A Small Home Bar: Buy for the Drinks You Actually Make

Spring cleaning is a great time to rethink the cabinet where bottles go to be forgotten. A small home bar works best when it is built around the drinks you actually make, not a long checklist of everything a cocktail book mentions.

Start with your favorite drinks

Write down two or three drinks you genuinely enjoy and make at home. Maybe it is an Old Fashioned, a margarita and a glass of wine with dinner. Those choices tell you exactly what to buy. Everything else can wait until you find a new favorite.

A small, preference-led selection

• One whiskey you like: bourbon or rye, depending on your taste. Our bourbon or rye guide can help.
• One clear spirit: vodka, gin or a blanco tequila, depending on the drinks you make. See our tequila guide.
• A bottle of wine you enjoy: for dinners and guests. Our dinner wine guide has ideas.
• Bitters, if you make classic whiskey cocktails.

That is plenty. Bottles you never open just take up space.

A few useful tools

• A jigger or measuring tool: measuring keeps drinks consistent and helps you know how much you are pouring.
• A mixing glass or shaker for the cocktails you make.
• A bar spoon and a simple strainer.
• A few versatile glasses: a rocks glass, a highball glass and wine glasses cover most needs.

Mixers and garnishes

Buy mixers based on your drinks: club soda, tonic, ginger ale, citrus and simple syrup. Fresh citrus makes a big difference in many cocktails, so buy it close to when you will use it.

Label and store safely

• Keep bottles in a cool place out of direct sunlight.
• Label any homemade syrups with the date.
• Store alcohol where children cannot reach it. A locked cabinet is a good idea.

Offer alternatives

A thoughtful home bar includes good non-alcoholic options: sparkling water, interesting sodas, juice and alcohol-free mocktail ingredients. Guests who are driving or not drinking will appreciate it.

Enjoy responsibly

Your home bar is for enjoying good drinks with care. Measure your pours, pace yourself and never drive after drinking.

Need help getting started?

Tell our team which drinks you like to make and we will help you choose a few bottles. Visit 1049 S State Street, call (601) 353-0331, or browse delivery options on Stanley's DoorDash store page. Must be 21+ to purchase.