Want to make cocktails at home, but don't know where to start? Here are the bottles and tools I recommend for home bartenders at every level.
Sections
4
Beginner
Intermediate
Expert
Obsessed
Beginner
Everything you need to get started! With these basic tools and only seven bottles, you can make 20+ classic cocktails.
Get a London Dry gin - Sipsmith is one of my favorites. Tanqueray, Bombay Sapphire, and Beefeater are slightly cheaper options.
Sipsmith London Dry Gin
Most classic whiskey cocktails call for a rye whiskey. Old Overholt is a cheaper, lower-proof option.
Rittenhouse Rye
Campari is a bitter Italian liqueur used in aperitif cocktails like the Negroni and Americano.
Campari
Sweet vermouth is an important part of drinks like the Manhattan and Negroni.
Carpano Antica Formula Sweet Vermouth
Dry vermouth is most famously used in the Martini.
Dolin Vermouth de Chambery Dry
Dry Curaçao is an orange liqueur called for in many classic cocktails. You can substitute a triple sec like Cointreau if you don't have it.
Pierre Ferrand Dry Curacao Liqueur
Angostura bitters are called for more often than any other variety.
Angostura Bitters
Boston shakers are more reliable than cobbler shakers and don't get stuck as easily. This version by A Bar Above comes in several different finishes.
A Bar Above Professional Boston Shakers Set
This jigger has 1 oz. and 2 oz. sides with internal lines for smaller measurements.
Double Cocktail Jigger
If you're just getting started, this cheaper Hawthorne strainer will do just fine. Consider upgrading to a sturdier version eventually.
Winco Stainless Steel 4-Prong Bar Strainer
This mixing glass from Crate & Barrel is a great value.
Hatch Mixing Glass
A sturdy, properly-weighted barspoon will make a big difference when stirring drinks.
Williams Sonoma Mixology Bar Spoon
If you've ever gotten a really delicious cherry in your drink at a bar, it was probably Luxardo. These are a bit of a splurge, but one jar lasts a long time and they do a lot to elevate your drinks!
Luxardo Maraschino Cherries
Many coupe glasses are far too large for a properly-sized cocktail. These from CB2 are a good size and price.
Marie Coupe Glass
There are a lot of options for rocks glasses out there - this is just one!
Libbey Heavy Base Rocks Glasses, Set of 12
Intermediate
Ready to expand your bar and try some new things? These bottles and tools will allow you to make hundreds of different drinks.
Luxardo is a key ingredient in drinks like the Last Word, Aviation, Martinez, Brooklyn, and Brandy Crusta. Since it's usually added in small amounts, a 375ml bottle is a good way to start.
Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur
Herbsaint can be used in place of Absinthe or Pastis. It's usually used in small amounts so a bottle will last you a long time.
Legendre Herbsaint Liqueur
White rum will allow you to make a number of cocktails including the Daiquiri and Mojito.
Planteray 3 Stars White Rum
I recommend starting with a Blanco tequila for your bar, but a Reposado will also work.
Espolon Blanco Tequila
For Sidecars, Brandy Crustas, and better Sazeracs
Pierre Ferrand Cognac 1840 Original Formula
An all-time crowd pleaser featured in many modern classics.
St Germain Elderflower Liqueur
Rye and bourbon can be substituted for each other, but they have unique flavors and some drinks recommend one or the other.
Elijah Craig Bourbon
Lighter than Campari, Aperol makes great spritzes and Negroni variations.
Aperol Liqueur
Cointreau is a triple sec-style orange liqueur and is a bit different from Dry Curaçao - it can be nice to have both on hand.
Cointreau Orange Liqueur
Peychaud's bitters are the second most common type, appearing in drinks like the Sazerac and Seelbach.
Peychaud Bitters
Orange bitters are the third bottle I recommend investing in.
Angostura Orange Bitters
A wooden muddler with a smooth tip is better than anything with sharp spikes. You want to press out oils and juices, not tear your herbs and fruit.
Winco Wooden Muddler
These 1-inch cubes are the perfect size for shaking and serving cocktails.
2 Pack Ice Cube Trays
For serving spirit-forward drinks on the rocks, sometimes one large cube is preferred. These won't be clear, but they will melt more slowly than smaller cubes.
Tovolo King Cube Ice Tray
Serve sparkling drinks like the French 75, Seelbach, Air Mail, or Champagne Cocktail in an elegant flute.
Nattie Champagne Glass Flute
A Highball glass is another useful glass to have on hand
Aspen 18-Oz. Highball Glass
Upgrade your toothpicks to these gorgeous cocktail picks
Belmont Cocktail Picks Set of 6
As you start making drinks like smashes and juleps, you'll find that regular straws are too long. These are the perfect length for cocktails made in rocks glasses.
