Lena Savoie
Setting up a home bar can be an expensive endeavour, so it's important to be selective about what alcohol you stock. The drinks you choose to buy should be based on your personal preferences and the cocktails you want to make. A well-rounded bar should include a variety of base liquors, such as brandy, gin, rum, tequila, and vodka, which can be used to make a range of cocktails. You may also want to consider mixers, such as bitters, simple syrup, and grenadine, as well as tools like cocktail shakers, spoons, and strainers. If you're looking to save money, you can opt for wallet-friendly alternatives to expensive spirits and build your collection over time.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Base liquors | Brandy, gin, rum, tequila, vodka, whiskey |
| Clear spirits | Vodka |
| Brown spirits | Whiskey, rum |
| Sparkling wine | Cava, Prosecco, American sparkling wines, Champagne |
| Mixers | Popular mixers for cocktails, non-alcoholic drinks |
| Bitters | Aromatic, orange, lavender, habanero, chocolate |
| Simple syrup | Water, sugar |
| Sour mix | Tropical cocktails |
| Grenadine | Pomegranate juice |
| Milk, half-and-half, or cream | Buy as needed |
| Coffee | French press |
| Tea | Black teas |
| Tabasco sauce and Worcestershire sauce | Accompaniments to tomato juice |
| Variety of sodas | Small bottles |
| Bar tools | Bottle opener, wine opener, corkscrew, electric wine opener, jigger, cocktail shaker, mixing glass, bar spoon, Hawthorne strainer, julep strainer, fine mesh strainer, ice molds |
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What You'll Learn
- Cocktail-making equipment: shakers, strainers, spoons, ice moulds, and a jigger for measuring
- Base liquors: gin, rum, tequila, vodka, brandy, and whiskey
- Mixers: bitters, simple syrup, sour mix, grenadine, and soda
- Liqueurs: Chambord, Crème de Cacao, Crème de Menthe, ginger liqueur, and Drambuie
- Extras: Coffee, tea, Tabasco, Worcestershire sauce, lemons, and limes
Cocktail-making equipment: shakers, strainers, spoons, ice moulds, and a jigger for measuring
Cocktail-making equipment is essential for any home bar. Here are some key tools to help you craft delicious drinks:
Shakers
A cocktail shaker is indispensable for mixing drinks. It blends flavours while chilling, aerating, and diluting the cocktail. The two most common types are the Boston-style and the cobbler. Boston-style shakers are favoured by professional bartenders as they are faster to use and easier to clean. Cobbler shakers, on the other hand, are ideal for home use. They consist of a tumbler, a lid with a built-in strainer, and a cap, making them easier to handle and shake.
Strainers
Strainers are necessary to prevent ice, herbs, and other solid ingredients from dropping into your cocktail. The two main types are Hawthorne and julep strainers. Hawthorne strainers have coils of metal around their perimeter, ensuring a snug fit over shakers or mixing glasses. Julep strainers, with their wide perforated spoons and short handles, offer an elegant option but require more skill to use.
Spoons
A long-handled bar spoon is essential for stirring and layering cocktails. It is used to mix ingredients and create layers in both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
Ice moulds
Ice plays a crucial role in cocktails, and using clear, odourless ice is essential. Investing in ice moulds allows you to create craft ice that enhances your drinks.
Jigger for measuring
A jigger is a must-have for precise cocktail measurements. It ensures consistency in your drinks. Standard jiggers are double-sided, typically measuring 1.5 ounces on one side and 0.75 to 1 ounce on the other. Japanese-style jiggers feature a taller, skinnier design, usually measuring 2 ounces on one side and 1 ounce on the other.
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Base liquors: gin, rum, tequila, vodka, brandy, and whiskey
When it comes to base liquors, it's a good idea to have a selection of at least six different types: gin, rum, tequila, vodka, brandy, and whiskey. This will give you a well-rounded home bar and ensure you can mix up almost any cocktail.
