Hosting
How to stock a home bar without overbuying
A useful bottle list for cocktails, simple serves and last-minute guests.
Start with what you actually drink
A good home bar is not a miniature bottle shop. Begin with two base spirits you and your guests enjoy, then add one versatile modifier, a sparkling mixer and fresh citrus. That small set makes more useful serves than a crowded shelf of one-purpose bottles.
Build around simple serves
Whisky with soda, gin and tonic, a rum highball and a wine option cover many occasions. Add tonic, soda, ginger ale, ice and garnishes immediately before hosting so the everyday essentials stay fresh.
Buy for the guest list
Estimate modest servings, offer water and alcohol-free drinks throughout the evening, and avoid opening every bottle at once. Unopened stock keeps better and can be saved for the next occasion.