Fully Stocked Bar Checklist For Your Home Bar
- Alcohol – Vodka, Gin, Whiskey, Rum, Tequila, Beer, Wine
- Liqueurs – Vermouth, Cointreau, Disaronno, Campari
- Mixers – Club soda, Tonic water, Cola, Sprite or 7-up, Ginger Ale, Orange Juice, Cranberry juice. Tomato juice, Pineapple juice, Simple Syrup, Angostura Bitters
- Garnishes – Cocktail olives, Cocktail onions, Horseradish, Limes, Lemons, Tabasco sauce, Salt, Pepper, Sugar
Full Answer
What do you put in a home bar?
Your checklist for a fully stocked home bar includes a variety of alcohols, tools, and drinkware, and mastering a few cocktail recipes. You should have the five common types of alcohol, including tequila, gin, vodka, rum, and whisky, as well as a small selection of beer, wine, and champagne.
What should I stock my bar with?
Dale is one of the most respected barmen in the business, and his book is a perfect guide on how to mix both classic and new age cocktails. I always tell people to stock their bar with the spirits they love. If you like drinking rum or gin, for example, have several different types on hand.
What kind of alcohol should you have in your home bar?
You should have the five common types of alcohol, including tequila, gin, vodka, rum, and whisky, as well as a small selection of beer, wine, and champagne. Make sure you have the proper tools (bottle openers, etc.) and appropriate glasses and drinkware for each type of alcohol you have in your home bar.
What do you need to have a great cocktail bar?
(Of course, if you entertain a lot, or you’d like to have a more versatile bar, you’ll want to have a wide variety of spirits and liqueurs, which we’ll get to in a minute.) As far as brands, select within the spectrum of well to premium brands based on the cocktails you’d like to make.
What should a well stocked bar have?
You should have the five common types of alcohol, including tequila, gin, vodka, rum, and whisky, as well as a small selection of beer, wine, and champagne. Make sure you have the proper tools (bottle openers, etc.) and appropriate glasses and drinkware for each type of alcohol you have in your home bar.
What should I stock up on a full home bar?
Every home bar should be stocked up with bottles of orange juice, cranberry juice, tomato juice, lemon juice, and lime juice. This set will allow you to make most standard cocktails. 2.
What do you need for a good bar setup?
Your list should include an ice bucket and pick or ice bag and mallet, plus a muddler, shaker and strainer, jigger, bar spoon, and corkscrew. And don't overlook napkins, picks, and stir sticks. "There's a time and a place for everything to be brand new and shiny. The bar is not it," she says.
How do you set up a home bar?
0:132:15Very Entertaining: How To Set Up A Home Bar - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou don't need a ton of liquor. You want whiskey tequila gin vodka rum like simple stuff someMoreYou don't need a ton of liquor. You want whiskey tequila gin vodka rum like simple stuff some vermouth sweet and dry some bitters.
What drinks should every bar have?
Bar Basics: 12 Bottles Any Bar Should HaveGin. Lots of people think they don't like gin. ... Rum (Light) Essential for mojitos and daiquiris, or just mixing with pineapple juice when you're feeling lazy.Rum (Dark) Rich and molasses-y. ... 4 & 5. Tequila (Silver & Gold) ... Bourbon. ... Rye Whiskey. ... 8 & 9. ... Absinthe.More items...•
What does a full bar consist of?
(US) Serving liquor, not only beer and wine (of a bar or restaurant). (catering) Provisioned with standard liquors (vodka, gin, whisky, rum, tequila), together with mixers, but of a middle (inoffensive but inexpensive) grade. Contrasted with premium bar and super-premium bar, which carry higher grades of liquor.
How much does it cost to start a home bar?
Find out how much your project will cost. A home bar costs $8,000 on average, or between $500 to $22,500. Custom work runs around $5,000 to $20,000.
How do you organize a bar well?
The backbar always should be organized by spirit. Your seven main sections will be: vodka, rum, gin, tequila, liqueurs, brandy and Cognac and whiskey, which will be divided into Bourbon, Scotch, Irish, etc. Sub-genres. You may want to further divide these sections into more specific sub-genres.
Do it yourself bar ideas?
