People at a cocktail party

Photo: © Jupiterimages Corporation 2009


If you're planning a cocktail party, prep your home bar with must-have spirits, cocktail ingredients and garnishes to make sure you have everything you need to keep drinks flowing and guests entertained.

Bottles of liquor

Photo: © Jupiterimages Corporation 2009


Spirits List
Be sure to have at least one of each of these bottles. Add in specialty items later.
  • Vodka
  • Gin
  • Rum
  • Tequila
  • Scotch whisky
  • Bourbon
  • Brandy
  • Flavored liqueurs
  • Bitters
  • White wine
  • Red wine
  • Beer

Glasses of juice

Photo: © Jupiterimages Corporation 2009


Cocktail Ingredients: Juices
  • Cranberry
  • Lemon
  • Lime
  • Grapefruit
  • Orange
  • Pineapple
  • Tomato

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Cocktail Ingredients: Mixers
  • Bottled water
  • Club soda
  • Cola and diet cola
  • Ginger ale
  • Grenadine
  • Half-and-half
  • Lemon-lime soda
  • Tonic water

Photo: © Jupiterimages Corporation 2009


Garnishes
  • Maraschino cherries
  • Spanish olives
  • Lemons
  • Limes
  • Oranges
  • Pearl onions

Homemade Ingredients

Photo: © Jupiterimages Corporation 2009


Homemade Ingredients

Tools you should have in your home bar

Published 01/21/2009