The ESSENTIAL Spirits | 15 bottles to build your bar!

[@AndersErickson]

Folks! No need to go and buy all these bottles at once. It's YOUR bar. Get a couple that you know you will use, and then slowly grab a couple more here and there, if you so choose. You don't need to break the bank! Time stamps in the description. Cheers! 🥃🤓🍹

[@jscode6330]

this video should be called "The UNKNOWN Spirits and campari" 🤗🍸

[@HariOmRadhaKrishna]

Our new bar: Gin (Citadelle, or local), dark Rum, Tequila, Vodka (Rain or local), triple sec, Pernod or Absinthe, Chartreuse, Creme de Violette, Jasmine liquor, 43 Licor, Blueberry Juice

[@zerker121]

I try but I keep drinking the one before I get new one I lovr alcohol!!!

[@snt3530]

What happened if we cant get rye whiskey what would be the substitute for it?

[@ThAdversary]

@@snt3530 You can use basically any kind of whisky. Each will bring different flavors and such to the cocktail, but you can basically use any kind of whisky in a cocktail that calls for whisky

[@blakerobinson4198]

The advice i always give to my friends wanting to build up a bar is to pick a cocktail that they want to try, and grab all of the ingredients for that. Then pick a new drink that has overlap with some of your ingredients. Start with a Manhattan (bourbon, sweet vermouth, bitters, syrup). Then pick up a bottle of Campari, and you have a boulevardier, then pick up a bottle of gin and you have a Negroni. Add lemon/limr juice, and you have whiskey sour and a gimlet. I like this method because each bottle will have a purpose, and won't just pick up dust in the back of your shelf.

[@JustMe-fz5uc]

This is essentially what I am doing.

[@nuggets0717]

New bartender here and this is a great less costly and intimidating way for myself and others in similar positions to build a home setup. Thank you for sharing

[@GfunkTheMachanism77]

Did this in this order. Crazy.

[@enricomacolino8622]

As a bartender my self I’m very impressed on this video, I especially love that you give some facts and differences that some people may not even think about ( between like rye and bourbon) but the general explanation of each individual bottle is wonderful to see great mind refresh and makes me feel good knowing it along side you. I feel like it goes past the average bartender but it’s all the details that make the experience memorable! Will be following keep up the good work

[@HappyBeezerStudios]

Now I have to try rye whiskey. Not a fan of bourbon, but if they're so different in profile, can't hurt to see if I like them more.

[@PhrosstBite]

@@HappyBeezerStudios Overall, I find I like Rye a lot more. If one of the reason's you didn't like bourbon was because it was too sweet, or not complex enough, Rye will be your answer. I particularly like Bulleit Rye myself, but everyone also talks about Rittenhouse per the video, either should be good to try

[@samwisegrangee]

My liquor shelf has 3 levels on it. Top: base spirits (in order: gins, agaves, rums, whiskeys) Middle: Amari (Campari, Fernet, etc) and herbal liquors (Chartreuse, Absinthe, etc) Bottom: modifier spirits (three often used for me are elderflower, Falernum and Creme de Violette) (Vermouths are in the beer fridge)

[@jamespatagueule4599]

top : fruits base (Cognac, Armagnac...) middle : cereal base (whisky, scotch, rhum...) bottom : others

[@lyndonlives638]

“Think about the drinks you want to make, buy a couple of bottles and then one at a time let that bar grow.”...best advice right here!

[@HappyBeezerStudios]

Absolutely. You don't drink the entire bottle at once, so might as well get something new in the meantime.

[@jovi_monet]

As someone with sensory processing issues, your subtitles are greatly appreciated! Cheers!

[@alecfotsch3533]

Yo Anders! This video has me thinking, about building a "Classic Cockails" menu for my house. When I make drinks for my friends, they have no idea what to ask for because they don't know a whole lot about cocktails. I'd love to see a video where you make an 8 or 10 cocktail classics home menu that you recommend for the home bar tender!

[@KoiKoy56]

A video like this would be well sought after! You may not care for my opinion, but just in case you're open for it, hers my list of essentials/favorites! Old fashioned (try a mezcal old fashioned with orange bitters 😋) Margarita Negroni and/or Boulevardier Corpse Reviver #2 Eastside Daiquiri Painkiller Casino Mai Tai Monte Carlo That's 10! My list usually leans towards whiskey and gin classics. If you have a favorite spirit, I'm sure there are a few different classics you'd have on yours.

