Theo Nash
There are countless types of alcohol you can stock when curating your bar. The drinks you choose to stock will depend on your preferences and those of your guests. A well-rounded bar should include at least one bottle of each of the six base liquors: vodka, gin, rum, tequila, whiskey, and brandy. You should also stock mixers, such as orange juice, pineapple juice, cranberry juice, ginger ale, Coca-Cola, Sprite, and grenadine. If you're a whiskey lover, you might want to stock multiple bourbons, ryes, and scotches. If you're a fan of cocktails, you'll want to stock liqueurs, bitters, and vermouth.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of base liquors | 6 |
| Base liquors | Vodka, gin, rum, tequila, whiskey |
| Whiskey types | Bourbon, rye, Irish, Scotch, Canadian |
| Number of whiskey bottles | 4 |
| Gin | London Dry Gin |
| Tequila | Blanco (silver) |
| Number of rum bottles | 2 |
| Brandy | Cognac, Armagnac, Pisco, Grappa |
| Liqueurs | Amaretto, Coffee Liqueur, Dry and Sweet Vermouth, Irish cream liqueur, Italian liqueurs, Peach liqueur |
| Mixers | Orange juice, pineapple juice, cranberry juice, ginger ale, ginger beer, Coca-Cola, Sprite, grenadine, lemon juice, tonic water, soda |
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What You'll Learn
Base liquors: vodka, gin, rum, tequila, and whiskey
When it comes to base liquors, there are five types that are considered essential for any bar: vodka, gin, rum, tequila, and whiskey.
Vodka
Vodka is a flavourless spirit, usually distilled from wheat, but it can be distilled from various other ingredients, with the three most popular types being wheat, potato, and corn. Potato vodka is known for lacking the sharp alcoholic taste, making it a popular choice for cocktails. Vodka is used in several iconic cocktails, including the Kangaroo, or vodka martini, the Cosmopolitan, the Moscow Mule, and the White Russian.
Gin
While gin is not to everyone's taste, it is still recommended to have at least one bottle in your bar. London Dry Gin is the most versatile option, suitable for a wide range of cocktails, from a Dry Martini to a Gin and Tonic.
Rum
Rum is a sweet spirit produced from sugar cane. White rum is the most common variety, bottled straight after distillation, and is used in classic cocktails like the mojito, daiquiri, or Piña colada. Dark rum gets its colour from maturation, and both varieties are used in cocktails like rum punch. It is recommended to have at least two bottles of rum in your bar.
Tequila
Tequila is a spirit native to Mexico, made from the blue agave plant. Blanco tequila is bottled straight after distillation and is considered the most versatile style, perfect for a bar that only has one type of tequila. Tequila is essential for cocktails like the margarita, the Mexican Mule, or the Tequila Negroni.
Whiskey
Whiskey is a broad category, with several styles and uses. It is recommended to have at least two bottles of whiskey, with one bottle of each style. For mixability and versatility, bourbon and Canadian whiskey are good choices. Bourbon has a robust flavour, while Canadian whiskey tends to be smoother. Rye whiskey is another versatile option, commonly used in cocktails.
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Mixers: orange, pineapple, cranberry, and lemon juice
If you're looking to stock your bar with alcohol that pairs well with orange, pineapple, cranberry, and lemon juice, here are some options:
Vodka
Vodka is a versatile spirit that pairs well with various mixers, including orange, cranberry, and pineapple juice. A classic vodka cranberry, also known as a Cape Cod or Cape Codder, is a popular choice. You can also add a splash of lime or orange juice to this drink for extra flavour. Another option is the Screwdriver, which is simply vodka and orange juice. For a tropical twist, pair vodka with pineapple juice, or try the Aruban cocktail, which includes vodka, orange juice, and grenadine for a stunning deep orange-red colour.
Rum
Pineapple juice and rum create tropical delights like the Piña Colada and the Mai Tai. The sweetness and tanginess of pineapple juice pair wonderfully with rum, and you can also add coconut for an extra flavour dimension. For a simple and refreshing drink, try a Rum and Pineapple, or add a splash of ginger beer to your tequila and pineapple. Spiced rum also goes well with orange juice, and you can top it off with Mountain Dew for a unique twist.
Tequila
Tequila is another spirit that pairs well with orange and pineapple juice. The Tequila Sunrise is a classic cocktail that includes tequila and orange juice, and you can also add a splash of lemon juice and simple syrup for a Sour Sunrise. For a summery treat, try the Papaya Smash, which combines añejo tequila and Aperol with papaya, orange, and lime juices. If you're looking for something simpler, a Tequila and Pineapple is always a good choice, or add a splash of ginger beer.
Gin
Gin and orange juice is a classic combination, often appearing in martinis and brunch cocktails like the Abbey Cocktail. The Tom Collins is another option, which is essentially a gin-based lemonade. For a tropical twist, try a Rum Punch, which usually includes pineapple juice along with other tropical fruit juices.
Whiskey
While not as commonly paired with the specified juices, whiskey can still be used in cocktails with these mixers. A Bourbon and OJ cocktail, such as the Belmont Breeze, captures fascinating layers of flavour, including sherry, lemon, and cranberry.
