You’re planning to stock your home bar, and want to make sure you have the essential types of liquors in there. Below, we’ve put together a list of must-have liquors for your home bar.
Why are these liquors essential? Well, each one has its unique flavor and set of uses. And when combined with other liquors and ingredients, they can create an endless variety of cocktails. So whether you’re a cocktail novice or an experienced mixologist, here are these 8 Essential Liquors Type Your Home Bar Must Have.
Gin: A Versatile, Refreshing Choice
Gin is one of the most commonly used spirits out there. It can be enjoyed on the rocks, in a martini, or mixed into a cocktail. Plus, it has a refreshing flavor that makes it perfect for summertime drinking. Aviation Gin Old Tom is one of the most premium Gin that you can get.
That’s why gin is one of the essential liquors you should have in your home bar. It’s perfect for any occasion and goes well with various flavors. So find liquor store online and order to stock up on gin and get ready to mix up some delicious cocktails.
Some popular brands for Gin:
Vodka: The Most Popular Option
When it comes to stocking your home bar, Vodka is a must-have. It’s one of the most versatile liquors available and perfect for mixing cocktails. In addition, Vodka is relatively affordable, which makes it a great option for those on a budget. Ciroc Vodka, which comes in many fruity flavors like coconut, mango, and peach, is one of the best and most cost-effective Vodka to stock in your bar.
Some popular brands for Vodka:
Tequila: For Margaritas & Shots
Tequila! Whether you like it straight, on the rocks, or in a margarita, tequila is essential for any home bar. It’s a versatile spirit and mixes easily into cocktails. When buying tequila, be sure to look for 100% agave tequila—it will say it on the bottle. Teremana Tequila Blanco is a strong and flavorful Tequila to have. So don’t forget to add a bottle of tequila to your home bar. With its unique flavor, it’ll be sure to make any cocktail you mix up even better!
Some popular brands for Tequila:
- Clase Azul Reposado Tequila
- Deleón Platinum Tequila
- Don Julio Blanco Tequila
- Grand Mayan Ultra Aged Anejo Tequila
Whiskey: Choose From Numerous Variants
Whiskey is one of the most versatile liquors in your home bar. And, if you’re looking to stock up, there are countless varieties to choose from. There’s Scotch whiskey, made from malted barley; Irish whiskey, made from the fermentation of grain; and bourbon whiskey, created with corn and has a wonderful sweetness. Jack Daniel’s Sinatra Select Tennessee Whiskey is a quality rich whiskey to have at home.
Whiskey can be enjoyed neat or on the rocks and can be used as a base for numerous unique cocktails. Try an Old Fashioned, with its sour-sweet flavor, or if you want something smokier, opt for the Smokey Martini. It’s the perfect way to get creative and come up with mouth-watering recipes for you and your guests to enjoy.
Some popular brands for Whiskey:
- Angels Envy Kentucky Straight Bourbon
- Benchmark Full Proof Bourbon Whiskey
- Suntory Hakushu 12 Year Japanese Whisky
- Blue Run Kentucky Straight High Rye Whiskey
Vermouth & Liqueurs For Crafting Cocktails
Moving onto special ingredients, these next two are essential for crafting cocktails. Vermouth and liqueurs, the sweetened fortified wines beloved by all mixologists, are must-haves if you’re serious about your home bar. Bulleit Manhattan Cocktail vermouth is a good start.
For vermouth, you should stock both a dry Italian variety (such as Carpano Antica) and a French or Spanish style (like Noilly Prat). While this type of vermouth is most often associated with martini variations, you can also use it in an array of other drinks like Negronis or De La Louisiane cocktails.
Some popular brands for Cocktails:
Rum: For Fun Drinks In The Sun
Rum is a liquor you should always have! Whether you’re going for a classic daiquiri, piña colada, or mojito, rum makes it all happen. Plus, the smoothness of this spirit can also be used to make coffee- and chocolate-flavored drinks. Diplomatico Batch No.1 Batch Kettle Rum is a very good bottle.
Rum is made from fermented sugarcane juice or molasses and comes in different flavors, from light and sweet to dark and spiced. You can’t go wrong with having at least one bottle of white or gold rum in your home bar—they are the essential base for various cocktails. And if you’re feeling adventurous, why not try dark or spiced rum? They add complexity to your drinks!
So get your hands on an assortment of rums for sure—it’s the perfect liquor for entertaining guests in the sun.
Some popular brands for Rum:
Absinthe: For A Unique Green Fairy Experience
Absinthe is the ultimate liquor for a truly unique experience. Not just because of its signature flavors but also because of its legendary reputation for being hallucinogenic.
But fear not, because that reputation is mostly undeserved—yes, it has a higher alcohol content than most liquors (ranging from 45-85 percent ABV). Still, it doesn’t contain any psychoactive ingredients like THC. Barrell Armida Bourbon Whiskey Cask Strength, although named as a Bourbon, is the closest thing you can find to an Absinthe and is a delicious drink.
Bitters For Polishing Off Your Cocktails
Finally, don’t forget about bitters! Bitters are essential for polishing off your cocktails with a subtle hint of flavor and are a must-have for any home bar. A range of bitters is available on the market, from classic Angostura to more creative flavors like chocolate or rhubarb.
A favorite is the aromatic bitters — which blend sweet, sour, and spicy flavors — which work well with many cocktails. Angostura Aromatic Bitters 4oz is considered the best in the market for polishing cocktails.
Some popular brands for Bitters:
To add bitters to your cocktail, add a few drops and experiment until you find your perfect balance. That’s part of the fun when it comes to making your drinks! A dash here and there can give you a totally different flavor profile. So grab some bitters (as well as the other liquors on this list) and start mixing up something special today!