[@burritodog3634]

@@KoiKoy56 good stuff

[@dm8057bk]

@@KoiKoy56 You need a martini on the list - or the 'martinez' which was the original martini precursor.

[@KoiKoy56]

@@dm8057bk I don't like martini cocktails. On occasion I'll have a Martinez, but I have to be in the mood.

[@KoiKoy56]

@@dm8057bk also the Martinez being a precursor is a common theory. There is a lack of evidence to prove either way.

[@Colayith]

I loved when you said to explore and support local distilleries. That is so important, especially in these times!

[@triples4good]

That’s a great idea. I live in central Kentucky. There are distilleries everywhere.

[@iradeorum4288]

In my area thats Jägermeister lol

[@dianaschwendemann2705]

Your clock always reads 5 o’clock. That’s hilarious.

[@jeff9846]

time for a drink

[@nicholasgarcia8775]

I’ll drink to that

[@mrfluffywuffy6847]

Mine always reads drink o'clock!

[@davidcrowley6216]

I have an apartment with a pretty good home bar. The clock on my wall stopped so I left it up. I can't count the number of fun times I had when my friends looked at the clock and decided to stay later because they thought it was still early.

[@jackalmighty3640]

lmao

[@Plexusfanpage]

Dude I’m doing a bartender school corse and you help so much!!! because of you I’m learning way more. Thank you brother please keep the videos rolling on in

[@akuseru85]

I would add Coffee liqueur. And also Amaretto and Midori are some favourites of mine. As well as Maraschino liqueur. Edit: Made the comment before your honourable mentions.

[@pierrebach6161]

As a native from Angers a Town in west of France i would add Cointreau, the sweet and strong orange, Nice video indeed

[@samwisegrangee]

Or Grand Manier for flambé crepes 😊

[@KajiXD]

I feel the list should vary according to location and alcohol culture. for examle Rye and Bourbon whysky are rather uncommon in my country, very unlikely to be asked for a whisky ccktail. This list is fine for americans, but each of us should create a list based on the mmost drinked cocktails in our area

[@lyndonlives638]

Cointreau is wonderful!

[@MrWhangdoodles]

@@KajiXD You're right. Sadly, I live in Central Europe...and we drink everything. I have literally more than a 100 bottles of different kinds of spirits, and I still need about 20 different kinds of liqueurs for all the things I want to try. In a year I'll have them, but by then I'll have learned more recipes.

[@Jebusankel]

Cointreau is probably the most useful bottle in my whole bar. It works across all base spirits. It subtitutes for triple sec, and dry Curacao and grand Marnier.

[@jmacdouglasr]

This is honestly one of the best bottle stocking videos I have ever seen. SERIOUSLY! I've seen just about them all (No, I'm not an alcoholic.), and this was excellent. You were so thorough and informative but still quick and not too overwhelming. Well done. Also, you posted this on my birthday. So that's pretty friggin' awesome too, right? PS: Stock all the gins. All of them. Yes, I am a gin lover, fanatic, enthusiast, madman, etc.

[@AndersErickson]

Thanks! I'm so happy you enjoyed the list. I appreciate your love of gin, and I'd have to agree that more is better. There's so many delicious styles out there. Oh, and a happy much-belated birthday to you!

[@Spacecadet0730]

@@AndersErickson I just started enjoying gin last year because of the pandemic, expanding my palette away from brown spirits and vodka. I found my favorite gin last week when I bought a bottle of Monkey 47 on a whim. SO GOOD! Thanks for the great vid!

[@darkantidote]

@@Spacecadet0730 so far my favourite gin as well 😍 monkey 47 all the way!!! Brockmans is also pretty good but more of red fruits kinda vibe not as floral as the monkey

[@Gessy5]

Try to get your hands on some swedish gin. I might be bias but swedish gins like Hernö and Lydén are great, award winning gins.

[@benhanke5484]

@@Spacecadet0730 Have you tried Botanist? Super smooth and good for mixing!

[@Ktctwin]

For Gin to add to a bar I'd recommend the Empress 1908. It's pretty, nice bottle, tastes pretty good even on its own as well.

[@robd1811]

lol as someone that drinks vodka straight with lime I can tell you personally that after the first few strong sips it goes down like water straight liquor so really no hangover and the lime makes it taste remarkable. It's a go to drink for me.

[@dh3279]

Love your personality and presentation. Very fun and informative without being pretentious. And most importantly, you included mentions of cost and necessity, which are important factors for some of us. Nicely done!

