Vivian Marlowe
Stocking a bar can be an overwhelming task, but it doesn't have to be. The drinks you choose to stock will depend on your drinking style, favourite cocktails, and the drinks you actually consume. If you're a whiskey drinker, focus on diversifying your whiskey selection. The same goes for liqueurs and non-alcoholic mixers. You don't need to stock something you're not going to use. A well-rounded bar should include at least one bottle of each of the six base liquors: vodka, gin, rum, tequila, whiskey, and cognac. From there, you can expand or limit your selection based on customer demand or your personal preferences.
If you're looking to mix cocktails, you'll need some additional tools and ingredients. A bar spoon, muddler, jigger, cocktail shaker, and strainer are all essential for creating the perfect drink. As for mixers, you'll want to have a variety of juices, syrups, and sodas on hand. Fresh herbs, citrus fruits, and berries can be used as garnishes to add a splash of visual appeal and flavour to your drinks.
So, what alcohol do you need for a full bar? The answer depends on your unique needs and preferences, but with the right combination of base liquors, mixers, tools, and garnishes, you'll be well on your way to crafting delicious drinks and impressing your guests.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Base liquors | Vodka, gin, rum, tequila, whiskey, cognac |
| Whiskey types | Bourbon, rye, Irish, Scotch |
| Wine | Red, white, rosé, sparkling |
| Beer | Lager, ale, stout, pilsner, IPA, wheat beer |
| Cider | Gluten-free option |
| Mixers | Triple sec, dry vermouth, sweet vermouth, bitters, Irish cream, Italian liqueurs, peach liqueur, grapefruit juice, tonic water, club soda, ginger ale, ginger beer, Coca-Cola |
| Garnishes | Lime, lemon, pitted green olives, mint, salt, citrus fruits, berries, maraschino cherries, cocktail onions, celery, pickles, whipped cream |
| Bar tools | Bar spoon, muddler, jigger, cocktail shaker, strainer |
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What You'll Learn
Spirits: gin, rum, tequila, whiskey, vodka
A well-rounded bar should include at least one bottle of each of the six base liquors: brandy, gin, rum, tequila, vodka, and whiskey.
Gin is distilled from neutral grains such as barley, corn, rye, and wheat, and flavoured with a variety of botanicals, which vary by brand. The primary flavour that defines gin comes from juniper berries, which impart its signature "piney" aroma and taste. The older style of gins (e.g. genever, Old Tom, Plymouth) has a gentle sweetness. Gin is produced worldwide but is historically best known as a product of Europe, particularly the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. London Dry Gin is the most versatile and can work in everything from a Dry Martini to a Gin and Tonic.
Rum is a distilled alcoholic beverage made from sugarcane byproducts, such as molasses, or directly from sugarcane juice, by a process of fermentation and distillation. Light rum is the most versatile and works in most cocktails, from the Daiquiri to the Mojito. Dark rum is essential for tropical cocktails.
Tequila is distilled from the fermented juices of the agave plant. Blanco (or silver) tequila is unaged, while Reposado and Añejo tequilas are aged, often in used whiskey (bourbon) oak barrels. Tequila has a great flavour profile that mixes well into a variety of cocktails, from margaritas and frozen cocktails to spicy cocktails and party shots.
Vodka can be distilled from almost anything but is most commonly distilled from neutral grains (rye, corn, wheat, etc.) and potatoes. It has a neutral taste, which makes it the most versatile spirit available today. Vodka cocktails include almost every imaginable flavour profile, from sweet to savory, fruits to herbs, and spices to sparkling mixers.
Whiskey is a more complicated category, as each style has its own characteristics and uses. In general, it is made from corn, rye, wheat, or barley, and there are commonly recognized categories: Irish, Scotch, rye, bourbon, and Canadian. In general, two bottles are good to start with, and you can always add more.
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Mixers: tonic water, ginger ale, bitters, vermouth
When it comes to setting up a full bar, mixers are essential. While the alcohol forms the base of the cocktail, mixers add flavour and volume.
Tonic water is a classic mixer, pairing well with gin and vodka. It is a key ingredient in the famous gin and tonic, and vodka tonic. Tonic water is a great mixer to have on hand, as it is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of cocktails.
Ginger ale is another popular mixer. It is a key ingredient in drinks such as the Moscow Mule and Dark 'n Stormy. Ginger ale adds a spicy, sharp flavour to cocktails and is a great option for those who like their drinks with a kick.
Bitters are an interesting and versatile mixer. They are used to enhance the flavour of cocktails and are often described as the "salt and pepper" of cocktail mixers. Bitters are commonly used in drinks such as the Old Fashioned and the Manhattan. They add a complex layer of flavour to cocktails and are a key ingredient in many classic drinks.
Vermouth is a fortified and aromatized wine used as a mixer. It is an essential ingredient in martinis and is also commonly used in Manhattans and Negronis. Vermouth is a versatile mixer that can be used in a variety of cocktails, adding a depth of flavour.
