As the weather turns warmer, thoughts inevitably turn toward enjoying outdoor grilling and dinner parties featuring your own home-grown produce or that from a local farmer’s market. But to entertain well, it’s also important as a host to be prepared for guests’ cocktail requests and many occasions call for more than just a case of beer (hopefully). Stocking your home bar need not be random or elaborate, as long as you have the standard bases covered.
Liquors: Vodka, rum, whiskey, tequila, bourbon, Scotch. Go for the baseline premium brands like Absolut or Skyy for vodka, Jack Daniels whiskey and Jim Beam bourbon, for example. Consider, though, perhaps one higher-end option like a Sauza Comemerativo or nicely aged Scotch for the sipping crowd.
Liqueurs: Among myriad options, a peach schnapps and perhaps a melon variety; an orange liqueur like Triple Sec or Grand Marnier; Crème De Menthe, Cacao and Banana; a flavor or two of brandy; Kahlua; Frangelica and Chambord, should be more than adequate.Beer and Wine: Red and white wines should suffice, and a mix of domestic and imported beers and light beers should keep guests happy.
Mixers: Cola and diet cola; Sprite/7 Up; ginger ale, tonic water and club soda; orange, cranberry, pineapple and grapefruit juices; and possibly bar mixes like sweet and sour and a Bloody Mary mix.
