What Should You Stock in Your Home Bar? (2024)

Essential Liquors

The foundation for the majority of co*cktails, a well-rounded bar should include at least one bottle of each of the six base liquors. Stocking a good selection of these will ensure you can mix up almost any co*cktail on a whim. If you feel like a whiskey co*cktail tonight, you'll be ready. When brandy, gin, rum, tequila, or vodka sound good, you're also prepared to grab the shaker and mix up a drink.

Vodka Is Essential

Vodkahas a clean, transparent flavor, and it is used for more co*cktails than any other distilled spirit. Some people like vodka more than others, so stock according to your preference.

• A good budget-friendly bottle is ideal fortall drinks like the Screwdriver and Bloody Mary.
• If you fancy a Vodka Martini, spend a little extra for a top-shelf bottle as well.
• Add your favorite flavored vodkas. In a traditional bar, citrus and vanilla vodkas are the trusted standbys.

A Versatile Gin or Two

Not everyone is afan of gin. However, it is nice to have at least one bottle in every bar.

• In the least, a good bottle of a London Dry Gin is recommended. This is the most versatile and can work in everything from a Dry Martini to a Gin and Tonic.
• From there, explore the gin's versatility. Every brand is different, and you can customize your bar with a fascinating array of botanicals.

Tequilas for Margaritas

Tequilais key to margaritas, though there are other fascinating tequila co*cktails to explore. Generally, you'll want to stock at least one nice tequila.

• The most versatile style is blanco (or silver) tequila, and it's the best option for a one-tequila bar.
• For a little upgrade, add a slightly aged reposado as well.

Two Good Rums Are Better Than One

A well-stocked bar has at least two bottles of rum. You can spend as little or as much as you like, though rum tends to be one of the more affordable liquors.

• A light rum will be your workhorse for most co*cktails, from the Daiquiri to the Mojito.
• As a secondary rum, take your pick of aged, dark, or spiced rum. Each has its own purpose, and which you choose will depend on your taste and the drinks you enjoy. If you really liketropical co*cktails, dark rum is essential.

Choose Your Whiskey

Things get complicated when it comes to stocking whiskeybecause each style has its own characteristics and uses. This category is definitely going to be adapted to your personal style. In general, two bottles are good to start, and you can always add more. Ideally, a bar should have one bottle of each style.

• For the most versatility and mixability, stock a bourbon and Canadian whisky. The bourbon will give you that robust whiskey flavor, while the Canadian blends tend to be very smooth.
• Rye whiskey is another excellent choice for everyday mixed drinks. Though some drinkers find it too spicy, rye is excellent in almost any co*cktail that calls for a generic whiskey. If you enjoy classic co*cktails, give rye a try for an authentic taste.
• A bottle of Irish whiskey anda decent blended scotch are good complements to any bar. While they make excellent co*cktails, they're not as common or as versatile as the other styles.

A Basic Brandy

Abottle ofbrandyrounds off a well-stocked bar, but it's not necessarily essential. Some people simply will not drink or mix with it, but if you want to explore classic co*cktails, you'll find brandy very useful.