How to Stock Your Home Bar
- Vodka Is Essential. Vodka has a clean, transparent flavor, and it is used for more cocktails than any other distilled spirit.
- A Versatile Gin or Two. Not everyone is a fan of gin. ...
- Tequilas for Margaritas. ...
- Two Rums Are Good. ...
- Choose Your Whiskey. ...
- A Basic Brandy. ...
- Essential Liqueurs. ...
- The Basic Liqueurs. ...
- The Secondary Liqueurs. ...
- Essential Juices. ...
Full Answer
Can You stock your home bar?
If stocking the bar isn’t your goal, then maybe you’re better suited to our Stock the Bar club where you can experience a variety of spirits each month. So, let’s stock your home bar! Our Stock the Bar Club will delight and surprise you.
What alcohol should you stock your bar with?
Stock your bar with gins, vodkas, whiskeys, to ensure your guests always have what they desire when they come over to your house for your next dinner party.
What should you have in your home bar?
Having a well-stocked home bar gives you a great place to entertain guests and practice your mixology skills. By stocking your bar with a small collection of basic spirits, mixers, glassware, and bar tools, you’ll be able to make almost any standard mixed drink and even invent a few new cocktails of your own.
What do you put in a home bar kit?
This will include the essential liquors and mixers needed for the most popular bar drinks, offering the most versatility in the cocktails you can make. However, you don't need to include everything, and your home bar should be customized to what you actually drink.
What should I stock up on a full home bar?
Tips for Stocking Your Home Bar.Brandy.Gin.Rum.Tequila.Vodka.Whiskey.Liqueurs & Cordials.
What should I stock my home bar with?
So, let's go over some home bar basics. That way, you'll have the best bar liquor, and an impressive liquor list to share with your guests. Below are some tips on how to stock a home bar....How To Stock A Bar CartIce bucket and tongs.Collins glasses.Wine glasses.Martini glasses.Vodka.Rum.Gin.Bitters.More items...
How do you stock a house bar?
Most articles about stocking a home bar go briefly over the major categories of spirits: vodka, gin, bourbon, scotch, tequila, and so on. And then they say, basically, buy one of each of those. And maybe some triple sec and vermouth and even perhaps a bottle of bitters.
What should I include in my bar?
What equipment should every bar have?Cocktail and bartending equipment.Beverages and beverage dispensing bar equipment.A bar POS system.Bar furniture and other equipment.Food and kitchen supplies.
What are the 5 basic spirits used in a bar?
Essential Spirits for a Home BarVodka. It may be dubbed the odourless, flavourless spirit, but a good vodka should have subtle character. ... Gin. ... Tequila. ... Rum. ... Whisky. ... Rye Whiskey. ... Bourbon.
What are the 6 basic cocktails?
They are the Old Fashioned, Martini, Daiquiri, Sidecar, Whiskey Highball, and Flip. In each drink, every ingredient falls into at least one category. Core is the primary flavor; balance enhances the core with sweetness, acidity, or both; and seasoning adds another dimension and complements or contrasts with the core.
How do I set up a home bar?
0:296:35Set Up Your Home Bar 2021 - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe most popular classic ones ok let's get it started first you need ice tongs you fill up yourMoreThe most popular classic ones ok let's get it started first you need ice tongs you fill up your glasses. And shaker with ice you also can use Ice Cube but at home I would recommend to use tongs.
How do you arrange liquor bottles in your home bar?
0:172:55Home Bar 101: Key Bottles to Stock a Home Bar - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd what they would have in a professional bar here's something that I'd suggest to you to getMoreAnd what they would have in a professional bar here's something that I'd suggest to you to get started you'll want to have a vodka a gin tequila rum bourbon perhaps some rye a scotch cognac or brandy.
How do I set up a home bar for a party?
2:263:17Party Ideas: Drinks Basics and the Home Bar - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou want to have your mixers. And ice very close by and then on the further sides you want to haveMoreYou want to have your mixers. And ice very close by and then on the further sides you want to have your glassware. Also keep in mind that because people will congregate by the bar.
How do you stock a mini bar?
How To: Stock Your BarKEY SPIRITS. You could just pick one, but really any good home bar will have at least four essential liquors: vodka, gin, rum, and whiskey. ... VERMOUTH. Essential for Manhattans and Martinis so definitely a necessity.BITTERS. ... ORANGE LIQUEUR. ... FRESH FRUIT.
