Let’s welcome the holiday season with open arms and easy drink recipes. This roundup includes cocktails and mocktails so you’ve got all your bases covered – plus we’ve got great tips to stock your home bar so you’ll be ready to mix and shake up a storm.
Home bar must-haves
If you’re looking to set up your own home bar the basics, here are some must-haves. The pros over at MasterClass recommend stocking your bar with six essential liquors and six essential mixers:
Liquors
- Vodka
- Gin
- Tequila
- Rum
- Whiskey
- Liqueurs like Amaretto, Campari, and Vermouth
Mixers
- Juices like orange, cranberry, tomato, and lime
- Bitters
- Simple syrup
- Grenadine and sour mix
- Sodas
- Garnishes (okay not a mixer, but still an essential) – think stuff like maraschino cherries and citrus fruits
As far as bartending tools go, you can stock up on all different types of glasses, such as beer glasses, Champagne flutes, red and white wine glasses, and Collins glasses. You can also check whether you have these items on hand:
- Bottle opener
- Cutting board
- Cocktail shaker
- Grater
- Ice maker
- Jigger and stirrer
- Mixing glasses for cocktail crafting