Here are some easy DIY bar ideas:A bar cart that can be moved between rooms.Outdoor pallet bar.Make a bar out of a kitchen island kit.Turn shelving into a bar.Turn an old cabinet into a bar station.Change a vintage suitcase into a bar.Repurpose old furniture, such as a chair into a bar.
Where should I place my home bar?
Create a niche in a small space A home bar – kept hidden behind closed doors – is particularly useful in a small kitchen or dining room, as it can be used to store all the things you need in one place, but that doesn't mean it shouldn't be pretty. Use metal backsplash ideas to create a space that is truly dazzling.
What do you put in a bar drawer?
Home Bar 101: 7 Things to Put In Your Corner Bar CabinetA High-Quality Cocktail Shaker.Citrus Juicer.Ice Bucket.A Variety of Drinking Glasses for the Corner Bar Cabinet.Chopping Board.A Muddler & Jigger.Classic Base Liquors.The Takeaway.
What goes in a bar cabinet?
It is a cabinet specifically meant to store and display liquor and wine bottles, usually with glass shelves. They may also have space for glassware, cocktail mixing paraphernalia, and other items used to create drinks.
How do I stock my first bar?
1:353:24Getting Started - Stocking Your First Bar - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipStart by picking up a light rum that'll be good for things like mojitos. But some cocktails workMoreStart by picking up a light rum that'll be good for things like mojitos. But some cocktails work better with the dark rum things like the dark and stormy. Get yourself one of each.
How do I set up a home bar for a party?
2:173:17Party Ideas: Drinks Basics and the Home Bar - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou want to have your mixers. And ice very close by and then on the further sides you want to haveMoreYou want to have your mixers. And ice very close by and then on the further sides you want to have your glassware. Also keep in mind that because people will congregate by the bar.
How much does it cost to start a home bar?
Find out how much your project will cost. A home bar costs $8,000 on average, or between $500 to $22,500. Custom work runs around $5,000 to $20,000.
How do I stock a bar for a party of 50?
For a party of 50 guests, that translates to between 12 and 13 dozen beers, 9 dozen mixers and 20 bottles of wine. You can add two bottles of cordial (orange and lime are generally the most popular), a bottle of bitters, and some fruit juice options to diversify the choices without adding too much stock.
What Drinkware And Tools Should I Have On Hand?
This is an often overlooked step when it comes to having a fully stocked home bar. You’ve got every kind of alcohol you could find ready to go for your party. That’s great, but how are you going to serve these drinks?
Why is a home bar important?
A home bar is especially great to have when you are entertaining and have groups of people in your home. It’s more presentable and refined than just having a table with alcohol and cups on it.
What is the best way to make a margarita?
But the one cocktail you need to know how to make is a good margarita. You will need tequila blanco, fresh lime juice, lime wedges, triple sec, and salt. Combine the liquids in a shaker and pour over ice. Salt the rim and add a lime wedge for good measure.
What do you need to make a vodka martini?
Vodka Martini– A vodka martini is elegant and easy to make. You need vodka and vermouth, which you add to the shaker. Garnish with either a lemon twist or olives.
What glasses do you need for a beer?
For beer, you’ll need either mugs or tall beer glasses. For standard wines, you will need slimmer glasses for white and glasses with a wider bowl for red. When it comes to sparkling wines and champagne, you will need flutes (or traditional champagne glasses, which have a more vintage feel).
Do you need a shaker for a cocktail?
For most, if not all , cocktail recipes, you will need a shaker and a strainer. This is to ensure your drinks are fully blended, and people aren’t sipping on fruit juice with alcohol sitting at the bottom.
Do you have to buy everything to restock a bar?
That way, you know your bar is stocked, and you won’t have to buy everything each time you go to restock the bar.
What type of alcohol do you need for a cocktail?
Here are some types of alcohol that every home bar should be stocked with: Vodka: Vodka is an ingredient in more mixed drinks than any other type of spirit.
What to list for each drink?
For each drink, list out the necessary ingredients, bar tools, and glassware. This will help you build a shopping list and ensure that you have the supplies needed to make the drinks you think are most important.
What are some good cocktails to serve after dinner?
Some basic staples include: Amaretto, Campari, Cointreau (or another Triple Sec suitable for Margaritas), and Vermouth.
