I hope I don’t need to drop $500 to make great mixed drinks. What are your essentials when money’s tight?
I’d start with one solid bottle from each base spirit: vodka, gin, tequila, rum, whiskey. Skip the flavored stuff and build from there. Fresh mixers like juiced citrus is my preference anyway
My tip is to build around what you actually drink. If you never make tiki drinks, don’t start with five rums. I started with vodka and vermouth because I was making a ton of martinis and it snowballed from there.
Liqueurs are where you can lose money fast. Skip the full-size bottles and look for miniatures if you just want to try something like Chambord or St-Germain.
Always check the clearance rack. I’ve scored name-brand spirits for half price.
I thrifted a vintage decanter set for $8 and it makes even bottom-shelf bourbon feel fancy. A little theater goes a long way.
Stocking a bar isn’t just bottles—it’s mixers, citrus, and ice. I keep lemons, limes, and simple syrup ready at all times. It makes even basic stuff like rum and soda feel intentional. It takes 5 minutes to make simple syrup once a month in a saucepan with a 1:1 water sugar ratio over low heat.
Aperol is worth the $20, even on a budget. You can do spritzes, paper planes, and even a twist on margaritas with it. Super versatile.
Go in on bottles with friends. You each buy one or two things and share when hosting. It makes it feel like a little bar collective.
Get one good whiskey and one good rum, and buy decent mixers (Fever Tree, Q, etc). You’ll look like you know what you’re doing without breaking the bank.
Honestly, I use a lot of infused simple syrups. They’re cheap to make and give your drinks personality without needing expensive ingredients. Lavender, ginger, jalapeño—you can DIY your whole bar vibe.
If you want to mix cocktails on a budget, build around the classics. A bottle of rye, a bottle of Campari, sweet vermouth, and a citrus liqueur and you’ve got Negronis, Manhattans, Boulevardiers, and more.
Not glamorous, but buy store-brand vodka. Then focus your money on one bottle you’re excited about—like a craft gin or a nice amaro.
I’d rather have 3 good bottles I actually like than a full cart of mediocrity. Right now I rotate: Bulleit Bourbon, Espolòn Tequila, and Grey Goose
Make a list before you buy anything. I didn’t the first time and ended up with three bottles of citrus vodka and no bitters. A little planning saves a lot of cash.