How To Clean Out Your Liquor Cabinet

Sort your liquor into three groups: the good, the bad, and the ugly. Good is anything you like and want to keep. Bad is anything that’s been sitting open for too long. Ugly is anything old and unopened that you’ll probably never drink or even admit you own.

Pour out the bad stuff and recycle the glass.

Decide what to do with the unopened, unwanted bottles. They’re still fine to drink, regardless of age. Give them away or drain and discard them.

Toss out past-their-prime mixers and extras, such as dried-up bitters and tattered parasols. Dump flat sodas and tonics and expired olives and onions.

Dust off the bottles you plan to keep and wash and dry barware. Finally, wipe out the cabinet with a damp cloth.

Restock your bar with a tasteful new batch of basics such as bourbon, scotch, gin, and vodka. Grab a good liqueur or two and a collection of mixers. Favor quality over quantity, if you’re on a budget.