For a well-equipped home bar, you’ll want to ensure you have a variety of tools, spirits, mixers, and glassware to cater to a wide range of tastes and cocktail recipes. Here’s a basic list to get you started:
Spirits
- Vodka – A versatile spirit used in many cocktails.
- Gin – Essential for classic cocktails like the Martini and Gin & Tonic.
- Rum (both white and dark) – For tropical drinks like Mojitos and Pina Coladas.
- Tequila – For Margaritas and Tequila Sunrises.
- Whiskey (including Bourbon and Scotch) – For Whiskey Sours, Old Fashioneds, and Manhattans.
- Brandy or Cognac – For Sidecars and Brandy Alexanders.
- Vermouth (both dry and sweet) – For Martini and Manhattan.
Liqueurs
- Triple sec (or Cointreau) – A citrus-flavored liqueur for Margaritas and Cosmopolitans.
- Amaretto – An almond-flavored liqueur for Amaretto Sours.
- Bailey’s Irish Cream – For creamy cocktails and coffee drinks.
- Campari or Aperol – For Negronis and Aperol Spritzes.
Mixers
- Club soda and tonic water
- Cola, ginger ale, and lemon-lime soda
- Juices (orange, cranberry, pineapple, and lime)
- Simple syrup and grenadine
- Angostura bitters – A staple for many classic cocktails.
Tools
- Cocktail shaker
- Strainer
- Jigger (measuring tool)
- Bar spoon
- Muddler
- Citrus juicer or reamer
- Ice bucket with tongs
- Bottle opener and corkscrew
Glassware
- Highball and lowball (Old Fashioned) glasses
- Martini glasses
- Wine glasses (for both red and white wines)
- Shot glasses
- Margarita glasses and copper mugs (for Moscow Mules)
Extras
- Garnishes like lemons, limes, oranges, maraschino cherries, and olives.
- Cutting board and knife for preparing garnishes.
- Cocktail napkins or coasters.
- Ice maker or trays for plenty of ice.
- This list covers the essentials, but feel free to customize your home bar based on your personal preferences and the types of drinks you enjoy making.
