As the footfalls at restobars and pubs take a mild hit due to the current cash crunch spell, house parties are gaining tempo. While we warm up to mid-December, home bartenders in the city are getting busy fashioning out perfectly well-stocked bars straight out of one's living room, terrace or a lawn. They bring to the table a mastery in mixology and even flair — what bartending stunts are called in industry parlance — and, a knowledge of spirits, that's imperative to hosting such parties. They don't get into sourcing the booze, however, they help their patrons plan the drinks from scratch, right from the selection of brands, working on themes if need be, and, of course serving the drinks. Their business model is supported entirely by word-of-mouth — none of them advertise. As the high of the season sets in, we bring you some sought after names that have all the boozy answers.

A batmobile for parties
After doing his masters in mixology from New York, Mumbai boy Gaurish Rangnekar identified a need gap in the house party scene. "Nobody seemed to be offering a holistic, premium bar set up that would be a one-stop shop for bartending needs. That's where the idea of the Barmobile sprang from," says the owner of the company that turns five next year. They cater to a premium clientele that includes Bollywood and sports stars as well. "We have a compact unit that comes with everything, including ice to specialised glassware. It's easy to lug around, fits into a wheeled suitcase. Now we have units to suit various home decors — like a wood-finish one and one in white leather," adds Rangnekar.

 
Gaurish Rangnekar