Setting The (Home) Bar
Tools
A Boston Shaker
B Hawthorne Strainer
C Measuring Cup: An angled one with clear markings is great for beginners.
D Long Stirring Spoon
E Muddler
F Mixing Glass
G Tray for Oversize Ice Cubes: They melt more slowly and won't dilute drinks.
Basic Bottles
H Blanco Tequila: A light- to medium-bodied one with a clean agave flavor for a margarita.
I Vodka: It's a blank canvas for so many drinks, including the Bloody Mary and the Moscow mule.
J Gin: A juniper-forward London dry style for martinis and gin and tonics.
K Whiskey: Choose either bourbon (sweeter) or rye (drier and spicier). Both can be used in a Manhattan or old-fashioned.
L White Rum: Use it for mojitos and daiquiris (not the frozen slushy kind from your youth).
Liqueurs & Bitters
M Campari: Essential to the negroni or a spritz.
N Angostura Bitters: The O.G. of bitters.
O Orange Liqueur: Can't make a margarita without it!
P Vermouth: Sweet for Manhattans and dry for martinis.
Mixers & Muddlers
Q Green Pitted Olives
R Sodas: Small cans or bottles of club soda, tonic water, and ginger beer or ale.
S Maraschino Cherries
T Simple Syrup: Boil equal parts sugar and water to make your own.
U Citrus Fruits: Lemons, limes, and oranges for juicing and garnishing.
Further Reading
V The Savoy Cocktail Book: Written in 1930 by Harry Craddock, legendary barman at London's Savoy Hotel, it's full of classics that will make you feel fancy.
W Drinking Like Ladies: 75 Modern Cocktails From the World's Leading Female Bartenders, by Kirsten Amann and Misty Kalkofen. The popular Boston mixologists behind the podcast Drinking Like Ladies share on-trend tipples to mix right now.
Glassware
X Coupe: A stemmed glass for drinks without ice (it's also good for sparkling wine).
Y Lowball: A short tumbler for anything served with ice.
Z Highball: A tall tumbler for fizzy drinks.
This article originally appeared in our Holiday 2021 issue. Get the magazine here.