1. LOCAL BOOZE
Great cocktails require great spirits, and if you’re going to stock up your home bar with whiskey, rye or rum, why not support local in the process? We carry a number of spirits that can be enjoyed on their own, or incorporated into a wide variety of cocktails. Our Cocktail Recipes page can be filtered by spirit, so you can find a ton of drink ideas based on your preferred spirit.

2. MIXERS
Mixers form the backbone of many cocktails, adding balance, dilution, and flavor. Some staples to keep on hand include tonic water, club soda, ginger beer, cranberry juice, pineapple juice, and citrus juices such as lemon, lime, and grapefruit. With a handful of quality mixers, you'll be able to create everything from simple highballs to more complex seasonal cocktails.

3. SYRUPS
Simple syrup is one of the most commonly used cocktail ingredients, but it's just the beginning. Maple syrup, honey syrup, demerara syrup, and flavored syrups can all add sweetness and complexity to drinks. Many tropical drinks include syrups such as Orgeat or Grenadine. Syrups help balance citrus and bitterness while contributing unique flavor profiles that elevate cocktails from ordinary to memorable.

4. BITTERS
Often referred to as the "salt and pepper" of cocktails, bitters add depth, aroma, and complexity with just a few dashes. Aromatic bitters (like the popular Angostura Bitters) are essential for classics like the Old Fashioned and Manhattan, while orange bitters can brighten spirit-forward cocktails. Even a small collection of bitters can dramatically expand your cocktail-making possibilities.

5. COCKTAIL SHAKER
A cocktail shaker is used whenever a recipe includes citrus juice, egg whites, cream, or other ingredients that need vigorous mixing. Shaking helps chill, dilute, and aerate cocktails while creating a smooth, balanced texture. Whether you're making a Whiskey Sour, a Mojito, or a Daiquiri, a shaker is one of the most important tools on any bar cart.

6. MIXING GLASS
Not every cocktail should be shaken. Spirit-forward drinks such as Manhattans, Martinis, and Old Fashioneds are typically stirred to maintain clarity and texture. A mixing glass provides plenty of room to combine ingredients with ice and achieve proper dilution before serving.

7. BAR SPOON
Long-handled and designed specifically for cocktails, a bar spoon is used for stirring drinks in a mixing glass. Its twisted stem makes it easy to create smooth, controlled stirring motions while also serving as a handy tool for layering ingredients or measuring small amounts of liqueurs.

8. JIGGER
Consistency is key when making cocktails, and a jigger helps ensure every recipe is measured accurately. Available in various sizes, jiggers allow you to precisely pour spirits, syrups, juices, and liqueurs so your drinks are balanced every time.

9. STRAINER
After shaking or stirring, a strainer keeps unwanted ice chips, fruit pulp, herbs, and other ingredients out of the finished cocktail. Hawthorne strainers are commonly used with cocktail shakers, while julep strainers are often paired with mixing glasses. Either option helps create a cleaner, more polished drink.

10. ICE TRAY OR MOLD
Large ice cubes or spheres melt more slowly, reducing dilution while keeping drinks colder longer. Specialty ice molds are especially useful for spirit-forward cocktails served over ice, while standard cubes work well for shaken and highball-style drinks.

11. ROCKS GLASSES
A rocks glass is one of the most versatile pieces of glassware you'll own. Perfect for serving spirits neat, on the rocks, or in classic cocktails like the Old Fashioned and Boulevardier, it's an essential part of any home bar setup.

12. TROPICAL DRINKWARE
While not necessary for every cocktail, specialty drinkware can enhance the experience of tropical drinks like a Mai Tai. Tall Collins glasses, hurricane glasses, and tropical mugs help showcase layered cocktails, elaborate garnishes, and crushed ice presentations that make tropical drinks so much fun.