How to start a whiskey collection?
A good way to start your whiskey collection is to buy one bottle of bourbon and one bottle of blended rye whiskey. The bourbon should hold its own when served on the rocks or neat, and the rye will work in most classic whiskey cocktails like an Old Fashioned or Manhattan.
Do you need a mixer for cocktails?
Most cocktails require a mixer or two. Having a basic collection of liquors and a diverse array of mixers allows you to make most standard cocktails. Here are some mixers that every home bar should have:
Why do you need a home bar?
Creating a home bar for yourself is a great way to entertain your guests and create a more intimate and memorable experience. It's also a great way to learn the craft of bartending and learn how to drink better at home. Now, invite some friends over, and start tippling.
What is the best cocktail shaker?
In addition to the right spirits, you’ll need the right tools to whip up great cocktails. The most important one to have is a Boston Shaker, which consists of a metal tin accompanied with a mixing glass. I prefer it to those fancier shakers with the flat top and strainer, because you can get a better seal when shaking and the glass can be used for other techniques, like muddling or stirring.
Do you need vodka in a bar?
If you like drinking rum or gin, for example, have several different types on hand. Ultimately, it’s your bar—and there’s no need to have vodka in there if you’re never going to drink it. As long as you’re using the right techniques and ingredients, you will be able to make great cocktails for you and your guests.
What Do You Need for a Home Bar?
Before we get into the ultimate home bar essentials checklist, there’s a small detail that many people fail to include in their home bar setups that can easily be remedied.
How many bottles of liquor are needed for a bar?
A nine-bottle liquor bar is really all you need to make hundreds of different drinks. Obviously, the liquors you choose depend on your taste, but it’s a good idea to have a little bit of everything so you can properly entertain your guests. Bourbon – Whether you choose Wild Turkey or Jim Beam, bourbon whiskey is affordable.
What is the best rum to mix with Rob Roy?
Use light rum for mixing cocktails and dark rum for punches. Scotch – A single malt scotch is perfect for sipping on the rocks or neat. You can also use it to make the Rob Roy cocktail. Tequila – For margaritas or strong shots, tequila is essential. Gold tequila works best for cocktails because it’s cheaper.
What are some good garnishes for gin?
Not only do garnishes add layers of flavor to your drink, but they also give you something to nibble on while you sipping a cocktail. Citrus garnishes go well with tequila-based drinks and light beer. Olives and onions add a slightly sour and spicy hint to gin-based drinks. Store these items in your beverage cooler when you’re not actively entertaining guests.
What is the best whiskey to drink straight?
Bourbon – Whether you choose Wild Turkey or Jim Beam, bourbon whiskey is affordable. It has a smooth taste that you can sip straight or blend into a cocktail like the Old Fashioned flawlessly. Vodka – When it comes to mixing liquors, it’s hard to beat Vodka’s lighter smell and taste. Grey Goose is excellent for drinking it straight, ...
What is the best way to measure liquor shots?
Jigger – This essential for measuring liquor shots. Pick one with one-ounce measurements on one side and one and a half ounces on the other side. Standard Shaker – This is essential for making most mixed drinks and to chill them quickly with ice. Choose one with a metal bottom, metal lid, and a metal strainer.
How many cans of beer cans can a cooler hold?
To see what’s available, take a look at my review of the five best rated beverage coolers. There are options that hold as little as 60 cans of beer all the way up to 150 cans. They all look very stylish with see-through doors and adjustable racks for storing all can sizes.
What do you need to make a cocktail?
To stock a bar with the basics you’ll need rum, gin, tequila, whiskey, and a dry vermouth. You could technically get away without the tequila, but that would take away the ability to make margaritas, palomas, tequila sunrises, and more. There’s also flexibility on the whiskey (or bourbon). I think finding something that you like that is versatile is great. If you’re not sure how, try a whiskey tasting.
What is a highball cocktail?
For all you fans of a rum & coke, a Highball is just a spirit plus a non-alcoholic mixer.
Can you use tequila in a home bar?
While it might seem like a fairly pared down list, you can still make incredible and unexpected drinks like this. (You can just use tequila as a stand in for mezcal if you haven’t added that to your list yet.) Wishing you all the best in your home bartending adventures. And if you are looking to add a couple bottles without leaving your house, check out Drizly. Cheers!