A Bar Above Short Cocktail Straws
A must when muddling anything into your drink. If a recipe says to double or fine-strain, this is what you need.
Stainless Steel Mesh Strainer
Expert
At this point your friends come to you for cocktail recipes and advice. You're starting to run out of shelf space.
It's nearly impossible to find at the moment, but making a Last Word is worth a hunt.
Green Chartreuse
Cynar is a great choice for a first amaro. Try it in a Little Italy.
Cynar
It's not as popular today, but Benedictine appears in several classic cocktails like the Vieux Carre, Singapore Sling, and Widow's Kiss.
Benedictine D. O. M. Liqueur
A blended Scotch like Monkey Shoulder works for Scotch cocktails such as the Rusty Nail, Penicillin, Blood & Sand, and Bobby Burns.
Monkey Shoulder Blended Malt Scotch Whisky
Some cocktails like the Penicillin call for peaty Islay Scotch. If you're not going to be drinking it neat as well, Laphroiag Select is an affordable option.
Laphroaig Select Single Malt Scotch
Laird's Applejack is a true American spirit, made by the same family for generations. It's called for in drinks like the Jack Rose and American Trilogy.
Laird's Apple Jack
There are a lot of options for an aged rum out there. I like Appleton for its rich, slightly funky flavor and fantastic price tag.
Appleton Estate Signature Blend
Once you're making a wider variety of drinks, it's good to have both a reposado and blanco tequila. Use it in a Oaxacan Old Fashioned or a Mexican Firing Squad.
Espolon Reposado Tequila
A smoky mezcal can be used in small amounts, like in a Oaxacan Old Fashioned, or as a cocktail base in drinks like the Maximillian Affair, Division Bell, and Naked & Famous.
Fidencio Mezcal Joven Clasico
There are so many fantastic amari out there, and it can be hard to choose. Averna is another great one to start with. Amaro Montenegro is a good alternative.
Averna Amaro
Some recipes like the Dark & Stormy and many Tiki drinks specifically call for a black rum. Goslings is another option.
Cruzan Black Strap Rum
Unless your fridge makes crushed ice, you're going to need one of these.
Lewis Ice Bag and Mallet
Citrus twists are a breeze with a Y-peeler like this one
OXO Good Grips Prep Y-Peeler
If you're starting to get into Tiki cocktails, make sure you have some appropriate vessels!
Cedilis 4 Pack Ceramic Tiki Mugs
Hands-down the best knife for cutting citrus and garnishes.
Jackson Cannon Bar Knife
If you're ready for a better Hawthorne strainer, this one by Bull in China is incredibly sturdy and comes in multiple colors that won't chip or scratch.
The Hawthorne Strainer - Bull in China
I can't personally vouch for this system, as I have a different one that is no longer made, but it's well-reviewed and the price is fantastic.
ClearlyFrozen High Capacity Clear Ice Cube Tray
Obsessed
It's not a problem, it's a hobby
Apricot liqueur appears in recipes like the Tradewinds, Periodista, and Charles Lindbergh.
Drillaud Apricot Liqueur
Used in the Aviation, Water Lily, and Bella Luna. It will take you a long time to go through this bottle!
Rothman & Winter Creme de Violette
It's pricey but worth it! This amaro is delicious on its own after dinner, or in a Paper Plane.
Nonino Amaro
Another ingredient in the Naked & Famous, as well as the Greenpoint, Widow's Kiss, and Alaska.
Yellow Chartreuse
One of the most delicious things in my bar. I'd add it to everything.
Giffard Banane du Bresil Liqueur
This new-ish addition to the bar world is swiftly becoming a staple.
Chinola Passionfruit Liqueur
Speaking of delicious new products! Italicus makes a great spritz and just about anything else.
Italicus
This is the only creme de cacao I will buy.
Tempus Fugit Creme De Cacao Liqueur
This vivid, color-changing gin is an instant way to make beautiful cocktails.
Empress 1908 Gin
Novo Fogo is a great choice for Caiprinhas
Novo Fogo Silver Cachaca
Pisco is the national spirit of Peru, made from grapes
Macchu Pisco
One of my favorite products, especially for a Negroni Bianco.
Luxardo Bitter Bianco
Another ingredient in the Negroni Bianco, Dolin Blanc can also be used in place of sweet vermouth for a lighter flavor
Dolin Vermouth de Chambery Blanc
Mastiha is a Greek spirit made from mastic resin. It's delicious on its own or in cocktails.
KLEOS Mastiha Spirit Liqueur
Functionally the julep strainer is the same or even slightly worse than a Hawthorne strainer… but boy are they pretty.
Barfly Scalloped Julep Strainer
If you want something different from the typical Japanese-style jigger, try this beautiful bell-shaped version from Cocktail Kingdom.
Leopold Banded Jigger
If you're going to make a swizzle, you need a proper swizzle stick!
