There are numerous options for stocking a bar. You can imitate a professional institution by going the usual full bar method. This will include the essential liquors and mixers required for the most popular bar drinks, giving you the most cocktail variety. You don't have to include everything, and your home bar should be tailored to what you drink. If you prefer whiskey to vodka, concentrate on expanding your whiskey collection. Liqueurs and nonalcoholic mixers are the same. After all, there's no point in stocking something you won't utilise. Consider what you prefer to drink and tailor your bar to your personal style, taste, and budget.
1. Essential Liquors
A well-rounded bar should include at least one bottle of each of the six base liquors, which serve as the foundation for the majority of cocktails. Having a good assortment of them on hand will ensure that you can make practically any cocktail on the spur of the moment. You'll be ready if you want a whiskey cocktail tonight. When brandy, gin, rum, tequila, or vodka seem appealing, you're ready to grab the shaker and make a drink.
Vodka
Vodka has the cleanest, most transparent flavour of any distilled alcohol, and it is used in more drinks than any other distilled spirit. Some folks prefer vodka more than others, so stock accordingly.
•A decent low-cost bottle is ideal for tall drinks such as the screwdriver and bloody mary.
•If you want to make a vodka martini, invest in a high-quality bottle.
•Fill the glass with your favourite flavoured vodkas. Citrus and vanilla vodkas are old standbys in a typical bar.
Gin
Gin is not for everyone. However, every bar should have at least one bottle.
•A nice bottle of London dry gin is recommended at the very least. This is the most adaptable, and it can be used in everything from a dry martini to a gin and tonic.
•Then, experiment with the gin's adaptability. Every brand is unique, and you may personalise your bar with a diverse range of botanicals.
Tequila For Margaritas
Tequila is essential in margaritas, but there are many more intriguing tequila cocktails to try. In general, you should have at least one good tequila on hand.
•Blanco (or silver) tequila is the most adaptable variety and the ideal choice for a one-tequila bar.
•Add a slightly aged reposado for a slight boost.
Rum
At least two bottles of rum can be found in a well-stocked bar. You can spend as little or as much as you want, however rum is one of the less expensive liquors.
•Most cocktails, from the daiquiri to the mojito, will benefit from a mild rum.
•Choose between aged, dark, or spiced rum as a secondary rum. Each serves a distinct purpose, and which you choose will be determined by your preferences and the drinks you enjoy. Dark rum is required if you enjoy tropical cocktails.
Whiskey
When it comes to whiskey, things get difficult because each kind has its own features and functions. This category will undoubtedly be tailored to your unique preferences. Usually, two bottles are sufficient to begin, and you may easily add more afterwards. A bar should ideally contain one bottle of each kind.
•Stock bourbon and Canadian whiskey for maximum variety and mixability. The bourbon will provide a powerful whiskey flavour, whilst the Canadian blends will be very smooth.
•Another great option for everyday mixed drinks is rye whiskey. Though some people find it overly peppery, rye works well in practically any beverage that calls for whiskey. If you prefer vintage drinks, consider rye for a more authentic flavour.
•A bottle of Irish whiskey and a fine blended scotch are great additions to any bar. They produce fantastic cocktails, but they aren't as common or adaptable as the other kinds.
Brandy
A bottle of brandy completes a well-stocked bar, but it is not required. Some individuals just will not drink or combine with it, but if you want to experiment with classic cocktails, brandy will come in handy.
2. Essential Liqueurs
Liqueurs are frequently used as flavouring additives in cocktails. They are sometimes the only distilled liquor in a drink. Liqueurs come in every taste imaginable, and a bottle can endure for quite some time. Begin with the fundamentals and progressively expand your inventory as you see fit.
The Fundamental Liqueurs
As you look through cocktail recipes, you'll notice that some liqueurs occur more frequently than others. These are some of the most common:
Amaretto: This almond-flavoured liqueur can be found in both upscale and casual cocktails.
Coffee Liqueur: White Russians and a plethora of other cocktails rely on a bottle like Kahlua.
Dry and Sweet Vermouth: These are technically fortified wines, but they are required for martinis.
Irish Cream Liqueur: Baileys is a popular brand, but there are others to try. You can also keep another cream liqueur on hand, such as RumChata.
Orange Liqueur: This one is indispensable in various cocktails. Curaçao, triple sec, Cointreau, and Grand Marnier are among the options, and many bars keep two or more bottles on hand.
Secondary Liqueurs
The following liqueurs are also worth considering, depending on your drinking style and favourite drinks. If you're putting together a full bar, a bottle of each is well enough, and you'll be able to prepare practically any drink you come across.
Bénédictine D.O.M.: A smooth sweet honey and herb liqueur famously coupled with brandy in the B&B.
Chambord: This is the classic black raspberry liqueur brand, but any bottle of this taste will suffice.