[@stevestolarczyk8972]

I started by finding my wife’s all-time favorite chocolate martini recipe. Highly recommend that approach.

[@MohitShah11]

Post the recipe

[@jamesgriffin7046]

Anders, what a joy to watch your videos. I was trained as a bartender in NYC. Worked behind several bars. And my own bar has been sparse (i.e., just enough to make my top 3 cocktails of that period), or extensive with two colors of Chartreuse, numerous whiskeys, tequilas, vodkas, etc. Your video is great, and I love the final advice: start with a cocktail you want to make and buy those bottles. Thanks!

[@benhaney9629]

Yeah that’s that totally true. Cheap rum, fine. Cheap tequila, bad news.

[@RobIn-tv1ml]

Try José Cuervo Tequila, its cheap and outperformes most of the expensive ones btw it’s made of 100% Agave.

[@OgenB]

@@RobIn-tv1ml Everything you said was wrong. José Cuervo on its bottle states it is "made with blue agave" which translates to "not 100% agave" it is ONLY 100% if it says 100%. The brand does offer a 100% agave version which is called José Cuervo Tradicional, which in itself is an expensive brand of tequila. Furthermore if you think José Cuervo outperforms most expensive brands of tequila, your taste isn't qualified to offer advice to anybody. Drink you awful liquor if it works for you, but don't share your awful advice. You can get MUCH better tequlia for about 3-5 dollars more than José that IS 100% agave, such as Lunazul or Camarena.

[@Corndog4382]

@@RobIn-tv1ml I can’t tell if this is a joke, Cuervo is one of the worst

[@markr8250]

@@OgenB what would be a few examples of 100% agave tequilas that you would recommend?

[@OgenB]

@@markr8250 well, it really depends. I used to be a manager of a liquor store for a few years. There are lots of tequilas out there at the high end and low end. As I said in my comment Lunazul and Camarena are both absolutely fine choices for the cheap side of tequila. There really are a lot of good high end tequilas, I’d avoid Patron and anything that has a worm in it. Fun fact about the worm, it was originally added to Mezcals to prove they weren’t tequila because those worms couldn’t live in the harsh deserts of tequila county. Any tequila that has a worm in it is trying to sell you a gimmick or it is mezcal (which is like the difference between whiskey and bourbon.) I can’t claim to be a high end know it all for tequila. Getting a proper education in all the best ones would take a lot of money and brain cells.

[@thaddelicious852]

Honestly, I’m not a big alcohol drinker. BUT bars and heaps of unique bottles are very aesthetically pleasing to me, so I enjoyed this video a ton, and I learned a lot!

[@kathyholli50]

I’m just starting my home bar, and it can be pretty overwhelming with all the info online. I choose you, Anders, as my bar guru! I will soon be full-timing in a small RV, so space and weight restrictions will be a top priority. I’m talking a small bar area here! Can’t wait to get going!! I love your videos Anders!

[@TheNNguyener96]

I’m curious if having open bottles will be a problem later down the road since it’s a moving vehicle.

[@chandaharkins4418]

@@TheNNguyener96 "Down the road." I see what you did there. ;)

[@jaypal3815]

Hi. The past few years I've really gotten into smoking meats and making cocktails. Building a bar in my basement and I just found your channel. I've been enjoying all the videos so much that I have my teenage son watching them. Told him a being a good bar tender is a great job to have during college. Just wanted to say hello.

[@arthurbernardohaiidamus8658]

I keep trying to build a bar but the bottles keep going empty....

[@SteffanoFaria-k7v]

Lol 😂

[@andrewspielman1921]

It’s an amazing vanishing act.

[@Sharnoy1]

This is by far the most comprehensive video about this topic on YT. Cheers!

[@BlueLilac]

20 years bartending, I learned SO MUCH from just THIS video.... just when ya think you know everything, lol. Thank you! 😊

[@peymey]

Best part of this video is that the bottles are opened, meaning you trully took them from your bar, not the sponsors. Feels like an honest advice, cheers!

[@AndrewRoberts123]

From a bartender working in craft cocktails bars for years, this was very well done. Awesome

[@mrjake19]

Well Done, Good Sir! Accurate, poignant, and well spoken. Making us industry folk proud!

