Hey all :)

I'm looking for advice and suggestions towards what I should add to my home bar. I've recently got quite into mixing cocktails and have bought a couple of books on it but every time I browse through them new drinks jump out at me and I think "Oh, I'll try that... no wait I don't have any -insert odd booze-"

So what are your favourite alcoholic beverages? I can't never really decide what to buy at the time and end up restocking on old favourites.

I already have some of the basics and some personal favourites:

Vodka
White Rum
Dark Rum
Coconut Rum
Peach Schnapps
Midori
Blue Curaçao
Sour Apple liqueur
Goldschlager
Toffee Liqueur
Banana Liqueur
Cherry Liqueur
Baileys Irish Cream

What should I add?

Bombay Sapphire gin
Makers mark bourbon
Absolut vodka
Wild Irish Rose
Jagermeister
Hennesy

There's one more I am thinking of that is in a
Rounded triangular shaped bottle that starts with the letter D I think
I don't think I am thinking of Drambue
And something else in a tall blue bottle
This may be my excuse to make a trip to the liquor store :D

****I don't really drink but it seems these are the best from what I have heard. I did have the makers mark once.:D

So far you have a good range, but looks like you need some gin, tequila and whiskey. Most drinks are also made with sweet and sour mix, triple sec, pineapple juice, cranberry juice and OJ. That should be a good start, then just add other stuff for specific drinks. Mojitos are a favorite to serve to people at home. People love them! Rum, mint, sugar and soda.;)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by shayb17

sweet and sour mix, pineapple juice, cranberry juice and OJ. sugar and soda.

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MY favorite part of the drink

Larkemett, when it comes to the bourbons, scotches, brandies (cognacs), whiskies, et. al. you'll want to distinguish between those for mixing, and those for sipping.

If you have a guest who wants to enjoy a good single malt, for example, they'll remember you forever if you pour them a Macallan or a 15-year old Glenmorangie. But on the other hand, if you're mixing up a Scotch-based drink that has a lot of other heavy or strong-tasting ingredients, the subtleties and nuances of a premium Scotch would be lost. In that latter case, you can go with one of the more "everyday" Scotches as the base for the cocktail.

Same goes for the others I mentioned at the opening: You'll want to have "premium" stuff for the sippers, and "good" stuff for the mixers. A well-stocked bar will have both on hand.

Cheers!

Grand Marnier
Roses lime
Bitters
A really good Tequila and regular for drinks
Crème de Cocoa white or dark
Kalua
Chambourd (sp?) round bottle, crown on top (raspberry)

Some of the best vodkas are Russian Standard, Absolut, Finlandia, Vikingfjord, Effen, Chopin, Belvedere, Reyka and Stolichnaya.

For wine drinkers you should add a Chardonnay, White Zinfandel and a red such as Bordeaux or Cabernet. Always keep a bottle of decent Champagne for impromptu celebrations. Asti Spumante is another favorite to keep on hand.

Don't forget the vermouth for the martinis. Triple sec, etc. Try these sites:

Build a Home Bar - Stocking a Home Bar

Stocking the Ultimate Home Bar For $100, $200 and $500 With Expert Advice From LeNell Smothers - AOL Food

Stocking Your Home Bar: Vodka, Rum, Whiskey, Gin - Where to Start? | Suite101.com

Cocktail Times | Stocking a homebar

Stocking your home bar

The last one looks the best.

My Mama taught me "better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it".