Party-Sense

There is no right or wrong way to stock your bar for home entertaining, but there are some basics which I feel every bar should have. There may be some initial expense made to fully stock your bar, but if you entertain frequently the expense will be well worth it. Most items will not need replenishment every time and you will be well equipped to please any of your guest’s tastes.

Following is a list to get you started in stocking your bar. I did not make any recommendations as to brands, because this is all dependent upon your individual budget. I do tend to purchase top shelf spirits and less expensive wines. Many good wines are available in the $10-15 range.

Alcohol
Beer (Domestic, Imported, and Non-alcoholic)
Whiskey
Bourbon
Brandy
Gin
Liqueurs (Coffee, Orange, and Irish Cream)
White Rum
Spiced Rum
Scotch
Tequila
Cointreau
Dry Vermouth
Vodka
Wine (Red, White, and Non-alcoholic)
Champagne

Mixers
Club Soda
Orange Juice, Grapefruit Juice, and Cranberry Juice
Assorted Soft drinks
Tomato/Vegetable juice
Tonic water

Garnishes and Flavorings
Bitters
Lemons, Limes, and Oranges
Coarse Salt
Superfine Sugar
Cocktail Onions
Tabasco Sauce
Maraschino Cherries
Olives
Simple Syrup
Worcestershire Sauce
Crushed Ice