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A Comprehensive Guide to Stocking a Home Bar
A well-stocked home bar lets you create flavorful cocktails for you and your guests. You can use it to host big gatherings or enjoy a cozy night at home with your partner. It also allows you to experiment with new drinks whenever you want. But what do you need to get started? Our tips will help you learn how to stock a home bar that fits your needs.
Choose a Bar Cart
Every home bar needs stylish and versatile bar furniture. These items let you store bottles of alcohol, mixers, and other ingredients. They're also the perfect place to show off your best glassware.
There are two main types of home bar furniture:
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Bar cart
As the name suggests, this portable furniture has handles and wheels for easy transportation. Use it to push your cocktail supplies around the house or yard so you can serve drinks to all your guests.
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Bar cabinet
This stationary furniture stores glassware and alcohol. It doesn’t have wheels and may have enclosed or open shelves.
Shop bar carts & cabinetsConsider how you’ll use your bar furniture before picking a style. A bar cart lets you serve drinks on the go but may have limited storage space. By contrast, you might prefer a bar cabinet if you rarely entertain or want to stash your alcohol out of sight.
Bar carts and cabinets are available in many styles. Look for materials and finishes that match your home decor. For example, a chic gold bar cart perfectly fits a contemporary or glam space. Meanwhile, a white wood bar cabinet blends into a coastal or farmhouse theme.
Finally, look for features that cater to your mixing needs. Some bar carts have racks to store glasses and wine bottles. Others have adjustable shelves and built-in ice coolers.
Choose Essential Spirits
Once you’ve chosen a bar cart, it’s time to assemble your ingredients. Start with these classic spirits, which are the foundation of most cocktails:
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Gin:A juniper-flavored alcohol used for gin and tonics and negronis
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Rum: A mildly sweet, flavorful spirit featured in drinks like daiquiris and pina coladas
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Tequila: An agave spirit added to margaritas and palomas
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Vodka: A clear, flavorless spirit used in cosmopolitans and the classic vodka soda
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Whiskey: A rich alcohol for classic cocktails such as Manhattans and mint juleps
You don’t have to break the bank on these ingredients. Choose mid-range spirits from reputable brands, such as Captain Morgan and Tito’s. You can also save money by buying value-sized bottles or store brands.
Add Basic Liqueurs
Every well-stocked home bar has a few basic liqueurs. These ingredients have unique flavors and let you make crowd-pleasing cocktails. Some of the most popular liqueurs include:
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Amaretto: A nutty liqueur used in dessert cocktails and sours
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Chambord: A black raspberry liqueur found in French martinis and other decadent cocktails
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Coffee liqueur: A rich, flavorful liqueur used in espresso martinis and white Russians
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Dry and sweet vermouth: Use these fortified wines for Manhattans, negronis, and martinis
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Triple sec: This orange-flavored liqueur is a staple in margaritas and sidecars
Choose liqueurs that go in your favorite cocktails or work in multiple popular drinks. Avoid liqueurs you won’t use frequently. This strategy will help you maximize your storage space and avoid cluttering your home bar with dusty bottles.
Select Bitters
Bitters are seasoning agents infused with fruits, herbs, spices, and other flavors. A few drops of bitters add complex flavors to cocktails. Here are a few common bitters:
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Angostura bitters: A classic, spiced secret recipe used to season old-fashioneds and Manhattans
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Celery bitters: A must-have ingredient for delicious bloody marys
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Orange bitters: A citrusy staple for gin martinis and other fruity cocktails
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Peychaud’s bitters: Anise-like bitters used to flavor sazeracs and tiki cocktails
Bitters come in small bottles that don’t expire and can be used to make dozens of drinks. They’re an excellent investment for home bartenders who want to pack a punch of flavor in their cocktails.
Consider Non-Alcoholic Mixers
Many cocktails require inexpensive non-alcoholic mixers. These ingredients bulk up drinks and layer in more flavors. You can also use them to make virgin cocktails for guests who don’t want to drink alcohol.
Your home bar should include these non-alcoholic mixers:
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Juices: Stock up on various fruit juices, such as cranberry, lemon, orange, and pineapple
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Milk or cream: These staple ingredients are used in Irish coffees and white Russians
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Simple syrup: Use this sugary solution in Long Island iced teas, old-fashioneds, and mojitos
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Sodas: Mix cola, Sprite, or club soda with any spirit for a simple go-to
Display Your Favorite Glassware
A home bar allows you to show off your best glassware. Beautifully designed glasses add elegance to any room and highlight your personal taste.
Choose a bar cart or cabinet with built-in storage for glassware. For example, some bar carts have wine glass racks and baskets for smaller glasses. Pick a sturdy cart that holds everything securely during transportation.
Bar cabinets also offer ample space to display glassware. Some furniture even has built-in lighting to make your glasses sparkle. Look for cabinets with open shelves or glass doors so you and your guests can admire your collection easily.
Always Keep Your Ice Stash Stocked
Ice keeps your cocktails crisp and refreshing. Choose home bar furniture with a built-in ice cooler, or place a stainless steel ice bucket on the top shelf. That way, you won’t have to run back and forth to the freezer while you mix drinks.
Elevate Your Entertainment With a Home Bar
A home bar makes it easy to whip up tasty cocktails for guests. Stock up on these essential ingredients to mix popular drinks or invent new recipes. As you gain confidence, you can add more specialized ingredients and garnishes to take your mixology to the next level.