Spirits
- Gin
- Vodka
- Flavored Vodka (Citrus, Cherry, Blueberry, Vanilla, etc)
- Rum (Light, Dark, Spiced)
- Tequila (Light & Dark)
- Whiskey (Canadian, Irish)
- Scotch
- Bourbon
- Cognac
- Brandy
- Wine (White, Red, Sparkling)
Liqueurs/Cordials
- Amaretto
- Chambord
- Compari
- Countreu
- Curacao (Blue & Orange)
- Creme de Banana
- Creme de Cacao
- Creme de Cassis
- Creme de Menthe
- Frangelico
- Galiano
- Godiva
- Goldschlager
- Grand Marnier
- Irish Cream
- Jagermeister
- Kahlua
- Kirschwasser
- Midori
- Rumplemintz
- Sambuca
- Schnapps (Various Flavors: Peach, Pear, Pomegranate, Sour Apple, Butterscotch, Mango)
- Southern Comfort
Mixers/Garnishes
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Salt/Sugar
- Mint
- Olives/Onions
- Sweet n sour
- Tabasco
- Bitters
- Milks
- Tonic Water/Club Soda
- Soda (Coke, 7up, Ginger ale)
- Grenadine
- Lime Juice (fresh or roses)
- Cream of Coconut
- Fruit Juice (Cranberry, Orange, Pineapple, Grapefruit, Tomato)
- Fruit (Pineapple/Orange slices, Cherries, Strawberries, Bananas, Apples, Lemon/Limes)
…..Now there are several generic brands that make many of the cordials I listed which would be easieron your pockets, but for now I listed the most commonly associated brands with each style of liqueurs. Now if this list scares you a bit, don’t worry, you don’t have to buy it all at once. In fact, I highly recommend slowly building your bar up with a particular method a bartender once told me. Go to your favorite wine and spirits merchant and buy a cocktail recipe book. Find the ingredients to your favorite drink you regularly order when you go to the bar. Make this drink on your own at home over and over until you’re comfortable with the liquors and their appropriate measurements. Now that you’re comfortable, look for another drink you enjoy, or simple explore to find a drink you “think” you might enjoy. In the end, you’ll not only slowly stock an exceptional bar, but you’ll have a recipe for each liquor in your bar. There is nothing worse than having a fully stocked bar, and not understanding how to use half of the spirits in it.