What do bars typically have?
Bar (counter) This counter typically stores a variety of beers, wines, liquors, and non-alcoholic ingredients, and is organized to facilitate the bartender's work. Counters for serving other types of food and drink may also be called bars.
How to keep a home bar small?
If you don’t have room or any place to store your home bar, keep your home bar small. Pick two or three different liquors and stick with those. When I was in an apartment, I kept my small bar in a cabinet above the fridge, and I kept my mixers and garnishes in the fridge.
What liquor is best for punches?
Rum. This tasty liquor from the Caribbean is distilled from molasses. Dark rums are best for punches. Light rums are for mixing cocktails. I say start off with a light rum and add a dark rum when you have a big party where you’ll be serving punch.
What is the best gin to use in cocktails?
Gin comes in four varieties: London Dry, Plymouth, Old Tom, and Genever. I suggest starting off with a London Dry gin. Later on, add a Plymouth gin to the mix. Learn more about this spirit in AoM’s primer on gin.
What is the best whiskey for a mixologist?
Bourbon whiskey. An essential American whiskey for the southern gentleman. Great for sipping and classic cocktails like the Old Fashioned. Two bourbons that I recommend for the beginner mixologist are Jim Beam and Wild Turkey. Very affordable and they taste nice. At least, I think they taste nice. Also be sure to read up on how to taste whiskey.
What is the best liquor to drink in Margaritaville?
Tequila . A must-have liquor for your trips to Margaritaville. What type of tequila you stock depends on what you plan on using it for. Gold tequila is usually the cheaper type of te quila and is a great pick if you plan on using your tequila for mixed drinks. If you’d like to take your tequila straight up, you’ll want to go with this agave-based drink in its purest form — silver tequila. My favorite silver tequila is Patron.
Can a man make his own cocktail cabinet?
A man with enough initiative can probably make his own cocktail cabinet. Imagine the pride you’ll feel when you can pat your mini bar, hand your friend a drink and say, “See this cabinet here, Jim? I made this little beauty.”
Can I install a bar in my home?
If you do move into a bigger place and you’ve really enjoyed being a home mixologist, then I can’t recommend installing a permanent home bar in your home enough. Many homes today come with wet bars and storage space for a home bar. If you don’t have that, with a little initiative and sweat, you can install your own bar in an unused room in the house.
How to buy soda for a bar?
When buying soda for the bar, try to buy small bottles. Individual servings that work for one or two drinks will ensure you're not mixing with flat soda. Liter bottles are good for the sodas you use semi-daily and will use up within the week, though two-liters are best reserved for party service.
What is the best whiskey to serve in a bar?
A bottle of Irish whiskey and a decent blended scotch are good complements to any bar. While they make excellent cocktails, they're not as common or as versatile as the other styles.
What is the foundation of a cocktail?
The foundation for the majority of cocktails, a well-rounded bar should include at least one bottle of each of the six base liquors. Stocking a good selection of these will ensure you can mix up almost any cocktail on a whim. If you feel like a whiskey cocktail tonight, you'll be ready. When brandy, gin, rum, tequila, or vodka sound good, you're also prepared to grab the shaker and mix up a drink.
What is the best tequila bar?
Generally, you'll want to stock at least one nice tequila. The most versatile style is blanco (or silver) tequila, and it's the best option for a one-tequila bar. For a little upgrade, add a slightly aged reposado as well.
How many bottles of rum are in a bar?
A well-stocked bar has at least two bottles of rum. You can spend as little or as much as you like, though rum tends to be one of the more affordable liquors.
Is vodka good for tall drinks?
Some people like vodka more than others, so stock according to your preference. A good budget-friendly bottle is ideal for tall drinks like the screwdriver and bloody mary.
Do you need to stock a home bar?
If you prefer whiskey over vodka, focus your attention on diversifying your whiskey selection. The same goes for liqueurs and nonalcoholic mixers. After all , there's no need to stock something you are not going to use.
What liquor do bartenders use?
In fact, most bartenders don't use top-shelf liquor when crafting cocktails anyways. 1. Gin. For gin and tonics, Tom Collins, and of course, the original martini, gin is certainly an essential behind the bar.
What is a bar spoon?
Bar spoons are made with long handles specifically for stirring a mixed drink from the bottom of the glass to the top without splashing . You'll find some have smooth handles, which add extra weight, while others have textured, spiraled handles for easy grip.