[@GrecianGoat]

As a 22 year old with a cocktail set, I aspire for my home bar to have every one of these. I'm about half way there 🍸

[@jakeh9916]

This is so helpful without being too much, and Anders is cute as hell

[@sofe89]

Thanks to your movies me and my girlfriend are sunk into cocktails' mixology but as a Polish I simply cannot go along with what you said about vodka ;) Saying that vodka has no taste is like stating that wine tastes only red or white.

[@Gorillawafers]

I am just getting into building cocktails. Had a really nice experience in Asheville and a kind bartender/mixologist mentioned that I should check out your videos. This was a great start.

[@mackenzieroberts6069]

If you’re in the Oceanside, CA area and looking for a good local gin, pacific coast spirits is AMAZING.

[@rockintennis]

Hey just had to say you hooked me on your Mocktail video and I came over to this one to see what bitters/digestif you recommended as I’m looking to transition to beneficial drinking (focusing more on flavor and digestion). I took what you said on “working with what yah got” and thought I’d share this quick nightcap I discovered tonight to aid in sleep: - 1 shot brandy - 1 1/2 tablespoons molasses - Cup hot water - Tblsp aqua faba Combine brandy and molasses. Combine half with hot water, then shake other half with aqua faba til foamy. Gently pour foam on top of hot portion and enjoy!

[@normpeterson7767]

Nice thing is spirits and many liqueurs have virtually unlimited shelf life, so you don't have to use the whole bottle the week you buy it. That allows you to experiment a bit over time and build your stock. Some will go flat or stale, but Anders would be in far better position to say which ones.

[@castellante8160]

Yes and no. Most liquors are best consumed about eight months after opening. After a bottle is opened, it'll start to oxidize and the alcohol will start to evaporate. Oxidation tends to speed up as the bottle empties, and in most instances it's best to finish off any bottles less than a third full.

[@normpeterson7767]

@@castellante8160 Liqueurs can go bad more readily than just straight booze. Here's Ralfy comparing an (open) bottle of Johnny Walker Red from the 1960s with Johnny Walker Red from 2010. And the Red from the '60s was far superior to the new bottle from 2010 (video of same year.) If you store it with the cap tight, in a cool, dark place, it could last most of your drinking lifetime. kzbin.info/www/bejne/i3_aaKCrfseEjpI

[@knowledgeinabottle]

​@castellante8160 this. I usually don't let a liquor bottle go past 1 year, the flavor isn't the same after.

[@normpeterson7767]

@@knowledgeinabottle I'm not worried. I have some *really* old scotch and some great old tequilas that don't seem to have lost anything over the years. Some old gins, too. And, did I mention rum?

[@knowledgeinabottle]

@@normpeterson7767 all personal preference :)

[@elcatracho204]

Excellent video I just started building my bar and all I have is Tequila, rum bourbon and vodka, I try to do drinks just watching videos but this video take the price. Thank you for helping us aficionados to understand the mixing world.

[@erichoffsten]

Thank you - FANTASTIC list, and wonderful presentation. I understand that 15 bottles is a nice number to keep to for a build primer, but I'd add Fernet-Branca and Kahlua to that list as essentials, and (as someone already pointed out), a bottle of Jägermeister is always handy to have around. If you wanted to expand the list for a full round of 20 essentials, I'm sure it wouldn't be too hard to come up with two more!

[@akinigiri]

Thanks for the informative vid! Speaking of Gin, I love my Roku Gin!! And I am a huge lover of Bufflo Trace. Superb bourbon.

[@tdisab3297]

I turned 21 6 months ago and all my friends want to do is go out and drink tall boys (which I do enjoy sometimes), but this channel is more my speed and style and drinking. So happy I found it. Cheers.

[@AndersErickson]

I'm happy you found the channel too! I hope these videos help you explore new cocktails. Cheers!

[@maxencetaylorrousseau5410]

Started doing the Old fashion from your other video ; really enjoyed it ! Thank you so much

[@IndigoWall]

A very enlightening fifteen mins, my friend. Might rebalance my collection from bourbon toward rye, at least for the mixing! And then the vodka shade 🤣.

[@robertcabrera8310]

I stumbled across your video and something told me to watch this video. I very much enjoyed it, and I always wanted to build my bar but didn’t know exactly where to start. I just wanted to say thank you for taking out of your time to go and explain and looking forward exploring more of your videos on your channel. Once I complete my bar I’ll take a pic and show you sir. Thanks

[@brianhildebrand1816]

Thanks so much for these enthusiastic videos. I've ordered many of your suggested bar tools for my home and can't wait to get started. I only wish I could have friends over to impress, but that doesn't mean I can't impress myself. Also love how your wall clock is now permanently set to 5:00. It's 5:00 somewhere! Cheers, Anders! Keep it up. You'll have 100,000 subs in no time.

