There are some essential things that you’ll need to have a fully stocked bar for making cocktails. Below is a breakdown of the key items and their approximate prices.
Home Bar Essentials – what you’ll need
Equipment
Cocktail Shaker
For mixing drinks that need to be shaken. Price: $15-$30 for a mid-range shaker (750ml).
Mixing Glass
For stirring drinks. Price: $10-$20 for a mid-range mixing glass (500ml).
Bar Spoon
A long-handled spoon for stirring and layering cocktails. Price: $5-$15.
Jigger
A measuring tool for accurate pours. Price: $5-$10 for a standard jigger (1oz/2oz).
Strainer
For straining mixed drinks. Price: $5-$15 for a Hawthorne strainer.
Muddler
For crushing and mixing ingredients. Price: $5-$15.
Bottle Pourers
For precise pouring of spirits. Price: $1-$3 each.
Ice Bucket and Tongs
For keeping ice handy. Price: $20-$40.
Spirits
Vodka
Versatile spirit for a wide variety of cocktails. Price: $20-$30 for a 750ml bottle.
Gin
Essential for gin and tonics, martinis, and more. Price: $20-$35 for a 750ml bottle.
Rum
Both light and dark rums are useful. Price: $15-$25 for light rum and $20-$30 for dark rum (750ml).
Tequila
Silver (blanco) and reposado tequilas are good to have. Price: $20-$40 for a 750ml bottle.
Whiskey
Includes bourbon, rye, and Scotch. Price: $20-$40 for a 750ml bottle of bourbon or rye, $30-$50 for Scotch.
Brandy
Used in drinks like the Sidecar. Price: $20-$30 for a 750ml bottle.
Triple Sec
An orange-flavored liqueur. Price: $10-$20 for a 750ml bottle.
Vermouth
Both sweet and dry varieties. Price: $10-$15 for a 750ml bottle.
Mixers
Tonic Water
Essential for drinks like gin and tonic. Price: $5-$10 for a 6-pack (12oz each).
Club Soda
Versatile carbonated water for many cocktails. Price: $5-$10 for a 6-pack (12oz each).
Ginger Beer
For Moscow Mules and other drinks. Price: $5-$10 for a 4-pack (12oz each).
Cola
Used in drinks like Rum and Coke or Jack and Coke. Price: $5-$10 for a 6-pack (12oz each).
Lemon-Lime Soda
Commonly used in various cocktails for added sweetness and fizz. Price: $5-$10 for a 6-pack (12oz each).
Cranberry Juice
Used in cocktails like the Cosmopolitan. Price: $5-$10 for a 64oz bottle.
Orange Juice
Freshly squeezed or store-bought for cocktails like the Tequila Sunrise. Price: $5-$10 for a 64oz bottle.
Pineapple Juice
Used in tropical drinks like the Piña Colada. Price: $5-$10 for a 64oz bottle.
Additives
Simple Syrup
A basic sweetener for many cocktails. Price: $5-$10 for a 750ml bottle.
Bitters
Concentrated flavor extracts. Price: $10-$15 for a 4oz bottle.
Grenadine
A sweet, red syrup made from pomegranate juice. Price: $5-$10 for a 12oz bottle.
Tonic Water
For drinks like gin and tonic. Price: $5-$10 for a 6-pack (12oz each).
Club Soda
Versatile carbonated water. Price: $5-$10 for a 6-pack (12oz each).
Ginger Beer
For Moscow Mules and other drinks. Price: $5-$10 for a 4-pack (12oz each).
Honey Syrup
Made from honey and water. Price: $5-$10 for a 750ml bottle.
Orgeat Syrup
A sweet almond syrup. Price: $10-$15 for a 750ml bottle.
Agave Syrup
Often used in tequila-based cocktails. Price: $5-$10 for a 750ml bottle.
Perishables
Lemons
Used for fresh juice and garnishes in many cocktails.
Limes
Essential for cocktails like margaritas and mojitos.
Oranges
Used for juice, twists, and garnishes.
Fresh Mint
Commonly used in mojitos and juleps.
Fresh Basil
Used in various cocktails for its aromatic flavor.
Fresh Berries
Such as strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries for muddling and garnishing.
Pineapple
For fresh juice and garnishes in tropical drinks.
Cucumbers
Used in gin cocktails and for garnishing.
Fresh Ginger
Used for muddling and infusing in drinks.
Fresh Herbs
Such as rosemary and thyme for garnishing and adding flavor.