Magic Mini Bar

There is something about fairy lights that makes everything just that little more magical isn't there? I found this miniature old dresser in a shop in Southbourne and before I had even asked the price, I said I would have it! Luckily it was very reasonable!

I wanted to use it as a photography prop but it is actually quite heavy to lug around and the sliding glass door could be easily broken in transit, so it has been sitting pretty, but quietly in the dining room waiting for a new purpose.

On New Year's Eve it came to life! Our new mini bar!

I found two large cider jars for £1 in the local charity shop which I want to use for pink and blue lemonade at my sister's baby shower but make great light holders either side of the dresser.

I draped some bright white fairy lights over the top of the glass shelves (smashing one of my champagne saucers in the process - luckily not my Granny's) and then set about filling up my little bar.

The thing about cocktail ingredients is that you always have to buy too much and it seems really expensive. I would only ever drink a few combinations so I don't see the point in having a fully stocked bar that never gets used.

Here are my Mini Bar Must Haves:

• A measure - If you want to enjoy an evening of cocktails you need to measure the spirits or you'll all be drunk by 9pm and you won't enjoy the whole evening
• A strainer - my husband loved mojitos but I don't like all the bits
• A twisted spoon with a flat end - use this to make layers. Pour a liquor like Creme de Cassis at the bottom and then cava on top to create a pink pool. We did this for our Jubilee cocktails
• Monin sugar syrup - use it in your cocktails or to rim your glasses
• Angostura bitters
• Brown sugar cubes - put one in the bottom of a brandy or whiskey based cocktail to take the sting out of the spirit
• Paper Straws - because they make everything you drink look nicer!

Optional extras:

• Lemons, limes, clementines sliced and frozen
• Tin of sliced peaches in juice
• Ice cubes made from coffee - try them in a glass of Baileys - delicious
• Pomegranate seeds
• Grenadine
• Candy Floss - fill your glass then pour over a glass of Prosecco, a treat for your eyes and your lips
• Rock Candy.

Spirits to I like to have in stock; Vodka, Brandy, Whiskey, Schnapps, Baileys. Cava and Prosecco. Champagne is lovely, but in a cocktail not worth an extra £15-£20!

Do you have a cupboard somewhere with bottles that have gotten dusty?!

Dust them off and try our New Year's Eve cocktail menu!