Craft Cocktails at Home with a Brew City Twist
Milwaukee is known for more than just its beer. The city’s cocktail culture has been on the rise, from the classic Brandy Old Fashioned served at supper clubs to inventive craft concoctions found in the trendy bars of Walker’s Point. If you want to bring a bit of Milwaukee’s spirited creativity into your own home, it starts with the right bar essentials. Whether you’re mixing up a cocktail for a small gathering or perfecting your own signature drink, these are the must-haves to create a home bar worthy of the Cream City.
1. Essential Spirits for a Well-Rounded Bar
A great home bar starts with quality spirits that allow you to craft a variety of cocktails. Whether you’re recreating a Brandy Old Fashioned like those at Bryant’s Cocktail Lounge or shaking up a refreshing Lakefront Lemonade, these core liquors will cover all your cocktail needs.
Brandy & Whiskey
- Brandy is a must in Milwaukee for the state’s signature Brandy Old Fashioned. Korbel remains a local staple.
- Rye and Bourbon provide depth for Manhattans and Whiskey Sours—try J. Henry & Sons for a Wisconsin-made bourbon.
Vodka
- Ideal for classics like the Moscow Mule or Bloody Mary (a Milwaukee brunch favorite).
- Great Lakes Distillery’s Rehorst Vodka is a smooth, local option.
Gin
- Perfect for Negronis and Tom Collins.
- Great Lakes Distillery’s Gin or Driftless Glen Gin add regional flavor.
Tequila & Mezcal
- Essential for Margaritas and Palomas.
- Fortaleza Blanco Tequila delivers a smooth, authentic flavor perfect for tequila-forward cocktails.
- Bozal Ensamble Mezcal offers a smoky complexity that enhances craft cocktails and mezcal-based Negronis.
Rum
- A necessity for Daiquiris, Mai Tais, and Dark ‘n’ Stormy.
- Look for Plantation Dark Rum for depth and Bacardi Superior for versatility.
Vermouth & Liqueurs
- A proper Manhattan or Martini requires quality vermouth.
- Add staples like Cointreau (for Margaritas), Aperol (for Spritzes), and Amaro (for a post-dinner digestif).
2. Essential Tools for Home Bartending
Having the right tools ensures that your cocktails are well-balanced and properly mixed. Milwaukee’s best bartenders at The Diplomat or Boone & Crockett rely on precise techniques, and so should you.
Cocktail Shaker
- A Boston shaker is versatile and efficient for creating shaken cocktails like Whiskey Sours and Margaritas.
Measuring Tools
- A double-sided jigger helps maintain the perfect ratio of spirits, sweeteners, and mixers.
Strainers
- A Hawthorne strainer is used to filter out ice and pulp from shaken drinks.
- A fine-mesh strainer ensures a perfectly smooth pour, especially for citrus-heavy drinks.
Muddler
- Essential for crushing herbs, sugar cubes, and fruit to extract flavors in drinks like the Brandy Old Fashioned or Mojito.
Bar Spoon
- A long-handled bar spoon is perfect for layering ingredients and properly stirring spirit-forward cocktails like Manhattans.
Citrus Juicer
- Freshly squeezed juice is key for well-balanced cocktails—avoid pre-bottled mixes.
Ice Molds
- Investing in large ice molds helps prevent over-dilution in drinks like an Old Fashioned or Negroni.
3. The Role of Fresh Ingredients
Bars like Goodkind and Lost Whale emphasize that fresh ingredients make all the difference. Your home bar should too.
Fresh Citrus
- Lemons, limes, and oranges are essential.
- Always juice fresh instead of using store-bought mixes.
High-Quality Ice
- Large, clear ice cubes make drinks taste better and look more professional.
Simple Syrup & Sweeteners
- Homemade simple syrup (1:1 sugar and water) is a game-changer.
- Try local honey or Wisconsin maple syrup for a regional twist.
Bitters
- Essential for balance, Angostura bitters and Peychaud’s bitters belong in every home bar.
4. The Right Glass for the Right Drink
Just like Milwaukee’s bars take pride in presentation, so should you. The right glass enhances both the taste and experience of a cocktail.
Rocks Glass
- Ideal for Old Fashioneds and Negronis.
Highball Glass
- Best for Gin & Tonics, Moscow Mules, and Tom Collins.
Coupe Glass
- Perfect for elegant drinks like a Daiquiri or French 75.
Beer Glasses (for a Milwaukee touch!)
- Milwaukee loves its beer, so having proper pilsner glasses and tulip glasses on hand is never a bad idea.
5. Hosting Like a Milwaukee Mixologist
A great bar setup isn’t just about making drinks—it’s about creating an atmosphere. Whether you’re hosting a cozy winter gathering or a summer patio party, these extras will elevate your bartending game:
Signature Cocktail Menu
- Feature a few drinks inspired by your favorite Milwaukee bars.
- Include a Wisconsin Brandy Slush for a nostalgic, crowd-pleasing option.
Music & Ambiance
- Play a mix of classic jazz, blues, and local indie artists to set the mood.
- Dim the lights, add some candles, and create a speakeasy vibe at home.
Bring in a Pro
- Want to truly impress your guests? Consider hiring an expert from Bartender Milwaukee to elevate your event with custom cocktails.
Cheers to Milwaukee-Style Mixology!
Setting up a proper home bar is about more than just having good liquor—it’s about capturing the essence of Milwaukee’s rich cocktail culture. With the right tools, spirits, and ingredients, you can create drinks that rival those from the best bars in the city. And if you ever need professional assistance, Bartender Milwaukee is ready to bring expert mixology straight to your event.