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Liqueurs: Amaretto, coffee, and orange liqueur
When it comes to stocking a bar, the liqueurs you choose should be guided by what you actually drink and use in cocktails. Liqueurs are often used as flavouring agents and come in every flavour imaginable. Here are some ideas for liqueurs to stock, focusing on Amaretto, coffee liqueur, and orange liqueur:
Amaretto
Amaretto is an almond-flavoured liqueur that is probably the most popular liqueur. It is regularly enjoyed neat but also adds important sweet, nutty undertones to popular classic cocktails like the Godfather and Amaretto Sour.
Coffee Liqueur
Coffee liqueur, such as Kahlúa, is essential for cocktails like White Russians.
Orange Liqueur
Orange liqueurs, also known as curaçao or triple sec, are pivotal ingredients in indispensable classics like the Margarita, Sidecar, Mai Tai, and Cosmopolitan. Popular brands include Cointreau, Combier, Grand Marnier, and Pierre Ferrand Dry Curacao.
Other Liqueurs
Other liqueurs to consider include Irish cream liqueur (such as Bailey's) for alcoholic coffee, Italian liqueurs like Campari and Aperol, and peach liqueur for cocktails like the Woo Woo, Sex on the Beach, or Bellini.
Mixers
Don't forget to stock up on mixers like orange juice, pineapple juice, cranberry juice, ginger ale, Coca-Cola, Sprite, and grenadine. These are essential for creating a wide range of cocktails and drinks.
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Wine: light-bodied and full-bodied reds and whites
When it comes to stocking your bar, it's a good idea to include a range of wines, such as light-bodied and full-bodied reds and whites, to cater to different tastes and occasions.
Light-bodied red wines are generally low in alcohol, tannins, and colour. They are known for their refreshing and fruity flavours, with red fruit and floral aromas. These wines are perfect for chillier days when you want something lighter and more delicate. Examples of light-bodied red wines include Pinot Noir, which has vibrant fruit flavours and silky textures due to its naturally high acid content and low tannin levels. Another option is Merlot, which falls under the medium-bodied category but is still relatively light with its smooth, moderate tannins and generous fruit flavours.
On the other hand, full-bodied red wines are bold, rich, and generous, with higher alcohol content. They tend to have more intense flavours and a denser mouthfeel. These wines are perfect for cold winter evenings by the fire or when paired with hearty dishes like red meat curries or grilled beef. Examples of full-bodied red wines include those from Argentina, Cahors in South-West France, and the Loire region, which are known for their brambly fruit, spice, and leather flavours. The Rhône region, Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand also produce full-bodied reds with flavours of black pepper, plums, blackcurrant, and spice.
For white wines, a light-bodied option like Sauvignon Blanc offers a refreshing and crisp drinking experience with bright acidity and minimal weight on the palate. It is often fermented without skin contact to capture its fresh, pure citrus or tropical flavours. Pinot Grigio (or Pinot Gris) is another light-bodied white wine with no tannins and a zesty, bright profile. When it comes to full-bodied white wines, an oaked Chardonnay is a good example, with its richer and weightier mouthfeel compared to the lighter Sauvignon Blanc.
Remember, the key difference between light-bodied and full-bodied wines is their weight or viscosity, which can be likened to the difference between drinking fat-free milk and heavy cream. Ultimately, the wines you stock will depend on your personal preferences and the types of occasions you plan to cater to.
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Bitters: Angostura bitters
When it comes to stocking your bar, the drinks you choose to include will depend on your personal preferences and the types of cocktails you want to make. A well-rounded bar should include at least one bottle of each of the six base liquors, but you can always add more to suit your tastes. Here's a closer look at why Angostura bitters should be one of them.
Angostura bitters is a key ingredient in many cocktails, known for its rich blend of spices and herbs that adds depth and complexity. With a long shelf life and a little going a long way, it's a great value for any home or professional bar. Angostura bitters bring balanced layers of flavour to old favourites and new cocktails, intensifying flavours in both drinks and food creations.
Angostura bitters is extremely concentrated and may be an acquired taste. It is often used in small quantities to add a dash of spice or sweetness to drinks. For example, a few drops can be added to a champagne cocktail or sprinkled on top of the foam in a pisco sour. In a whiskey cocktail like an Old Fashioned, Angostura bitters shine through with their deep cocoa undertones. You can also add a dash to a pineapple-flavoured rum to give it a smoky flavour.
Angostura bitters are also used in "soft" drinks. For instance, a common drink served in Australian and New Zealand pubs is lemon, lime and bitters. In Malawi and other countries, bitters are added to a mix of crushed ice, ginger ale, and Sprite to make a rock shandy. Angostura bitters are also believed to have restorative properties and are used to treat digestive problems.
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Frequently asked questions
The essential alcohols for a bar are vodka, gin, rum, tequila, and whiskey.
Some popular mixers include orange juice, pineapple juice, cranberry juice, ginger ale, Coca-Cola, Sprite, and grenadine.
Some good liqueurs to have in your bar are Cointreau, Grand Marnier, Gran Torres, Amaretto, and Irish cream liqueur.