How many mixers are needed for a cocktail?
Mixers are just as essential as spirits, as most standard cocktails are going to require at least one (more likely two). Having some of the more popular ones on hand will ensure that you always have what you need to make your favorite libations.
What is sweet and sour mix?
Sweet and sour mix is a staple behind any bar. It's usually made with a mixture of lemon juice, lime juice, sugar, and water. Use it to make classic cocktails like whiskey sours, amaretto sours, and, of course, margaritas.
How many different glasses should I use for a cocktail?
It's tempting to buy a different type of glass to go with each accompanying cocktail (like margarita glasses or martini glasses), but having two to three different sized glasses on hand will work for nearly any cocktail you could ever want to make. Plus, elegant cocktail glasses look stunning in a bar cart or cabinet.
What is dark rum?
Light, or white rum, is going to the base of all sorts of tropical drinks like daiquiris, mojitos, pina coladas, mai tais, and more. Dark rum has been aged in oak barrels, unlike white rum which is aged for a shorter amount of time in steel barrels. Dark rum can work in place of light rum, but note that it will bring a stronger, molasses-like flavor to these cocktails. Buy a smaller, secondary bottle of dark rum for use in bold cocktails like the Dark 'n' Stormy .
What do you need to make a cocktail?
To stock a bar with the basics you’ll need rum, gin, tequila, whiskey, and a dry vermouth. You could technically get away without the tequila, but that would take away the ability to make margaritas, palomas, tequila sunrises, and more. There’s also flexibility on the whiskey (or bourbon). I think finding something that you like that is versatile is great. If you’re not sure how, try a whiskey tasting.
What is a highball cocktail?
For all you fans of a rum & coke, a Highball is just a spirit plus a non-alcoholic mixer.
How many classic cocktails are there?
As bar culture and tastes have evolved, things have gone in and out of favor. However, there is general agreement by most that there are six drinks every bartender should know. They are: the Daiquiri, Old Fashioned, Martini, Sour, Highball, and Flip. These six provide the foundation for every other cocktail. For more on making variations on the classics, check out this post.
Can you use tequila in a home bar?
While it might seem like a fairly pared down list, you can still make incredible and unexpected drinks like this. (You can just use tequila as a stand in for mezcal if you haven’t added that to your list yet.) Wishing you all the best in your home bartending adventures. And if you are looking to add a couple bottles without leaving your house, check out Drizly. Cheers!
What is the foundation of a bar utensil?
Cocktail shakers and spoons are the foundation of any bar utensils set.
What is a mixer in a bar?
Mixers are the non-alcoholic beverages added to create a cocktail. Well-stocked home bars will have an assortment of mixers ready to complement any creation, either when crafting specific drinks or to simply soften the punch of pure liquor. There are dozens of mixers available to add to your home bar, many of which we’ll explore in delicious detail further below.
What is gin made of?
Gin is a popular dry or off-dry spirit made from grains distilled with juniper berries and other green botanicals . The combination of grains and botanical plants gives gin its signature earthy, almost pine-tree like smell and taste. Gin serves as the base to many popular cocktails such as gimlets, Tom Collins, gin fizzes and — of course — the classic gin and tonic. Consider stocking your bar with:
How long does tequila last in oak barrels?
Silver tequila will typically be younger, aged in traditional oak barrels for one to two months. Choose silver tequila brands for your home bar if you’re a fan of sweeter tequila-based mixed drinks such as margaritas, palomas or tequila sunrises. In contrast, gold tequila remains sealed inside aging barrels longer but results in a more mellow taste, making it a better choice when you want to highlight only tequila’s pure flavors, such as serving it on the rocks.
How much does a cocktail strainer cost?
From removing excess ice to fruit seeds or pulp, these utensils are an effortless way to upgrade your mixed drink game. Many cost under $10 or will be included in a beginner’s bar accessories set.
How to use a cocktail shaker?
Just pour your alcohol into the shaker’s base, seal the lid, grip its sides with both hands then shake your creation for 10 to 20 seconds. Enjoy!
Is rum barrel aged?
Rum is classified as dark or golden when distilled from brown sugar, caramel or molasses rather than rum’s traditional filtered sugarcane base. However, dark rum has another defining characteristic: it’s barrel-aged. The longer rum is aged, the darker its final color.
