So, are you trying to build your homebar and are fascinated by gin? Even if you don’t *think* you are, just know that gin is an extremely versatile spirit that was one of the classic spirits critical to the historical rise of cocktails and formed the foundation which many modern cocktails are based on. With gin and some fresh ingredients on hand, you’ll see that you really don’t need much to create a lot of the classic recipes!

Here are my recommendations for the bare minimum bottles to start out your homebar with to maximize your gin cocktail explorations, as well as to build a versatile core collection of bottles to create all types of classic cocktails. Make sure you start by stocking the basic Bar Tools, and if gin is not your fancy, see Home Bar Basics for others in the series.

Classics to Make

Once you’ve gotten the set above, here are some ideas for drinks you can create right away!

• Gimlet | gin, lime, sugar (add cucumbers, basil, or berries!)
• Gin Rickey | gin, lime, sparkling water
• Gin & Tonic | gin, tonic water
• Gin & It | gin, sweet vermouth
• Collins | gin, lemon, sugar, sparkling water
• Clover Club | gin, lemon, egg white, sugar, raspberry jam or syrup
• French 75 | gin, lemon, sparkling wine
• Bee’s Knees | gin, honey, lemon
• Martini | gin, dry vermouth
• Pink Gin | gin, Angostura
• Sling | gin, sugar, nutmeg
• Southside Fizz | gin, lemon, sugar, mint, sparkling water
• Negroni | gin, Campari, sweet vermouth
• Negroni Sbagliato | Campari, sweet vermouth, sparkling wine
• Americano | Campari, sweet vermouth, sparkling water