The 7 Bottle At-Home Bar

A well-stocked bar is at the center of good entertaining. It will adapt to the tastes of your guests and offer almost limitless combinations to sip on.
With 7 bottles—and a few optional add-ins—you’ll be shaking and stirring your way to better parties and get-togethers in no time. And while there is some initial investment, these ingredients will last you for some time.

Spirits

Spirits serve as the foundation of most cocktails and can be built upon in endless combinations.

1. Gin

Gin derives its flavor primarily from juniper berries, which are known for their strong, distinct, and astringent flavor.
Most of you are familiar with the classic Gin and Tonic, but there are a plethora of other gin cocktails to enjoy, including the Negroni, Gin Fizz, and Martini.

2. Vodka

Vodka is most commonly made by the distillation of potatoes or cereal grains. It is often drunk on its own, but is a versatile and adaptable base for many cocktails, including the Moscow Mule, the Cosmopolitan, and the Bloody Mary.

3. Tequila

When we think of tequila, we often think of shots or Margaritas—but this Mexican spirit, which is made from the blue agave plant, can be transformed into many other tasty cocktails, as well.

4. Bourbon or Whiskey

Whiskey and bourbon are great on their own, neat or on the rocks. But they also are a key ingredient in many classic cocktails, including the Manhattan and Old Fashioned.

Liqueurs

Liqueurs are the must-have accessories of the cocktail world. They add nuanced flavor and more complexity when combined with spirits. They can also be drunk on their own. These are the ones you should know and stock regularly:

1. Vermouth

Vermouth is a fortified wine that is flavored with various botanicals, most commonly herbs and spices. You can find both sweet and dry vermouth; both are great to have on hand. They can be drunk on their own or mixed in various cocktails.

2. Cointreau or Triple Sec

Cointreau and Triple Sec are orange-flavored liqueurs that are commonly used to infuse cocktails with citrus flavor.

3. Campari

Known for its deep red color and bitter taste, Campari is an herb- and fruit-infused aperitif. It is often combined with soda water and citrus, and most famously, is a key component in the Negroni.

Optional Add-Ins

1. Angostura Bitters

Originally produced to combat upset stomachs, botanical bitters are now a common flavoring in cocktails.

2. Sparkling Water

A staple at any bar to make a variety of mixed drinks. 

3. Simple Syrup

Simple syrup is made by simmering one part sugar with one part water until the sugar dissolves. Since the syrup dissolves more easily in liquid, it is a practical way to sweeten cocktails.

4. Fresh Herbs

A wonderful way to flavor cocktails, they also make for great garnishes.

5. Citrus Fruit

Almost every cocktail looks and tastes better with a touch of citrus, be it in the form of juice, zest, peel, or slice.