If you are looking to set up a bar, there is a lot to consider. However, nothing is more important than the drinks you serve! So, let’s look at some tips. 

 

Guide to different glasses

 

• Coupe Glass – The coupe glass is similar to the iconic V-shaped martini glass, although the bottom is rounded. This glass is ideal for a cocktail that is served without ice, in fact, any stemmed glass, such as this one, indicates that the drink should be served without ice. It is also a good choice for drinks that are stirred or shaken in another container before they are poured into the final glass. 
• Martini Glass – Next we have one of the easiest to get your head around; a Martini cocktail is served in a Martini glass, surprising I know. However, there are other drinks that can be served in this classic glass, such as Cosmopolitans. Generally, anything that can be served in a Coupe can go in a Martini glass, aside from those drinks that are shaken with egg whites. 
• Flute – Flutes are for champagne and champagne based cocktails. Top bars wouldn’t dream of serving champagne in anything else. This is because the tall thin shape of the glass helps to preserve the bubbles of the drink. 
• Highball Glass – A highball glass is great for drinks that are usually served with ice and have an effervescent component, i.e. they may be topped with soda water or lemonade. This glass has also been built so that you can use it with a metal shaker for mixing the ingredients. You can take a look at the best commercial juicers to use for drinks that go in these glasses.
• Collins Glass – A Collins Glass is similar to a highball; although it is slightly taller and thinner and is generally used for drinks that are lighter and fruiter. 
• Lowball Glass – A lowball glass is simply a shorter version of the highball, with a thick glass bottom characterising the glass, which helps to keep the drink colder for longer. The main difference between this glass and a highball is the effervescent ingredient, as any drink with the likes of tonic water or soda water will not be served in a lowball glass. Also, these drinks are typically made without using a mixing glass or shaker, meaning that the ingredients are poured directly into the glass. Lowball drinks are typically served with ice and common cocktails presented in this glass include Manhattan and Old Fashioned. 

 

What sort of shots should you serve?

 

Shots are a great way to get the party started. Some people love the taste of them; others just like the thrill of quickly downing a drink with all their friends. Take a look at some of the best shots to serve at your bar business to get people excited: 

 

• Jägerbomb – You can go into any nightclub and you will definitely see someone order a Jägerbomb. This drink consists of a lowball glass, which is filled about a quarter of the way up with Red Bull. A shot of Jägermeister is then dropped into the glass, after which the person downs the drink. Whilst Red Bull is the original mixer of choice, many clubs use other types of energy drinks. 
• Tequila Shot – Tequila is arguably one of the most fun shots to drink. Start off by briefly licking the back of your hand and then pour a little bit of salt onto the area. Your saliva will help it to stick. You also need a slice of either lemon or lime. Start by licking the salt off your hand, then down the tequila shot, and finally bite into the lime or lemon. 
• Kamikaze – Kamikaze is a shot that consists of triple sec, vodka and lime juice. It boasts a bright green colour and is often served as a cocktail as well. 
• Alabama Slammer – Alabama Slammer is another drink that can be enjoyed as either a shot or a cocktail. This drink is ideal for the summer months in particular, as it’s sweet and refreshing, boasting a mixture of amaretto, Southern Comfort and cranberry Juice. 
• B52 Flaming Shot – This shot not only tastes delicious but is impressive on the eye as well. It is a layered shot that consists of coffee liqueur, Irish cream and triple sec. The top layer is then ignited, which produces a blue flame. 
• Fireball – Can you handle the heat? Fireball is a unique blend of Bacardi 151, cinnamon schnapps and tabasco.
• Three Wise Men – If you are a fan of whiskey, Three Wise Men was tailor-made for you. It consists of three popular whiskey brands – Johnny Walker, Jack Daniels and Jim Beam. 
• Cherry Bomb – The Cherry Bomb shot is a mix of Red Bull and cherry vodka. It’s sweet and full of flavour. 
• Washington Apple – This drink is a real crowd pleaser – it seems to go down well with most partygoers. It consists of Crown Royal, apple schnapps, cranberry juice and a dash of 7-up.