So, are you trying to build your homebar and not sure where to start? Maybe you’re especially fond of whiskey. Rather than go out and buy one of every base spirit hoping you’ll eventually find the right “mixers” to pair them with, there’s a much better approach that will allow you to create cocktails you will enjoy much more with minimal purchases!
Here are my recommendations for the bare minimum bottles to start out your homebar with (and suggested affordable brands) to maximize your whiskey cocktail adventures, as well as start collecting a versatile set of bottles to create a variety of other classic cocktails as well. Make sure you start out by grabbing the basics listed in Bar Tools. And if you’re not big on whiskey, check out one of the alternate spirit focused starter kits from Home Bar Basics.
ESSENTIALS
BOURBON
Henry McKenna, Buffalo Trace, Four Roses, Elijah Craig, Bulleit, Eagle Rare
RYE
Rittenhouse 100, Old Overholt, Redemption, Michter’s, Bulleit
An aromatic bitter cocktail “spice” to liven up and add complexity to many classics
ICE
Good ice is critical in a drink! If you use refrigerator ice, please make sure there aren’t any freezer-burnt flavors. Change your refrigerator filter regularly (~every 6 months) or buy a bag of ice.
RECOMMENDED
SWEET VERMOUTH
Carpano Antica formula, Cocchi Vermouth di Torino, Punt e Mes, Dolin
An Italian bittersweet liquer used in many classic recipes
DRY VERMOUTH
Classics to Make
Once you’ve gotten the set above, here are some ideas for drinks you can create right away!
- Old Fashioned | bourbon, Angostura, sugar
- Whiskey Sour | bourbon, lemon, sugar, (egg white)
- Brown Derby | bourbon, grapefruit, honey
- Manhattan | rye, sweet vermouth, Angostura
- Old Pal | rye, dry vermouth, Campari
- Boulevardier | bourbon, Campari, sweet vermouth
- Mint Julep | bourbon, mint, sugar
- Whiskey Smash | rye, lemon, mint