How to Build Your Bar

Building your bar is definitely an investment, it's good to start small and see what you favor in your cocktails. It's also important for the budget to keep a perspective and not buy everything that catches your eye.

I started with my favorite spirit, Maker's Mark bourbon. Building up the bar with vodka, rum, and tequila. Then adding the more expensive Hendrick's gin and a unique Kraken spiced rum. After preparing for Wimbledon and browsing Pinterest boards I picked up Pimm's No. 1 and Aperol, both great for fun, refreshing drinks.

Next, it's nice to round out the bar with bitters, the most common being Angostura bitters. This addition will allow you to create more complex flavor profiles.

Last, you will need to stock your bar with mixers: tonic, club soda, ginger ale, ginger beer, and some citrus for fresh juice. Ingredients essential for quick two to three ingredient drinks like gin & tonics, whiskey gingers, lemon drops, or whiskey sours.

Do you have any suggestions for building your bar? Some people are even starting to add liquors to their wedding and housewarming registries! Because your bar is so specifically geared to your tastes and aesthetics, it can be really fun to create your own unique collection.