Crème de Cacao: Unlike certain chocolate liqueurs, Crème de Cacao is either white (clear) or dark.
Crème de Menthe: This mint liqueur comes in two flavours: white (clear) and green. A decent replacement is peppermint schnapps.
Ginger Liqueur: Ginger liqueurs give beverages a delicious spiciness. Domaine de Canton is well-known, yet other brands have comparable flavours.
Drambuie: A scotch-based herbal liqueur that is the perfect complement to your whiskey collection.
Frangelico: The most well-known hazelnut liqueur, also looks wonderful in the liquor store.
Galliano L'Autentico: An anise and vanilla liqueur that isn't necessary but useful in drinks like the Harvey Wallbanger. The issue is finding a spot in the bar for the extra-large bottle.
Maraschino Liqueur: A decent cherry-flavoured liqueur is a welcome addition, and there are several to choose from.
Melon Liqueur: This bright green liqueur is infused with luscious melons. Midori is the most well-known melon liqueur, although any brand can make some really interesting beverages.
St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur: This floral liqueur shines in the modern bar and creates intriguing cocktails.
3. Fundamental Non-Alcoholic Mixers
Nonalcoholic liquids that add taste and volume to cocktails are known as mixers. The majority of these are probably already in your kitchen and can be obtained at practically any grocery shop. Many mixers will last for a long time in your bar. Check their freshness on a regular basis and keep an eye out for expiration dates.
Ice
The most vital element in drinks is ice. You'll utilise it in 98 per cent of your cocktails, either while mixing or directly in the glass. However, not all ice is made equal, and it is critical to utilise clean, fresh ice and understand the differences between the various types of ice. A little information goes a long way toward making every drink you make better.
Essential Juices
Juice is simple to obtain: just pick up a bottle or two on your next trip to the grocery. Of course, fresh juice is preferable whenever feasible. However, such bottles of ready-to-pour juices are incredibly convenient for everyday sipping.
Lemon and lime juice: Used as garnishes in far too many cocktails, these citrus fruits are indispensable in the bar. They're also the most convenient to squeeze fresh.
Orange juice: It will instantly diversify your cocktail game, from the screwdriver to the tequila sunrise and many more cocktails.
Cranberry juice: Whether for a cosmopolitan or a vodka cranberry, this delicious juice is necessary for a variety of outstanding beverages.
Grapefruit juice: Not necessary, but quite lovely to have on hand. Grapefruit works well in both tall and short drinks and is perfect for summer cocktails.
Pineapple juice: A lot of pineapple juice is used in tropical cocktails. Purchase small bottles or cans to ensure that it is constantly fresh.
Tomato juice: If you enjoy a bloody mary, tomato juice is an absolute must.
Essential Sodas
Consider keeping a selection of sodas on hand. The list is straightforward and includes the fundamentals that you are likely to encounter in recipes. When shopping for sodas, try to avoid the most well-known brands. Today's craft soda business is astounding, and it can significantly improve even the most basic of mixed cocktails.
•Tonic Water
•Club Soda
•Ginger Ale
•Cola
•Diet Cola
•Lemon And Lime Soda
When purchasing soda for the bar, try to purchase small bottles. Individual amounts for one or two beverages will prevent you from mixing with flat soda. Litre bottles are ideal for semi-daily sodas that will be consumed within a week, and two-litre bottles are best held for party service.
4. Fundamental Garnishes
Cocktail garnishes are the finishing touch that adds visual appeal as well as a splash of flavour. In reality, you're unlikely to add a garnish to every drink. Squeezing a lime wedge into a gin and tonic or sprinkling an orange peel over your martinis, on the other hand, can elevate your drinks from ordinary to extraordinary.
The Fundamentals
The three citrus fruits, whether as twists, wheels, or wedges, are the most commonly used garnishes. Keep a few of each on hand to serve as a garnish as well as a source of fresh juice.
• Lemons
•Limes
•Oranges
• Maraschino cherries: Make your own or look for more natural maraschinos than the bright crimson, syrupy ones that are so popular.
Extras
Olives: A necessary component of the classic dry martini garnish.
Cocktail onions: They are amazing substitutes for olives and the secret to making a Gibson out of your martini.
Mint: It is a simple herb to cultivate in a kitchen garden and is a need if you're making mint juleps and mojitos.
Granulated sugar or coarse salt: For beverages like margaritas, coarse salt and granulated sugar are used to give the rim of your glass a sweet or salty flavour.
Cinnamon: A single cinnamon stick gives hot drinks a wonderful flavour.
Grated nutmeg: It is a wonderful addition to many creamy, wintertime cocktails.
Pickles or celery: The traditional toppings for a nice bloody mary are celery or pickles.
Whipped cream: It makes a tasty finishing touch for sweet dessert cocktails. The convenience of canned whipped topping is unrivalled.