As a home bar owner, I understand the importance of stocking your home bar with a good selection of liquors. Stocking your bar for the first time can be daunting and get expensive. However having the right spirits on hand can make all the difference. In this article, I’ll set out the 10 best liquors to start a home bar.
The 10 best liquors to start a home bar are Whiskey, both dark and white Rum, Brandy, Vodka, Gin, Tequila, dry and sweet Vermouth and of course an Irish Cream Liqueur. These will support a great variety of drinks and cocktails.
These are the the same ones I started my home bar stock with and make a wide variety of drinks. Once you have these you can then begin to add more going forward.
Table Of Contents
10 Best Liquors To Start A Home Bar
In my opinion these are the 10 best liquors to get a home bar up and running. They provide a good base to create a wide selection of drinks.
However liquors/spirits are expensive, so buying 10 bottles in one go can be quite an outlay. Therefore I have divided the list of 10 liquors into two sections. The first section include the ones I see as the essential liquors.
Get these first, then add the 5 additional liquors to complete the 10.
The Essentials: 5 Must-Have Liquors
1. Whiskey
Whiskey is a versatile and timeless addition to any home bar. Its rich flavours and wide range of styles, from bourbon to scotch, make it a must-have.
You may have your favourite Whiskey in mind. However you can consider brands like Jameson Irish Whiskey or Johnnie Walker Scotch Whisky.
You may enjoy your Whiskey neat or on the rocks. But why not mix up a classic Old Fashioned or a Rusty Nail as your first whiskey cocktail.
2. Dark Rum
Dark rum adds warmth and depth to cocktails. Plus it is a good drink on its own or with just a little ice.
Again you may have your favourite Rum, but you could go for the classic Captain Morgan or the Kraken Dark Rum from the Caribbean.
Mix up a classic Dark and Stormy for a delightful experience or take a look at what dark Rum mixes well with.
3. White Rum
White Rum is the foundation of tropical favorites like the Mojito and Piña Colada.
Bacardi or Havana Club are solid options, although there are plenty more. another cocktail you can mix up with white Rum is a refreshing Daiquiri with white Rum.
4. Brandy
Elevate your cocktails with Brandy’s sophistication. However just like Whiskey and Rum, Brandy works well on its own or on the rocks.
Brands like Hennessy or Courvoisier are great options, but again there are plenty more Brandy’s in the sea. You can’t go wrong with a timeless Sidecar cocktail.
5. Vodka
Vodka is a versatile drink and has great mixability which makes an essential liquor for a home bar.
You will find an endless selection of Vodka’s, however popular brands include Absolut or the well known Smirnoff.
Kick up a classic Moscow Mule for a crisp and refreshing Vodka cocktail, or pick one from this Vodka Cocktail Selection.
Expanding Your Horizons: 5 Additional Liquors
6. Gin
Gin has seen a resurgence in cocktail culture and just like Vodka there seems to be an endless amount of Gins available. It is a versatile spirit and there are many flavoured Gins now.
Hendrick’s or Bombay Sapphire are excellent choices, as are Tanqueray and good old Gordon’s too.
Create a classic Gin and Tonic for a taste of the past, or pick one from these simple Gin drinks.
7. Tequila
Tequila is a unique and essential addition to a home bar, especially for Margarita lovers. You could also opt for Mezcal instead, which is just like Tequila and made a similar way.
These are the bottles you sometimes see worms in, find out more about the worms in Mezcal.
For some Tequila brands explore Blanco, Reposado, and Jose Cuervo types.
Start your Tequila cocktail journey with a classic Margarita, or how about Tequila shots.
8. Dry Vermouth
Dry vermouth is a key ingredient in cocktails like the Martini. The wine like spirit with botanical flavours can make for a nice dry crisp drink with lemonade.
Brands like Martini & Rossi or Noilly Prat are trustworthy choices, but again there are plenty more.
Mix up a classic Martini cocktail to savor the taste of a refreshing drink.
9. Sweet Vermouth
Sweet vermouth is a must for cocktails like the Manhattan. Just like its dry sibling it is a fortified wine made with botanicals, and of course is sweeter then the dry version.
Brands like Carpano Antica or Punt e Mes add depth to your drinks. Enjoy a classic Manhattan cocktail in the comfort of your home.
10. Irish Cream Liqueur
Irish Cream Liqueur brings a touch of indulgence to your home bar. Made with Irish Whiskey it is a smooth creamy drink that can be drunk on its own or mixed with other drinks to make some great cocktails.
Baileys or Carolans are excellent picks to add to your home bar..
Sip on an Irish Coffee to experience its creamy goodness or how about a Mudslide cocktail.
Building Your Home Bar Collection
In summary, a well-rounded home bar should include a selection of these 10 best liquors. But don’t stop here; feel free to explore more options and discover your personal favorites.
To complete your home bar, invest in quality glassware, bar tools, and mixers. This will ensure you’re well-equipped to create a wide range of cocktails and enjoy the art of mixology.
Frequently Asked Questions
When it comes to setting up a home bar, you may have some common questions in mind. Let’s answer a few of them.
Q1: What spirits should you have in a home bar?
A1: A well-rounded home bar should include a variety of spirits to cater to different tastes and preferences. The essential spirits to have are whiskey, dark rum, white rum, brandy, vodka, gin, tequila, dry vermouth, sweet vermouth, and Irish Cream Liqueur. These spirits form the foundation of a versatile home bar.
Q2: What are the 5 basic spirits used in a bar?
A2: The five basic spirits used in most bars are whiskey, rum (both dark and white), brandy, vodka, and gin. These spirits are versatile and serve as the building blocks for a wide range of classic and contemporary cocktails. They are essential for any aspiring mixologist or home bar enthusiast.
Q3: What are the 6 base spirits needed at a bar?
A3: While the basic spirits often include the five mentioned earlier, the addition of a sixth base spirit, such as tequila, can further enhance your home bar’s versatility. Tequila opens up the world of margaritas and various other tequila-based cocktails. It’s a valuable addition for those who enjoy a touch of the exotic in their drinks.
These FAQs address common inquiries related to setting up a home bar and choosing the right spirits. By having these spirits on hand, you’ll be well-prepared to craft an array of cocktails and impress your guests with your mixology skills.
Final Thoughts
In the world of home bars, having the right liquors at your disposal is a game-changer. The 10 best liquors we’ve discussed in this guide will set you on the path to crafting impressive cocktails and entertaining your guests with style.
Experiment, create, and most importantly, enjoy the journey of building your liquor stock and using your home bar.
As you continue to explore the world of home bars and cocktails, feel free to check out this classic cocktail recipe guide for more inspiration and ideas.
With these liquors on your home bar shelf, you’ll be well-prepared to mix up a wide range of cocktails and elevate your home entertaining.
These are my 10 best liquors to start the home bar stock rolling. You can always adapt the list to suit your own choice, let me know what you choose by sharing your thoughts below.
Rob is a passionate home bar and pub shed enthusiast with a passion for craft beer. With hands-on experience in designing and building his own home bar, Rob shares his knowledge, tips, and inspiration to help fellow enthusiasts create their own perfect space. Alongside the world of home bars and pub sheds, Rob also explores the diverse and exciting realm of craft beer, providing honest reviews to help you discover your next favorite brew. Join Rob on a journey of flavor, design, and craftsmanship right here on Home Bar Kit.