Putting together a home bar

Apr 9, 17 10:33

Post #1 of 29 Views: 2073

Part of my upcoming job will be entertaining in my home quite a bit. I don't do a ton of that now, and mostly only with people I already know well, so I know what they like to drink. Now, I'm going to have to put together a workable home bar. I don't plan to go way overboard, but I'd like to be able to make basic drinks. Here's my current plan. Looking for something I overlooked, or if this is too much. Also happy to take wine recommendations. I don't drink a lot of wine, so I don't have favorites, but I'd like to have bottles of American red and white on hand (probably under the $30 price tag).

Red wine - I don't drink a lot of wine, but I'll probably always have something like a Cab/Merlot on hand
White wine - likewise, I'll have something relatively dry on hand
Bourbon - I'll keep something like Jim Beam for mixing, and a couple bottles of something more interesting, maybe Blantons and Four Roses Small Batch
Scotch - probably JW Black, plus a few bottles of single malt (1 peaty, 1 or 2 sherry, and maybe one other lighter bottle)
Gin - Hendricks and Bombay dry for mixing
Rye - rittenhouse and/or Crown Harvest Rye
Rum - something light (maybe Mount Gay) (also maybe a coconut rum because it's good with lemonade)
Vermouth (dry and sweet)
Bitters (angostura and pichauds)
Pimms (just because I like a good Pimms cocktail)
Vodka - might be dumb to buy too much vodka given where I'm going, but maybe it would be good to have some Tito's since it's an American craft vodka?
Maybe some Port, since it's a traditional Navy drink?

I don't care for tequila, so people who want margaritas are probably out of luck.

Thoughts? I left out garnishes and the like. Obviously club soda, tonic, cola, etc.

Slowguy

(insert pithy phrase here...)

Re: Putting together a home bar [slowguy] [ In reply to ]

Apr 9, 17 11:38

Post #2 of 29 Views: 2045

Don't forget a disco ball.

Civilize the mind, but make savage the body.

- Chinese proverb

Re: Putting together a home bar [slowguy] [ In reply to ]

Apr 9, 17 11:47

Post #3 of 29 Views: 2039

It's a reasonable list. For your red wine selections... I'm like you and dont drink alot of wine, but I know I don't like Merlot but a Cab is nice if the meal warrants it.

I personally don't care for Crown Harvest and would go with basically any other Canadian Rye before Crown.

I'd also add a dark rum thats suitable for both sipping and cocktails.

What about liqueurs?

Re: Putting together a home bar [slowguy] [ In reply to ]

Apr 9, 17 11:51

Post #4 of 29 Views: 2036

Seems like a solid set to me, a bit heavy on the whisky/whiskey but that isn't terrible in my book. Maybe something Irish like Jameson instead of one of the ryes (?). Or a brandy perhaps.

Like the idea of Tito's - good vodka and good conversation piece if nothing else. I assume some beer will be available too, though maybe not something you need to bring.

ETA: you're from the Chicago area, right? Bring some malort to represent the hometown. And if you're entertaining foodies, fernet-branca as a digestif seems popular. But those are definitely 2nd tier options if you're looking to go whole hog.

Last edited by: wimsey: Apr 9, 17 11:58

Re: Putting together a home bar [owen.] [ In reply to ]

Apr 9, 17 11:53

Post #5 of 29 Views: 2031

owen. wrote:

It's a reasonable list. For your red wine selections... I'm like you and dont drink alot of wine, but I know I don't like Merlot but a Cab is nice if the meal warrants it.

I personally don't care for Crown Harvest and would go with basically any other Canadian Rye before Crown.

I'd also add a dark rum thats suitable for both sipping and cocktails.

What about liqueurs?

I'm thinking of substituting a white rye that you can get here in DC that was distilled in Washingtons stills at Mt Vernon.

As for liqueurs, I guess maybe something to put in coffee would be good. Baileys or Kahlua maybe?

Slowguy

(insert pithy phrase here...)

Re: Putting together a home bar [slowguy] [ In reply to ]

Apr 9, 17 12:46

Post #6 of 29 Views: 2009

Champagne!

Re: Putting together a home bar [slowguy] [ In reply to ]

Apr 9, 17 13:46

Post #7 of 29 Views: 1989

http://forum.slowtwitch.com/..._string=bar#p6192340

Different purpose but you may find it helpful

Re: Putting together a home bar [slowguy] [ In reply to ]

Apr 9, 17 14:07

Post #8 of 29 Views: 1980

A good Pinot Noir from Oregon around $25 is a good addition, for a red wine. Just ask someone at a good liquor store, with those instructions and you'll be good.

