Are you looking to improve your home bar experience and take it to the next level? The first step is to ensure you have all the basics that will enable you to make a wide variety of craft liquors, distilled spirits, and favorite drinks you and your guests will love. We have compiled a list of seven distinctive spirits you must have in your home bar to have an ideal cocktail within reach and anytime you want.

1. Whiskey

Whiskey ranks as the most popular spirit globally. Also, whiskey is a versatile cocktail base that mixes well with other beverages to create classic drinks and pairs perfectly with fruits. You should try out a few varieties to pick the ideal type of whiskey that meets your flavor needs.

Key features

• Flavor profile:  Whiskey has oak, malted grain, and roasted undertones. In addition, there are distinct flavors in every style.
• Styles: Irish whiskey, Canadian whisky, Scotch whiskey, Blended whiskey, Tennessee whiskey, Rye whiskey and Flavored whiskey.
• Alcohol content: Ranges from 40% to 50% ABV (80 to 100 proof) 
• Produced in: Whiskey is made worldwide, and the region or country of production primarily identifies the different styles.

2. Vodka

Vodka has a distinct neutral flavor that makes it a highly versatile spirit. You can use it to make cocktails like Bloody Mary blends, martinis, or espresso. Plus, vodka provides a subtle taste and heat you will be proud to have in your collection.

Even though most of the vodka in the market is distilled from potatoes and grains (rye, wheat, and corn), some are distilled from grapes, beets, and more. It would be better to go for a neutral-flavored vodka so you can use it to make different mixed drinks.

Key features

• Flavor profile: vodka contains a neutral ethanol taste. But it can vary immensely depending on the added flavorings and distillate base. You can also distinguish vodka using texture, medicinal versus oily.
• Styles: The base generally identifies a type of vodka. Flavored vodkas are more popular for home bars.
• Alcohol content: 40% to 50% ABV (80 to 100 proof) 
• Produced in: Currently, many countries on the globe produce vodka. However, the spirit first originated in Poland and Russia.

3. Gin 

Similarly to vodka, gin is made from distilled wheat; the difference is gin gets its flavor from various botanicals. It has a dry profile that makes it suitable for making (non-sweet) dry cocktails, including classics like martinis or the infamous gin and tonic.

You can also use gin as a base for cocktails that require a few ingredients, and it pairs effortlessly with fruits and lighter mixtures.

Key features

• Flavor profile: Gin is dry and herbal. The predominant flavor that defines the spirit originates from juniper berries, which give it a signature “piney” taste and aroma. Older gin styles have gentle sweetness.
• Styles: Plymouth gin, Genever gin, Old Tom gin, New American or Modern style gin
• Alcohol content: 40% to 47% ABV
• Produced in: Gin is produced globally. Historically, it first appeared in Europe, specifically the United Kingdom and the Netherlands.

4. Tequila

Tequila is made from the infamous blue Agave plant and is only produced in select areas in Mexico. Despite its origin, tequila has worldwide appeal and is a primary ingredient in many popular cocktails, such as margaritas. 

There are different types of tequila, but silver tequila is the most versatile, and you can use it in numerous cocktail and food recipes. Tequila will make an excellent addition to your home bar. 

Key features 

• Flavor profile: Most tequilas tend to have earthy, semisweet, vegetal flavors with spicey tones
• Styles: Reposado, Extra- Anejo, Anejo, Gold and Blanco
• Alcohol content: 40% to 50% ABV (80 to 100 proof)
• Produced in: Tequila is only made in Mexico, and you can label any agave spirit produced outside the country as “tequila.”

5. Brandy

Brandy is a famous beverage made from distilled wine. You can use this spirit to make cocktails like metropolitans, a soothing combination of simple syrup, brandy, and sweet vermouth. 

If you prefer a fruitier drink, you can combine brandy, club soda, syrup, and fruit to bring out all the flavor.

Key features

• Flavor profile: Brandy has oak and burnt fruit notes, but the flavor can vary depending on the distillation process.
• Styles: Grappa, Armagnac, Pisco, Cognac, Spanish, Flavoured brandy, and Eau-de-vie.
• Alcohol content: typically 40% alcohol by volume (ABV 80 proof)

6. Orange Liqueur 

Orange liqueurs are a superb compliment to neutral spirits and can make numerous cocktails, features that make the drink essential in any home bar.

Some drinks you can make using orange liqueur are high balls, sours, martinis, and Long Island ice teas. In addition, it’s an ideal beverage to sip on during winter.

Key features

• Flavor profile: Orange liqueurs mostly have a mild citrus punch, offsetting earthiness, spice, or smoke notes. Also, costlier liqueurs tend to have stronger earthy notes.
• Styles: Cointreau, Triple Sec, Grand Marnier, Patron Citronge, Combier, Grand Garonne, Drillaud, Agavero orange liqueur.
• Alcohol content: 30% to 40% ABV

7. Coffee liqueur 

If you are a white Russian and espresso martini fan, you can’t miss a spot for coffee liqueur; they provide a complex but punchy addition to your collection.

In addition, these spirits are versatile and smooth, so you can pick the regular coffee flavor or opt for complex ones, like Jagermeister. Due to its spicy and soothing nature, these liqueurs will stand out on your shelves.

Key features

• Flavor profile: Oily, sweet, and creamy mouth feel coupled with vanilla and caramel sugar overtone
• Styles: Kahlua Especial, Jagermeister, Kamora, Mr. Black Cold Brew, Kahlua Ready-to-Drink Mudslide, Cantera Negra Cafe, Kahlua coffee liqueur.
• Alcohol content: 20% ABV

Frequently Asked Questions

What items should I have in a home bar?

• Strainers and shakers
• Buckets, molds, and Ice makers
• Peelers, cutting boards, and Juicers
• Corkscrews and bottle openers

How do I organize my home bar?

Store all your glassware in a cabinet or hang them from a sturdy rack, then place your soda, juice, and other mixers on a nearby shelf. Lastly, arrange your spirits in order; for instance, all the whiskeys should be on one side and then vodkas on the other to avoid confusion.

What are the benefits of a home bar?

You spend less on the drinks, as most bars and clubs charge up to three times the normal price. Also, you get to work on and improve your cocktail-making skills. 

Conclusion 

Having a well-stocked home bar will not only give you joy, but you will also be able to meet everyone’s needs whenever you have guests over. Check out our Distillery Nearby Blog to learn cocktail recipes, how to enhance your mixing skills, and more information about your favorite spirits. You will also find lots of information about distillery tours and spirit events.