Here's a "bar basics" list of booze, mixers, garnishes and other essentials for making cocktails in your home bar

No matter what you call it ... booze, liquor, spirits, liqueurs or alcohol ... these essentials will ensure that your home bar is set up for hosting small cocktail parties.

When you have a well-stocked bar complete with the correct ingredients and accessories, it will be a breeze to please your guests.

So let's start with our recommended booze list for making the most popular cocktails.

Please note that while we like to keep things as affordable as possible, good brands are well worth the extra few dollars per bottle. It really makes a difference in how your drinks taste. Therefore, try to buy moderately-priced brands that have a great reputation.

Over time, we'll add our specific recommendations for alcohol brands we like. But for now, here's a basic list with our notes in parenthesis.

Our Essential Booze List for Home Bars

  • Amaretto
  • Beer (offer light and dark varieties of lager, ale and stout beers; some of our favorites are Stella Artois lager, Bridgeport India Pale Ale, and Guinness Stout)
  • Bourbon (Makers Mark will do but we love Angel's Envy and Basil Hayden)
  • Gin (Plymouth, Boodles and Bombay Sapphire are our favorites)
  • Grand Marnier
  • Kahlua (coffee brandy)
  • Other Whiskey such as Rye (optional)
  • Rum (dark is OK for most drinks)
  • Scotch (We like single malts)
  • Tequila (Jose Cuervo Gold is our favorite)
  • Triple Sec
  • Vermouth (both dry and sweet)
  • Vodka (our favorites are Ketel One, 3 Olives, or Gray Goose)
  • Wine (offer reds such as Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Shiraz; whites such as Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc; and perhaps blush rose or red or Zinfandel)

Of course, you'll need plenty of cubed ice and crushed ice for just about every kind of mixed drink.

Now let's look at other essentials for mixing drinks ...

Mixers and Non-Alcoholic Choices
for Your Home Bar

  • Bloody Mary Mix
  • Club Soda
  • Coke or Pepsi
  • Cranberry Juice
  • Diet Soda
  • Ginger Ale
  • Grapefruit Juice
  • Lemons (for fresh lemon juice and garnish)
  • Limes (for fresh lemon juice and garnish)
  • Minute Maid Frozen Limeade Concentrate (for margaritas)
  • Orange Juice
  • Pineapple Juice
  • Tomato Juice
  • Tonic Water

Next, we have the finishing touches for your mixed drinks ...

Spices, Sauces and Garnishes
for Your Home Bar

  • Bitters (also known as Angostura Bitters - used in Manhattans and other cocktails)
  • Black Pepper (ground)
  • Cinnamon Sticks and Ground Cinnamon
  • Cocktail Olives
  • Cocktail Onions
  • Cream (heavy and light -- you can also use fat-free half & half)
  • Fruit for Specific Drinks (pineapple for pina colada, strawberries for daiquiris and margaritas, etc.; check the cocktail recipes for drinks you plan to serve)
  • Grenadine
  • Horseradish
  • Lemons and Limes, fresh (also mentioned above in the Mixer category)
  • Lemon and Lime Concentrated Juice (this lasts longer than fresh and may come in handy)
  • Maraschino Cherries with Stems
  • Salt (regular and margarita/course salt)
  • Sugar (usually for dipping the rim of glasses)

Please see our Bar Accessories page for equipment, glassware, napkins, coasters, etc.

Please be a cocktail party smarty. Never serve too many drinks to your guests, and never let them drive home drunk.

Return to our home page to find all kinds of cocktail party success ideas.