When attempting to make the perfect cocktail a vintage cinematic quote comes to mind for most people. While James Bond knew exactly what he meant when saying “shaken, not stirred,” those of us who lack mixology skills probably don’t know the subtle nuances of creating a drink worthy of 007.

A cocktail is usually based on the 2:1:1 ratio of two parts alcohol combined with one sweet ingredient and one sour ingredient. This little bit of math is generally a good place to start but add a bit of science and magic and anyone can create cocktails sure to impress family and friends. Setting up a home bar with a selection of spirits, staple ingredients, and unusual additions can transform anyone into a self-made mixologist with a repertoire of classic cocktail recipes and innovative flavor combinations.

Build Your Base

Begin by acquiring some staple spirits. Your bar shelves should be stocked with:

Vodka. This clear liquor, whose name can be translated as “little water,” is a base for many drinks including classics like screwdrivers, cosmopolitans, and bloody marys. Select a top-shelf variety for drinking neat or in martinis.

Classic Bloody Mary- vodka, tomato juice, Worcestershire, lemon juice, celery salt

Unusual ingredients to add- beer, garlic, oysters, or bacon

Rum. There are many varieties in both white and dark versions. White rums are especially versatile as they are the base for favorites like daiquiris, mojitos, and summery tropical drinks like mai tais and pina coladas. Dark rum is more associated with a dark and stormy cocktail or Caribbean-style punches.

Classic Mojito- light rum, club soda, mint sprigs, lime wedges,

Unusual ingredients to add- champagne, fresh mango, or basil

Whiskey. Choosing a whiskey can be a little more difficult than other less-nuanced spirits. There are many varieties with unique characteristics but for familiar cocktails sours and sidecars, a selection of bourbon, rye, and blended scotch are excellent choices.

Old-Fashioned- bourbon, simple syrup, bitters, orange slice, maraschino cherry

Unusual ingredients to add- dried rosemary, ginger ale, agave nectar, or orange bitters

 Gin. A clear spirit derived from juniper berries, gin may be an acquired taste for some, but is a staple for anyone who wants the perfect martini. Stocking a bottle of dry gin is a necessary addition, especially for those who love classic cocktails.

Negroni- gin, Campari, vermouth, orange peel

Unusual ingredients to add- sparkling wine, coffee, or Aperol

Tequila. Our minds immediately think about a refreshing margarita. But this spirit, originating from Mexico and distilled from the blue agave plant, lends itself to an interesting array of cocktails beyond the ubiquitous margarita.

Tequila sunrise- tequila, orange juice, and grenadine

Unusual ingredients to add- pineapple juice, blackberry liqueur, Midori

Liqueurs: An Essential Cocktail Ingredient

Many cocktails, including the classics, rely on the flavors of liqueurs to add depth to the overall flavor. You can’t have a Black Russian without a coffee-flavored liqueur or a sidecar without Cointreau. Bottled with added sugar and most often derived from fruits, nuts, and even botanicals, sweet liqueurs are satisfying on their own or blended into drinks. A well-stocked bar for traditional cocktails and innovative concoctions should include fruit liqueurs like orange, raspberry, and banana, nut liqueurs like almond and hazelnut, as well as standards like coffee, vermouth, and Irish cream as well as bitters.

Mixers Make the World Go ‘Round

Now that you have a list of spirits in mind it is time to load up on mixers, the non-alcoholic parts of a cocktail. The sky is the limit with these selections for your home bar, but it is recommended to choose a wide variety depending on your personal tastes and the volume of drinks you want to create. Your inventory for your shelves and fridge should include:

  • Club soda and sparkling and tonic water
  • Flavored sodas like cola, fruit, and ginger
  • Citrus juices like orange, grapefruit, lemon, and lime
  • Fruit juices like pineapple, cranberry, and tomato
  • Coffee, milk, half & half, cream, and coconut milk
  • Simple syrup

The Greatness of Garnishes

Of course, any cocktail looks delicious in its glass, but adding the right garnishes transforms a mere drink into an enticing and aesthetically pleasing delight. Keep in mind that some can be stored like olives, and some have a shorter shelf life like fresh herbs. You cannot go wrong with:

  • Celery, olives, and cocktail onions
  • Maraschino cherries
  • Mint, rosemary, and lavender
  • Coarse salt and sugar
  • Cinnamon, nutmeg, cocoa, and chocolate shavings
  • Whipped cream and egg white
  • Worcestershire, hot sauce, and tabasco sauce
  • Honey and maple syrup

There are probably as many garnishes as there are cocktails and some can seem quite unusual. These include coffee beans, peppercorns, bacon, gold flakes, and chia seeds. For the more adventurous and innovative cocktail maker, you may want to surprise your guests with squid ink, mushrooms, and chicken wings. But maybe delay introducing these until you have mastered a few of the classics.

The beauty of creating a surprisingly large number of different cocktails originates from just a few spirits and mixers that are often pantry staples. As you become more aware of individual flavors as well as how flavors can be blended your role as a home mixologist will easily expand beyond the classics to maybe a few new inventions.

Explore all your options at your local liquor retailer and ask the experts how to build your home bar and create amazing cocktails.