How To Stock a Home Bar

Make your alcohol selections. A typical bar well includes vodka, gin, rum, tequila, triple sec, whiskey, scotch, and bourbon. You will also want sweet and dry vermouths, beer, and wine.

Select mixers, such as tonic water, club soda, fruit juices, soft drinks, tomato juice, sour mix, lime juice, grenadine, and bitters. And, of course, ice.

Stock garnishes. Common garnishes include olives, maraschino cherries, sugar, and kosher salt. When you’re expecting company, add perishables like lemon, lime, and orange slices.

Stock your equipment. Must-haves include a bottle opener, blender, corkscrew, and shaker. Other tools to consider are jiggers, a strainer, a cocktail spoon, a grater, a paring knife, a cutting board, and a muddler.

While your options for glassware are limitless, a well-kept bar should include old-fashioneds, highballs, martini glasses, glasses for wine, champagne, and beer, shot glasses, and cordial glasses.

Now that you’re stocked, invite your closest, most sophisticated friends over for a cocktail party!