Other popular mixers include fruit juices such as grapefruit, pineapple, tomato, and cranberry juice, as well as simple syrup, coffee, and soda water. It is important to have a variety of mixers on hand to cater to different tastes and create a range of cocktails.
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Liqueurs: Irish cream, Italian, peach, orange
Liqueurs are an essential component of a full bar. While liqueurs are not necessary, they can be nice to have, and a bottle or two will allow you to mix almost any cocktail.
Irish cream liqueur is a must-have, especially if you plan to serve alcoholic coffee. Baileys is the most popular brand, offering a variety of niche flavours. For Italian liqueurs, Campari and Aperol are universally loved and perfect for a hot summer's day. Campari is also essential for making a Negroni or Boulevardier. If you want to make cocktails like a Woo Woo, Sex on the Beach, or Bellini, you'll need a bottle of peach liqueur.
Orange liqueurs, such as Cointreau, Grand Marnier, or Gran Torres, are another great option for a full bar. They are commonly used in classic cocktails like the White Lady and the Blood Orange Jalapeño Margarita. Bitters, including aromatic and orange bitters, are also versatile ingredients that can enhance the flavour of almost any cocktail. A bottle of each will last for years.
Other liqueurs to consider include Bénédictine D.O.M. (a sweet honey and herb liqueur), Chambord (a black raspberry liqueur), Crème de Cacao (a chocolate liqueur), Crème de Menthe (a mint liqueur), ginger liqueur, and Drambuie (a Scotch-based herbal liqueur that pairs well with whiskey).
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Garnishes: citrus fruits, herbs, olives, salt
Garnishes are an essential component of a full bar. They add a splash of visual appeal and flavour to a finished cocktail. At a minimum, provide lime and lemon wedges, pitted green olives, and kosher salt.
Citrus fruits are a versatile garnish with a wide array of potential. Lemon wheels, lime wedges, grapefruit slices, and an orange twist are all great options. You can also use citrus fruits for fresh juice, such as lime juice and lemon juice. Buy fresh or don't buy at all.
Olives are another classic garnish, essential for a traditional Dry Martini. Make sure to get anchovy-free olives to avoid a greasy, fishy taste in your Martini. If you're hosting a Martini night, you can offer cocktail onions as a fun alternative to olives, which will turn your martini into a Gibson.
Herbs are a great way to add a fresh flavour to your cocktails. Mint is the most common herb used in bartending, especially in cocktails like Mojitos and Mint Juleps. Basil and rosemary are also used in bartending and mixology.
Salt is a useful garnish to have on hand, as it can be used to add a salty rim to drinks like the Margarita.
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Glassware: beer mugs, shot glasses, martini/cocktail glasses
When it comes to glassware, there are a few essential types that you'll need for a full bar. Firstly, beer mugs are a must-have for serving beer and cider. Shot glasses are also essential for serving shots and measuring spirits for cocktails. Martini/cocktail glasses are versatile and can be used for serving martinis, cocktails, and other mixed drinks.
Beer mugs are typically made of glass or ceramic and have a handle for holding. They come in various sizes, but a standard mug holds about a pint of beer. Shot glasses are small, straight-sided glasses that typically hold about 1.5 ounces of liquid. Martini/cocktail glasses are elegant, stemmed glasses with a wide, shallow bowl and a capacity of about 4-6 ounces.
In addition to the above, it is also useful to have a range of other glassware, such as highball glasses for tall drinks, lowball glasses for spirits and short cocktails, and wine glasses for serving wine. It is also a good idea to have some extra glasses on hand for guests who prefer a different type of glass or in case of breakages.
Finally, don't forget the accessories! Coasters or beer mats are essential to protect your surfaces and add a touch of style. Napkins or cocktail towels are also a must-have to prevent spills and keep your bar area tidy. With the right glassware and accessories, your bar will be fully equipped to serve a variety of drinks and create an enjoyable experience for your guests.
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Frequently asked questions
The base liquors you should always stock are vodka, gin, rum, tequila, and whiskey.
You should stock a bottle of each of the following: cognac, bourbon, blended Scotch, triple sec, dry vermouth, sweet vermouth, and bitters. You can also add liqueurs like Irish cream, coffee- or almond-flavored liqueur, Bénédictine D.O.M., Chambord, Crème de Cacao, Crème de Menthe, ginger liqueur, and Drambuie.
Mixers such as club soda, tonic water, cola, ginger ale, cranberry juice, orange juice, grapefruit juice, and lemon/lime juice are essential. Simple syrup, sour mix, grenadine, milk/cream, coffee, and bitters are also good to have. For garnishes, stock up on lime and lemon wedges, pitted green olives, kosher salt, mint leaves, lemon twists, maraschino cherries, cocktail onions, cinnamon sticks, grated nutmeg, celery/pickles, and whipped cream.
For glassware, you'll need beer mugs, shot glasses, martini/cocktail glasses, rock glasses (tall and short), and wine glasses. Essential bar tools include a bar spoon, muddler, jigger, cocktail shaker, and strainer.
