You’re hanging out at your favorite watering hole, you’re enjoying the experience of drinking and carousing with your closest drinking buddies when all of a sudden you wonder whether it would be possible to recreate the experience in your own home. Besides having to buy a set of
leather bar stools and cocktail shaker what’s a burgeoning bartender to do if they want to bring the magic into their living room? Well, a good rule of thumb for anyone looking to cover most bases without buying liquor that will look pretty in their opaque bottles, never to be used for anything but decoration, is to have some standards at the ready:
- Wine. One of the most commonly imbibed beverage on the earth, having a good wine selection, and one that simply sit out at room temperature, will go miles in being able to satiate most of your guests. A nice, and inexpensive, selection of whites and reds will go far in keeping the company happy.
- Vodka. This one isn’t for the Russians anymore. Long since past the time when this was seen as something more to be sipped straight up, having a nice bottle of Ketel One or Grey Goose can still be served chilled on its own or can be the basis for many bar recipes that call for it.
- Whiskey. Looking to capitalize on the small percentage left of alcohol drinkers who eschew beer, wine or vodka, whiskey is the drink of choice for many discerning palates. While it’s most popular use is to mix in Coke or Diet Coke (for those feministas looking to watch their waistline) this spirit is used well in many cocktails and can also be enjoyed over the rocks.
- Beer. One of the best standards out there, beer in a home bar is a must. In order to properly ensure none of your guests are left thirsty, a good combination of light, regular and an import (like Heineken, for example) beers would fill in any gaps left open by your starter bar.