What is the best way to chill a cocktail?
Shaker: Most proper drinks are shaken or stirred, after all. And shakers work wonders at providing a perfect amount of chill to anything from a shot to a cocktail.
Is it cheap to buy booze?
Great article! Booze isn't cheap and this is a great way to budget for it. It definitely becomes difficult when it comes time to replace bottles. I go through a lot of bottles myself as I like to share and lets be honest I like to have a stiff drink here and again.
Is whiskey good for a bar?
Whiskey : Ah, whiskey. A good whiskey can soothe any man’s soul and is necessary when musing over deep, manly thoughts that only a strong liquor can assuage. For a solid bar, you’ll want to have both bourbon (the sweeter variety of whiskey) and rye (a little spicier) whiskey in your arsenal. A scotch whiskey wouldn’t be too bad to keep around, either.
How to buy soda for a bar?
When buying soda for the bar, try to buy small bottles. Individual servings that work for one or two drinks will ensure you're not mixing with flat soda. Liter bottles are good for the sodas you use semi-daily and will use up within the week, though two-liters are best reserved for party service.
What is the best whiskey to serve in a bar?
A bottle of Irish whiskey and a decent blended scotch are good complements to any bar. While they make excellent cocktails, they're not as common or as versatile as the other styles.
What is the foundation of a cocktail?
The foundation for the majority of cocktails, a well-rounded bar should include at least one bottle of each of the six base liquors. Stocking a good selection of these will ensure you can mix up almost any cocktail on a whim. If you feel like a whiskey cocktail tonight, you'll be ready. When brandy, gin, rum, tequila, or vodka sound good, you're also prepared to grab the shaker and mix up a drink.
What is the best tequila bar?
Generally, you'll want to stock at least one nice tequila. The most versatile style is blanco (or silver) tequila, and it's the best option for a one-tequila bar. For a little upgrade, add a slightly aged reposado as well.
How many bottles of rum are in a bar?
A well-stocked bar has at least two bottles of rum. You can spend as little or as much as you like, though rum tends to be one of the more affordable liquors.
Can mixers be made at home?
These are ranked in order of importance to help you prioritize. Quite a few mixers can also be made at home, which will save money.
Can you customize gin?
From there, explore the gin's versatility. Every brand is different, and you can customize your bar with a fascinating array of botanicals.
How to keep a home bar small?from artofmanliness.com
If you don’t have room or any place to store your home bar, keep your home bar small. Pick two or three different liquors and stick with those. When I was in an apartment, I kept my small bar in a cabinet above the fridge, and I kept my mixers and garnishes in the fridge.
What to list for each drink?from masterclass.com
For each drink, list out the necessary ingredients, bar tools, and glassware. This will help you build a shopping list and ensure that you have the supplies needed to make the drinks you think are most important.
What is the best gin to use in cocktails?from artofmanliness.com
Gin comes in four varieties: London Dry, Plymouth, Old Tom, and Genever. I suggest starting off with a London Dry gin. Later on, add a Plymouth gin to the mix. Learn more about this spirit in AoM’s primer on gin.
What liquor is best for punches?from artofmanliness.com
Rum. This tasty liquor from the Caribbean is distilled from molasses. Dark rums are best for punches. Light rums are for mixing cocktails. I say start off with a light rum and add a dark rum when you have a big party where you’ll be serving punch.
How to start a whiskey collection?from masterclass.com
A good way to start your whiskey collection is to buy one bottle of bourbon and one bottle of blended rye whiskey. The bourbon should hold its own when served on the rocks or neat, and the rye will work in most classic whiskey cocktails like an Old Fashioned or Manhattan.
Do you need a mixer for cocktails?from masterclass.com
Most cocktails require a mixer or two. Having a basic collection of liquors and a diverse array of mixers allows you to make most standard cocktails. Here are some mixers that every home bar should have:
Can a man make his own cocktail cabinet?from artofmanliness.com
A man with enough initiative can probably make his own cocktail cabinet. Imagine the pride you’ll feel when you can pat your mini bar, hand your friend a drink and say, “See this cabinet here, Jim? I made this little beauty.”
