Stocking Your Home Bar

All standard bars are stocked alike, but each home bar is stocked in its own way. How you stock your home bar is very much a matter of personal taste. But among all the unique drinks displayed in your home bar decor, there are definitely some basic items that all home bars should have.

The Bottles All home bars should stock at least one bottle of each of the following drinks: Tequila Your home bar decor may be upscale, but keep a bottle of tequila around for those memorable long weekends. Vodka A quality vodka will be useful for any number of mixed drinks. Whiskey No home bar deserves the name without whiskey on hand. Scotch Tastes in Scotch vary, so check with your friends before stocking your home bar.

Gin, bourbon, and rum are also staples of any home bar decor.

Liqueurs, Wine, And Beer
Liqueurs are definitely love it or hate it items, so keep yourself covered with a few cremes and some schnapps. Stocking bottles of Kahlua and Jagermeister behind your home bar is a good bet. Depending on your home bar decor, wine may or may not fit in, but having a good merlot and chardonnay on hand is always wise. As for beer, every home bar will have its brand, but stock up on a few light beers and some imports to cover all your bases.

The Rest
To keep things mixing well, a supply of sodas and juices will be required, as well as a margarita or sour mix. No home bar decor should be without a cocktail shaker, a strainer, and a good supply of bar rags. As for garnishes and drink accessories, any combination of limes, salt, plastic toothpicks, cocktail onions, olives, maraschino cherries, and lemons should get you started.

If you're a bar veteran you may already know how to mix most drinks, but a drink reference guide will come in handy as your home bar expands. Always being prepared for surprises is just part of the fun of establishing your unique home bar decor.