How to Stock Your First Home Bar (Beginner’s Guide)

morrisondemers0
5 days ago
2 min read

Building your first home bar can feel overwhelming — so many bottles, mixers, and tools to choose from! The good news? You don’t need a massive budget or 50 different spirits to get started. At LA Liquor in Centerton, we’ve helped countless Northwest Arkansas customers create a simple, versatile setup that works for every occasion.

Here’s our step-by-step guide to stocking your first home bar.

Step 1: Start with the Essentials

A well-rounded home bar should include the basic spirits that can make the most popular cocktails:

Vodka – Neutral and versatile.Beginner pick: Tito’s Handmade Vodka.
Gin – Perfect for martinis and gin & tonics.Beginner pick: Tanqueray or Bombay Sapphire.
Rum – Great for tropical drinks.Beginner pick: Malibu for sweet drinks or Bacardi Superior for classics.
Tequila – A must-have for margaritas.Beginner pick: Espolòn Blanco.
Whiskey – For sipping or mixing.Beginner pick: Maker’s Mark bourbon or Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey.

Step 2: Add a Few Liqueurs

Liqueurs add sweetness and complexity to cocktails:

Triple Sec – For margaritas and cosmopolitans.
Amaretto – Great in coffee or dessert cocktails.
Irish Cream – Perfect for creamy drinks and coffee.

Step 3: Stock Your Mixers

Non-alcoholic mixers are key for versatility:

Club soda
Tonic water
Cola & ginger ale
Cranberry, orange, and pineapple juice
Simple syrup (or make your own)
Fresh lemons and limes

Step 4: Grab the Tools

Cocktail shaker
Jigger (measuring tool)
Muddler
Bar spoon
Strainer
Ice bucket

Step 5: Build Gradually

You don’t have to buy it all at once. Start with a couple of spirits and mixers, then expand as you discover new drinks you enjoy.

Visit LA Liquor – Serving All of Northwest ArkansasFrom vodka to whiskey, mixers to bar tools, LA Liquor has everything you need to build the perfect home bar — whether you live in Centerton, Bentonville, Rogers, or Bella Vista. Stop in today and let us help you get started!