Re: Putting together a home bar [slowguy] [ In reply to ]

Apr 9, 17 17:30

Post #9 of 29 Views: 1939

are all your drinkers sophisticated? If not you might want to get a Riesling,, Piesporter, Pinot Noir, White and Red Zinfandels. Beginning wine drinkers do not usually start off with dry red or white wines.

How about some fun liqueurs like Amaretto, Baileys Drambuie etc. They can be used in other drinks or even on a desert or ice cream.

Re: Putting together a home bar [slowguy] [ In reply to ]

Apr 9, 17 17:47

Post #10 of 29 Views: 1928

I would add Campari and Maraschino liquors and a dark rum.

I'd also probably have limoncello or some other digestif along with a good brandy or armagnac.

If you're going USA theme an apple jack is supposed to be good (I can't speak to it personally) and moonshine.

I second the champagne suggestion.

I would also make sure to have the ingredients on hand for an aviation or brandy alexander just in case ;)

Re: Putting together a home bar [patf] [ In reply to ]

Apr 9, 17 17:53

Post #11 of 29 Views: 1926

patf wrote:

are all your drinkers sophisticated? If not you might want to get a Riesling,, Piesporter, Pinot Noir, White and Red Zinfandels. Beginning wine drinkers do not usually start off with dry red or white wines.

How about some fun liqueurs like Amaretto, Baileys Drambuie etc. They can be used in other drinks or even on a desert or ice cream.

Like I said, I don't drink a lot of wine, so I was just going by what I tend to like. Something it's a wider potential appeal is great. I'll probably take a couple of cases of white and of red with me. Any specific recommendations for American wines?

Noted on the liqueurs. Probably a good idea.

Slowguy

(insert pithy phrase here...)

Re: Putting together a home bar [slowguy] [ In reply to ]

Apr 9, 17 18:01

Post #12 of 29 Views: 1920

Coppola diamond claret is a solid burgundy style red blend. Will go with anything and works as a sipping wine .
Still thinking about the white.

Jim
"In dog beers, I've only had one"
http://www.shakercolonial.com/
Creating custom made furnishing to your requirements

Re: Putting together a home bar [slowguy] [ In reply to ]

Apr 9, 17 18:19

Post #13 of 29 Views: 1912

Unless cost is absolutely no consideration, I would add some lower-shelf liquor for your non-sophisticated drinkers. A martini certainly calls for good gin. A gin and tonic, not so much. Also, don't waste good whiskey on someone who wants a Jack and Coke. Same for silly drinks that require vodka.

Re: Putting together a home bar [slowguy] [ In reply to ]

Apr 9, 17 19:15

Post #14 of 29 Views: 1882

for white wine, you probably also want a Chardonnay, oaked or unoaked or both.

Re: Putting together a home bar [slowguy] [ In reply to ]

Apr 9, 17 19:24

Post #15 of 29 Views: 1873

Maybe add something unusual, like a bottle of Hungarian Tokay, pretty good and inexpensive or Israeli Gallil.

Re: Putting together a home bar [slowguy] [ In reply to ]

Apr 9, 17 19:29

Post #16 of 29 Views: 1870

slowguy wrote:

Part of my upcoming job will be entertaining in my home quite a bit. I don't do a ton of that now, and mostly only with people I already know well, so I know what they like to drink. Now, I'm going to have to put together a workable home bar. I don't plan to go way overboard, but I'd like to be able to make basic drinks. Here's my current plan. Looking for something I overlooked, or if this is too much. Also happy to take wine recommendations. I don't drink a lot of wine, so I don't have favorites, but I'd like to have bottles of American red and white on hand (probably under the $30 price tag).

Red wine - I don't drink a lot of wine, but I'll probably always have something like a Cab/Merlot on hand
White wine - likewise, I'll have something relatively dry on hand
Bourbon - I'll keep something like Jim Beam for mixing, and a couple bottles of something more interesting, maybe Blantons and Four Roses Small Batch
Scotch - probably JW Black, plus a few bottles of single malt (1 peaty, 1 or 2 sherry, and maybe one other lighter bottle)
Gin - Hendricks and Bombay dry for mixing
Rye - rittenhouse and/or Crown Harvest Rye
Rum - something light (maybe Mount Gay) (also maybe a coconut rum because it's good with lemonade)
Vermouth (dry and sweet)
Bitters (angostura and pichauds)
Pimms (just because I like a good Pimms cocktail)
Vodka - might be dumb to buy too much vodka given where I'm going, but maybe it would be good to have some Tito's since it's an American craft vodka?
Maybe some Port, since it's a traditional Navy drink?

