlooks anything. Take the advice from above, sketch out your ideas and plans, and have this ready as well.

Once you receive your estimates read them over carefully! A good estimate will include a contract, price breakout, total cost, and payment terms. Make sure EVERY element you want is included in the estimate before you select your contractor.

Once you select a contractor, make sure you discuss a timeline for completion (and hold them to this date!). Have the contractor include this date in the contract, along with a penalty clause if they don't meet it. Most reputable contractors will do this. Beware of the guy who has six jobs going at once! You want your contractor to show up everyday and get the job done.

Before your contractor starts the job, we highly recommend that you get all the refrigeration, sinks and larger items that you need for your bar BEFORE the contractor starts! Don’t let the contractor guess on sizing – have all items at your house. This will eliminate any nasty surprises like things not fitting, doors not having enough room to open and other ugly spacing issues.

Building the Bar Yourself:
Hey, if you are up for the challenge, we say - do it! If you are fairly handy, or have some fairly handy friends that will work for beer, it can be a good time and a great hobby. Building your own home bar can be fun and give you a sense of pride in your creation!

Before you start:

Get everything you need before you start! This helps you plan, measure and build.

Don't buy the cheapest stuff you can find. Staying within your budget is important, but quality is important too! You don't want to be constantly replacing things – it’s a pain!

Get extra materials! Unless, you or one of your friends is a carpenter you will most likely make a few mistakes and having extra pieces and parts saves headaches!

If you are having friends help, have them over and let them check out your drawings. Hang them up! Let everyone see what you envision! Get everyone on the same page.

Usually 1 or 2 helpers are plenty at a given time. The more people you have helping you at once, the faster it turns into a Joe telling Jeff about his hot new secretary – there will be plenty of time for that AFTER the bar is built!.

If you have a workstation outside of your bar area, keep in mind that you need to be able get every piece of the bar from your shop to the bar room.

Don't crack a beer until after you are done working for the day, especially if you are using power tools.

Arm Rests and Bar Foot Rails give that finished look to any bar! Professional looking Arm Rests and Foot Rails are hard to recreate. We suggest buying these and installing them yourself. Below are several great online sources you might want to check out:

Click here to choose the perfect foot rail for your home bar.

Click here to choose the perfect Arm Rest for your home bar

Stocking Your Bar

When your Home Bar is finally finished you will need to stock it so you can pour drinks and entertain! Getting your Bar Supplies and Bar Accessories is often the most fun part of building your bar. You can get anything you have ever dreamed of or have seen at a bar. Click here for some great Bar Accessories

Everything you need breaks down into three basic groups: alcohol, mixers and bar accessories. What you finally decide to have behind the bar will depend on what drinks you serve the most of, but below are basics:

Alcohol
The brand names and types of alcohol that you use to stock your bar depend on your favorite brand and what type of drinks you like. To get started, here’s a list of the basics that any bar will need:

Rum
Vodka
Gin
Whiskey
Bourbon
Tequila
Schnapps
Triple Sec
Scotch
Wine

Depending on your personal preference there are many other types of liquor that you may choose to have. So be creative!

Mixers
Everyone loves a good mixed drink! Below are some of the basics you will need to keep everyone happy:

Cola
Orange juice
7-Up ir Sprite
Tonic water
Soda Water
Iced Tea
Cranberry juice
Pineapple juice
Grenadine


Bar Accessories
These are some of the basics you will need to mix and serve your drinks. You’ll probably find other tools that you like, and some of the ones on the list you won't use. That’s what makes having your own bar fun; it reflects you and your personal tastes. Here’s what we suggest to start:

Shot Glasses
Cocktail Shaker
Bar Caddy
Bottle Openers
Bar Mats
Blenders
Bottle Pourers
Straws and Stirrers
Margarita Glass Rimmer
Glassware: Beer Mugs, Wine Glasses, Rocks Glasses
Ultimate Home Bar Set – this gives you everything you need to start!

Click here for more information on liquor dispensers.

To learn more about glass racks click here.

I hope this guide you has given you a better understanding of what goes into building your home bar, shown you some short cuts and aided to the overall design and look of your home bar. Have fun with it!

Until Next Time!

Jasmine :)

P.S. I found a great Satellite TV company you might want to check out!

Click here for information on installing Satellite TV in your Bar.

www.foxsatellite.com