News How to Stock Your Bar Cart (Plus, a Pomegranate Apple Punch Recipe!) By Katie Donbavand Katie Donbavand Instagram Twitter Katie Donbavand is an experienced, versatile editor and writer who has been creating content for digital audiences since 2007. As InStyle's BTS Editor, she speaks fluent ARMY and serves as their in-house Bangtan Sonyeondan (방탄소년단) expert covering fashion, new drops, and all else. She's also a Contributing Fashion Editor for PopSugar and has written for Sports Illustrated, the Chicago Tribune, and more. Additionally, she is an Audience Development Strategist and has worked with the Wall Street Journal, Entertainment Weekly, Martha Stewart Weddings, Barron's, MarketWatch, Daily Paws, and HelloGiggles. InStyle's editorial guidelines Updated on December 27, 2015 @ 10:00AM Pin Share Tweet Email Photo: Courtesy The holidays are in full swing and you might have signed up to throw a soiree of your own. The key to any successful party is, of course, preparation. To make sure your bar is fully ready for your guests, we asked New York City mixologist Christy Pope for her pro tips to make sure your next party is a sparkling success! InStyle: What should every host have in their bar?"When stocking your bar, focus on a few offerings that will appeal to many–I'd recommend a Champagne/sparkling wine, a light spirit such as gin, a brown spirit such as a bourbon or rye, and liqueurs such as Cointreau or St. Germain. For mixers, I'd stock up on club soda and tonic, fresh lemon and lime juice, and simple syrup." 5 Rockstar Cocktails Inspired by Beyonce, Miley, and More What's the one consumable item no bar is complete without?"Fresh citrus is a must—for both fresh juice and for twists." What's the one non-consumable item no bar is complete without?"No bar should be without proper tools: a shaker set, Hawthorne strainer, stirring spoon, and muddler." What are the best crowd-pleasing and easy cocktail recipes everyone should master?"A Champagne cocktail and an Old Fashioned!" Pop the Champagne! The Best Bottles for Every Budget How can you decorate your bar to make it more festive?"To start, seasonal glassware is a great way to decorate and set the mood. I love picking out festive glasses from places like HomeGoods, where you can get a variety of sizes and styles without spending a lot of money, which makes it easy to switch up from season to season! Also, you'll need plenty fresh ingredients to work with—baking spices like cinnamon sticks, whole nutmeg, and star anise–which makes the bar look inviting and intriguing." What are your best bartending tips to make a house party easy on the hostess, but still fun for the guests?"For large groups, a bowl of punch, like my pomegranate apple recipe (see, below), that your guests can serve themselves is always a great idea." Pomegranate Apple Punch Courtesy "For large groups, a bowl of punch, like my pomegranate apple recipe, that your guests can serve themselves is always a great idea," said New York City mixologist, Christy Pope. This punch includes Laird's Applejack, Cointreau Orange Liqueur and pomegranate juice. Get the recipe here. Courtesy Ingredients 1½ oz Laird's Applejack ¾ oz Cointreau Orange Liqueur ½ oz freshly squeezed lime juice 1oz Pom Wonderful Pomegranate Juice Star Anise (for garnish) Directions 1. Measure ingredients into a mixing glass and then add ice. 2. Shake vigorously until chilled. 3. Strain into a chilled wine or punch glass (over ice optional). 4. Garnish with a star anise. PHOTOS: Our 20 Best Party Throwing Tips, Ever Pro Tip For a virgin batch, sub out the Applejack with apple cider and the orange liqueur with orange juice.