The Essential Home Bar

The Liquor

Think of it as a rite of passage. Most guys will simply pour whatever they have gathering frost in the freezer*, but a gentleman mixes legitimate cocktails from his bar. But this doesn't require a fancy piece of furniture—a simple tray will suffice—or even an immense amount of bottles. Build your bar with five base spirits and a few simple mixers. You'll churn out a surprising number of classics and discover a few new concoctions of your own. Herewith, a few brands that balance quality and cost. (Read More On Valet.)