Have you ever been invited to someone’s house for drinks and had that sinking feeling when you saw one or two bottles of cheap liquor sitting on the countertop? Suddenly, you’ve got to decide “Am I going to drink that?”.
Every home should have a properly stocked bar – it’s the right thing to do. And besides, you can forget ever being considered a Bon Vivant if you can’t host an impromptu cocktail party.
I would always recommend brands that are mid-range in price unless you have specific labels that you prefer. You never want your liquor to scream “cheap”, but there is also no reason to go overboard unless it’s a gift or the occasion calls for it.
Remember, the more liquor a drink has in it the more important the quality. A martini, for example, is all liquor so be sure to have good vodka and gin on hand. Scotch is also generally served on the rocks or with soda so quality counts there as well. When in doubt, err on the side of better brands.
Let’s start with the basics – at minimum, you should have at least one bottle each of the following six liquors. These will make for a well-rounded bar and are the foundations for the majority of cocktails.
Bourbon – Bourbon brands come in a huge variety. Along with rum, it is one of the few liquors often mixed with cola. In that case, there is no need to go too expensive. If you think you will want to be using it in cocktails (like a Manhattan) or served on the rocks, go with a better label.
Gin – Not everyone is a fan of gin, although it is having a renaissance with several craft brands coming onto the market. It is the base for an old-school martini and makes for a refreshing summer drink mixed with tonic. There are several good British brands to choose from.
Rum – Rum will probably be the most affordable liquor in your cabinet. It is the base of a daquiri and a mojito and commonly used in tropical concoctions. Stick with a light rum unless you want to keep more than one bottle.
Scotch – Scotch drinkers usually have their favorite brands. If you are a scotch drinker, you know. If you’re not, ask a friend who is. One good blended scotch should be sufficient.
Tequila – Tequila is the base for the ever-popular margarita. Stick with a blanco (silver) unless you consider yourself a connoisseur.
Vodka – Vodka is by far the most popular and versatile liquor. It mixes well with both soda and tonic as well as fruits and vegetables (screwdrivers and bloody Marys). It is also popular in a martini, so keep at least one “good bottle” available.
Side note – a basic bottle of brandy isn’t necessary, but you will find that it is called for in the recipes for several “classic cocktails”. It couldn’t hurt, right? And it keeps.
Along with the six basic liquors, you will want to have each of these liqueurs to round out your bar.
Campari – Can you say Negroni?
Dry Vermouth – You can’t make a martini without it.
Sweet Vermouth – You can’t make a Manhattan without it.
Bitters – Because you’ll need it.
Once your bar is stocked, you’ll need some essential equipment to complete the tasks of a mixologist. The tools of the trade include a zester, cocktail spoon, cocktail shaker, strainer, jigger, muddler, corkscrew, blender, ice bucket, juicer and toothpicks. It goes without saying that you will also want a good selection of quality glassware in your bar – wine glasses, champagne flutes, highballs, tumblers and martini glasses.
When you’re ready to entertain, you will need to purchase some “fresh ingredients” to successfully fulfill your role as host.
Essential Mixers – Club Soda, tonic, cola, orange juice, lemon/lime soda
As needed – Ginger ale, tomato juice, cranberry juice, grapefruit juice, tabasco & worcestershire
Essential Garnishes – Lemons, limes, green olives
As needed – Cocktail onions, cherries, mint
The most important item to have on hand – Ice, and plenty of it.