[@AndersErickson]

Thank you so much, Brian! I hope you find good use in the tools behind your bar. You'll be impressing yourself and others soon enough! I'm also happy you noticed the clock 😂 Cheers!

[@caroltarantino837]

I only just discovered your channel, and now I have cool new drinks to order when I go out! Thanks for the descriptions of the different liquors and liqueurs; helps a ton in understanding the nuances of each.

[@GrahamSmart]

Chartreuse is beast! I love it by the shot too.

[@jameshills6314]

I've watched this a couple times over the years. And not sure if you've done this video, but I'd love to see a tikibar essentials too

[@Bobertchin]

We are fortunate to have a couple of great distilleries here in Columbus. So, while I do keep Hendricks around, I mainly use Gin (and vodka) from Middle West spirits. So good. Watershed also makes a good gin.

[@baltimoreboy42]

Great video thanks. I literally just went and bought everything to make drinks myself about a month ago. I am missing a couple on your list but I’m actually surprised at how accurate I was just going blindly. I’m a complete amateur at this but it’s become a new hobby of sorts.

[@JustMe-fz5uc]

I am in the same boat with you.

[@hiteshpatel6418]

Thank you so much for the video and advice!!! As you mentioned at the end, I’ve been building my “bar” from a small variety of drinks I’ve decided I like and can make to show off to friends!!

[@alanhynd7886]

As a Scotsman, I can heartily recommend Monkey Shoulder as an excellent whisky at a great price. Not sure I'd use something this subtle as a mixer, but each to his own...

[@manenzza]

I find it insulting to be honest

[@egorsm00]

Man, I haven't even watched a minute to your video but I have already subbed. idk, you are so positive and talk about booze. What else could you dream a good youtuber should be? Keep it up mate!

[@jenibates5514]

Great list! Thanks for the suggestions. My go to bourbon is actually Costco’s Kirkland bourbon, which rumor has is distilled by Buffalo Traces.

[@AndersErickson]

I’ve heard that as well, and you can’t beat the value!

[@FizzS]

You obviously don’t live in Pennsylvania.

[@vasu925]

Really appreciate the specific brand recommendations and alternatives. I have all the liquor in the video but have been stuck on the same brands for many years. I'm going to try some new brands. Thanks!

[@jaydog9508]

For the best tasting mixed drinks that you can make that don't taste like alcohol, to start your bar, I recommend: 1) Grey Goose Vodka 2) Baileys Irish Cream 3) Kahlua and cream 4) Coconut Rum 5) Peach Schnapps honorable mention 6) Chambord 7) Triple Sec (get Blue Curacao to add some nice color to drinks, same alcohol, just blue...) From this list, when you lookup great tasting mixed drinks... plus some non alcoholic mixers like LIME JUICE, cranberry, orange, grapefruit, pineapple juices, ginger beer and heavy cream... you will be able to make some insane drinks. Thank you for your list, I just don't like the taste of alcohol, but love the feeling of tipsy, LOL.

[@vendetta4033]

I am now at the begining and first bottles I bought are vodka, gin, rum (white and normal), Cointreau, Southern Comfort, bourbon whiskey. Ice crusher, a lot of lime, lemon and mint. Those are for summer refreshing cocktails. Now lets see how it goes with other styles

[@08ranaiu]

Want to buy all of this now and start experimenting 😂 I’ve been doing some research for this for a bit now and just stumbled upon this channel; so glad I did; love your vibe and chill approach but still extremely informative and helpful!! Cheers

[@AndersErickson]

Glad you found it helpful! Happy mixing!

[@user-zp3xc4to1t]

Start with that first two bottles of your two favorite spirits. Then get the juices simply from the store. Then get some mint, lime, lemon and orange. If you want, make your simple syrup before getting a couple mote bottles and you should be good to go. (For example, a ton of italian cocktails derive from campari/aperol vermouth and sparkling wine. Vodka can be mixed with most juices. You can find several use for whiskey as well. Or just find your own favorites by modifying some actual cocktails)

[@jeremyhogaboom8698]

Journeyman’s is my favorite local distillery as well! Their Fields Gin is one of my favorites. Any other recommendations for local distilleries nearby?

