Years working with alcohol has left me with an impressive booze cupboard, but there are only a few I’d say are must-haves
During my university years, and a short while after that, I was a bartender. It makes me extremely confident when it comes to making cocktails at home and is one of the reasons so many people in my life trust me to recommend them drinks.
Well, that and the fact I’ve completed my levels one, two and three in wine at the Wine & Spirits Education Trust. I’ve tried more spirits than I can count off the top of my head and there are some that stand out more than others.
I don’t think it’s strictly necessary to have enough booze at home to stock a home bar, and I must urge you to remember to drink responsibly, but I do think there are a few essentials.
READ MORE: I tried more rums than I can count, but this one has stayed on my mind ever since
READ MORE: Beginner’s guide to rum if you’ve never tried it before and the ones I’d recommend
Gin is a classic, especially here in the UK, whether you’re pairing it with tonic or stirring up a martini I’d say you need at least one good gin in your collection. If you’re a purist then I’d recommend something like Hendrick’s or Tanqueray 10 – they’re a little more expensive but for good reason and you can even drink celebrity loved cocktails at home with them.
For summertime and warmer months there’s something about pink gin that just feels right. Edinburgh Gin does a delicious raspberry liqueur, that you can snap up on Amazon for £14.75, but I never really saw that behind the bar. Perhaps because at 20% ABV it’s not what you’d expect.
The one that we found ourselves flying through was Gordon’s Pink Gin, 35% ABV, which could be found in every bar I’ve ever worked in (and most bars I’ve been a customer at). Personally I think it’s best paired with lemonade and a couple ice cubes in the biggest glass you can find. If you want to skip the ice then frozen berries are great as a garnish and don’t water down your drink – although raspberries and blackberries can be an annoying textural experience after a while.
They even have a non-alcoholic version that’s surprisingly good – I’d argue it’s the best non-alcoholic gin on the market and I’ve tried a fair few. Maya Jama has actually launched bottles in collaboration with the brand which you can find at Tesco, Morrison’s or Sainsbury’s. I’d also recommend keeping your eye out for the delicious White Peach variety – I’ve never been able to keep a bottle of this in my cupboard as it always tends to be the first to go.
Vodka is another basic but honestly Absolut or Smirnoff do the trick, more often than not they’re what’s in your drink unless you ask for something specific. The flavoured options are often the big difference in a cocktail – Absolut Vanilia, Chambord and pineapple juice being all you really need for my favourite.
If you’re looking to impress guests I’d focus less on the vodka and more what you’re pairing it with – if you’re a fan of the Pornstar Martini then the key ingredient is Passoa although this Pornstar Martini Cocktail Bundle from Amazon is going to be hard to beat as it has the three things you really need.
When it comes to rum and whisky, you’d be surprised what was actually most popular. There are brands that are absolutely raved about but in your classic bars it’s a lot of Captain Morgan, Old J (which I’d argue is a little nicer) and Jack Daniel’s – the honey variety pairing impressively well with cranberry juice and caramel. If you want more specific recommendations in this realm though I spent a significant amount of time reviewing rums which you can find here.
Ironically to those who know me and have been offered shots hundreds of times by me, I’m not a big shot drinker myself. Anymore anyway. If you’re likely to do a round of shots with your friends and family though, Tequila Rose, Antica Sambuca and the eye-wateringly strong Tiki Fire are where it’s at. I will say Tiki Fire is reserved for the brave.