Dennis: A refreshing mojito would do.
Dee: Nobody orders a mojito in this bar.
Dennis: So you can’t make a mojito.
Dee: Of course I can make a mojito.
Dennis: Then make one.
Dee: Fine. One mojito coming up, gentleman…I quit.
The “make a mojito” scene from It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia might resonate a little too well with some of us lazy cocktail lovers. “Oh, a mojito sounds awesome! How hard can that be it make? Rum, check. Mint, uhhh maybe I can run to the store. Lime, yeah good! Simple syrup. I guess my pancake syrup will do… Muddle for three minutes, crush ice… never mind. Another beer it is then.”
If you’re new to the cocktail biz, you don’t need to jump right into the Commonwealth, which consists of 71 ingredients (!!!) or the Ramos Gin Fizz (look it up). A simple few ingredients can do the trick of whatever you’re craving. Just pick a base spirit and choose an appropriate mixer! Of course, you can go from there to give your tastebuds and liver a more complex and interesting ride. So without any more BS filler, here are the essentials to any home bar.
Vodkas
Building the perfect home bar is like curating a cast of characters for your own mixology sitcom. Enter Smirnoff No. 21 Vodka – the trusty sidekick that steals the show at less than $15, always reliable and ready for action. Then, spice things up with a supporting cast of flavored vodkas, like Svedka, playing the quirky characters that add a twist to the plot. Imagine a burst of fruit-infused drama or a splash of vanilla-infused comedy. Finally, bring in the A-listers with Belvedere Organic Infusions, the premium stars of the show. These vodkas don't just grace your bar; they command the spotlight with their organic allure. So, whether you're mixing up a classic cocktail or experimenting with a new concoction, your home bar deserves a diverse ensemble – from budget-friendly to flavor-infused mischief and the star-studded premium cast. Let the vodka-themed sitcom begin, and may your home bar always be the stage for spirited entertainment!
Gins
Picking the right gin can be likened to superheroes. When it comes to gins, you need the versatile leader, the wildcard, and the refined powerhouse. Enter Tanqueray London Dry Gin, your Captain Marvel, leading the charge with its classic juniper punch at an affordable price point. Then, introduce the wildcard, Hendrick's Gin, the Deadpool of the group, bringing cucumber and rose notes to the party – a delightful surprise that keeps your taste buds on their toes. Finally, make way for the powerhouse, Bombay Sapphire, the Iron Man of gins, with its complex blend of botanicals creating a smooth and sophisticated profile. Assemble this gin Avengers team, and you'll be ready for any mixology mission that comes your way. Because every home bar needs its own league of extraordinary gins to save the day – one sip at a time!
Tequilas
Elevate your home bar with a tequila lineup that's not just diverse but downright entertaining. Start with Jose Cuervo Tradicional, the OG of tequilas that's been making every get-together a hit since forever. It's your reliable buddy, always ready to lend a hand without burning a hole in your pocket. Then, spice things up with Tanteo Jalapeno or Habanero Tequila, the rebel with a cause – cause being adding a kick to your cocktail that makes you wonder why drinks weren't this exciting before. Finally, let's talk about the abundant selection of Clase Azul, the James Bond of tequilas, dressed to the nines in a fancy bottle and bringing a touch of luxury to your home bar affairs. With these tequilas in your lineup, your home bar isn't just a place for drinks; it's a stage for a tequila-fueled party where each bottle plays a starring role.
In Part II we’ll discuss some of the smokier, darker-colored spirits that give your drinks that extra ooomph! Here’s to you moving past the crack-open-a-beer-cause-it’s-easy hill and move on to something more sophisticated for a change! Besides, you’ll truly impress the guests at your next house party more than you would opening that beer with your chipped teeth.
