Stocking a home bar isn't about owning a hundred bottles. It's about owning the right twelve. The list below is what we'd actually keep in the cabinet to cover ninety percent of cocktails worth making, with our spirits where applicable.
The spirits
- Vodka. Pick one. We use Oasis Vodka — date-based, soft, versatile.
- Gin. Pick one. Nopalera Gin for New Western character; Beefeater or Tanqueray if you prefer London Dry.
- Bourbon. Pick one. Zanja-Madre Bourbon for high-rye; Maker's Mark for wheated.
- Rye. If you make Manhattans. Zanja-Madre Rye or Rittenhouse Bonded.
- Tequila or mezcal. One bottle. Espolon Blanco for tequila or Del Maguey Vida for mezcal.
- White rum. Plantation 3 Stars or Bacardi.
- Aged rum. Optional but useful. Plantation Original Dark or Mount Gay Black Barrel.
The modifiers
- Sweet vermouth. Carpano Antica is the gold standard. Refrigerate after opening.
- Dry vermouth. Dolin or Noilly Prat. Refrigerate.
- Campari. For Negronis and Boulevardiers.
- Cointreau. Orange liqueur, the cleaner choice over generic triple sec.
- Lillet Blanc. For Vespers and other aperitif-style cocktails.
The bitters
- Angostura. The default. In your bar always.
- Orange bitters. Regan's or Fee Brothers. Adds dimension to martinis and Manhattans.
- Peychaud's. If you make Sazeracs. Otherwise optional.
The fresh stuff
Fresh citrus is the difference between a great cocktail and a mediocre one. Always have lemons and limes on hand. Oranges if you make Old Fashioneds or Negronis. Mint, basil, and rosemary in season.
The tools
- Boston shaker (two metal tins) or Cobbler shaker
- Mixing glass
- Bar spoon
- Strainer (Hawthorne for shaken, Julep for stirred)
- Fine mesh strainer for double-straining
- Jigger (1 oz / 1.5 oz / 2 oz markings)
- Muddler
- Citrus juicer (handheld is fine)
- Vegetable peeler for twists
- Large ice cube tray for rocks cocktails
The glassware
- Coupes (4–6) for stirred-up cocktails
- Rocks glasses (4–6) for spirit-forward drinks on a rock
- Highball/collins (4–6) for tonic and soda drinks
- Wine glasses (you have these already)
- Champagne flutes (optional)
Where to next
Browse our spirits, learn how to host a whiskey tasting, or read about cocktail glassware.