For someone just starting out their home bar, it’s important to remember that booze is not wine. You don’t have to fill it with expensive brands (and by expensive I mean over $30. Unless you have the money, mid range booze is the way to go) to impress your friends. The basics will get you by.
Booze
For booze, you really just need:
- Vodka
- Gin
- Tequila
- Rum (light)
- Bourbon
- Another whiskey of your choice (Jack Daniels, Canadian Whiskey, Rye)
- Triple sec
- Sweet and Dry Vermouth
- 2-3 bottles of your favorite wine
- Anything extra you think you might use. Everyone likes different things. If you think you’ll use Midori, then buy some. If you drink Scotch, you’ll probably want some of that too.
Washes
Of course, having a stock of washes helps as well. These are my recommendations for what to keep at all times.
- Sour mix
- Grenadine
- Lime juice
- Lemon juice
- Simple syrup
- Tonic
- Club soda
- Tomato juice
Fruit and other Garnishes
Fruit and other garnishes aren’t necessary, but they sure are nice to have around, especially if you’re trying a new recipes that calls for fresh lemon or lime, or you get the sudden urge for a Martini or Bloody Mary.
The most common garnishes used are:
- Lemons
- Limes
- Olives
- Cherries
- Pickles
Tools
And of course, while tools are not required, it’s always nice to have them. You can pick up most of this stuff in kits or individually for under $50. The essentials for tools are:
- A Shaker (Boston or Cobbler)
- A Muddler (for crushing mint leaves into your tasty mojito)
- A Corkscrew
- A Bottle Opener
- A Knife (for cutting fruit)
Anything else is really unnecessary. But if you’re looking to expand a little further then these will help:
- Long Bar Spoon
- Jigger (for measuring)
- Ice Bucket
- Tongs (for your ice)
- Bottle Pourers
- Peeler
- Juicer
Glasses
When you’re just starting out your home bar, glasses should be the least of your worries. They can get expensive, so, your best bet is to use what you have until you can afford to get specialty glasses. Once you can afford it, get the glasses you’ll use the most. Having Pilsner glasses when you don’t drink beer makes no sense, and having wine glasses when all you drink is beer is equally ridiculous.
No matter how you set up your home bar, just remember, there’s really no right or wrongs. It’s all about the person setting it up. The best home bar is your home bar.
Cheers!
Drink Matron
© 2011 – 2012, drinkmatron.com. All rights reserved. Contact website admin to obtain permission for republication.
