Starting a home bar is an exciting adventure, especially when you're young and trying to balance quality with cost. If you're into cocktails or just love hosting friends, I've got five must have bottles for your new home bar. These picks are easy on the wallet and super versatile, so your bar will be ready for any occasion. Plus, you can kick off your bar setup effortlessly by getting your alcohol delivered straight to your door.

1. White Rum: Wray and Nephew

 

White rum is a must-have for any bar, thanks to its versatility in cocktails. Wray and Nephew's white rum stands out with its rich flavor and smooth finish, perfect for mixing up classic Mojitos or a simple Rum and Coke. It's affordable without skimping on quality, making it an ideal choice for kicking off your home bar collection.

Shop Now

2. Red Rum: Appleton 8 Year Old

For a deeper, more complex flavor, red rum is a must. Appleton 8 Year Old offers a sophisticated taste without breaking the bank. It's great for sipping on its own or for adding a rich flavor to cocktails like a Rum Old Fashioned or a Mai Tai.

Shop Now

3. Scotch/Whiskey: Johnnie Walker Black

A bottle of good Scotch, like Johnnie Walker, is essential for those who appreciate a classic. Its smooth, smoky flavor is perfect for a simple Scotch on the rocks, a Scotch and Soda, or even in a Rob Roy. Johnnie Walker's wide range of choices also allows you to pick one that suits your taste and budget.

Shop Now

4. Vodka: Tito's Handmade Vodka

Vodka's neutrality makes it an indispensable part of any home bar. It's the foundation of many popular drinks, from a classic Martini to a Moscow Mule. Tito's Vodka, known for its smoothness and purity, is a perfect choice. It fits well within your budget without compromising the quality of your cocktails. This brand's versatility and acclaim make it a must-have for both new enthusiasts and seasoned mixologists alike.

Shop Now

5. Wine: A Bottle Each of Red and White

No home bar is complete without wine. A bottle of red and a bottle of white cater to all tastes and occasions, whether it's a casual evening or a dinner party. Choose varieties that are versatile and widely appreciated, like a Cabernet Sauvignon for red and a Sauvignon Blanc for white.

Shop Now

6. Gin: Elegance and Versatility

Starting your home bar with Bombay Sapphire Gin is an excellent choice for several reasons. Known for its smooth and versatile profile, Bombay Sapphire is distilled with ten exotic botanicals, giving it a distinctive, balanced flavor that's perfect for both classic and modern cocktails. Its vibrant, floral notes make it ideal for a refreshing gin and tonic or a more complex martini.

Shop Now

Chasers and Mixers

Remember to add chasers and mixers to your home bar to make it more appealing. Stock up on ginger ale, cola (Pepsi or Coke), cranberry cocktail, and your favorite fruit juice. These not only offer your beverages a greater variety, but they also satisfy guests who prefer lighter or nonalcoholic options.

 

Shop Now

Glassware

Starting a home bar involves more than just stocking up on spirits; the right glassware is essential to fully enjoy each drink. Here's a guide to the essential glassware for a well-equipped home bar:

Wine Glasses:

Red Wine Glasses: Larger and rounder with a wide opening, these glasses are
designed to aerate red wine and enhance its flavor.
White Wine Glasses: Generally smaller than red wine glasses, with a narrower
opening to concentrate the more delicate aromas of white wine.

Cocktail Glasses:

Highball Glasses: Tall and straight-sided, perfect for 'long' mixed drinks and cocktails like a Mojito or a Gin and Tonic.
Lowball Glasses: (Old Fashioned Glasses): Short and wide, ideal for 'short'
mixed drinks, such as an Old Fashioned or Whiskey Sour.

Specialty Glasses:

Martini Glasses: Iconic in shape, with a wide, shallow bowl, ideal for Martinis
and other cocktails served without ice.

Rock Glasses: Similar to lowball glasses, but often heavier and more durable, perfect for serving spirits on the rocks or simple cocktails like a Scotch and Soda.

Rum Glasses: A snifter or a tulip glass is perfect for sipping rum, as they help
concentrate the aroma at the top of the glass.
Scotch Glasses (Whisky Tumblers): Wide and robust, designed for sipping
scotch, with or without ice.

Others:
    •    Shot Glasses: Essential for serving straight spirits or layered shots.
    •    Cocktail Shaker: Crucial for mixing a variety of cocktails.

This comprehensive list of glassware covers all the basics you'll need for a well-equipped home bar, allowing you to properly serve and enjoy a wide range of drinks. Starting with these essentials, you can expand your collection over time to suit your specific needs and preferences.