Summer dinners and cozy nights in call for a good drink. As much as we'd rather head out to a bar or a restaurant, staying home and making a delicious cocktail can be just as enjoyable. Having a well-stocked home bar with essential ingredients will elevate your drink-making game.
Here are ten cocktail ingredients we recommend for your home bar:
1. Bitters – A few dashes of bitters can give a drink depth and complexity. Angostura bitters are a classic choice, but experiment with different flavors like grapefruit and lavender.
2. Simple syrup – The name says it all. This sweetener is an essential ingredient in many cocktails like margaritas, daiquiris, and old fashioneds. Making it is easy; mix equal parts sugar and water until the sugar dissolves.
3. Citrus fruits – Lemon, lime, and orange are the three main citrus fruits you'll need for your home bar. They're perfect for adding a sour or sweet flavor to your drink.
4. Gin – Gin is a classic liquor and perfect for a refreshing gin and tonic, martini, or negroni. A good gin is essential to any home bar.
5. Vodka – The most versatile liquor out there, vodka can be used for many cocktails like screwdrivers, cosmopolitans, and martinis. Make sure to have a good quality bottle on hand.
6. Rum – Rum is used in many classic cocktails like a mojito, piña colada, and daiquiri. As a rule of thumb, light rum is better for cocktails, and dark rum is better for sipping.
7. Triple sec – A popular orange-flavored liqueur that is essential for margaritas, cosmopolitans, and long island iced teas.
8. Vermouth – A fortified wine that is used in martinis, Manhattans, and negronis.
9. Soda water – Club soda or sparkling water is needed for many cocktails, like a Tom Collins or a vodka soda. A good-quality bubbly water can make all the difference in the texture and taste of your cocktails.
10. Ice – Last but not least! Ice is essential for keeping your drinks chilled and diluting them to the perfect level. Make sure to always have a good amount of ice cubes in your freezer.
With these ten essential ingredients on hand, you can create countless cocktails at home. Experiment with different flavors and combinations to find your perfect drink. Cheers!
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