By EMILY CHRISTENSEN, Courier Staff Writer

CEDAR FALLS --- No one wants to be that host.

You know, the one who runs out of ice in the middle of a party. Or who can't find a corkscrew when a guest brings over a bottle of wine.

Or, even worse, the spirits bottle runs dry long before anyone is ready to call it a night.

Alcohol isn't a prerequisite for a good time, but in many circles it is a piece of the party puzzle. A well-stocked home bar won't guarantee a successful party, but it can put you well on your way to being the host of choice for future gatherings --- perfect for the rest of us who are happy to celebrate in someone else's home.

A few Cedar Valley experts have offered basic, and sometimes not-so-basic, recommendations for the burgeoning home bartender, even those on a budget.

Dwight Dehl, manager of the Hy-Vee Wine and Spirits on Kimball Avenue, offers just one rule for picking your home bar favorites.

"I like it or I don't," he said. "Unless you have someone who likes it, you've just tied up money on a bottle that will sit in your cupboard."

Keep it stocked

Those in the know say keeping the basics --- vodka, rum, tequila, gin, bourbon and whiskey --- on hand is always good practice if you are planning to entertain. If you have been paying attention and know what your friends will wind up reaching for, it's even better.

"Spirits are expensive and to have something sitting there for years that no one uses is a waste," said Dehl. "I have a sister-in-law who likes Black Velvet, so I always have some on hand. Another family member likes bloody Marys so I always have vodka. In my family, we like Jack Daniels, so I always have a lot and we still run out."

A variety of mixers, like cranberry or orange juice and 7-Up or tonic, also are important components of a well-stocked bar. Those looking to indulge, especially during the colder months, could also pick up some Kaluha or Godiva chocolate to add to their drinks.

As for price, a good mid-range bottle should suffice for most drinks, but Steve Cunningham, general manager of Cu Restaurant, said vodka and gin could be the exceptions.

"If someone wants a martini, you want to have a bottle of good vodka on hand. If they are just mixing it with orange juice or lemonade, just about any vodka will do," he said. "What makes a good home bar is the ability to offer a variety of things without spending a lot of money."

Colleen Graham, a Cedar Falls resident and the cocktails guide for about.com, said while these basics, are the "base spirits for all cocktails," it is the little extras that will set your bar apart from others on the block. For those who are big on martinis, especially the traditional versions, a nice bottle of dry vermouth, sweet and sour and bitters is a must-have. Those planning to serve regular margaritas should probably invest in a bottle of triple sec, Graham said.

And garnishes --- usually lemons, limes, olives or pickles --- are a must-have for anyone planning to serve up a chilled alcoholic beverage.

"The nice thing about these is they are things you can usually find in the kitchen," Graham said.

Cunningham said another option to guarantee you have the stock you need is to host a themed party.

"Have your friends come over for margaritas, or beer or vodka lemonades," he said. "People who are very partial to their drink will always bring something to the party they like. My wife really likes Red Bull and she brings it along because she knows a lot of people don't have it at their house. Proper etiquette says to bring something and leave it with the host when you go, whether it is a six pack of beer, a bottle of wine or a bottle of vodka."

Tools of the trade

Sometimes it just isn't enough to have the rights spirits on hand. For some drinks, access to a basic bar set will really give your party a leg up on the competition.

Those hoping to serve more than screw top or boxed wines should invest in a decent corkscrew and could even splurge on a foil cutter, which Dehl calls "exceptionally nice." The small gadget will cut through the foil placed around the top of a wine bottle, keeping the bottle neat looking and impressing your guests.

A basic metal shaker, which will "super chill" the drink you are mixing, is an absolute must for any bar hoping to serve more than just wine and beer. The set, which can be purchased on just about any budget, includes a shaker with a tight-fitting lid and a shot glass. Many will also include a strainer.

"Extreme cold affects taste," Dehl said.

That said, remember to stock up on ice before a party --- even if you have an automatic ice maker or several trays ready to go.

"The No. 1 biggest faux pas is ice. You gotta have ice," Cunningham said. "I typically always buy a bag of ice. Even if you have six trays of ice cubes in the freezer, it won't go far."

A wide selection of glasses --- martini, tumbler, margarita, wine, champagne, pilsner --- is also essential for those looking to impress. Sure, your signature martini will taste just as good in run-of-the-mill glass from the cupboard, but the visual flair of serving it up in a glass made for martinis will go far toward cementing your host status.

Contact Emily Christensen at (319) 291-1570 or emily.christensen@wcfcourier.com.

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