Gin It Up! How to Stock the Perfect Home Bar

No Comments | Written on August 23, 2012 at 5:00 pm, by The Editors

How to Stock your Home Bar

Let’s see, you’ll need one bourbon, one scotch, one beer — but not all at once, as the Glee choir would have it. No, if you want to become the best host or hostess in the neighborhood, just download this handy chart from Recipe.com that shows exactly what you need to stock the perfect home bar.

Yes, you will need gin, for those killer martinis of yours, and vodka, of course, in case the gang drops over for brunch on Sunday morning. Tequila — did someone say “Margaritas at your place, around 6?” Rum, bourbon, vermouth. Sure, all that.

What’s truly great about “Stock Your Home Bar in Style,” though, is that it covers a lot more bases than just the straight-out bottles of booze you’ll need. The chart also include the mixers and garnishes — tonic, club soda, tomato juice (remember, you’re making the Bloody Mary’s on Sunday), cocktail onions (Sidecar, anyone?), olives, hot sauce, on down the line.

And what guide to creating a great home bar would leave out the proper glasses for every cocktail worth its alcoholic content? As you’ll see, you’re going to need ones for martinis, rocks, and highballs, as well as an ice bucket, strainer, jigger, and strainer.

Everything is covered — on down to toothpicks and cocktail napkins. Plus, there’s a helpful tip when it comes to creating a first-class home bar: Start out small, because getting in the spirit for buying spirits — take cognac, for example — can be costly. In other words, save the good stuff for a special anniversary party, and build your home bar bottle by bottle