Mixers
So what about the actual bar ingredients? Of course, there’s no end to the number of different mixers and types of liquor you can buy. There’s everything from artichoke liqueur to other oddball stuff like marshmallow-flavored vodka. What’s important is that you have good base of liquor to start with. Here are the essentials:
Club soda
Tonic water
Ginger ale
Cola
Cointreau or Triple Sec
Bitters
These mixers are great to have on hand, but since they should ideally be somewhat fresh, you should buy or prepare them right before you have a party.
Orange juice
Cranberry juice
Lemons
Limes
Oranges
Fresh mint and basil
Cucumbers
Once you’ve acquired the essential items above, you’ve got a basic home bar! There’s always going to be something you’re missing. But take comfort knowing that your bar is now equipped to handle many standard cocktails and should make your guests feel more than welcome.
Best of all, you have a solid foundation once you have the basic array of tools. But as you being to try different things, it gives you an excuse to acquire new and exotic tools and ingredients.