Welcome back to another Reader Request, where you ask me questions in the comments, through email or on our Facebook Page and I do my best to answer them truthfully.
Well, mostly truthfully.
Anyway, this week’s first question is from Stephanie, who writes:
I’m sure there are plenty of lists out there, but it would be fun and informative to hear what you two consider to be essential to stock a traditional mid-century bar.
Nice, Stephanie! While I hate to tell anyone what they “must” stock their bar with, since everyone’s tastes in cocktails differ greatly, this is the list of what you will need to drink along with our Vintage Cocktail Friday posts:
Essentials:
Gin
Whiskey
Brandy/Cognac
Vodka
Rum
Sweet & Dry Vermouth
Crème de Menthe
Crème de Cacao
Curacao
Tequila
Grenadine (preferably real pomegranate version)
Angostura Bitters
Olives
Fresh Lemons & Limes
Maraschino Cherries
Seltzer or Soda
Ginger Ale or Ginger Beer
Tonic Water
Fresh Cream
Simple Syrup
Fun Extras:
Sherry
Anisette
Maraschino
Absinthe
Amaretto
Apple Brandy
Blackberry Brandy
Cherry Brandy
Peach Brandy
Kirshwasser
Chartreuse
Benedictine
Dubonnet
Galliano
Sherry
Sloe Gin
Orange Bitters
Simple Syrup flavored with real fruit
Keep in mind, this list is highly geared towards Tom’s tastes in cocktails, so feel free to choose your own adventure. And if anyone has any suggestions they would like us to know about or that they want to share with everyone, please feel free to leave them in the comments! We love bar suggestions.
The next isn’t really a question, but a cool picture from Amy A.
Amy writes:
Hi Ruth!
I’m the person who made the lambie cake that resembled Marty Feldman a couple years ago.
Anyway, I live in New Orleans and came across this incredible mid-century dish/glassware set in an antique shop on Magazine Street. Naturally, I thought of you!
It reminded me of the cute little plates you use in your photos. I can’t get over the excellent condition, fab colors and graphics, and that it seems complete with everything you’d ever need to serve mid century menu favorites!
Anyway, I thought it was a kick and had to share it with you.
Amy
Thank you so much for the picture, Amy! This set looks like it is in great shape! This is called Blue Heaven, and it was made by Royal China. I only have a few pieces of it, but would love to own the whole set one day.
If I can find more room in my kitchen to store all my dish sets, that is. Whew.
If you have any questions or if you are looking for a certain recipe, please feel free to leave a comment, send me an email at ruth@midcenturymenu.com or contact me through our Facebook page and I will see what I can do for you!
5am west coast. Eyes not open and I find this. That IS a 50s bar.
Perhaps that is why the greatest generation lives into there 90s.
They are PICKLED !!!
Great great Granny is 90. She keeps everyone well stocked. Some Grannys come over with saggy cupcakes. She brings a 5th.
I actually have an extensive bar with beautiful Culver Prado glassware but rarely partake, =( . I think I will start making your Friday drink from now on!
OH those carousel glasses!!! I WANT!!
Unfortunately, one of us quit drinking altogether, and the other has to smuggle in her own secret stash of wine. And we don’t entertain vast hordes at cool parties, so no need for dozens of bottles of booze and ‘fresh cream’ on hand. What a world to fantasize about! A bar right out of ‘The Man In The Gray Flannel Suit’.
You listed Galliano.
My father in law kept the giant decanter of it on his bar with a set of ornate under sized shot glasses. It was there from the mid 70s untill some time in the last few years. No one was to touch it. When the old guy filled the glasses and put them on the table it meant that we were having a toast because he was getting another grand baby. He had lots of shots.
Dear Ruth, please be a lamb and re-post the image of Amy’s Marty Feldmanesque lambie cake. I am desperate to view it, and am laughing as I imagine such a thing.
I hear Franjelico is suppose to be good…
My husband and I are building an outside 50’s style tiki bar so we are looking to stock up on tiki related ingredients…we are going to need lots of rum,orgeat syrup,simple syrup and coconut milk…coconut and pineapple anything 😀
Sorry to change the topic…but I love your screen name!
Thanks. I earned it. Might be the only 60+ male that posts. I came to MCM looking for stuff I grew up with.(Disney Land tuna burger). Ruth has given me several good ones and a bunch of REAL BAD flashbacks.
This is how we ate before Saint Julia.
I love all things hazlenut, so Franjelico gets subbed for amaretto 90% of the time. It’s heaven in tiramisu!
Also, I want a 50’s style tiki back yard, so I like your style, Brandy!
This is just what I’ve been looking for. Thank you so much! I was struggling to fill my bar, but not anymore. Thank you!!