Gin is one of the most loved and versatile spirits, an absolute must for those who want to create a home bar, even on a limited budget. From the classic London Dry to the more creative tea or cannabis gin, this distillate has earned a place of honor in cocktails all over the world.

Whether you want to mix a Negroni, a refreshing Gin Tonic or an elegant Martini, starting with gin is always a good idea. In this guide, we show you how to set up an essential home bar, focusing everything on quality bottles, smart accessories ... and a perfect gin as a starting point.

Let's start from the basics: which gin is right for you? 

Stocking your home bar starts with a basic question: what kind of cocktails do you want to make? If you love Martinis, go for a premium gin (Try our devilishly good gin: Fuckingin). If you want a versatile spirit, go for a London Dry, which is perfect for almost everything. After gin, the basic spirits to have at home include vodka, rum, whiskey, tequila and brandy. The ideal is to start with the ones you already like: this way you avoid waste and immediately start having fun with your first mixologist touches.

Expand Your Bar with Spirits from a True Connoisseur

Once you have the basics down, you can start exploring other key ingredients like adding vermouth to your home bar. Dry vermouth is a must for Martinis, while red vermouth is an essential component for Manhattans. Some liqueurs like Campari and Aperol expand your options for making typical cocktails, including some classics like the Negroni and Aperol Spritz. Digestifs like Fernet-Branca or Amaro Montenegro are great for those who like more bitter and herbal flavors. They are not mandatory, but if you like to offer variety to your guests, having a few extra bottles is always useful. Top it all off with a few bottles of tonic water and ginger beer.

Mixers for simplicity and taste for every drink 

Mixers are essential for preparing light and thirst-quenching drinks, perfect even for those who do not drink alcohol. So, when you start thinking about how to create a home bar corner on a limited budget, start by buying what you like. Your home bar should directly reflect you and your tastes, not what you think you need to buy (Discover the essential tools for perfect cocktails).

Now you can start creating your favorite cocktails

Already got the basics? Then it’s time to take action. Start experimenting with cocktails that you’ve been curious about for a while (Discover the 5 best cocktails to try for gin lovers). A great trick is to not underestimate the purchase of 60 ml bottles of spirits that you don’t know. They are a cheap and perfect way to test new flavors without risks.

To further enrich your mixologist repertoire, try a combination of flavored bitters, orange liqueurs (such as Cointreau or Grand Marnier) and top it all off with fresh citrus fruits such as limes, lemons and grapefruits.

The finishing touch for every perfect drink

Finally, make sure you always have ice available when you prepare your drinks. Always use just enough, both for mixing and serving. A watered-down drink ruins even the best spirit. And if you want to make a good impression, try personalized ice cubes, which are a wonderful detail that will surprise your guests.

Creating a home bar corner doesn't require a lot of expense, but a bit of taste, creativity and a desire to experiment. Start with gin, choose the one you love and build little by little. Your home bar corner will grow with you, drink after drink.