Hey everybody, I've been wanting to get/start a liquor cabinet ever since I moved into my own place. I don't party a lot or have guests very often, but it's kind of one of those things I just want to have for some reason. Here's where I need your help: I don't drink hard liquor very often, and outside of Vodka, I know very little about liquor. Vodka is definitely my favorite liquor. When it comes down to it, I've only had tequila once or twice, and rum once or twice. In undergrad I'd drink a lot of coconut rum with cokes (yeah, yeah, girlie drink!) when I'd be at parties. I'm in law school now and pretty much drink beer only. So, for those alcohol(ics) connoisseurs out there -- what types of alcohol would you say are the essentials for a liquor cabinet? Keep in mind that I'm still a student so it's not like I can stock up on a bunch of premium stuff. I'm looking for more middle of the road stuff that is quality and everyone that visits will enjoy. Anyways, just give me your opinion and I'll let you guys know what I end up going with...
middle of the road for everyone--Captain! (morgan's spiced rum) (i refuse to recommend a crappy middle ground tequila)
I keep a nice chilled bottle of Arbor Mist Blackberry. Mmmmm 6% alcohol. Can't get much better than that.
You can just get a middle of the road brand for the different main types Vodka: Stoli is always good or Tito's (one of my favorites) Rum: Captain Morgan's isn't bad Bourbon: Jim Beam Canadian Whiskey: Crown Royal Gin: Tanqueray or bombay If you don't drink often, just get 750ml bottles of each ($12-$20), but maybe a liter for the vodka if you occasionally drink it There's other middle of the road liqours as well
Is this thread helpful? I'm not a conoisseur (sp) either and it's confusing. I think the best suggestions so far have been Crown and your favorite vodka.
crown royal johnny walker black bacardi rum vodka (stoli, sky, absolut, goose is overrated, level...plenty) hmmm if u have lady friends over, amaretto hypnotiq midori bailey's tequlia......i wouldn't buy cheap tequila.... can't forget, cointreau or grand mariner
The Necessities: Vodka (dry): Tito's, Monopolowa Bourbon: Maker's Mark, Bulleit Rum: Mount Gay, Appleton Estate (light rum is more versatile than dark) Gin: Bombay Saphire, Beefeater Whisky: Dewars, Crown Royal, Seagram's VO Tequila: Sauza (or anything 100% agave) Kahlua, Bailey's & Cointreau (or triple sec) are handy. various mixers (Coke, 7up, tonic, club soda, OJ, cranberry) To round out your bar, if you want to make any cocktails beyond the simple "liquor + mixer", you'll eventually need to get: bitters (Angostura or Peychaud's), simple syrup, fresh lemons & limes, sweet & dry vermouth. Get a good bar book, like the Ultimate A to Z Bar Guide, to give you ideas & recipes.
Essentials: Vodka Rum (dark and white) Whisky Tequila Scotch Nice to have on hand: Gin Amaretto Irish Cream Kahlua Triple Sec Sourpuss Flavored rums And of course, Soju. I have found that with vodka, it doesn't matter what brand you get because they all pretty much taste the same. However, don't get a cheap rum because there can be a huge difference in taste. Captain Morgan makes reliable products. Lamb's Palm Breeze is good also, but avoid Lamb's Navy like the plague.
peach schnapps, gordon's gin, and bailey's irish cream. are those drinks a bit too girlie? well if male friends want a drink they can go to the pub.
Take a hypodermic needle and inject a bunch of Capri Sun packets with Everclear. Invite over a few cute 1L chicks. The rest is magic.
Single Malt Scotch Cabo Wabo Tequilla Crown Royal Bushmills Stolli (in the freezer) and some glasses and some ice.
