Stocking Your Home Bar

Liquor And Mixers You Need To Stock A Bar

       Stocking a full bar can get expensive, but there are ways to save a few bucks.  You can start off by only buying the basics.  You also don't need to buy all high end liquor.  If you do prefer to drink more expensive drinks, but want to save some cash its not a bad idea to keep two sets of bottles.  One set of cheap liquor that goes out for guests that wont appreciate the high end stuff or even know the difference.

Basic Liquors

        You will need a few basic liquors that are the base for almost any mixed drink you make.  The things you'll need are:

• Vodka
• Gin
• Rum
• Whiskey
• Tequila

       You'll find that you go through a fair bit of all of these common liquors so back up bottles are always a good idea.

Secondary Liquors

       Your secondary liquors are probably going to appeal to some people but it is forgiveable if you dont have them.

• Scotch
• Brandy
• Cognac
• Irish Whiskey
• Jagermeister
• Rumplemintz

       If you're not a scotch or cognac drinker yourself, there is no reason to try and buy high end bottles of either.  You are going to spend a lot of money and probably won't hit the mark anyway.

Liqueurs / Cordials

• Blue Curacao
• Midori
• Cointreau
• Grand Marnier
• Triple Sec
• Kahlua
• Bailey's Irish Cream
• Peach Tree
• Amaretto
• Puckers
• Chambord
• Frangellico
• Creme de Menthe
• Creme de Cacao
• Anisette

       If you want to save some money almost all of these name brand liqueurs are also made by Mr. Boston for only a few bucks a bottle.  Its nice to have all of these liqueurs so that you can make a lot of different mixed drinks and shots.  You'll find that most of these bottles will last you years as well. 

Mixers / Non-Alcoholic

• Grenadine
• Sour Mix
• Lime Juice
• Cola
• Diet Cola
• Red Bull
• Orange Juice
• Pineapple Juice
• Cranberry Juice
• Grapefruit Juice
• Tomato Juice
• Sprite / 7up
• Soda
• Tonic
• Ginger Ale
• Cream
• Milk

       Its a good idea to buy juice in the 8oz cans so that it stays good for a lot longer unless you plan to have a big party and do a huge volume of drink orders.  Milk and cream will need to be purchased fresh.

Condiments / Garnish

• Cherries
• Olives
• Cocktail Onions
• Bitters
• Worcestershire Sauce
• Tabasco Sauce
• Salt
• Pepper
• Sugar
• Lemons
• Limes
• Oranges
• Picks or Umbrellas

       Most of these things you can buy and keep for a long time in a refrigerator.  Some things like the fresh lemons, limes, and oranges will have to be replaced regularly.

For Drink Recipes and Cocktail ideas visit our partner site Tha Mixologist.

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