The Art of Stocking Your Home Bar on a Budget
As I navigated the grocery store aisles, maintaining a safe distance from fellow shoppers, I was suddenly surrounded by a group of familiar faces – my regulars from the bar. It’s been two months since Minnesota’s bars closed due to the pandemic, and it’s clear that people are finding ways to keep the party going at home.
Know Your Liquor
One of the most crucial rules for stocking your home bar is knowing your liquor. Gone are the days of buying cheap, bottom-shelf booze and suffering through terrible hangovers. You don’t need to break the bank on top-shelf brands either. Research and find quality, mid-range liquors that fit your budget and preferences. Aim to spend no more than $18 per bottle. Focus on versatile essentials like gin or vodka, tequila, rum, and whiskey.
Skip the Flavors
Flavored alcohols might seem like a fun idea, but they’re often a waste of money. They’ll likely collect dust in your cabinet after one or two uses. Instead, opt for a few affordable schnapps in basic flavors like peach or watermelon. These can be used in a variety of recipes and will last you a long time.
Universal Mixers are Key
Finding mixers that can be used with multiple types of liquor is essential for saving money. Pineapple juice is a great neutralizer that pairs well with almost anything. Buy it in cans and store it correctly to make it a cheap and versatile mixer. Other options include lemonade, soda water, and ginger beer. Remember to buy your mixers at a grocery store, not a liquor store, to save up to 50% on costs.
Get Creative with What You Already Have
Before buying unnecessary extras, take stock of what you already have at home. Use cooking salt to rim your glasses instead of buying expensive margarita kits. Get creative with your pantry staples to make your own Bloody Mary mix. And, make your own simple syrup by combining sugar and water – it’s easy and practically free!
Skip the Fresh Fruit
Finally, don’t bother with fresh fruit, especially citrus. Lemons and limes are expensive and have a short shelf life. Unless you plan to use them immediately, skip them altogether and save yourself the money and hassle.
By following these simple rules, you can stock your home bar without breaking the bank. Remember to always drink responsibly and tip your bartenders well when you finally return to your favorite bar.
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