I don't care for tequila, so people who want margaritas are probably out of luck.

Thoughts? I left out garnishes and the like. Obviously club soda, tonic, cola, etc.

What kind/nationality of guests will you primarily be entertaining? That should be guiding your choices.

Long Chile was a silly place.

Re: Putting together a home bar [BCtriguy1] [ In reply to ]

Apr 9, 17 19:37

Post #17 of 29 Views: 1867

BCtriguy1 wrote:

slowguy wrote:

Part of my upcoming job will be entertaining in my home quite a bit. I don't do a ton of that now, and mostly only with people I already know well, so I know what they like to drink. Now, I'm going to have to put together a workable home bar. I don't plan to go way overboard, but I'd like to be able to make basic drinks. Here's my current plan. Looking for something I overlooked, or if this is too much. Also happy to take wine recommendations. I don't drink a lot of wine, so I don't have favorites, but I'd like to have bottles of American red and white on hand (probably under the $30 price tag).

Red wine - I don't drink a lot of wine, but I'll probably always have something like a Cab/Merlot on hand
White wine - likewise, I'll have something relatively dry on hand
Bourbon - I'll keep something like Jim Beam for mixing, and a couple bottles of something more interesting, maybe Blantons and Four Roses Small Batch
Scotch - probably JW Black, plus a few bottles of single malt (1 peaty, 1 or 2 sherry, and maybe one other lighter bottle)
Gin - Hendricks and Bombay dry for mixing
Rye - rittenhouse and/or Crown Harvest Rye
Rum - something light (maybe Mount Gay) (also maybe a coconut rum because it's good with lemonade)
Vermouth (dry and sweet)
Bitters (angostura and pichauds)
Pimms (just because I like a good Pimms cocktail)
Vodka - might be dumb to buy too much vodka given where I'm going, but maybe it would be good to have some Tito's since it's an American craft vodka?
Maybe some Port, since it's a traditional Navy drink?

I don't care for tequila, so people who want margaritas are probably out of luck.

Thoughts? I left out garnishes and the like. Obviously club soda, tonic, cola, etc.

What kind/nationality of guests will you primarily be entertaining? That should be guiding your choices.

Various kinds, various nationalities.

Slowguy

(insert pithy phrase here...)

Re: Putting together a home bar [slowguy] [ In reply to ]

Apr 9, 17 19:39

Post #18 of 29 Views: 1865

Then a 2L of Canadian club rye and a flat of RC cola ought to hold you over quite well.

Long Chile was a silly place.

Re: Putting together a home bar [slowguy] [ In reply to ]

Apr 9, 17 19:40

Post #19 of 29 Views: 1865

I would look at High West Double Rye or Rendezvous Rye, I don't think you can do much better at either price point. High West is kind of an up and comer, but highly regarded by all the spirits people I know who also drink a lot of established stuff.

Mt. Gay is a good rum, but, I would highly recommend Ron Zacapa 22. The best rum and coke you will ever drink is this with Mexican coke. It is a dark rum, but tremendous flavor and at least to me the taste is so good, I think it's sippable as a standalone, like a good Tequila.

I also would think about having at least one Tequila. You never know when you need might need some Tequila shots to get over the top.

Re: Putting together a home bar [patf] [ In reply to ]

Apr 9, 17 19:51

Post #20 of 29 Views: 1859

White zinfandel is a joke.

Re: Putting together a home bar [jimatbeyond] [ In reply to ]

Apr 9, 17 19:59

Post #21 of 29 Views: 1855

jimatbeyond wrote:

White zinfandel is a joke.

One should not scoff at the gateway wine effect of White zinfandel and Moscato. They get people drinking wine.

Re: Putting together a home bar [patf] [ In reply to ]

Apr 9, 17 20:02

Post #22 of 29 Views: 1853

Riesling will do the trick.

Re: Putting together a home bar [jimatbeyond] [ In reply to ]

Apr 9, 17 20:18

Post #23 of 29 Views: 1847

jimatbeyond wrote:

Riesling will do the trick.

that's true, even though white zin was the most sold US made wine in the 90s. Less popular now. Personally, I like my zin to made into red zin. Haven't had any in a while, but I may go open a bottle.

Re: Putting together a home bar [slowguy] [ In reply to ]

Apr 9, 17 20:24

Post #24 of 29 Views: 1843

My 90 yr Grandma had a naked woman foldout if u were pissing and a mostly naked man if u were sitting in her bathroom. Nuff said. Full bar as well, I mean everything including a slot machine.