[@Serjohn]

i never mixed, never had a bar, only had local high quality spirits in albania such as lychee liqueur and dried fig raki, you should give them a try, they are meant to be had neat, room temp, sipped little by little

[@johnnymash9092]

This year I created a variation on the traditional Manhattan. Bourbon laced with Southern Comfort instead of Vermouth. I called it Christmas in Manhattan. People loved it!

[@Saxtrup]

Hey Anders. Thank you for your videos. You have a very pleasant demeanor and you are very educational in the best sense of the word. The world needs good drinks and you are helping to contribute to the, so thank you.

[@AndersErickson]

Thank you so much for the kind words! Cheers! 🥃

[@1061shrink1061]

You ever think about making an app that lets you list what spirits / mixers you have and tells you what you can make lol :) I have absolutely tons of spirits, including most of the ones on your list, as well as few that aren't. Yet beyond the few cocktails i bought them for, I've no idea what else I can make with them all.

[@bermei5187]

Been watching cocktail channels for a while now but never came across yours until now. All great recommendations.

[@NathanBirdCHA]

New to the channel, really great stuff! One suggestion I have is Ardbeg 10 instead of Laphroaig 10. Laphroaig has a wonderfully intense smoky flavor, but I find it has a rather harsh finish. Ardbeg has comparable smoke, but with a much smoother finish, and the price is generally comparable.

[@macmasks]

I agree. laphroaig has a plastic “band aid” note to me that some love. I prefer the Ardbeg for all the smoke but the medicinal is toned down. It’s my go- to Islay.

[@toolongforyoutoread6]

I know it's more expensive, but I'd take Lagavulin over Ardbeg any day. I don't hate Ardbeg but it's extremely one note.

[@lolzguyl]

This is great! I do not know if I want to have bartending as a profession but it is something I enjoy in the same vein as cooking!

[@oscarsnr]

Very entertaining selection. I got a full house on your list, which is scary. I’m surprised Cointreau doesn’t feature though. Expensive, but more class than Triple Sec.

[@AndersErickson]

I do love Cointreau - it's a staple in most bars and for good reason. I love the Triplum too - its very similar and one of my favorite triple secs. I could have a whole shelf of orange liqueurs and be happy!

[@Bobertchin]

He did say an orange liquer. I keep Cointreau on hand, as my choice for this, but it's pricey compared to his recs.

[@levistrudel9319]

Love the Vida Mezcal for Palomas. I love the info you give, gives me something to talk about with our clientele.

[@TheManyManyMore]

What a fantastic list! Thank you so much. I love Plymouth gin, it makes for a lovely martini!

[@AndersErickson]

Plymouth is so good 👍

[@andrewallenpainter1616]

@@AndersErickson the smooth!

[@exeterjedi6730]

YES! I was hoping to see Plymouth. We make it in the middle of our city on the Barbican. It must be made within the boundaries of Old Plymouth.

[@TheHuscarl101]

Great video. Good list irrespective of brand choices which are totally cost and pallet specific. I assume (giving you the benefit of the doubt because you’re clearly a knowledgeable cocktologist) that bottle #0 is drambuie (the elixir of the gods, drank in Valhalla, elysium, and heaven, but only if you’re REALLY good!). Other honorable mentions should be IMO Benedictine, a bubbly of some sort for French 75s, Bellini, etc., dolins Bianca for a nice white Manhattan or summer martini, OMG, there’s no stopping. I didn’t know you were from Wisconsin. Try a nice chocolate old fashioned with kohlers chocolate brandy, it’s fun and tasty. Kohlers chocolate brandy, a bar spoon of Cointreau, orange and chocolate bitters, a luxardo cherry of course, and some shaved dark chocolate and burnt orange peel garnish.

[@TokyoBlue587]

Drambuie really is the Elixir of the Gods! Putting it in my coffee or in hot chocolate adds a flavor like no other! And of course you can always just drink it neat. I’m surprised a lot of people seem to have no idea what it is. It’s so tasty!!

[@vendetta4033]

Thanks, you helped me a lot to build my little bar contained from ca 20 bottles plus syrups. And I make my wife and friends happy 😃

[@graham1034]

For my home bar, when I'm having people over for drinks I usually just pick out a few new cocktails ahead of time and pick up whatever I need. So I'm always adding another bottle or 2 to my bar. Allows for learning new cocktails and there are usually half-bottles of anything I've made in the past so I can make a wide variety of drinks. The main problem becomes the non-alcohol ingredients. So many times I'm out of lemons or limes or tonic or mint, etc even though I have all the alcohol required for whatever drink I want to make.