Gin is a clear spirit with a distinct flavour derived from botanicals. It is a key ingredient in many classic cocktails, such as the Negroni, Martini, and Gin and Tonic. London Dry Gin is a good option for cocktails, as it typically offers good value for money.
Rum is a versatile spirit that comes in both white and dark varieties. It is a key ingredient in many tropical cocktails, such as a rum punch, and tiki drinks. For dark rum, Plantation and Diplomatico are excellent options, while Cruzan will give you the best bang for your buck.
Tequila is a spirit native to Mexico, made from the blue agave plant. It is a essential ingredient in cocktails like Palomas, Mexican Mules, and Tequila Negronis. Look for tequila made with 100% agave and distilled twice, like Tanteo, for a versatile option that mixes well in drinks.
Vodka is a clear, flavourless spirit that is very mixable. It is a key ingredient in iconic cocktails such as the Kangaroo, Vodka Martini, Cosmopolitan, Moscow Mule, and White Russian. Potato vodka is known for its smooth taste, while corn vodka, like Tito's, is a good gluten-free option.
Brandy is a fortified wine that has been distilled. The most popular type is Cognac, made with grapes from the Cognac region of France. Brandy is a common substitute for whiskey in cocktails like the Manhattan or Old Fashioned, and it is also enjoyed on its own as a digestif.
Whiskey is a popular brown spirit with a wide range of flavours. Tennessee whiskey, like Jack Daniel's, has a softer taste due to its production methods. Flavoured whiskies, like Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey, are also worth stocking for their popularity.
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Mixers: bitters, simple syrup, sour mix, grenadine, and soda
Bitters are a key component of any home bar. They are flavour extracts made by infusing barks, flowers, roots, berries, citrus peels, and other botanicals into a neutral alcohol base. The high alcohol content helps extract flavour during the infusion process. However, bitters can also be made without alcohol, using a glycerin base instead. They are typically sold in small bottles and are meant to be used sparingly—a dash or a drop or two is enough to add depth and complexity to a cocktail. The most classic variety is Angostura, but there are now many different kinds, including lavender, habanero, and chocolate bitters.
Simple syrup is another important mixer for a home bar. It is made from equal parts water and sugar and is used to sweeten and add body to cocktails. It can be made with white granulated sugar, or you can experiment with different sugars, such as brown sugar, to add a deeper, caramel-like flavour. Simple syrup is a very versatile ingredient and can also be used to sweeten teas, coffees, and baked goods.
Sour mix, also known as sweet and sour mix, is a mixer that is commonly used in cocktails. It is made from equal parts lemon and/or lime juice and simple syrup, shaken vigorously with ice. This results in a pearly-white liquid with a strong flavour. Egg whites can also be added to give the liquid a slightly foamy texture. Sour mix is often mixed with liquors to make sour drinks, such as vodka sour or whiskey sour. It can also be served neat or with juice or club soda as a soft drink.
Grenadine is a non-alcoholic bar syrup commonly used as a cocktail ingredient. It is distinguished by its sweetness, mild flavour, and red colour. Grenadine was traditionally made from pomegranate, but today it is more commonly made from commercially produced natural or artificial flavours, as well as substitute fruits such as blackcurrant, elderberry, or raspberry. It is a popular ingredient in both modern and classic cocktails, including the El Presidente (rum, orange curaçao, vermouth, and grenadine) and the Mary Pickford (white rum, pineapple juice, and grenadine).
Finally, soda is an essential mixer for a home bar. In the context of cocktails, soda typically refers to unflavoured sparkling water, with or without added minerals. It can be used to mix with spirits to create drinks such as a vodka soda.
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Liqueurs: Chambord, Crème de Cacao, Crème de Menthe, ginger liqueur, and Drambuie
When it comes to stocking a home bar, liqueurs are an essential component, adding unique flavours and versatility to your drink options. Here's a guide to some of the liqueurs you might consider, including Chambord, Crème de Cacao, Crème de Menthe, ginger liqueur, and Drambuie:
Chambord
Chambord is a luxurious French raspberry liqueur with a rich history, often presented in an elegant, star-shaped bottle. It is perfect for adding a touch of sweetness and a vibrant red hue to your cocktails. Chambord is quite versatile and can be used in various cocktail recipes, from elegant martinis to fun, fruity punches.
