Building Your Bar: Core Spirits
Everyone who reads this will have varying budgets, interests in types of booze, etc. and have also probably read other articles on building a bar. Personally, for a single guy who does not drink a ton at home by himself, I have a pretty robust bar. That’s me. I like to have options when people do come over. Your home bar is not just about you and 18 bottles of bourbon. You want a range of spirits for when your guests come over. And this stuff lasts a while.
Always have as many of the base spirits you can - vodka, gin, tequila, rum and bourbon/rye. It gives you flexibility and allows you to make all your guests happy. And again, budgets and your personal taste will drive what you buy. My list is not meant to impress your one bartender friend or label you as the most trendy person in your peer group, but for people who already don’t have a strong brand preference and are beginners this is a good start. All I’m really trying to do is get those bottles of Skyy and Captain Morgan off your shelf.
For quality brands that can be found easily and won’t break the bank, I recommend these if you are starting your first home bar:
Vodka - Tito’s. I used to be a Ketel guy, but love Tito’s. And you can find it everywhere. Also, even though it reminds me of my younger years, Stoli is a really good vodka to mix. And cheap.
Gin - Broker’s. I am not a fan of the Christmas tree tasting gins out there. This one is really good, pretty neutral and one of the cheaper ones out there. Plus the bottle topper has a cool black derby hat. I learned about this one at a great bar here in St. Louis, Taste.
Tequila - I have been pretty basic with tequila in the past — your Cuervo and Patron. But for something a little more interesting and off the beaten path, try El Padrino Blanco.
Rum - Thanks to the good people at Yellowbelly, I have found Plantation Rum. Always have some of this. Rum is popular right now, and for good reasons. And it makes a lot of great summer cocktails. Get the white and dark if you can. And if you want to be extra fancy, get the pineapple rum. Thank me later.
Bourbon/Rye - Of any of these spirits, I feel this one has the most personal opinion of what is good, what you like, etc. but for the purposes of this post and building a basic bar — I go with Old Forester 86. Really good and not expensive. And for a more common selection, go with Bulleit or Buffalo Trace. You can find these for sure in your local grocer even. And for a rye, you can’t go too wrong with Bulleit Rye.
In a future post I will get into some less common spirits, liqueurs and bitters that can really up your home bar game.