SPIRITS

There are countless types of alcohol out there, and new variations emerge each day. So which spirits do you focus on as a home bartender? The answer is all of them! While your home bar setup needs to reflect your personal taste and preferences, it is also about entertaining others, so you’ll need to be equipped to deliver on a variety of penchants. To start, about half a dozen spirits and a few trusted mix- ers will suffice. Build a good foundation by acquiring a high-quality gin, vodka, bourbon, tequila, and white rum. Once that has been established, up the ante by adding spirits such as rye whiskey or scotch. Most experts suggest buying the best you can afford when it comes to base spirits, and many home bartenders find success in homing in on one drink per month. After purchasing all of the spirits and modifiers for a dozen drinks over the course of a year, you’ll have an impressive liquor lineup before you know it.