Crème de Cacao
This is a decadent chocolate liqueur that comes in both white (clear) and brown varieties, with the primary difference being their colours. Crème de Cacao is ideal for creating indulgent, chocolate-themed cocktails, such as a Smore-Tini or a Choc-Peppermint Shake. It pairs well with other liqueurs, spirits, and mixers, making it a versatile addition to your home bar.
Crème de Menthe
Crème de Menthe is a refreshing mint-flavoured liqueur that comes in both clear and green versions. It is commonly used in cocktails like the Grasshopper and adds a delightful minty freshness to your drinks. When choosing a brand, consider options like Tempus Fugit or Giffard, which offer quality products.
Ginger Liqueur
Ginger liqueur brings a spicy kick to your cocktails, with options like the King's Ginger providing a potent punch of flavour. Ginger liqueurs pair well with ingredients like lime, mezcal, and rum. They are perfect for creating unique cocktails with a spicy-sweet balance, such as a Dark 'n Stormy variation or a twist on a traditional julep.
Drambuie
Drambuie is a classic whisky liqueur with a long history, originating from a recipe said to be a favourite of Bonnie Prince Charlie. It has a distinctive flavour profile that includes notes of honey and herbs, making it a unique addition to your home bar. Drambuie is perfect for enjoying on its own or mixing into cocktails for a touch of complexity.
Remember, when building your home bar, there's no need to rush. Take your time to collect bottles that suit your taste preferences and the types of cocktails you enjoy making at home.
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Extras: Coffee, tea, Tabasco, Worcestershire sauce, lemons, and limes
When setting up a home bar, it is important to stock up on the right alcohol, mixers, and other essentials to be able to serve a variety of drinks. While the alcohol forms the base of your home bar, extras such as coffee, tea, Tabasco, Worcestershire sauce, lemons, and limes can add flavour and flair to your drinks.
Coffee and Tea
Coffee and tea are great additions to your home bar. Coffee can be a great morning drink and can be served in a variety of ways, from espressos to lattes. You can set up a coffee bar in your home with a coffee machine, essentials like coffee grounds and syrups, and coffee mugs. You can also add tea as a refreshing alternative to coffee.
Tabasco and Worcestershire Sauce
Tabasco is a brand of pepper sauce that can add a spicy kick to your drinks. You can spice up a Bloody Mary or mix up a cocktail classic with a dash of Tabasco sauce. Similarly, Worcestershire sauce can be used as a mixer in drinks like the Bloody Mary.
Lemons and Limes
Lemons and limes are versatile citrus fruits that can be used in a variety of drinks. They can add a tangy twist to cocktails, mocktails, and other drinks. You can also use lemons to make lemon bars, a delicious dessert that is easy to make and perfect for serving at home.
In addition to these extras, don't forget to stock up on the essential alcohols for your home bar. This includes clear spirits like vodka, gin, and tequila, as well as brown spirits like whiskey and rum. Sparkling wine is also a great addition, as it can be used to make a variety of cocktails or to toast special occasions. Lastly, don't forget the mixers, such as tonic water, soda, and juice, to complete your home bar setup.
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Frequently asked questions
The essential alcohols for a home bar are the base liquors: vodka, gin, rum, tequila, whiskey, and brandy.
Mixers are the non-alcoholic ingredients used in cocktails. Common mixers include sodas, tonic water, ginger ale, and fruit juices.
Popular cocktails include the Gin and Tonic, Daiquiri, Mojito, Martini, Cosmopolitan, Moscow Mule, White Russian, and Sidecar.
Fresh herbs, citrus fruits, berries, and olives are commonly used as garnishes. In addition, simple syrup, bitters, and grenadine are useful ingredients to have on hand.
