Q: When hosting a party and offering a bar for my guests, what are the basic liquors and ingredients I should stock my bar with?

A: A home bar doesn’t have to be a headache! Invest

in basic equipment like a shaker that shows the drink instructions, a jigger

(liquor measurer), bottle opener and glasses like high boy and rocks glasses.

You can even purchase a generic wine glass made for serving both red and white

wines, called an all-purpose wine glass. Then stock up essential liquors such

as: Vodka, Gin, Bourbon, Scotch, White Wine and a Red Wine. The brands can

depend on your budget, ranging from “Well” to “Top-Shelf”. The most

“middle-of-the-road” wines are Red: Merlot and White: Chardonnay. Don’t forget

the most basic mixers: orange juice, cranberry juice, tonic, soda water and

ginger ale. You could also have other soda options like Coke or Sprite. You can

also give a nice display with a few garnishes: limes, lemons and olives.

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