Jun 11
5
What to Buy for Your Home Bar
Buying the appropriate liquors to fully stock your bar can be very expensive indeed. This is especially true if your taste lends itself to the premium brands. To save some money, stock only the basics. It is also certainly appropriate to buy the high end brands for those discerning individuals that appreciate them and buy less pricey liquor for those who don’t.
Liquor Basics
The following constitute the base for most mixed drinks that you and your guests will imbibe.
Vodka Gin Rum Whiskey Tequila
You will use these a lot so keep some bottles of each in reserve.
Not-So-Basic Liquors
These are not absolutely essential to have on hand, but some of your guests will ask for them.
Scotch Cognac Brandy Irish Whiskey Jagermeister Rumplemintz
Should you not be a scotch or cognac drinker you can steer clear of the high priced brands. If you try to stock the really expensive brands, you may not hit on the one that the few guests that do drink them prefer, so just don’t do it.
Cordials and Liqueurs
Blue Curacao Vermouth Cointreau Midori Grand Marnier Triple Sec Kahlua Bailey’s Irish Cream Peach Tree Amaretto Puckers Chambord Frangellico Crme de Menthe Crme de Cacao Anisette
In the interest of saving money you can find most of these under the brand name of Mr. Boston for less than the well known brands of each. These are very nice to keep in your bar because they can be mixed to make so many different drinks. They last a long time because you use so little per drink and they won’t go bad on you.
Non-Alcoholic Drinks and Mixers
Grenadine Sour Mix Lime Juice Cola Diet Cola Red Bull Orange Juice Pineapple Juice Cranberry Juice Grapefruit Juice Tomato Juice Sprite or 7up Soda Tonic Ginger Ale Cream Milk.
Don’t’ buy the large economy sizes of juice, they will spoil before you can use them up. Buy the 8oz size unless you are planning a large event that will include many orders for drinks. The milk and cream will have to purchased as needed.
Garnishes and Condiments
Cherries Olives Cocktail onions Bitters Worcestershire sauce Tabasco sauce Salt Pepper Lemons Limes Oranges Picks, umbrellas and stirs
Most of the these can be stocked a long time in either the refrigerator or in a cupboard in the bar. Of course, fresh fruit should be bought as you needed and replenished as used.
You are now ready to call the gang in to celebrate the grand stocking of your bar. Show them your stuff, barkeep, and enjoy.
For info on basement bar design check out the home bar pictures at BPO.
Related Reading:
Godinger Gas Pump Liquor DispenserThe gas pump liquor dispenser, by Godinger, is one of the most unique and delightful ways for dad to store and serve his favorite libation.