[@alexvaughan5269]

juice your lemons and limes and store in the fridge - I guess you could even freeze it..

[@HelioPopTart]

In my early twenties I loved the idea of having different alcohols like a bar. Fast forward to late 20s closing on 30. That’s a lot of shit you don’t need to help you be happy.

[@pmrp12]

Stellar list with many of my favorites. We have very similar tastes, so I’m looking forward to trying your recommended spirits I’m not as familiar with. Saved and subscribed!

[@AndersErickson]

Thank you, Peter! Cheers!

[@magicsteve5523]

I’d start with the ingredients for your favourite classics and go from there, I started with bourbon, angostura bitters, sweet vermouth, gin, grenadine and white rum because my favourite drinks are old fashioned’s, manhattans, Tom Collins variations and daiquiri variations.

[@TRusheeRush]

This list was very close to perfect. Definitely hits everything that's truly essential. Here's the only areas where I differ: Bourbon: Wild Turkey 101 is my preferred mixing bourbon because it's strong, tasty, and cheap if you buy the big hog's leg bottles. Rum: I'd go with Smith and Cross for dark rum for its excellent funk, and a rhum agricole just for Mai Tais, probably Clement VSOP. I have white rum but I never use it, I always prefer a more flavorful rum even in lighter drinks like daquiris and pina coladas. I'd probably just go with a nice golden rum like Plantation 5 year. Tequila: Espolon Reposado hands down for everything. High enough quality and excellent price. Maybe Casa Noble Crystal if I really wanted a dry margarita with Cointreau. Vermouth: Carpano Antica Formula hands down although Cocci is also solid. I agree 100% that Lillet Blanc is an excellent sub for dry vermouth. Absinthe: I'd say just get the smallest bottle you can. St. George Verte makes very small bottles of good absinthe for cheap.

[@MML996]

I love your videos Anders. May I please make a comment? I respect your knowledge but I have to say, as a person who loves Rye, Bourbon and Scotch occasionally, I also am mainly a martini drinker. I really like potato vodka such as Luksova for example. But Stolichnaya is also okay for my taste. The key word is taste. You mentioned that vodka is for the person who doesn't like the taste of alcohol and that vodka doesn't really taste like anything. I disagree with that one comment. I feel that vodka does in fact have a taste and I love it. Keep up with your great work, I appreciate your videos very much. (I was surprised that vodka ranked after tequila for the bar). I would trade ten bottles of tequila for one vodka! Best wishes. Marshall

[@TheAdaoo7]

If u ever wanted a seal of approval for a scotch then my dad has been the head production line engineer for chivas regal/pernod ricard's main bottling plants here in scotland for 3 decades and monkey shoulder is both me and my dad's favourite blend. Of course we prefer single malts but for the purposes of this video, you seriously cannot go wrong with monkey shoulder. I personally dont like laphroaig that much, its really more popular in america than here. My personal recommendations under $/£50 for a single malt would be a glenlivet captains reserve or a tamnavulin speyside double cask. (Apologies if they're more expensive stateside than they are here but captains reserve is around $50 and tamnavulin is around $40) Edit: if you prefer the smokiness of laphroaig and want to try something similar, give Talisker a try. Its a malt from the isle of Skye and its one of the most smoky whiskies I've tried. Your first sip will punch you in the face but after a couple of halves you'll be enjoying it like nothing else.

[@stresseatermusic2684]

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[@cliffelliott9331]

I'm learning. Thank you for the content.

[@Barprints]

Great selection! Always happy to see Jamaican rums on a these lists!

[@Annelle-nt7ig]

Anders, are there any Jamaican rums that don't have that strong dunder taste? I'm usually more a fan of Bajan rums.

[@BlanketBCSociety]

I’m moving in October to a house. Going to build a bar and I’ve added every one of these bottles to my list. Can’t wait! Thanks!

[@AndersErickson]

Congratulations on the new home, Gregory! Hope you enjoy your new bar setup - wish you all the best with your move. Cheers! 🥃

[@BlanketBCSociety]

@@AndersErickson - Thank you so much! I’ll be sure to take a photo and share with you and your peeps! Love your channel and drink recipes, keep’m coming!

[@unknown6000]

Whenever I try to get a new bottle into my home bar I end up finishing it before I even manage to buy the next one. It's an endless cycle that never ends in a proper bar or cocktail ingredients.

