Stock Core Spirits and Modifiers
1 shopping tripAcquire gin, whiskey, rum, tequila, and vermouth as base spirits; add triple sec, bitters, and one quality amaro to cover 80% of classic recipes.
Beginner1-2 weeks
Home Bar Setup
Complete guide for home bar setup — step-by-step workflow, tools, checklist, and expert tips to get started.
home entertainersaspiring mixologists
Workflow
Batch Simple Syrup and Citrus Prep
45 minutesMake 1:1 simple syrup, squeeze fresh citrus into labeled bottles, and freeze excess juice in ice cube trays.
Assemble Jigger, Shaker, and Bar Spoon
30 minutesSet up double jigger (1 oz / 2 oz), tin-on-tin shaker, Hawthorne strainer, fine mesh, and Japanese bar spoon.
Tools Used
- Simple Syrup Ratio CalculatorPrimary
Calculate sugar and water weights for 1:1 and 2:1 simple syrups stocked in the home bar fridge.
- Bottle Yield (Drinks per Bottle) CalculatorPrimary
Estimate how many cocktails each 750 ml spirit bottle yields for party planning and reorder timing.
- Jigger Measurement ConverterSupporting
Convert jigger measurements between oz and ml when following international recipe specifications.
- Cocktail Balance Calculator (Sweet/Sour/Strong)Reference
Evaluate spirit-sweet-acid ratios when adapting the five core cocktails to personal taste.
Checklist
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Inventory
Preparation
Equipment
Skills
Quality
Reference Materials
Home Bar Starter InventoryTable
Minimum spirits and modifiers for classic cocktail coverage.
| Category | Bottle | Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Spirit | London dry gin | Martini, G&T, Negroni |
| Spirit | Bourbon | Old Fashioned, Whiskey Sour |
| Spirit | White rum | Daiquiri, Mojito |
| Modifier | Sweet vermouth | Manhattan, Negroni |
| Modifier | Angostura bitters | Most stirred classics |
Simple Syrup RatioFormula
Syrup yield: dissolve equal parts sugar and water by weight (1:1) or 2 parts sugar to 1 part water (2:1 rich).
Fresh Citrus StandardStandard
Never use shelf-stable sour mix — fresh lemon and lime juice within 4 hours of squeezing is non-negotiable for quality.
Ice Is Ingredient
Buy clear cube trays or freezer molds — cloudy ice melts fast and dilutes drinks unevenly.
Measure First Month
Free pour drifts 20% over time — jigger every drink until ratios are automatic.
Vermouth Spoils
Open vermouth at room temp oxidizes in days — fridge and 6-week max.
Safety Notes
- Serve responsibly — know the signs of intoxication and stop serving when appropriate.
- Use fresh ice and clean glassware to prevent contamination.