Making cocktails is fun. There’s no doubt drink mixing is a beautiful hobby; one that also makes you a better host. After all, there’s no need to go out for a drink if you have a fully stocked bar.

Commercial bars can have dozens of bottles on display, and they surely have a few more in the back. Still, you only need a few bottles to craft many cocktails at home! The question is, how to stock a home bar? What should you buy? Here’s all you need to know. Let’s make ourselves a proper drink!

Every cocktail is based on a distilled spirit, the alcoholic ingredient in all mixed drink recipes. If you’re putting together a home bar, you’ll surely need a few of these. The good news? Unless you want to be able to make very specific cocktails, you don’t need too many bottles. These are the spirits every home bar needs.

Vodka. Vodka is the most versatile spirit, as it doesn’t change the drink’s flavor. Popular cocktails made with vodka include the Vodka Martini, Moscow Mule and Cosmopolitan.

Gin. This clear botanical spirit is behind famous cocktails, such as the Martini, Gin & Tonic, Gimlet and Negroni. There are many gin brands out there, and they’re all different, so pick your favorite.

Rum. Almost every tropical cocktail, from Mojitos to Pina Coladas and Daiquiris, calls for rum, so have a good one in hand. In fact, you can have a white and a dark rum, and they’ll always come in handy.

Bourbon. American whiskey, mainly Bourbon, will help you craft your own Old Fashioned cocktail, Mint Julep, Manhattan and more. Tennessee whiskey works equally well.

Tequila. There are no margaritas without tequila, and no party is complete without margaritas! You can also use tequila to make Paloma cocktails and Tequila sours.

Others. Other spirits that might come in handy for specific cocktails include Scotch, Brazilian Cachaca and even Peruvian Pisco.

Liqueurs are alcoholic beverages, often with an alcohol volume of around 20%; they’re also sweet, so they’re considered different from spirits. Liqueurs are wonderful additions to many cocktails, as they add color, flavor, sweetness and an alcoholic boost to several drinks. Although there are hundreds of liqueurs on the market, you can live with just a few.

Orange Liqueur. Also known as Triple Sec, this is the most used liqueurs in any bar, as you need it to make Margaritas, Cosmopolitans and many other drinks.

Coffee liqueur. Coffee liqueur opens a world of possibilities to the cocktail enthusiast. Make an Espresso Martini, White Russian or a Mochatini. The sky’s the limit.

Other Liqueurs. Having other liqueurs around, including Amaretto, apple schnapps or coconut rum, is a good idea, but these are not necessary, at least not to craft the most common cocktails.

Once you have your spirits and liqueurs, you’ll want to stock your bar with mixers and other ingredients.

Juice. Today, fresh ingredients are the norm, so there’s no point in having boxed juice or artificial ingredients. If you have friends over for a drink, buy fresh fruit and make fresh juice. The only juices you should have in hand are cranberry juice and tomato juice.

Soda. Having a few cans of Coke, Sprite, ginger ale, sparkling and tonic water is a safe way to mix uncomplicated drinks like the Rum & Coke and the Highball.

Dairy. Half & Half is the most popular dairy ingredient for creamy cocktails, as it is thicker than milk.

Others. Stocking your home bar with napkins, toothpicks and garnishes, from cherries to olives, is a must. You should also have a small bottle of bitters, as it is typical for many cocktails.

As you see, you don’t need all that much to stock a home bar. Of course, make sure you have mixing glasses and cocktail shakers in hand. Strainers, bar mats, muddlers and bar spoons are also essential.

Once you start mixing your own drinks, you’ll never want to go out for a drink again; unless, of course, you’re looking for inspiration! Happy mixing!