[@SuperCool778]

Same mate 🤣 especially in lockdown

[@fredmarks8089]

Buy two of them. Drink one, shelf the other!

[@rometimed1382]

@@fredmarks8089 That's the 2nd time around lol. Don't want to get stuck with some random bottle.

[@MrWhangdoodles]

Identify the most commonly used ones and buy them in bulk. Mine are Cointreau, my mixing rye/bourbon/Scotch/Irish, and my mixing brandy. I have multiples of those at any time.

[@lusario2650]

Def recommend four rosses for bourbon. Single Barrel if you are looking for $50. Small Batch for $35 range

[@NightSkyJeff]

Honorable honorable mentions: Every Amaro ever.

[@rubensimpliciano6720]

Because of you and your video we switched to Rittenhouse rye at our house. It really stepped our Manhattans up a notch. Thank you!

[@DollarDude]

I started with this video, and half a year later, my home bar stock rivals my local speakeasies. I might have gone too far. 😅

[@EkcoRoc]

Thanks for this, I'm building my bar and hadn't a clue on what I should have. Just learning what I need to start making cocktails at home!!

[@Allanfan20]

“Pick a vodka that you like the taste of nothin.” Beautiful quote

[@alistairjardine8265]

Where have you been? I have been looking for a good build your bar guide for a couple years. Thank the Gods I found your channel. Binge watching like crazy

[@Praephyr]

You're being mean to vodka, I still remember the first time I drank vodka, tasted like cereals, the others I had after were shit and tasted like diluted alcohol though...

[@an0gr0br]

New viewer from Wisconsin. Stumbled on this video in my feed and subbed as soon as you pulled out that bottle of Korbel. Legit!

[@reecemcnaughten4160]

as a recovering alcoholic I am finding this extreeeemly difficult to get through

[@FlyEazyy]

Then don’t watch?

[@Welshhomie]

Look after yourself and stay away from alcohol videos bro

[@laurayardley8144]

For me rum wise I always go to Havana club for both light and dark there great for both cocktails and neat they taste great!!!

[@elifarnsworth8762]

Absinthe is by no means an ESSENTIAL bottle.

[@kelogdan162]

lies

[@elifarnsworth8762]

@@kelogdan162 See how long a bottle of Absinthe lasts in any bar in any city. Ask any bartender, it gathers more dusts than drinks.

[@mossbergk]

It is amongst goths and lesbians - I say, being hella lesbian and also kinda goth 😂

[@giovannib1834]

Lmao me and my friends were at a bar and ordered absinthe because we saw it behind a bar and it’s kinda an inside joke for us. The bartender told us that was the first time he’d ever seen the bottle taken off the shelf haha.

[@MrWhangdoodles]

It is, if you make a lot of classic cocktails like Anders does. One bottle will last for decades, unless you drink cocktails that require it by the ounce.

[@hadesjanitor9680]

3:14 Plymouth Gin is a London dry gin. Plymouth style is a marketing gimmick akin to saying that Jack Daniels isn't bourbon. It meets all the legal requirements they just choose to call it something else.

[@NA-di3yy]

How about just 15 bottles of vodka? Endless combinatorics and full compatibility.

[@Dnman218]

Michael Scott approves

[@brandonwoods2985]

I found your channel after buying a few bottles and getting back into drinking cocktails. It has been fun watching your high quality videos. Great camera work, narration ect. I am looking for ways to use my Bourbon in things other than just a WI Old Fashioned Sweet which is my true love. I am going to try a few of the cocktails which call out to me and have some fun with it. Cheers.

[@matthew8389]

This is a solid video! You covered all the essentials for any good back bar. I've been blessed to be around some great bars and mixologists in my years in the Chicago restaurant scene. You definitely speak truths here. For rum, I personally love me some Flor de Cana.

[@stephenfraser4914]

Hey Anders - started subscribing after finding the Brooklyn video. Just a general “Hello” and thanks for putting these videos out, this particular one is ace! Very informative and just a great reference point. Anyways, love your work and keep up the brilliant productions sir, Cheers!

[@AndersErickson]

Thank you so much, Stephen! Happy to hear you're enjoying the videos. Cheers!

[@gregfellman8622]

When you pulled out that bottle of Korbel, I knew you were going to mention Wisconsin brandy manhattans. It was my dad's drink and I still make them frequently, always with Korbel!