The Guide to Building Your Own Bar

I could have started out by outlining alcohol to buy, however if you buy alcohol and don't have the right equipment to build the exotic drinks with, or the right glassware to set the mood, you would end up being disappointed. So let's go over what you actually need!

The must haves:
Towels
Electric Blender
Measurers (shot glasses) a jigger is 1 1/2oz
can/bottle opener
cutting board
bar spoon
measuring spoons
mixing pitcher
measuring cup
paring knife
strainer
saucers (for use when you put salt or sugar on top of a glass)
shaker set (mixing glass and metal tumbler)

And if you'd like to get a little more professional

swizzle sticks
straws
speed pourers
seltzer bottle
punch bowl & glasses
picks (for garnish)
muddler (wooden)
martini pitcher
ice scoop
champagne bucket
ice bucket and tongs
napkins
cocktail napkins
juice extractor
lemon/lime squeezer

Using the correct glassware can help set the mood. It doesn't look appealing to serve a martini in a regular drinking glass! Give your friends one more reason to love coming over!

Beer
pilsner
beer mug
beer goblet

Wine
red wine
white wine
balloon

Champagne
champagne flute
champagne saucer
champagne tulip

Brandy
brandy snifter
pony (cordial)

Mixed Drinks, Specialty drinks, & Hot drinks
cocktail
martini
Collins
goblet
highball
double rocks
parfait
rocks
sherry
pousse-cafe
shot
sour

When it comes to stocking the alcohol, you should base your choices on what you and your guests are into! You do not need to splurge and buy everything right now, spread it out over time. You can also customize the list to fit your needs and interests!

Starter Suggestions

Liquor
1 750ml bottle Brandy
1 750ml bottle Scotch Whiskey
1 1 3/4liter bottle Rum
1 750ml bottle Canadian Whiskey
1 1 3/4liter bottle Tequila
1 1 3/4liter bottle Dry Gin
1 1 3/4liter bottle Vodka
1 750ml bottle Bourbon

Liquers
Créme de Cacao
Kahlúa
Drambuie
Créme de Menthe
Amaretto
Bénédictine
Conitreau

Wine & Beer
1 Bottle Rosé Wine
2 Bottles Red Wine
1 Bottle Dry Vermouth
1 Bottle Sweet Vermouth
2 Bottles White Wine
2 six-packs Beer 1 regular, 1 light

For A More Professional Bar

Liquor
1 Bottle White Tequila
1 Bottle Gold Tequila
1 or 2 Bottles Premium Vodka
1 Bottle Light Rum
1 Bottle Gold Rum
1 Bottle Blended Scotch Whiskey
1 Bottle Tennessee Whiskey
1 Bottle Irish Whiskey
1 Bottle Dry English Gin
1 Bottle V.S.O.P. Cognac
1 Bottle Brandy
1 Bottle Dark Rum...Jamaican

Liquers
(aprox. 5 bottles of Liquer)
Peach Schnapps
Peppermint Schnapps
Kahlúa
Frangelico
Galliano
Sambuca
Créme de Cassis
Plum Brandy
Kirschwasser
Framboise

Wine
Several Bottles Red Wine
Several Bottles White Wine
2-3 Bottles Champagne
1 Bottle Cream Sherry
1 Bottle Port
1 Bottle Madiera
3 Aperif Wines