Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Skinnygirl® Cocktails Shares Ultimate Spring Cleaning Tips for Your Bar



There’s more to throwing the perfect get-together with your friends than just having a tasty cocktail recipe. With warmer weather (finally) making its way in, it’s time for spring cleaning! Get yourself into the entertaining spirit by sprucing up your home bar. 

While you finalize your guest list, keep these five tips in mind for getting your bar in tip-top shape!

Five Essential Home Bar Tips

1.       Let’s Start with the Bucket
When you’re entertaining guests, the last thing you want them to see is a stubborn tarnish stain on your ice bucket. Create an easy homemade cleaning solution by dipping a soft tooth brush in a splash of ammonia. Scrub gently, then wipe off the solution with a cloth.

2.       Toss It
Most perishables in your home will let you know loud and clear that they are well past their prime, but what about those maraschino cherries that you’ve had for a while now? Here’s a quick breakdown of your bar essentials’ shelf life:
·         Maraschino Cherries
Unopened – 3 to 4 years
Opened – 2 weeks at room temperature, 6 months refrigerated

·         Bitters – rule of thumb, if you can’t remember the last time you used it, toss.

·         Olives
In a pantry unopened – good for 1-2 years
Opened and refrigerated – 3-4 months

·         Agave Nectar – Agave can be tricky to store. Here’s a fool proof plan for keeping it fresh as long as possible:
×          If your agave does not come in a sterile squeeze bottle, transfer it to an air-tight glass jar.
×          When transferring the agave, make sure you wipe any spills off the side – its sweetness can attract ants!
×          Store agave in a cool, dry place. It can be stored in the refrigerator, but it’s not necessary.

3.       And Move on to the Ice Cubes
Eliminate the hassle and refilling process of ice cube trays by investing in some no-melt reusable ice cubes. These are super chic and you can get them in all shapes and sizes.

*Bonus: You no longer have to deal with watery drinks when you want a little chill!

4.       Liquor Storage
To get the most shelf life out of your liquors, keep bottles tightly closed in a cool place away from direct sunlight. Keep in mind that spirits with a lower alcohol count have a shorter shelf life, and should be refrigerated after opening.

5.       Keep Up with the Trends
The most important tip to consider when sprucing up your bar for spring is to stay trendy. Stock up on the newest varietals from Skinnygirl® Cocktails – Skinnygirl® Sweet’arita and Skinnygirl® Sparkling Margarita – and impress your guests with chic cocktails!

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