Liquors: Pick your favorite to start, and then add others over time.
Vodka
Gin
Whiskey, bourbon, rye
Rum (light or dark)
Tequila (white, gold, aged, extra-aged or ultra-aged)
Liqueurs: These add a secondary layer of flavor in many cocktails.
Vermouth (dry and sweet)
Orange-based liqueur, such as Cointreau or Triple Sec
Herb-based spirits, such as Campari or Chartreuse
Sweet liqueurs, such as creme de cacao or Kahlua
Bitters: A dash of bitters accents and adds depth to a cocktail.
Aromatic bitters, such as classic Angostura or sweet, spicy Peychaud's
Orange bitters
Artisan bitters, innovative flavors abound
Spicy & Savory Flavors: Easy to have on hand and most keep for a long time.
Hot sauces, such as Tabasco, green pepper sauce, Sriracha or other Asian chili sauces
Worcestershire sauce
Olive brine, pickle juice
Horseradish
Tomato juice
Sweet & Sour Flavors: Personalize your cocktails with infused simple syrups, or make your own sour mix.
Sugar (granulated, brown, cane)
Simple syrup (plain or infused with herbs, spices or fruit)
Sour mix
Grenadine
Fruit Juices: Freshly squeeze your citrus fruits for maximum flavor.
Lemon juice
Lime juice
Orange juice
Cranberry juice cocktail
Pineapple juice
Pomegranate juice
Strong iced teas or tisanes
Carbonation: Buy sodas packaged in small bottles; a 2-liter bottle of soda may go flat between parties.
Seltzer
Club soda
Tonic
Cola
Lemon-lime
Ginger ale
Ginger beer
Garnishes: Precut slices or wedges of lemons and limes before the party, and have fun with inventive garnishes.
Lemons
Limes
Oranges
Citrus twists
Star fruit, pineapple, apple
Fresh berries or currants
Fresh herbs, such as mint or basil
Maraschino cherries
Olives, try different varieties or stuffed olives
Cocktail onions, for Gibsons
Celery, the quintessential Bloody Mary garnish
Cucumber
Jalapeno
Coarse salt
Sugar cubes, for Manhattans
Nutmeg, for grating on brandy Alexanders or eggnog
Fun swizzle sticks, cocktail straws, spears for fruit garnishes
Tools of the Trade: These tools are essential to any well-stocked bar.
Jigger measure
Cocktail shaker
Cocktail strainer
Cocktail stirrer
Muddler
Bottle opener
Knife
Small cutting board
Blender
Hand-held fruit juicer
Make these fun cocktail recipes with your well-stocked bar:
Thai Coco Cocktail
Belize Breeze
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