A home bar can be a great place to unwind after work, have a cozy get-together with friends, or host a party! But they can also be expensive. If you’re just getting started, the biggest tip is this: start with the essentials, build up through the drinks you want to make, add more for your friends, and work from there. In this article, we’ll walk you through the bottles to stock a home bar without wasting money—and how to build your bar out from there.
Stocking the Right Liquor for a Home Bar
Let’s start with the main item for any home bar: the liquor. Below are the five most used types of alcohol in mixed drinks. With these and the right liqueurs & mixers, you can make anything. We’re also including tips on the first to pick:
- Gin: While not everyone’s favorite, you should have a bottle for the class gin & tonic or a dry martini. A London dry gin is the classic choice.
- Rum: If possible, go for two rums. A light rum as the base for some (such as a mojito) and a dark or spiced rum for tropical cocktails.
- Tequila: Want a margarita? You’ll need tequila. If you’re only going to have one bottle in the bar, a blanco (also known as silver) tequila should be your choice.
- Vodka: Used for more cocktails than any other spirit, vodka is a must-have. Get a cheaper bottle for mixed drinks, but you’ll want something nicer for a vodka martini.
- Whiskey: It’s hard to pick just one whiskey, as they have such a wide range. Use our guide, Whiskey for Beginners, to find the right one for you.
If you still have room (and budget) for one more type of spirit, we recommend a good brandy, especially for some of the more vintage cocktails.
Liqueurs & Mixers Needed for Cocktails
Even more than spirits, it’s easy to fall down the rabbit hole of the liqueurs and mixers you need to stock to make every popular cocktail. Of all the parts of your bar, this is the one to build up slowly. Have a Bring Your Own Liqueur party where your friends can bring their favorite liqueur. The basics include amaretto, a coffee liqueur, vermouth, Irish cream, and orange liqueur. You’ll also need a good source of ice, juices, sodas, and fruit for garnishes.
Picking Beer, Wine and Non-Alcoholic Options
Not everyone is going to want a cocktail (or just a cocktail), so make sure you’ve got both beer, wine, and a non-alcoholic option or two to round out your home bar. Not sure what to stalk? Take a look at our What’s the Best Beer or Wine to Bring to a Party guide and pick a few options for both wine and beer. A lemon-lime soda, grenadine, and maraschino cherry make a great mocktail option for non-drinkers.
If you’re in Worcester County, stop by Hickey’s Wine & Spirits to get help stocking up. We’ve got it all: a huge selection of liquor for every palette and price point—including 120 scotches, 70 vodkas, and 50 tequilas—as well as a full selection of liqueurs, mixers, and garnishes. Round it out with our excellent selection of wine, beer, and snacks, and your bar will be ready to go. Want some help picking some great cocktails to impress your guests with? Take a look at our Cocktail Recipe Book with some of our favorites!