Re: Putting together a home bar [slowguy] [ In reply to ]

Apr 9, 17 20:33

Post #25 of 29 Views: 1838

for rum, if you want something with a naval history check out pussers.
another rum that i think is a nice bang for the buck is appleton estate.

ΜΟΛΩΝ-ΛΑΒΕ
we're doomed

Re: Putting together a home bar [slowguy] [ In reply to ]

Apr 9, 17 21:05

Post #26 of 29 Views: 361

Solid list. People will adjust to what you have. I might spend a little more on the bourbons.

_________________________________
I'll be what I am
A solitary man

Re: Putting together a home bar [slowguy] [ In reply to ]

Apr 10, 17 5:51

Post #27 of 29 Views: 339

slowguy wrote:

BCtriguy1 wrote:

slowguy wrote:

Part of my upcoming job will be entertaining in my home quite a bit. I don't do a ton of that now, and mostly only with people I already know well, so I know what they like to drink. Now, I'm going to have to put together a workable home bar. I don't plan to go way overboard, but I'd like to be able to make basic drinks. Here's my current plan. Looking for something I overlooked, or if this is too much. Also happy to take wine recommendations. I don't drink a lot of wine, so I don't have favorites, but I'd like to have bottles of American red and white on hand (probably under the $30 price tag).

Red wine - I don't drink a lot of wine, but I'll probably always have something like a Cab/Merlot on hand
White wine - likewise, I'll have something relatively dry on hand
Bourbon - I'll keep something like Jim Beam for mixing, and a couple bottles of something more interesting, maybe Blantons and Four Roses Small Batch
Scotch - probably JW Black, plus a few bottles of single malt (1 peaty, 1 or 2 sherry, and maybe one other lighter bottle)
Gin - Hendricks and Bombay dry for mixing
Rye - rittenhouse and/or Crown Harvest Rye
Rum - something light (maybe Mount Gay) (also maybe a coconut rum because it's good with lemonade)
Vermouth (dry and sweet)
Bitters (angostura and pichauds)
Pimms (just because I like a good Pimms cocktail)
Vodka - might be dumb to buy too much vodka given where I'm going, but maybe it would be good to have some Tito's since it's an American craft vodka?
Maybe some Port, since it's a traditional Navy drink?

I don't care for tequila, so people who want margaritas are probably out of luck.

Thoughts? I left out garnishes and the like. Obviously club soda, tonic, cola, etc.

What kind/nationality of guests will you primarily be entertaining? That should be guiding your choices.

Various kinds, various nationalities.

How often will the place be swept.

Be careful or you'll end up getting married to a South African Expat and none of your friends will show up because you're marriage ceremony is very inconviently located

Re: Putting together a home bar [windywave] [ In reply to ]

Apr 10, 17 7:33

Post #28 of 29 Views: 323

My wine list would be:

Pinot Grigio (there are tons of options under $10 that are decent - I don't like the stuff but most people seem to love it)
Kendall Jackson Chardonnay (~$10, I don't like it - way too over-oaked - but non-wine-snobs seem to love it)
Columbia Crest Grand Estates Merlot (> $10, this is probably the best value wine I've ever had)
Coppola Diamond Claret (I think someone mentioned this before - nice Bordeaux style without busting the budget)

Pinot Noir is too finicky - if you choose to go with one I would avoid the earthy ones like Burgundies from France or Oregon Pinots, stick with the fruit ones from California (and they're a lot cheaper).

Once opened, you can probably keep the whites in the fridge for a few weeks before they'll start to taste funny, but the reds should be finished within a couple of days.

Re: Putting together a home bar [slowguy] [ In reply to ]

Apr 10, 17 8:07

Post #29 of 29 Views: 312

Quote:

Like I said, I don't drink a lot of wine, so I was just going by what I tend to like. Something it's a wider potential appeal is great. I'll probably take a couple of cases of white and of red with me. Any specific recommendations for American wines

For reds I would stick to a Cab if you want to keep it simple. A pinot noir is also nice but if I had to pick one it would be cab. Off the top of my head two cabs I like around $20 a bottle are Rodney Strong and Chateau Ste. Michelle(Indian Wells). I have received good feedback on both when served. Both out of CA.

For white if you want to go with one then I'd choose a pinot grio. I've found Chardonnay drinkers will go to a pinot grio but not necessarily the other way around. That could just be my circle of friends. The only winery I am familiar here is santa margherita which is very popular right now. That probably doesn't help you though since it's not an American wine. I don't really drink white.

"I think I've cracked the code. double letters are cheaters except for perfect squares (a, d, i, p and y). So Leddy isn't a cheater... "

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