8 Liquors You Need for Your Home Bar

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Here’s to the world of home bartending! If you’re a cocktail connoisseur or just someone who loves to host a good party, having a well-stocked home bar is essential. Not only does it allow you to impress your guests with your bartending skills, but it also offers endless opportunities to experiment and create new drinks. 

Here are some essential liquors that you need to have in your home bar:

1. Rum

Rum is a spirit made from sugarcane or molasses and is commonly associated with tropical drinks. Whether you prefer white rum, golden rum, or dark rum, this liquor is a must-have in your home bar for making classics like the Mai Tai, Daiquiri, and Mojito.

2. Bourbon

Bourbon is a type of whiskey made from at least 51% corn and aged in charred oak barrels. It has a rich, smooth, and slightly sweet flavor that makes it a popular choice for many cocktails, including the Manhattan, Old Fashioned, and Mint Julep. In Tennessee, the art of distilled bourbon has been honed over centuries, with distilleries using traditional methods to produce some of the finest bourbon available. 

From the sourcing of premium ingredients to the careful aging process in oak barrels, the attention to detail at the Tennessee distillery Junction 35 Spirits is what sets their bourbon apart from the rest. If you’re searching for a new beverage to spice up your drinking experience, try some of the most renowned bourbons. For an even more flavorful twist, sample one of several flavored varieties, such as cinnamon or honey bourbon.

From traditional Manhattans to exquisite Mint Juleps, this spirit’s versatility makes it ideal for crafting cocktails ranging from simple to complex.

3. Vodka

Vodka is one of the most versatile spirits in the world of cocktails. This clear, neutral-tasting liquor is a staple ingredient in many popular drinks, including the Bloody Mary, Martini, and Cosmopolitan. With its smooth and light flavor, vodka can be paired with a wide range of juices, syrups, and bitters, making it a must-have in any home bar.

Wondering how to experiment with vodka in your cocktails? From a classic Martini to a fruity summer concoction, vodka is the perfect base spirit for drinks of all complexity levels. Shake up some fruit juice and syrup for an invigorating sip, or simply combine it with vermouth to create the ultimate Martini.

4. Gin

Gin is made from juniper berries and other botanicals. It has a unique and bold flavor that sets it apart from other liquors and makes it a popular choice for many cocktails. Whether you prefer a classic gin and tonic or a gin martini, this liquor is a must-have in your home bar.

If you’re looking for a flavor variation, consider trying a flavored gin, such as cucumber, rose, or even elderflower gin.

5. Tequila

Tequila is a spirit made from the blue agave plant and is commonly associated with margaritas. Whether you prefer blanco, reposado, or añejo tequila, this liquor is a must-have in your home bar for making classics like the Margarita, Paloma, and Tequila Sunrise.

With tequila, you can make a ton of Mexican-inspired cocktails that range from sweet to spicy! To craft the classic Margarita, combine tequila with lime juice and triple sec. Create an invigorating Paloma cocktail by blending the spirit with grapefruit juice and soda water. 

6. Scotch

Scotch has a distinctive flavor that distinguishes it from other whiskeys and makes it an exquisite component for various cocktails. This Scottish whiskey is matured in oak barrels for at least three years, resulting in its remarkable taste, which can be enjoyed as part of the well-known Rob Roy or Rusty Nail drinks.

Experience a whole new level of taste when you start mixing Scotch into your cocktails! The distinctive flavor it adds can truly elevate any drink. Try combining Scotch with vermouth and bitters for an unforgettable Rob Roy, or go all out and mix in Drambuie to make yourself a Rusty Nail. 

7. Brandy

Rich and velvety, Brandy is a spirit created from fermented fruit juice – often times grapes. Its delightful flavor makes it the perfect ingredient for an array of delectable drinks such as the famous Brandy Alexander or Sidecar cocktail.

To unleash the full potential of Brandy, use it to craft classic cocktails. Try a Brandy Alexander with crème de cacao and heavy cream for an indulgent treat, or mix it up in a Sidecar with triple sec and lemon juice. Either way, you can expect that smooth flavor profile that only brandy can offer. 

8. Vermouth

Vermouth is a fortified, botanically, and spicily infused wine that entices the senses with its sweet and fragrant taste. It has become one of the most sought-after ingredients for many classic cocktails such as Martinis and Manhattan’s.

Vermouth is often used in cocktails as a modifier, adding a sweet and aromatic flavor. You can mix it up with gin and bitters for a classic Martini or pair it with bourbon and bitters for a Manhattan. It is also a popular ingredient in many other classic cocktails, such as the Negroni and Americano.

Conclusion

Having a well-stocked home bar can make all the difference when it comes to creating delicious cocktails for yourself and your guests. The eight liquors mentioned above are a great place to start and will provide a solid foundation for creating a wide variety of cocktails. Whether you prefer sweet and fruity drinks or strong and bitter cocktails, these liquors are versatile enough to accommodate any taste preference. So, stock up your bar and start experimenting with different recipes today!