One of the most fun parts of owning a home of your own is entertaining. However, inviting your nearest and dearest over for a cocktail party takes preparation that starts with your liquor cabinet. Keeping your taste and budget in mind, you'll need to stock your bar with liquor store staples that build a well-rounded collection. Here is a guide to everything you need to craft the perfect liquor cabinet. 

How to Stock Your Liquor Cabinet 

1. Spirits 

To make a cocktail or mixed drink, you'll need spirits. The six main types are vodka, whiskey, rum, tequila, gin, and brandy. While you'd find these spirits at any bar or liquor store, they may not be what you drink. You can pick and choose which offers the most versatility. Vodka is the most used liquor for cocktails, including screwdrivers, bloody marys, or vodka martinis.

Including both a citrus and vanilla vodka allows you to expand the types of cocktails you create. Tequila blanco is perfect for margaritas, or a slightly aged reposado for sipping. Rum, specifically dark, is what makes tropical cocktails shine, but if you love a mojito, you'll need a light rum as well. Whiskey—a bourbon or Canadian whiskey, specifically—is best for classic cocktails and everyday drinks. Brandy isn't essential, but it rounds out a collection nicely. 

2. Beer & Wine

Even if you don't drink, it's nice to have a few bottles of wine, as well as a few pints of beer on hand. They are perfect options for guests who don't drink cocktails or prefer drinks with lower alcohol content. A cabernet sauvignon and a chardonnay plus a stout or IPA are perfect.  

3. Mixers 

Mixers like soda water, tonic, cranberry, orange, grapefruit, pineapple juice, and sodas are required for mixed drinks and cocktails. A diet and regular cola, as well as a lemon-lime option, is perfect. Bitters, simple syrup, grenadine and sweet and sour will come in handy for your more ambitious mixes. Chocolate milk, apple cider, and coffee are great additions. Popular condiments like tabasco and Worcestershire sauce top off a bloody mary flawlessly. 

Make errand running easier by choosing Schmitz’s Economart in Spooner, WI, as your one-stop shop. Their considerable selection of groceries, products, and services mean you never have to go out of your way to check things off your list. Since 1937, they’ve served customers 24 hours a day, seven days a week, offering everything from fresh, organic produce and USDA-choice Angus beef to fishing licenses, money orders, and movie rentals. Whether you need a pharmacy, liquor store or floral department, the knowledgeable and friendly store staff can help you find anything you need. To see their daily specials, visit the website or call (715) 635-2836.